What is the difference between an astringent and a cleanser

List of Partners vendors. Kristin Howard has been a contributing writer for Byrdie since August Both utilized as staples in many skincare regimens, the two are often confused for each other, but realistically, they are actually quite different. In the astringent vs toner debate, the best choice will vary from person to person, and will largely depend on your skin type , skin concerns, and your skincare goals.

To help you figure out what may be the right product for you, we reached out to two dermatologists to find out the differences and similarities between astringent and toner, along with the most effective ways to use each.

Meet the Expert. Toners are skincare products that are typically similar to the consistency of water , used to nourish and replenish skin as a second step after cleansing.

Originally, toners were created to remove excess oil from the skin to help treat acne. But as of , most toners are alcohol-free and work to soothe, brighten, and remove any excess debris you might have missed during cleansing. Like toners, astringents are a water-based product used as a second step after cleansing to remove debris your cleanser might have missed or residue from your face wash itself.

However, like the toners of the past , astringents are specifically formulated to remove excess oil from the skin and typically contain alcohol to achieve this goal.

Toners and astringents are also both applied as a second step post-cleanse although you shouldn't apply both astringent and toner. Shamban adds. While toners and astringents do have a couple of things in common, fundamentally, they are quite different. Generally, astringents offer a drying effect to the skin, which may be best left for treating acne-prone complexions.

Toners, on the other hand, can offer the same surface-level cleaning effect, but with a bit of a gentler, restorative touch thanks to their, largely, water-based formulas. Farber explains. Common hydrators found in toners include rose water, flower essence, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Very rarely would a dermatologist recommend using toner and astringent. Depending on your skin type and needs, one or the other is best suited for you. When it comes to sensitive, normal, dry, or mature skin types, toner is the way to go for its gentle properties and reduced risk of irritation.

Her top toners right now? Witch hazel is a natural astringent that is known for being gentle on the skin, as are apple cider vinegar, green tea, and other ingredients rich in tannin, a naturally-occurring astringent. Therefore many companies renamed their astringent "toner," for its proposed toning quality on the skin. Today both astringents and toners are on the market. Astringents generally contain alcohol and are marketed for oily or combination skin.

Toners generally contain witch hazel and are marketed for dry, sensitive or combination skin. Estheticians , dermatologists and consumers debate about the necessity of using astringents and toners.

Estheticians are big proponents, advising consumers on which type best suits their skin. Dermatologists generally deny the usefulness of astringents and toners, stating skin will return to its natural pH balance without them. Consumers are divided. Many people swear by their favorite product while others are more skeptical, wondering if they even do anything.

However, there's a consensus on the opinion that using an alcohol-based product that's too harsh on the skin is eventually harmful. Neal Schultz of DermTV addresses some of these questions raised by the necessity and effectiveness of these products:.

Share this comparison:. If you read this far, you should follow us:. Diffen LLC, n. Astringent vs. Comparison chart Differences — Similarities —. Usage The suggested routine for both astringent and toner is "wash, tone, moisturize.

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Log in ». Thanks to the hype around them across the beauty industry. Oily skin people, you must have especially been advised to use a toner or an astringent by experts.

But, do you often wonder what the difference between them is? A toner is essentially used to clean any remnants of make-up or cleansers left on your skin after you have washed your face. It is usually a water-based product with ingredients like humectants [ 1 ] and glycerine that help to hydrate the skin and are suitable for dry or sensitive skin. Natural toners may contain floral and herbal extracts and are chemical-free.

Others are known to include antioxidants and anti-ageing elements such as nicotinic acid or niacinamide [ 2 ]. All these factors combined make a toner more effective. Besides cleansing, it can smoothen the skin, and make it softer. Astringents perform the same function as toners -- that of cleaning remnants of make-up and cleansers. They are also water based. But, astringents are also effective in removing excess oil from the skin due to their composition and are suited for oily and acne-prone skin.

Astringents usually contain ingredients like salicylic acid and alcohol. These ingredients help in reducing pimples and blackheads. Astringents can be alcohol free too, but those are milder than the ones that contain alcohol.

Both help in removing excess oil from the skin. Actually, no. Whether toners and astringents work and their effectiveness have not been proved yet.