Lotion and tonic: what’s the difference

There are questions that cause endless debate between beauty connoisseurs. Among them – how important is the use of lotion and tonic and is there a difference between these two products. Let’s try to figure it out.

What is face lotion

Today, when the beauty dictionary is constantly updated with new names, the era of an unprecedented variety of cosmetics and the accompanying global confusion is coming. This also applies to lotions and tonics.

According to experts, there is no particular difference between modern tonics and lotions.

Traditional lotion, as explains Alexander Prokofiev, medical expert of La Roche-Posay brand, was a water-alcohol solution and was most often intended for oily skin care. Such products include, for example, lotion Effaclar La Roche-Posay, which is used for additional skin cleansing.

Lotions and tonics usually complete the skin cleansing procedure.

The cleansing mission is also confirmed by the etymology of the word lotion, which comes from the Latin root “lotio”, meaning “washing, washing.” In this regard, lotions are traditionally found in the men’s beauty routine in the aftershave category.

However, today the labeling “lotion” does not necessarily mean the presence of alcohol in the composition. For example, it is not in the aftershave lotion for sensitive skin “Hydra Sensitive, L’Oréal Paris.

It is interesting that at one time this term took root in cosmetic use so much that gradually lotions began to be called products from completely different categories, which have a liquid texture of emulsions, milk. For example, moisturizing lotion for normal and dry skin of the face and body CeraVe.

And among the funds Normaderm, Vichy there is a micellar make-up remover, i.e. a product with which the skin cleansing process begins.

So look at the purpose of the product and its composition, no matter how it is called. And choose the one that suits you.

What is a facial tonic

The task of the tonic is to restore the optimal pH level of the skin.

Tonic is a special solution designed to restore the pH of the skin and improve its tone. But it also has other features:

  • completion of the purification process;

  • preparing the skin for subsequent care;

  • toning;

  • additional action included in the formula by the manufacturer (moisturizing, smoothing, matting).

The global confusion in beauty terms has not bypassed the tonic either: today tonics are often confused with tonics. And this is in the literal sense of the word translation difficulties, since both of them are called “toner” in English. Read more about this here.

Main differences

And lotion, and tonic, choose, focusing on your skin type.

If we talk about the difference between lotion and tonic, then our expert Alexander Prokofiev I don’t see much difference between these products. The main thing is to select care according to the type of skin and its needs and use it according to the instructions.

Garnier brand expert Marina Kamanina believes that the lotion is a more general purpose product, it can cleanse the face of makeup and impurities, or it can simply refresh it, depending on the concentration of surfactants in the formula. Tonic is a product that also usually contains active cleansing ingredients, but in a lower concentration. Its function is to complete the cleansing step that was performed with the help of milk or washing gel.

What is better to choose: lotion or tonic

There are no hard and fast rules or requirements. Whatever the name of your favorite product to complete your facial cleansing routine, use it to your health.

Among lotions and tonics, there are cleansing, moisturizing, and regenerating products.

Indeed, to this day, lotion is more common in ranges for oily or problem skin, but tonic can also be designed for this type of skin. In a word, look for your product, focusing on the characteristics of your skin.

Among lotions and tonics you can find:

  • cleansing and toning – they may include water, plant extracts, alcohol (although not always);

  • moisturizing and nourishing – the formula of such products may consist of water and moisturizing components (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plant extracts);

  • soothing;

  • brightening and leveling tone;

  • restoring;

  • exfoliating – usually tonics of this class contain AHA- and BHA- acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, etc.), they are aimed at renewing skin cells. And lotions with glycolic and lactic acid also perfectly moisturize the skin.

When choosing exfoliating tonics and lotions, it is worth considering the type and condition of the skin.

  1. For oily and combination skin It is better to choose products with salicylic acid.

  2. For dry and sensitive – with glycolic and lactic acids.

Instructions for use

There are many ways to use lotions and tonics.

You can apply tonics and lotions in different ways:

  • soaking a cotton pad;

  • spraying directly on the skin, if the bottle is equipped with a spray bottle, then the product is distributed over the face with your fingers.

The frequency with which these drugs are used is also important. For example:

  1. cleansing and moisturizing tonics can be used several times a day, but usually immediately after cleansing;

  2. exfoliating tonics are used no more than 2-3 times a week, but for more accurate information, read the instructions.

Overview of the best funds

The Healthy-Food editors recommend several tonics and lotions that they consider to be the most effective.

Lotions

Lotion for oily and problem skin Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, Kiehl’s

Suitable for oily and problem skin. The composition of the product includes camphor and menthol. Recommended for men to use after shaving.

Pore-tightening cleansing lotion Normaderm, Vichy

Perfectly tightens pores and promotes exfoliation thanks to salicylic and glycolic acids. It also contains moisturizing glycerin.

Absolue Rose 80 Revitalizing Moisturizing Lotion, Lancôme

Moisturizes and improves complexion, preparing the skin for further care. Contains precious rose extract.

Tonics

Moisturizing tonic for dry skin Biosource, Biotherm

Tonic perfectly copes with pollution and is suitable for dry skin. Moisturizes and promotes healthy skin radiance.

Cleansing tonic against blackheads and oily sheen “Clean Skin”, Garnier

Tonic formula with salicylic acid and purifying zinc helps to eliminate blackheads and shine, mattifying the skin and tightening pores.

Refreshing tonic for all skin types Equalizing Toner, SkinCeuticals

The product refreshes the face and maintains a physiological pH balance, gently removing impurities and visibly softening the skin. Contains herbal ingredients: witch hazel water, extracts of thyme flowers and leaves, chamomile extract.

Make-up remover for dry and sensitive skin “Absolute tenderness”, L’Oréal Paris

Tonic with rose and jasmine extracts soothes, softens the skin, makes it more velvety.

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