Astringent VS Toner: What In The World Is The Difference?!

If you don’t already know by now, skincare involves a whole range of different products. Sometimes, we even get confused! There are products that sound similar and look so similar that we sometimes just clump them together in a group and call it one thing. When in reality, there could be a clear difference that we are totally missing here! Like how we sometimes get confused between toners, serums and essences, it’s time we throw astringent into the mix. Yeah, have you heard of that before? Well, if you haven’t, Beauty Insider is here to help decode what the difference between astringent and toners are. So, buckle up, because we might throw in a few other types of toners to keep you up to date on what each one does! Don’t worry, we’ll also be giving you a good list of product recommendations as well.

Contents

Toner
Astringent
The Difference Between Toners and Astringents
Who Should Be Using What?
Best Astringent Toners In Malaysia

Toner

Toners are probably already a part of your skincare routine. A toner also has a consistency that is quite close to water. A Toner is also typically used to replenish and nourish your skin after cleansing your face. Did you know that toners were initially created to help get rid of excess oils and treat acne? But to make toners much more suitable for all skin types today, they have become alcohol-free and are now used to brighten and soothe your skin, as well as remove any excess debris left on your skin. Furthermore, there are also toners that have the benefit of helping to better absorb other products such as moisturisers and serums.

Astringent

Astringent, on the other hand, are more similar to toners of the past. Although, astringents are extremely similar to how toners work, because you also tend to use them after cleansing your face. An Astringent is also a water-based product, but is specifically formulated to help remove any excess oil from your skin. Thus, it definitely contains alcohol. So, if you are facing issues of oiliness and don’t have sensitive skin, you might want to take a look at getting an astringent. But, modern-day astringent products are actually trying to move away from alcohol, and embrace witch hazel instead. This alternative ingredient can make astringent toners much more skin-friendly compared to the drying properties it has. Blemish-prone skin will also take a liking to include astringent toners into their skincare routine.

The Difference Between Toners and Astringents

Even though toners and astringents have quite a lot of similarities, there are differences that set them apart from each other. Astringents tend to give your skin a much more drying effect, and are more suited to treating acne-prone skins. The one thing to note when using astringents is that since it contains alcohol, using it in the wrong way can cause your skin to flare up and become sensitive.

Toners offer the same sort of surface-level effect of cleaning, but with a much gentler touch. This is thanks to their water-based formula that takes up most of their formula. They also offer a restorative touch and help remove any dead skin cells on your skin. Toners also typically contain glycerin, flower essence, rose water and hyaluronic acid in their formula.

Who Should Be Using What?

Depending on your skin type, it may be more suited towards a toner or astringent. For those with normal, dry, sensitive and mature skin, toners might be a much more effective and better choice. Since toners contain gentler properties, they are able to reduce the risk of irritation. What’s more, is that toners also help limit the production of sebum while retaining the water in your skin. Thus, it soothes your skin.

If you have combination, oily and acne-prone skin, the best choice you can make is to pick an astringent. This is because it has the benefit of helping to get rid of any bacteria left on the skin. If you are afraid the alcohol properties will be too drying, you might want to try getting Witch Hazel astringent. These are natural astringents and much gentler on the skin. Other naturally occurring astringents include green tea, apple cider vinegar and ingredients rich in tannin.

Best Astringent Toners In Malaysia

1. Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent

Treat your acne and breakouts with the Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent. It penetrates deep into your pores to remove all the makeup, oils and dirt gently. Its unique formula contains 2% salicylic acid, acne-fighting ingredients and witch hazel. Since this astringent helps eliminate oils and acne, it also has the benefit to help unclog pores.

Why we love it:

Gentle
Non-Comedogenic
Free of paraben & aluminium

Price: RM69.50

Where to buy: Shopee

2. Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent

The Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent can help combat acne and clean your pores. Targeting existing pimples, it helps prevent new acne from forming. Since it is oil-free, it is suitable for all skin types as well as daily use.

Why we love it:

Oil-free
Suitable for all skin types
2% salicylic acid

Price: RM85.00

Where to buy: Shopee

3. Thayers Witch Hazel Astringent

Formulated with aloe vera, Thayers Witch Hazel Astringent is a natural treatment that has the benefits to cleanse, heal, soothe and preserve your skin. Furthermore, it is moisturising and contains authentic home-grown witch hazel by Thayers.

Why we love it:

Dermatologist tested
Free from paraben, phthalate & gluten
Vegan

Price: RM45.00

Where to buy: Shopee

4. NUTOX Astringent Toner

The NUTOX Astringent Toner has a pH-balanced formula that has the benefit to soothe and refresh your skin instantly. Aside from that, this astringent also provides up to 24 hours of moisture to tighten and refine all your pores. Smoothing your skin texture, it allows your makeup to glide on easily and last longer throughout the day.

Why we love it: