Toner, aka tonic lotions, are mysterious skincare treatments. Sometimes, they’re integrated in routines without knowing what they really do. If you wonder what is the point of using a tonic lotion, you’ve come to the right place. At one point, in our skincare life, we also had the same questions. We found answers and here they are.
What is a toner?
Toner or tonic lotion is a product you use between cleansing and moisturising. Formulated with water, it’s liquid. It can come with a spray, a pump or a simple hole. Choose your weapon.
What does it do?
Many things! Different types of toner exist. Overall, they usually purify the skin, reduce excess sebum and refresh the skin. They leave your skin (really) clean.
You can find toner for any skin needs. Some have a soothing effect, great for sensitive skin. Others are astringent which is great for oily skin as it reduces pores size. Some even moisturise, and dry skin will love this.
A toner is key for one thing: getting your skin rid of minerals found in water, especially limestone. Hard water, caused by high presence of limestone, can irritate skin and dry it out. Your skin is better off.
Finally, a toner lotion preps your skin for its moisturiser. It will work better because your skin is cleaner.
How to use it?
Super simple. After cleaning your face, soak a cotton pad with the toner and then massage your face. When a toner has a spray, you can apply it directly to your face and use your hand. It will remove all the impurities contained in water. Apply your moisturiser afterwards.
When to use it?
After cleaning your face and before your moisturiser. It can be used in the morning and/or in the evening. In the morning, it gets rid of excess sebum produced during your night. In the evening, it provides a deeper cleansing. That simple. An urban legend says you have to use your toner within 1 minute after cleaning your face. This sounds too complicated.
What a (good) toner is made of?
Water, first. It’s the reason it’s so watery (yes). Toners can include alcohol, especially when they have an astringent benefit. If you’re looking for this claim, bear in mind that not all alcohol are made equal, pretty much like for booze. Not all are good, not all are bad. Look for naturally-derived denat alcohol and fatty alcohols. The latter can be beneficial for your skin, even for sensitive ones. Avoid at all costs synthetic alcohol denat. They dry the hell out of the skin. On the label, they’re written “Alcohol Denat.”.
The Horace Tonic Lotion, who is it for?
Our toner is called Tonic Lotion. We like it better. So our Tonic Lotion is great for oily skin. It reduces excess sebum, purifies the skin. It refreshes and soothes at the same time. Which is super nice to start or end your day. Finally, it rebalances your skin pH to make it by nature less oily.
It comes with a spray. We find it more practical. You can apply it directly to your face or use a cotton pad. Like with all skincare products, be patient and persistent. Effects will come immediately and will improve with time.
Enjoy your Tonic Lotion!