Toner and tonic: what’s the difference

Is there a difference between tonic and toner, and which is better? Can I use tonic instead of toner, and vice versa? Now let’s figure it out.

What is a 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 else can be said about him?

  • The tonic removes the remnants of cosmetics, foams or washing gels (if we didn’t wash ourselves well enough).

  • As a rule, the remedy is selected according to the type of skin.

  • The consistency is similar to water.

  • The composition is based on cleansing and matting components.

  • The formula may contain alcohol.

  • Apply to the face with a cotton pad.

Answer our quiz and find out which tonic you need.

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What is toner

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

  • It has a fairly thick texture.

  • Applied by hand.

  • Moisturizes, soothes.

  • Contains nutrients and hydrants.

  • Alcohol and drying components are absent in its composition.

The task of the toner is to prevent dehydration of the skin.

However, the toner has several varieties. Elena Alekseeva, an expert of the Biotherm brand, explains:

  1. «Freshener toner close in texture to tonic, has a refreshing effect, applied after tonic with a cotton pad, may contain a small amount of alcohol.

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

  3. Toner has a dense gel-like texture, it is also applied with fingertips with patting movements. Rich in nutrients. Depending on the type of skin, the toner can be applied in different ways. For example, on dry skin – with your fingertips, on oily skin – with a cotton pad.

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Main differences

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

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

  • tonics, usually addressed greasy, problematic, combination skin.

  • Toners found in lines for dry and sensitive skin.

  • In classic toners never does not include alcohol.

  • 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 tonic and toner

Composition

Consistency

Action

How to apply

Toner

Water, hydrating agents (mainly glycerin), oils, emollients, soothing flower extracts, fatty alcohols. Alcohol is usually absent.

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

Moisturizes, normalizes the pH of the skin, soothes.

Hands

Tonic

Water, extracts of herbs and plants, matting and astringent components, menthol, camphor, acids and alcohol may be present.

Liquid like water.

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

With a cotton pad.

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Funds overview

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

Tonic for all skin types Tonique Douceur, Lancôme

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

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

Removes make-up residue while moisturizing and soothing the skin.

Face tonic “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 tonic Ultra Facial Toner, Kiehl’s

Soft alcohol-free tonic 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 tonic 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 sheen, for oily and combination skin, Garnier

Contains alcohol, salicylic acid, eucalyptus extract, which means it keeps oily sheen 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 hydrators to avoid overdrying the skin.

Lotion to narrow the pores Effaclar, La Roche-Posay

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

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Popular related questions

Can toner and toner be used together?

Yes, you can, if you want, only in such a situation, the tonic is used first, then the toner. The general principle of applying cosmetics: from lighter to denser textures.

How many layers of toner should be applied, what is the meaning of the “7 layers” rule?

Korean multi-step care also includes 7 layers of toner. That is, after washing and tonic, toner is applied, after absorption, another layer is applied, etc. Is it necessary? Of course not. Is there any reason? Many people compare it to the effect of a good moisturizing mask. But even after 7 layers, the cream and sun protection are not canceled.

Do I need to rinse out the toner?

Toner is essentially the first skin care product you apply to your skin after cleansing. Rinse off the toner (however, like the tonic) is not necessary. Read more about toners here.

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