Astringent Vs. Toner: Why It Matters For Your Skin Type
Astringent and toner are often terms that are confused for each other. When people use them interchangeably, it may seem like they’re essentially the same thing and either one will work for your cleansing needs. However, there are key differences between these two types of skincare formulas, which has a real impact for people of certain skin types. Let’s find out why.
What is Toner?
Toners are generally used right after cleansing to ensure there’s no makeup or cleanser residue remaining before applying essential skincare products like serums and moisturizers. They are water-based formulas that often contain humectants like glycerin to help your skin feel soft and smooth. Good-quality toners also come with specialized active ingredients, like antioxidants and anti-aging compounds for a dual benefit with a single product.
What is an Astringent?
Astringents are essentially stronger forms of toner. Their ingredients tend to be harsher, with the goal not just to cleanse, but to help remove the appearance of excess oil as well. Astringents are also water based, and sometimes contain alcohol to truly wash away all the oil on the skin. Modern formulations of astringent also carry additional active ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids for exfoliating benefits.
How to Use Toners and Astringents
You would use a toner or astringent at the same step in your skincare routine: right after cleansing, before moisturizing or specialty products. Toners often come in spray bottles, which allows you to simply spritz your face and move on. Otherwise, you apply astringents and toners with a cotton ball or pad, taking care not to get it in your eyes.
Depending on which products you use after toning, you may want to apply them right away while the skin is damp, or wait a moment until it dries before moving on. Both toners and astringents are leave-on products.
Toners, Astringents, and Pores
Using a toner or astringent each morning can help pores look smaller by clearing out clogs that stretch out pores and temporarily tightening the skin. Not only does this have the benefit of reducing the likelihood of breakouts, but also improving the appearance of your skin so you feel great starting the day looking your best.
How to Choose the Right Product for Your Skin Type
Epicuren Discovery offers many types of toners and astringents for people of all skin types and concerns, with many of them including high-quality active ingredients for dual benefits for individuals concerned with anti-aging, skin brightening, and protection against environmental toxins.
Dry Skin
People with naturally dry skin should avoid the strongest formulas, which can overly dry out their skin and cause irritation and redness. We recommend our Colostrum Hydrating Mist for a refreshing clean with natural hydrating compounds like aloe leaf extract.
Oily Skin
For those with naturally oily skin, you’ll want a potent but gentle toner that truly wicks away excess oil and nourishes your skin with a rich blend of natural ingredients. Refresh and quench your skin with our Clarify Exfoliating Astringent that contains high concentrations of amino acids and essential vitamins.
Sensitive Skin
Like dry skin, people with sensitive skin should exercise a little caution when looking for a gentle way to tone their skin. Our Soothe Dermal Repair Mist is perfect for sensitive skin, with rosewood, peach, and jasmine extracts for a gentle, ultralight formula.
Acne or Blemish-Prone Skin
If you’re really in need of a pore-clearing formula, there’s no better product than our Brazilian Propolis Mist that helps creates an ideal environment for skin to flourish. Clear away the appearance of blockages and excess oil to give your skin the foundation it needs.
Normal Skin
For those who got lucky enough to not fall into any other category, you can still benefit from a refreshing, protein-packed enzyme toner. Our Protein Mist Enzyme Toner leaves skin looking and feeling refreshed while activating the other enzyme complexes.
Find the Products that are Perfect For You
With all the options for toners and astringents out there, it can be confusing to pick the ones that will work best for you. That’s why we created our Skin Quiz — to help people find products that are perfectly matched to your skin type and specific concern. Take it today and see how you can take your skincare to the next level.