Witch Hazel products are available as Toners or Astringents; therefore, understanding the distinction between “Face Toner vs Astringent” is a good idea.
Toners are water-based; Astringents are alcohol-based
A good way to remember the difference is: T is for waTer = Toner A is for Alcohol = Astringent
Keep in mind, alcohol-based is not necessarily bad. Natural alcohol is sometimes derived from botanical sources and does have a place in skincare when created well.
If you have Dry, Sensitive Skin, use an alcohol-free Toner.
If you have Oily, Acne Prone skin, use an Astringent (with safe alcohol).
Toners help hydrate by balancing pH levels (not too dry, not too oily)
Astringents help remove excess oils from the skin, rid the skin of bacteria, and unclog pores.
About Toners
Toners are water-based and have skin-soothing ingredients such as Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, jojoba oil, and rosehip seed oil.
A good toner is good for:
- Refreshing your skin
- Keeping the skin’s natural moisture
- Not irritating sensitive skin or causing excessive dryness
- Shrinking pores
- Moisturizing with humectants which bind moisture to the skin through the dermal layers
- Preventing ingrown hair
- Preparing your skin to absorb other serums, moisturizers, and skin treatments
- Removing dirt, grime, and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face
- Restoring your skin’s pH
- Smoothing skin by reducing patches and gives the result of improved skin tone
About Astringents
Astringents are commonly alcohol-based and are designed to shrink or constrict skin.
You can find alcohol-free astringents but they are not as easy to find.
A good astringent is good for:
- Tightening skin
- Shrinking the appearance of large pores
- Reducing inflammation
- Cleansing irritants off your skin
- Reducing acne
- Removing excess oil
About Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a commonly used ingredient in both Astringents and Toners. Here is why…
“Witch hazel is an astringent compound produced from the leaves and bark of the North American witch-hazel shrub.” – Wikipedia. Resource Here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_(astringent)
An astringent is a chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues.
The word “astringent” derives from Latin adstringere, meaning “to bind fast”.
This is why Witch Hazel is good for:
- minimizing pore size
- helping makeup apply evenly on the skin
- reducing inflammation
- balancing the skin’s pH level
- calming and preventing acne
- nourishing dry skin
- reducing puffy eyes
- relieving sunburn
Witch hazel is non-toxic, safe and has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
For more details about Witch Hazel, you might like this article: Witch Hazel for Skin – 10 Benefits You Will Love
About goPure’s Hydrating Toner – a Very Different Toner
goPure has a very unique toner, like none I have ever tried. It is very hydrating.
Their alcohol-free Hydrating Facial Toner is great for:
- Dry and Sensitive skin
- Oily Skin
- Large Pores
goPure’s Hydrating Toner contains Natural Humectants — ingredients that stimulate moisture production. Other active ingredients are:
- Witch Hazel
- Aloe Vera
- Rosehip Oil
Benefits
- Witch Hazel and Tea Tree Oil help shrink the look of pores for a refined appearance.
- Skin-loving Rosehip Oil and fatty acids keep skin looking plump and hydrated.
- Powerful anti-oxidants lessen the appearance of damage caused by environmental factors like pollution, leaving you with firmer, smoother, and brighter-looking skin.
- 100% fragrance-free and alcohol-free (no toxic additives and won’t strip skin of crucial oils.)
- Rich, creamy formula with soothing botanicals for the feeling of baby soft skin.
To Use
After cleansing and exfoliation, apply toner to the skin with cotton pad and gently wipe over the entire face, neck, and décolleté. Do not rinse. After applying the Hydrating Toner, apply your serums and then moisturizers. You can use this astringent morning and evening as well as during the day.
Summary for Face Toner vs Astringent
Toners are waTer based.
Astringents are typically Alcohol-based.
If you have dry skin, use a toner. Oily skin you might try an astringent.
Witch Hazel is a common ingredient in Astringents and Toners for the many benefits witch hazel has.
Check out goPure Beauty’s Hydrating toner for mature and / or dry skin types.