Toners, toners and lotions for problem skin

Is there a difference between toner and toner, and which is better? Can I use toner instead of toner, and vice versa? Let's figure it out now.

1. What is tonic
2. What is toner
3. Main differences
4. Tools Overview

What is tonic

Tonic, also known as lotion, is a liquid that is used at the final stage of skin cleansing. Its main functions are cleansing and toning. What more can be said about him?

Tonic removes remnants of cosmetics, foams or washing gels (if we haven’t washed ourselves well enough).

As a rule, the product is selected according to skin type.

The consistency resembles water.

The composition is based on cleansing and mattifying components.

The formula may contain alcohol.

Apply to the face using a cotton pad.

What is toner

Toner is a product that is part of the Korean skin care system. Its main function is to quickly restore skin hydration levels after washing. Let's list other properties of toner.

It has a fairly dense texture.

Contains nutritional components and hydrants.

There is no alcohol or drying components in its composition.

The purpose of toner is to prevent skin dehydration. © Getty Images

However, toner comes in several varieties. Biotherm brand expert Elena Alekseeva explains:

«Freshener toner It is close in texture to a tonic, has a refreshing effect, is applied after the tonic using a cotton pad, and may contain a small amount of alcohol.

Skin toner has a denser texture compared to freshener, applied with fingertips, moisturizes and soothes.

Toner It has a dense gel-like texture and is also applied with fingertips using patting movements. Rich in nutritional components. Depending on your skin type, toner can be applied differently. For example, on dry skin - with your fingertips, on oily skin - with a cotton pad."

Main differences

The main confusion comes from translation difficulties. After all, toner is translated into Russian as “tonic”. However, there are several signs by which you can distinguish a toner from a toner.

Often in European tradition tonics are called lotions. If you see this word on the bottle, you know this is a tonic.

Tonics, usually addressed fat, problematic, combination skin.

Toners found in lines for dry and sensitive skin.

To classic toners never alcohol not included.

If glycerin is listed second in the list of ingredients, you are most likely toner.

Below we provide a comparison table that clearly shows the main differences between toner and tonic.

Differences between toner and toner

Water, hydrating agents (mainly glycerin), oils, emollients, soothing flower extracts, fatty alcohols. There is usually no alcohol.

Slightly thicker, with a slight hint of a gel or oily texture.

Moisturizes, normalizes skin pH, soothes.

Water, herbal and plant extracts, matting and astringent components, possibly the presence of menthol, camphor, acids and alcohol.

Liquid like water.

Refreshes, restores pH, cleanses, tightens pores, and sometimes dries.

Using a cotton pad.

Tools Overview

While you are remembering the main distinguishing features of toner and tonic, we suggest taking note of the following products.

Tonic for all skin types Tonique Douceur, Lancôme

The soft formula with glycerol, rose and elderberry extracts leaves the skin soft and radiant.

Moisturizing toner for dry skin Tonique Confort, Lancôme

The formula is enriched with yeast extract, hyaluronic acid and sweet almond protein.

Soothing toner for sensitive skin of the face and eyes, La Roche-Posay

It has a physiological pH level, the product is optimal for use on sensitive skin of any type.

Cleansing toner “Luxury Nourishment, Extraordinary Oil”, nourishing, for all skin types, L’Oréal Paris

Rosehip and camellia oils give this tonic nutritional properties, which are especially valuable in winter.

Cleansing toner “Absolute tenderness” for dry and sensitive skin, L’Oréal Paris

Removes makeup residue while moisturizing and soothing the skin.

Facial toner “Basic care, with rose water”, soothing, vitamin, for dry and sensitive skin, Garnier

Perfectly moisturizes and softens the skin, creating conditions for subsequent care.

Moisturizing toner Ultra Facial Toner, Kiehl’s

Soft alcohol-free toner for all skin types with squalane, vitamin E, avocado and apricot kernel oils. The effect is appropriate - softness, moisture, a feeling of comfort.

Alcohol-free toner with cucumber for normal to dry skin Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner, Kiehl’s

Tones and cools the skin thanks to cucumber extract and camphor in the composition. Allantoin has a calming effect.

Cleansing tonic “Clean Skin” against blackheads and oily shine, for oily and combination skin, Garnier

Contains alcohol, salicylic acid, eucalyptus extract, which means it keeps shine under control.

Pore-tightening cleansing lotion Normaderm, Vichy

It contains effective exfoliating and oil-controlling ingredients: glycolic and salicylic acids. The formula is balanced with hydrants to avoid drying out the skin.

Pore ​​tightening lotion Effaclar, La Roche-Posay

A product from a line aimed at oily skin prone to breakouts. Fights oily shine, providing a light exfoliating effect due to the LHA acid in the composition.

Products that will not leave a trace of oily shine and enlarged pores

Toning is one of the key stages of daily care, which many mistakenly neglect. Neither foam nor micellar water can replace lotion or tonic. In our selection, we have collected the best of the best - products that will help complete the cleansing stage, perfectly preparing the skin for subsequent moisturizing.

Chanel Lotion Purete

Chanel Lotion Purete gives the skin a feeling of unsurpassed freshness and squeaky cleansing. A product based on tulip tree water perfectly removes makeup residues and also fights oily shine, giving the face a matte finish.

KenzoKi Ginger Cleansing Water

In autumn, ginger and citrus fruits are good not only for the immune system, but also for the skin. A true confirmation of this is the fragrant floral water KenzoKi Ginger Cleansing Water. The product, based on ginger and yuzu extract, has a powerful antioxidant effect, moisturizing, softening and giving the skin a subtle glow.

Lancome Tonique Eclat

The “blue” tonic from the Lancome Tonique Eclat range delicately solves the problem of oily shine due to a competent combination of anise extract and a low alcohol content in the composition. Thanks to white lotus and French rose extracts, the product softens and protects the skin, pleasantly refreshing it morning and evening.

Kanebo Clear Cleansing Toner

Kanebo Clear Cleansing Toner will remove light makeup in no time, without leaving a feeling of dryness or tightness after use. The formula is based on rosehip oil, flavored with floral nuances, thanks to which the product perfectly moisturizes and smoothes the skin, restoring radiance.

Biotherm Biosource 24H Hydrating & Toning Toner

Biotherm Biosource 24H Hydrating & Tonifying Toner based on the Life Plankton complex will “hydrate” dehydrated cells, giving the skin incredible softness and elasticity. After use, you are left with a feeling of unsurpassed cleanliness and comfort without the effect of a sticky film.

YSL Blanc Pur Couture Lotion

All products from the YSL Blanc Pur Couture “lightening” line cope with pigmentation with a bang, and at the same time qualitatively protect the skin from negative environmental factors. In addition to its brightening effect, a glycolic acid-based lotion also has an exfoliating effect, evening out the tone and surface of the skin.

Anne Semonin Marine Toner

Anne Semonin Marine Toner based on marine extracts has an instant matting effect, erasing oily shine and other imperfections. The product has an antiseptic and disinfecting effect, helping to cope with inflammation.

Clarins Toning Lotion

Clarins alcohol-free lotion with iris extract brilliantly removes makeup residue, preparing the skin for subsequent care. Sage and guava in the composition tone the skin and also regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands, witch hazel refreshes, and aloe softens and moisturizes.

L’Oreal Paris “Endless Freshness”

This toner with a delicate texture not only brilliantly cleanses the skin, but also gives it a subtle glow. L'Oreal Paris "Endless Freshness" gives an unrivaled feeling of comfort and freshness, leaving behind a delicate floral aroma.

Vichy Normaderm

The number one product in the care of oily skin - Vichy Normaderm tonic - copes with the problem of oily shine, acne and enlarged pores with a bang. The product fights both existing inflammation and prevents the appearance of new ones.

Nu Skin Ph Balance

Nu Skin Ph Balance Mattifying Toner restores the skin's natural pH balance, regulating the sebaceous glands and reducing shine. It contains extracts of fennel, St. John's wort, witch hazel, chamomile and calendula, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The result is healthy and glowing skin without visible imperfections.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar

La Roche-Posay Effaclar lotion solves the problem of enlarged pores and blackheads due to the high content of several types of acids in the composition. After regular use of the product, the skin texture becomes smoother and imperfections are less noticeable.

SkinCeuticals Blemish&Age Solution

Inflammation and acne are a problem familiar not only to teenagers. Especially for aging skin prone to inflammation, SkinCeuticals experts have developed the Blemish&Age Solution cleansing tonic. The product has a cleansing and exfoliating effect, saturating the skin with beneficial microelements.

Japonica ROLAND

This miracle tonic contains placenta, arbutin and vitamin C - together they brilliantly solve the problem of oily shine and enlarged pores. Japonica ROLAND tonic makes the tone more even, erasing traces of acne and other inflammations.

GARNIER Grape Extract Basic Care

Light tonic based on Garnier grape extract Basic care gives an unsurpassed feeling of comfort and freshness, relieving the feeling of dryness and tightness after washing. The product not only cleanses the skin efficiently, but also gives it a delicate glow.

Yves Rocher Cleansing Lotion

Yves Rocher lotion is aimed at daily combating acne and rashes. It deeply cleanses pores, helping to cope with oily shine and redness. Thanks to aloe extract in the composition, the product does not irritate the skin, on the contrary, softens and soothes it.

Hirst Shkulev Publishing

Moscow, st. Shabolovka, building 31b, 6th entrance (entrance from Konny Lane)

Tonics have long become an obligatory component of daily care for me, and in the summer they come to the fore and almost completely replace everything else.

Previously, skin toning was not considered an important step, and tonics were strange: sticky, alcohol-based and of little help. Now this is a completely different product, especially Korean toners and toners. They have rich formulations with many useful components; in fact, it’s not just water, but a cream in the form of a liquid.

Those who have problem/oily or combination skin know how difficult it is to choose a summer skincare routine; all creams are poorly absorbed, clog pores and leave an unpleasant film on the face, all of which provokes even bigger problems. I, too, am already tired of choosing the right cream or serum and use them from time to time, and entrusted the main care of my skin to tonics and masks. And it works! I write all the time that I have problem skin, although now it is rather “prone to problems”; well-working products help keep everything under control.

I once used tonics according to the principle: I have one and, okay, when I run out, I’ll buy the next one. And these were mostly hydrolates or some kind of refreshing water. And then I got acquainted with the Asian care system and realized that toner, or as they are usually called - toner, is not just wiping the skin between washing and applying cream. This is independent, full-fledged care to solve specific problems. No, for them, of course, this is one of 125 stages, but it is effective and significant.

This summer I have 3 excellent tonics in my arsenal with completely different functions: moisturizing and relieving irritation, cleansing and exfoliating, reducing pores and mattifying. They all work effectively and help me take care of my skin.

The Saem Facial Toner with Cleome Extract (Cleome Refining Toner)

Last summer I used another toner from The Saem, green, from the Eco Harakeke series. I fell in love with it and still continue to consider it one of the best products for caring for problem skin. There is a review about it on our website, not mine, but I support Nadya’s opinion 100%. This year I was going to buy it again, but I saw a new line from The Saem with cleome extract. So what are they doing? Who in their right mind could resist such beautiful blue bottles?

This series is also intended for oily, combination and problem skin. They promise matting, shine removal and renewal.

A few words about packaging. I think the relatively high price of The Saem skincare products is partly due to the very high quality and thoughtful design. You don’t just want to hold each jar in your hands, you want to twirl it and examine it, everything is done very stylishly and ergonomically. This toner is in a blue plastic bottle (the liquid itself is transparent whitish due to the clay content) and is equipped with a convenient dispenser.

The first thing that surprised me: unlike the green jelly toner, this one is more of a tonic; I can’t apply it with my fingers and patting movements, as recommended in the instructions. Only in the traditional way, using a cotton pad.

Another not the most pleasant moment is the composition. It is not listed anywhere on the websites, if I had seen it earlier, I would have thought about whether to order or not. In Harakeke toner, the base is an extract of New Zealand flax, and in this one it is water, alcohol and glycerin. But I must admit that there is no characteristic smell and I also did not notice any negative skin reactions. The smell of the toner is not at all alcoholic; on the contrary, it is very pleasant, delicately floral.

About the result. At first, I didn’t notice anything special, just a pleasant toner: well-refreshing, not sticky, and slightly reducing pores. Only after 2-3 weeks I saw that the skin actually acquired a more even tone, the pores became clogged much less, and the number of blackheads decreased. And most importantly, sebum secretion is corrected. I can’t say that this toner is mattifying in the literal sense, although, as a rule, toners with clay in their composition work just like liquid powder. This is not entirely true, there is no dull mattification, but the face begins to shine later and the pores remain in a tight state longer, this is a cumulative effect and will not be noticeable immediately.

Now I have been using it for quite a long time, and I am finding more and more advantages in it. If you apply it at night, then in the morning the skin looks fresh, rested and less shiny than usual. And in the morning it acts perfectly as a base for makeup; probably, this clay in the composition acts as a leveling thin layer; foundations adhere better and thinner to the skin and accumulate less in the pores during the day.

Overall, I liked the toner, but a little less than the green one.

Volume 160 ml, price 1435 rubles at LuckyCosmetics.

It's Skin moisturizing toner with green tea extract (Green Tea Watery Toner)

It’s Skin has several series in a similar design with very simple and understandable names: green tea, aloe, collagen. I've been looking at them for a long time and decided to start with the Green Tea line. In general, I have 3 favorite herbal ingredients: green tea, bamboo and acerola, so the choice was not difficult :).

I love this tonic for its versatility, it’s almost like thermal water - you can use it at any time of the year and in any situation. It doesn't have the most convenient packaging: a screw cap and a frosted glass bottle. Glass, of course, is nicer than plastic, but it weighs more and causes some concerns when stored in the bathroom (tiles, sink, falls and all that).

The tonic has a wonderful light aroma of green tea, not a bag in a cup, but in a perfumery and cosmetic treatment.

It acts as promised by the manufacturer: it cleanses the skin, moisturizes and soothes. You shouldn't expect any miracles, this is just a good tonic without special effects for every day. It is very light, non-sticky and economical. I use it in the morning, in the evening, before/after masks, especially after aggressive cleansers, to remove redness and soothe the skin. After washing, this tonic also works great and immediately removes the feeling of tightness.

It’s difficult for me to test the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea in one single tonic, because at least half of the products in my regular care are aimed at keeping capricious problem skin under control. But I can definitely say that it copes with irritation and redness. With surface moisturizing too. Of course, this is not a serum or a cream, and you shouldn’t expect a deep, prolonged effect, but on hot days, when you don’t want to overload the skin, this tonic is quite enough.

I don’t know what dry skin is, but I understand what dehydrated skin means (when someone has overdone it with absorbent cleansing masks), in such cases I switch to an active mode of use and apply tonic to the skin several times during the day in decent quantities - it helps !

Volume 150 ml, price from 695 rubles in Podruzhka.

A’pieu Peeling toner with AHA and BHA acids and lime extract (Aqua Peeling AHA Toner)

I didn’t make friends with A’pieu right away, my first impression of this brand was mixed (you can read it here), but then I bought an excellent cleansing foam, and then this toner, and my level of trust in this brand increased significantly.

Koreans don’t often pamper us with products with acids, maybe it’s not very popular with them or other components are considered more effective, but in my experience, nothing can be better than acids for combination/oily skin. True, in the summer some difficulties arise with them; many put them away in the closet until the onset of autumn and the decrease in solar activity. I used to do this too, but now I use it all year round, just following some rules: in the summer, lighter peelings that do not cause peeling and intense skin renewal, plus Sanskrin and a cream with arbutin a couple of times a week (which inhibits the production of melanin, preventing the formation of pigmentation ).

When choosing a light peel, everything is not so simple: often the product works well or does not work at all, and finding an intermediate soft option can be problematic. This peeling is just optimal: the acids work as they should, but at the same time they are not aggressive.

The peeling has a convenient bottle with a dispenser and a good volume. Inside is clear water with an apple aroma. I apply it to the skin with a cotton pad and don’t skimp, wiping my neck and décolleté at the same time. I use it only at night and once every 2-3 days.

This peeling has the right composition for problematic skin: a combination of AHA acids, which help exfoliate the surface of the skin and smooth out the texture, and BHA, which dissolve the contents of pores, plus lime extract for brightening and toning. Judging by the composition, there are a lot of acids here, but they do not act too strongly (the effectiveness depends not only on the percentage component, but also on PH). This toner has a mild composition to my liking and is designed to be safe for home use.

The result of using this tonic is visible to the naked eye. As I already wrote, I use it in the evenings and every time in the morning I am amazed at how smooth, even and soft my skin has become. This tonic perfectly evens out the texture, smoothes the edges of pores and narrows them. The cumulative effect also manifests itself quite quickly: the skin tone is evened out, the number of blackheads decreases, and clogged pores practically disappear. And it also seems to me that this peeling helps a little in the fight against pigmentation, I have been using a cream with vitamin C and arbutin since winter, and it works, but when paired with tonic, the process went faster, and even old spots began to fade.

If I see that problems are starting somewhere, for example, blackheads or some kind of subcutaneous troubles, then I use this peeling as a compress, apply it to a cotton pad and not just wipe it, but leave it on for longer, 3-5 minutes. Usually a couple of such “applications” are enough for everything to dissolve and go away without a trace. My skin is not reactive and tolerates it calmly, but everyone has different degrees of sensitivity and irritability of the skin, and this method is not suitable for everyone.

In general, this peeling is my discovery and great love, and the combination of price and volume makes it a very good buy.

Volume 275 ml, price 699 rubles in Podruzhka.

What toners are you using now? Do you have any favorites among the “Koreans”?