Toner vs Astringent: What’s Right for Your Skin?

When it comes to skincare, even the smallest choice can make a big difference. One of the most common confusions people face is whether they should be using a toner or an astringent. At first glance, both look the same, they’re clear, liquid, and applied after cleansing. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that these two products work differently, target different skin concerns, and can impact your skin’s health in very different ways.

Knowing the distinction between toner and astringent is crucial to not dry out, irritate, or cause unwanted breakouts and to develop a skincare regimen that actually works for your skin type.

What is a Toner?

A toner is an water-based, lightweight skincare product that prepares the skin following cleansing. Formerly, toners were used to revive the natural pH of the skin after harsh soaps upset it. Now, they've become mild formulations filled with skin-friendly ingredients.

Toners hydrate and refresh the skin without drying it, while also eliminating any remnants of dirt, makeup, or cleanser. Studies claim that toners calm irritation, rebalance, and get the skin ready to better absorb serum and moisturiser. With soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, rose water, chamomile, and hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, toners are best suited for normal, dry, sensitive, or combination skin.

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What is an Astringent?

On the other hand, an astringent is more potent than a toner and is formulated to heavily cleanse the skin, reduce oil, and shrink pores. It commonly has alcohol or ingredients such as witch hazel, which has oil-depleting and antibacterial properties.

Astringents are ideal for oily and acne skin. They remove excess sebum, regulate shine, kill acne bacteria, and produce a tight, cooling sensation on the skin. But due to their strength, they are also drying or irritating to the skin, particularly for dry or sensitive skin.

Toner vs Astringent: Key Differences

The main distinction between an astringent and a toner is in their formulation and function. Toners generally lack alcohol or include it in very small quantities. Hence, they are soft, moisturising, and calming. Their main task is to revitalise and soothe the skin and preserve its natural pH level.

Astringents tend to contain more alcohol, however, and are formulated to draw off oil, shrink pores, and eliminate acne. Although they are extremely effective on oily or acne skin, they dry out the skin's natural moisture if applied too frequently or on the wrong type of skin. Essentially, toners hydrate and prepare the skin, whereas astringents control oil and manage breakouts.

How to Choose What's Best for Your Skin

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, with Dr Pravin Banodkar, MBBS, DNB, DD (UK), FIDP Dermatology, Co-Founder and Lead Dermatologist of Skin Beyond Borders, Mumbai, explained that between toner and astringent, the choice is completely up to your skin. 

“If your skin tends to be dry, tight, or sensitive, your best bet is a toner because it provides moisture and soothes irritation. If you have too much oil, shine, and constant breakouts, an astringent can be more beneficial, but use it in moderation to prevent drying out your skin.”

For combination skin, you may find that a toner works great on a daily basis, with the occasional application of an astringent on oilier zones such as the T-zone, keeping things balanced. And if you don't know your skin type, begin with a mild toner.

Bottomline

Toner and astringent can seem alike, but they are quite different. Consider toners as soft hydrators and prep-products for the skin, whereas astringents are oil regulators and pore closers. The best option is up to your skin concerns and type, but the end aim is always the same, pursuing healthy, balanced, and radiant skin.

FAQs

Q1. Do I need to use both toner and astringent in my skincare routine?

Yes, but never really needed. If you do, use toner first for moisturizing and then astringent on oily skin. Always follow with moisturizer.

Q2. Are all astringents always alcoholic?

Not necessarily. Although old-fashioned formulas did, most contemporary astringents utilize natural substitutes such as witch hazel or tea tree extract without severity in controlling oil.

Q3. Do I apply a toner or an astringent frequently?

Toners may be applied twice daily following cleansing. Astringents are best restricted to once a day or a couple of times weekly, according to your skin's oil content.