Many people consider facial toner to be an unnecessary product in skin care. Right now we will prove that this is not so, but at the same time we will explain why it is absolutely necessary, how to choose it, what components to pay attention to and how to use it according to all the rules.
- What is a facial toner
- What are tonics for?
- Types of tonics
- Composition of facial toners
- Application: how to apply toner correctly
- Review of facial toners
What is a facial toner
It would seem that everyone knows what a facial toner is - a transparent or translucent liquid in which active ingredients are dissolved to moisturize, refresh and cleanse the skin. Sometimes the solution has a tint: a pink tint indicates a soothing effect, blue indicates a refreshing quality, and green indicates the ability to solve skin problems.
What are tonics for?
As you know, there are three main stages in skin care: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. But, according to the confessions of beauty users, the second stage is often neglected (laziness, lack of time, lack of awareness - emphasize as necessary), considering tonic an optional remedy. And they are very wrong. The fact is that this tool performs several important functions at once. What does tonic do?
Sometimes the shade of a toner can indicate its functionality.
Completes the skin cleansing process. Even if you carefully removed your makeup with milk or cleansing lotion and then washed your face with foam, you will most likely still find traces of dirt on a cotton pad moistened with toner. This means that it is the toner that completes the cleansing process after the stages of makeup removal and washing.
Restores pH balance. Some cleansers, as well as hard tap water, can temporarily disrupt the acid-base balance of the skin, which, in turn, weakens its protective functions and reduces its ability to withstand aggressive environmental factors. The tonic quickly brings the pH level back to normal.
Prepares the skin for the application of serums and creams. Tonic is a kind of conductor that allows the active ingredients in the serum and cream to act more effectively on the skin.
Refreshes the skin. Dull complexion, lack of blush, dry areas of the skin, even enlarged pores and inflammation - if the tonic does not solve all these problems globally, it will definitely minimize them. To get evidence, conduct a two-week experiment on regular use of tonic, or better yet, extend the test to 28 days - this is exactly the period the body and skin in particular need to form new “habits”.
Toning is included in the daily skin care ritual for a reason. To make sure whether a toner is really so necessary, conduct an experiment: use it for at least two weeks, and after that you will notice that your skin has become fresher and cleaner, and your complexion has become more even.
Types of tonics
The main rule when choosing a tonic is to focus on your skin type, otherwise this product will not fulfill its task or will not do it effectively enough. In order for the tonic to work one hundred percent, you must carefully read the label before purchasing, and then follow the instructions for its use.
The toner effectively removes remnants of skin impurities and decorative cosmetics.
For dry skin. Choose toners with powerful moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, amino acids, aloe juice or extract. Apply the product twice a day or more often, especially if you spend most of the day indoors with air conditioning or central heating, or in extreme climatic conditions (sharp temperature changes, hot or, conversely, frosty weather).
For sensitive skin. Capricious skin will not be irritated by products with a delicate action and soft texture, sometimes slightly oily. When choosing a tonic, pay attention to the composition: it should contain components with a calming effect, for example, extracts of chamomile, cornflower or rose. Undesirable substances - parabens, perfumes, dyes.
For oily skin. If you are bothered by oily shine and excess sebum, due to which makeup lasts for a maximum of an hour, a tonic with a sebum-regulating and mattifying effect is suitable. This effect is provided in particular by zinc. Products with moisturizing ingredients are also good for oily skin, because often such skin, strange as it may sound, suffers from dehydration.
For problematic skin. The curse of this skin type is blackheads, rashes, inflammation, and excess sebum production. Toners with astringents and exfoliating components (salicylic acid, zinc, tea tree oil) will help keep the situation under control.
For normal skin. All that a tonic can give to the happy owners of problem-free skin is cleansing, maintaining optimal moisture levels, softening, and replenishing with minerals and trace elements. All these needs will be satisfied by a tonic based on thermal spring water.
For combination skin. If you have dry skin in the cheek area and oily skin in the forehead, nose and chin area, try using two toners at once in one session. Apply the moisturizing one to dry areas, and the mattifying sebum-regulating one to the T-zone. This is called multi-toning, that is, using two products of the same category at the same time.
For aging skin. The main needs of aging and aging skin are lifting, increasing elasticity and density. This is facilitated by tonics with hyaluronic and glycolic acids, plus a special massage during application. Pay attention to products with a high content of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, resveratrol), especially if you live in a metropolis, often experience stress and get little sleep. Antioxidants in the tonic will help fight the negative effects of the environment and delay the development of external signs of skin aging.
Using a well-chosen toner, you will increase the effectiveness of your creams (day and night) significantly, because the skin will better perceive their active ingredients.
Composition of facial toners
The composition varies depending on the purpose and tasks to be solved. Below are the main components that are most often found in formulas.
Facial toner is a transparent colored liquid in which active ingredients are dissolved.
Aloe. Aloe juice and extract are almost universal: they soothe, soften, moisturize and restore the skin.
Allantoin. Effective for skin healing and regeneration. Allantoin relieves inflammation, irritation, tightens pores and softens the skin.
Hyaluronic acid. A powerful moisturizing ingredient that prevents moisture evaporation, smoothes the skin.
Glycerol. The most common moisturizing component. Glycerin promotes moisture penetration into the deep layers of the skin and helps retain it.
Glycolic acid. Cleanses, exfoliates, softens and brightens the skin, helps reduce the depth of wrinkles.
Salicylic acid. Exfoliates, eliminates dead cells, regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Alcohol. Typically present in low concentrations and serves to stabilize the formula. Simple alcohols (alcohol denat) in tonics provide an antibacterial effect and better penetration of active ingredients into the skin.
Thermal water. Water from thermal springs, located, for example, in the French cities of Vichy and La Roche-Posay, is a storehouse of minerals and trace elements beneficial for the skin. The special composition helps normalize the water balance of the skin, neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals, increases the protective properties of the skin, and soothes it.
Zinc. Indispensable for oily and problem skin: relieves inflammation, controls oily shine, reduces blackheads.
Calendula extract. Relieves irritation, soothes, has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.
Rose extract. It has a wide spectrum of action: rejuvenates, moisturizes, softens, fights dangerous bacteria and even tightens pores.
Chamomile extract. Soothes sensitive and irritable skin, provides protection and anti-inflammatory effect.
Witch hazel extract. Constricts blood vessels, reduces the secretion of sebaceous glands, and is a powerful antioxidant.
Application: how to apply toner correctly
It is advisable to use the tonic twice a day, after cleansing and before using serum and cream. When applying, avoid the area around the eyes unless the label indicates that the product is approved for use in this area. There are at least three ways to apply toner, and choosing the right one depends on personal preference.
When applying tonic, you can use a cotton pad or cloth.
Cotton pad
This is the most common method and is suitable for owners of any skin type. Apply a few drops to the disc and wipe the skin from the center of the face to the periphery, avoiding pressing:
from the center of the forehead to the temples, with one smoothing movement on each side
from the wings of the nose to the ears
from the center of the chin to the ears
from the space between the eyebrows to the tip of the nose.
Do not forget about the skin of the neck and décolleté - here the cotton pad should move from bottom to top, towards the chin.
Cloth napkin
The best option for sensitive skin. Soak a cloth napkin with tonic (you can use pharmacy gauze folded in 2-3 layers) and place it on your face like a mask. Press lightly with your palms and leave for a few seconds. These toning masks are very popular in Asia.
It is recommended to use the toner in the morning and evening after cleansing the skin and before applying the cream.
Do I need to wash off the toner? No. As you remember, it increases the effectiveness of the active ingredients in the products that you apply after toning.
Review of facial toners
If you still haven’t decided on the choice of toner, we offer several options for different skin types - from delicate sensitive to problematic, acne-prone skin.
Toners for dry, normal and aging skin
Product name | Skin type | Components | Action |
gentle moisturizing tonic Tonique Douceur, Lancôme | for any skin type | elderberry and French rose extracts | Moisturizes, visibly smoothes, and gives radiance to the skin. |
"Calming Tonic", La Roche-Posay | for sensitive skin | thermal water. Free from soap, alcohol, dyes and parabens | Cleanses and soothes. |
soft toner “Absolute tenderness”, L’Oréal Paris | for dry and sensitive skin | French rose and jasmine extracts | Softens, tones, soothes, restores, providing skin comfort. |
Toners for combination, oily and problem skin.
Product name | Skin type | Components | Action |
Cleansing toner “Clean Skin” against blackheads and oily shine, Garnier | for oily skin | salicylic acid, zinc, eucalyptus extract | Reduces blackheads, regulates sebum production, mattifies the skin, tightens pores. |
alcohol-free toner with calendula for normal to oily skin Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, Kiehl’s | for normal to oily skin | extracts of burdock and calendula flowers, allantoin. No alcohol | Helps relieve irritation, visibly soothes, removes impurities. |
cleansing lotion that tightens pores Normaderm, Vichy | for problem skin | glycolic and salicylic acids, denatured alcohol, glycerin | Tightens pores, eliminates oily shine, reduces blackheads. |
cleansing toner for skin with acne and age-related changes Blemish + Age Solution, SkinCeuticals | For mature acne-prone skin | glycolic, salicylic, caprylic-salicylic acids | Exfoliates, cleanses pores, moisturizes. |
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- Julia June 1, 21:49 Today we will talk about the La Roche-Posay Toleriane care gel. Now I always choose care products for myself for quite a long time and carefully, because at one time, due to my age and ignorance, using everything in a row, I ruined my skin. I have it combined. I love lighter textures and feel more comfortable with them. And two weeks ago, I was brought to test a La Roche-Posay Toleriane gel-care wash based on thermal water with soothing ingredients. The gel is designed to cleanse extremely sensitive normal and combination skin. It foams beautifully, and since I like to wash my face with water, it washes off easily. A small amount of warm water is enough to lather a small amount of gel. The care gel is very economical: a few drops are enough to cleanse the skin. I use the gel morning and evening, applying it to the face, neck and décolleté for about 30 seconds. The texture of the gel is milky, the smell is light and unobtrusive, it is practically non-existent. The cleansing gel is available in a 200 ml package. Overall, what we have: no feeling of tightness or discomfort after washing. The skin after washing is pleasant, soft, clean, and nourished.
- Maria April 2, 16:54 Garnier micellar water is the best makeup remover I have used
- Irina March 25, 23:30 I work on the night shift. Because of this, of course, the skin began to look much worse and, in addition to this, eternal bags appeared under the eyes. I can’t quit my job, but I can’t walk around with an eternally exhausted face either. I was looking for different remedies on the Internet, since my creams were no longer working. On this site I read about a mask that tightens the skin of the face, returns a healthy appearance, and so on like advertising. I heard about this mask, but the reviews from friends are mixed. who ordered such a mask, please tell me if it really works like that and should I even believe these reviews?
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Lotion is a skin cleanser. Its tasks include getting rid of acne, restoring tone, cleaning and narrowing pores. It is important to choose the right type of lotion: nourishing, cleansing, sunscreen, etc. Both homemade formulations and products from leading cosmetic brands are widely used.
What is face lotion
Every woman's assistant in the fight against skin problems is considered to be alcohol facial lotion - a disinfectant liquid filled with vitamins. The lotion is used after washing. The fruit composition is used as a morning remedy.
The cosmetic product helps remove remnants of makeup, cleanse the face of dirt and sebum, and cope with the narrowing of pores and their contamination. It can be moisturizing, mattifying, cleansing, nourishing. The main action is determined by the main active component of the composition.
Compound
Moisturizing facial lotion is based on thermal or micellar water. To rid a woman of acne, tonic cosmetics are often made with the addition of ethyl alcohol. Preservatives are used for long shelf life. To make cleaning products look and smell attractive, dyes and fragrances are added to them. Depending on the purpose of cosmetics, various fruit extracts may be present in the composition.
Types of Cosmetic Lotions
To buy the right moisturizing or toning lotion, you need to carefully study the label. If you are afraid of using a composition that is too aggressive, read the reviews carefully before use. Make sure the package shows the type you need. There are ten varieties in total:
- Moisturizing.This is a toning lotion for dry skin.
- Cleaning. Helps cope with acne, cleanse pores of dirt and sebaceous fat.
- Tightens pores, mattifying. Designed for oily skin.
- Anti-inflammatory. Copes with teenage acne and has an antibacterial effect.
- Sun protection. Replaces cream with SPF effect.
- Calming. Suitable for sensitive skin, relieves pain and irritation.
- Nutritious. It can be lemon, aloe or parsley based, fruity. Nourishes with nutrients and gives a healthy complexion.
- Corrective (pigment). Temporarily gives the skin a healthy tint and tightens pores. Often contains zinc extract.
- Tonic. Tightens the oval, refreshes the face.
- Exfoliating, lifting. Deeply cleanses, penetrates deep into pores, gets rid of dirt.
Alcohol
They contain ethyl alcohol in high concentration - about 50%. This lotion is designed to cleanse and disinfect the epidermis. Aggressive, not suitable for everyone. After it, it is better to additionally apply a moisturizing and soothing cream to your face. Suitable for fighting acne.
The composition also contains:
- boric acid
- benzoic and salicylic acid (antiseptics)
- extracts from plants (cucumber extract is often used).
The only drawback is that it dries out the skin a lot. Not always suitable for regular use. Can be used as an aid for exacerbation of acne along with hydrogen peroxide.
Alkaline
The composition contains sodium hydroxide - a weakly alkaline component. The lotion cleanses the skin, tightens pores and fights internal impurities. With prolonged use, it can change the environment of the epidermis to acidic, which will lead to irritation and inflammation.
Acidic
Based on the action of acids - fruit, lactic, citric, cucumber, etc. They are classified as tonic and moisturizing. They do not cleanse the skin, but they help achieve a healthy complexion, cope with age-related changes, sagging and dryness.
Alcohol content:
- 18–27% – for dry skin
- 22–30% – for normal and combined
- 30–35% – for fatty
- 35–38%– for very oily, problematic, acne-covered skin.
How to use face lotion
Both homemade and moisturizing lotions can only help if you use them correctly. Cosmetologists recommend:
- Remove makeup with milk, water and soap.
- Apply lotion to a cotton pad.
- Wipe face, neck, décolleté area.
- Do not rinse, but let the product absorb.
- Apply tonic (not necessary if the lotion is tonic).
- Apply face cream.
Best face lotion
Large cosmetic brands, small craft industries, and domestic companies offer various lotions. When purchasing, it is better to focus on:
- Kenzoki Ginger Cleansing Water. It belongs to the category of moisturizing and antibacterial. Contains ginger and citrus extracts. No aluminum, paraffin or harmful additives. 1700 rub., 200 ml.
- Lancome Tonique Eclat. Well suited for oily skin, eliminates shine on the face. Toning, helps achieve an even skin tone. Ingredients: anise extract, alcohol, white lotus, rose. 2600 rub., 400 ml.
- Chanel Lotion Purete. Cleanses the epidermis from internal and external impurities. Helps achieve matte finish. Consists of tulip tree water. Effectively removes makeup residue. 3300 rub., 200 ml.
- Ysl Blanc Pur Couture Lotion. Based on the action of glycogenic acid. Brightens the skin and has an exfoliating effect. 4580 rub., 200 ml.
- Clarins Toning Lotion. Does not contain alcohol, contains iris extract, sage and guava. It belongs to the category of moisturizing and toning, regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. 2000 rub., 200 ml.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar.The principle of action is similar to cucumber. Contains several fruit acids. Cope with dirt and blackheads. 1200 RUR, 200 ml.
- Yves Rocher Cleansing Lotion. Designed to combat acne. Contains aloe extract, a powerful antibacterial component. 400 rub., 150 ml.
- Pure Freshness Tonic Lotion. Suitable for combination and normal skin. Based on seaweed extracts. Toning, gives a feeling of cleanliness and freshness. 1800 rub., 250 ml.
Homemade face lotion
If you don’t trust store-bought cosmetics, you can make homemade lotion. It is affordable, and in addition you can experiment with different compositions. Recipes vary depending on the purpose: cleanse, tone or rid the face of acne. The lotion can be stored for no more than 3 days, only in the refrigerator. It is recommended to use 2 times a day - morning and evening after washing.
Cleaning
Helps cleanse the skin of makeup residues, remove dirt from pores, and avoid further inflammation. This homemade lotion is similar to cucumber lotion in its principle of action. Has a moisturizing effect. Available recipes:
- Mix 100 ml of grape juice with 1 tbsp. l. honey and ¼ tsp. table salt. Stir and let it brew.
- Mix ½ fresh grapefruit with 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice. Apply, like cucumber, in acne areas.
- Mix 400 ml boiling water with 2 tbsp. l. oats. Cover the homemade broth with a lid and let cool. After this, strain.
For acne
Suitable for problematic and oily skin. This type of lotion is used specifically in areas of acne. Recipes:
- Boil 1 glass of water. Add 3-4 bay leaves, boil for another 5 minutes. Allow to cool, covering with a lid.
- Mix 2 tbsp. l. sauerkraut brine with ½ tsp. salt and 1 tsp. kefir Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
For mixed skin types
Taking care of combination skin is not so easy. It is important to deal with oily areas without drying out your flaky forehead and temples. Prepare the following:
- Peel 500 ml cucumber and finely chop. Mix with 500 ml of diluted ethyl alcohol. Leave in a sunny place for 1-2 days. After this, squeeze and strain.
- Mix 50 ml of lemon juice with 100 ml of medium fat cream (20–25%). Add 1 tbsp. l. vodka, 1 egg yolk. To stir thoroughly.
- 4 tbsp. l. mix olive oil with 4 tbsp. l. Vaseline. Add 1 capsule of tocopherol, 2 g of tea tree oil. Mix the composition.
For dry skin
Homemade lotion should not contain alcohol or aggressive acids. It is advisable to prepare a product based on herbal ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. l. jasmine and rose petals (dry) pour 2 cups of boiling water. Filter and leave for 4 hours. Add 2 tbsp. l. floral cologne and 1 capsule of thiamine.
- 1 tbsp. l. pour 1 cup boiling water over linden blossom. Leave for 4 hours, pass through a sieve. Add 1 tsp. honey, stir everything thoroughly.
- Mix 100 ml of boiled birch sap with 1 tsp. honey Wait for the composition to cool down.
With increased sebaceous secretion
Such home remedies help fight oiliness and inflammation. They should contain drying components:
- 1 tbsp. l. pour 1 cup of boiling water over mint leaves and leave for 15 minutes. Add 1 tbsp. l. boric alcohol, lemon juice, calendula tincture.
- Prepare 1 glass of green tea without additives, let it brew. Pour in 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice.
- Mix chopped strawberries or raspberries and white wine in equal proportions. Leave in the refrigerator for 2 days. Strain the resulting mixture.
With whitening effect
Homemade whitening lotion copes with age spots, age-related changes, and hides dark circles under the eyes. Recipes:
- 2 tbsp. l. Finely chop the parsley leaves. Pour 1 cup of boiling water and leave over low heat for 15 minutes. Add 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar. Stir, let cool and strain.
- Squeeze lemon juice. Freeze it using ice cube trays. Rub your face with an ice cube.
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If creams and masks can be compared to food for our skin, tonic is its “water”. And life without water on the face, as well as on the planet, is impossible. Cosmetic tonics and lotions help cleanse, moisturize, mattify, heal, and whiten the skin. The specific action depends on the set of active components that are part of your product. How to give your face new colors, make it brighter, younger and more impressive? And at the same time not spend extra money on care? After all, tonic, although a necessary functional product, is far from the main “genius” of a woman’s cosmetic bag.
In this rating, we decided to analyze the best popular mass-market tonics point by point. Even professional cosmetologists do not hesitate to use many of them in their salons. The sales volumes and profits of the leaders of the global beauty market allow large companies to have their own laboratories, conduct constant quality control and develop innovative approaches to rejuvenation and beauty. Therefore, products in the Economy segment are often not inferior in effectiveness to premium tonics. What will your skin drink tomorrow? Decide for yourself:
Category | Place | Name | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
The best toners for oily skin | 1 | Facial toner Bark for oily and combination skin with prebiotic | 10 / 10 | 230 |
2 | Natura Siberica Facial Toner Cleansing | 9.6 / 10 | 225 | |
The best toners for dry and sensitive skin | 1 | Facial toner Librederm Hyaluronic moisturizing | 10 / 10 | 400 |
The best toners for normal skin | 1 | Aravia facial toner with fruit acids AHA Glycolic Tonic | 9.9 / 10 | 600 |
2 | Facial toner Savonry Toning | 9.8 / 10 | 220 | |
The best toners for problem skin | 1 | Facial toner Kleona for oily and problem skin | 9.8 / 10 | 290 |
The best toners for combination skin | 1 | Garnier Skin Naturals Face Toner Basic Care | 9.9 / 10 | 190 |
2 | Facial toner Black Pearl for normal and combination skin Cleansing + Care | 9.7 / 10 | 160 | |
The best whitening toners | 1 | Whitening peeling tonic Belita Vitex | 9.8 / 10 | 145 |
The best toners for oily skin
Russian toner with lactulose, biosulfur, salicylic acid, panthenol and plant extracts from Cora has a pronounced cleansing effect - it is designed to reduce the number of blackheads, tighten pores, and neutralize the effect of surfactants contained in cleansers. The tonic regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, soothing, reducing skin oiliness and stimulating its restoration.
The spray bottle allows you to quickly and economically distribute the product over your face. The tonic improves skin color, mattifies, but does not dry out at all. It refreshes well, gives softness and velvety, increases the effectiveness of the cream applied after use. Can be used as a moisturizer for clay masks. Bottle volume - 150 ml.
- inexpensive
- is consumed moderately
- does not contain alcohol and parabens
- has a convenient spray format
- two caps that reliably protect against spills on the road.
- small volume.
Herbal cosmetics from Siberia and the Far East “Natura Siberica”, of course, are not 100% organic products. But there really are no parabens, fragrances or synthetic dyes in this brand’s mattifying toner. In addition, the composition does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The tonic contains extracts of sage, oregano, and green tea. It provides cleansing and mattification for oily and combination skin, does not tighten the skin and makes it smooth, eliminating oily shine for at least several hours. But people prone to allergic reactions should not forget that, after all, these are herbal cosmetics, and herbal extracts are a proven allergen.
- pleasant herbal smell,
- delicate consistency,
- solution to oily skin problems.
- mattifies not for the whole day, works well with 2-3 single applications.
The best toners for dry and sensitive skin
Moisturizing tonic with hyaluronic acid and white water lily hydrolate from the Librederm brand helps balance the natural pH balance, retains life-giving moisture in the tissues, tones and revitalizes the face, eliminates minor defects and gives the skin a comfortable feeling of freshness and free breathing. Suitable for morning and evening use and as preparation for caring procedures.
The tonic is well absorbed by the skin, does not cause irritation or redness, perfectly moisturizes, softens and refreshes the face, thoroughly cleanses makeup residues after using milk or facial wash. Doesn't sting, doesn't dry out, doesn't form a film, doesn't give a sticky feeling. The bottle has a short shelf life - only 3 months after opening.
- free of fragrances, parabens and dyes
- moderate consumption
- protective sticker on the bottle.
- Not everyone finds the dispenser-limiter convenient.
The best toners for normal skin
Facial toner with glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids from the Russian brand Aravia is suitable for intensive care of normal and dry skin, as well as those prone to hyperkeratosis, oiliness and acne. It helps exfoliate the stratum corneum and accelerate cell renewal processes, stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, strengthens and rejuvenates the skin, prevents the development of bacteria and has a slight whitening effect.
The bottle is equipped with a spray dispenser, thanks to which the tonic is easily and economically, but powerfully sprayed onto the face. The product is quickly absorbed into the skin without creating a feeling of stickiness, restores natural pH, moisturizes and prepares the face for subsequent care, and enhances the effect of masks.