Beauty 101: The Subtle Differences Between Toners and Tonics
Spoiler alert: You’ll want to include both into your skincare routine.
The skincare industry is definitely an exciting one to watch, with new formulas and product innovations popping up faster than ever. Lines are starting to blur and the differences between skincare steps are getting harder to distinguish. For this quick beauty primer, we’re going to talk about toners and tonics—what they’re for, the difference between the two, and why you might want to incorporate both into your regimen.
Toners vs. Tonics
Before we get into what sets them apart, let’s talk about what makes them similar. Both toners and tonics are very lightweight liquids that are used after cleansing your face and before applying your heavier serums and moisturizers. They are usually used with cotton rounds, but can also be patted in using your hands. They are also both used for prepping the skin—helping you get the most out of your skincare routine.
Here’s where they differ:
Toners, on one hand, can mainly be classified as part of your cleansing routine—that last cleansing step to help get all the remaining residue after washing with a facial wash or oil balm. They often come with exfoliating ingredients, such as AHAs and BHAs, to help get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and sebum left inside your pores. They prep the skin by removing anything that could potentially hinder your skincare from sinking into the skin.
Tonics, on the other hand, are classifiable under your moisturizing routine—the very first step to getting your skin plump, healthy, and moisturized. Sometimes called “essences” or “lotions,” they often come with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. A tonic basically preps the skin for the succeeding steps by giving it an initial shot of hydration, similar to how products sink into damp sponges better than dry ones.
Now that we know the difference, can we use both toners and tonics at the same time? Yes, you most definitely can. There is no problem with skipping a step—you can choose to just use a toner or just use a tonic, but there’s also no harm in using both. Try ending your cleansing routine with a toner using a cotton round, and then patting on a tonic using your hands to hydrate your skin before applying your serums.
Here’s a rundown of a few of our favorite toners and tonics you could add into your skincare routine today:
Perfect for those with acne-prone and oily skin, Infracyte Cyto Refine is a purifying toner that uses a combination of tea tree oil, salicylic acid, antioxidants and botanicals to remove deep seated sebum inside your pores, reducing your pores’ appearance and ultimately preventing and remedying breakouts on the skin.
This refreshing toner—ideal for those with normal and combination skin types— sweeps away impurities while restoring the skin’s natural pH balance. Plus, it features a blend of unique botanical extracts, like aloe vera and other herbs to soften and soothe the skin.
Does your skin feel dry, weak, and sensitized? The ZO Balatone Toner soothes skin with its gentle cooling action and infuses it with lightweight hydration to help support skin barrier function. Despite being extremely gentle, it uses a unique combination of solvents, astringents and exfoliants to thoroughly clear and cleanse the skin.
The ZO Oil Control Pads are specially textured cotton rounds that conveniently come pre-soaked in toner. A combination of exfoliating acids work to decongest pores, reduce breakouts and brighten post-acne marks. Get ready for it to target your skin’s excess oil to mattify your skin and minimize the appearance of your pores.
Formulated for all skin types, the Evenswiss Facial Tonic infuses your skin with Vitamin E to help nourish and hydrate it for tighter and firmer looking skin. It also contains antibiotic, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and healing properties, protecting the skin against environmental stressors, and reducing lines and wrinkles.
Recommended for sensitive skin types and those prone to rosacea, this formula is designed for gentle daily cleansing—removing makeup, washing away impurities, and soothing reactive skin while also helping maintain a healthy pH level. It features Herculane Thermal Water, which has been proven to calm the complexion as it hydrates.
Exfoliating Lotion: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
A cult favorite in the beauty world, this multifunctional lotion exfoliates, cleanses, and purifies skin while also balancing the pH level and delivering hydration. It’s the perfect “prep” product before skincare, and is a cornerstone of the Biologique Recherche routine. Also available: the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50T, a newer version of the classic P50 that features a slightly higher pH level, and is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive, oily, and dehydrated skin.
Brightening Lotion: Biologique Recherche P50 PIGM 400
Suited for those struggling with uneven skin tone, sun damage, or signs of hyperpigmentation, this vitamin-enriched exfoliating lotion purifies skin and works to brighten and fade dark spots and blemishes over time.
Whether you choose to use a toner or a tonic (or both), always remember that the important thing is that you’re choosing to take care of your skin. Skincare is self-care, and you should be proud of yourself for choosing to take care of yourself today.
For customized skin care recommendations, you can book a virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. (Book now until August 31 to get 33% off virtual consultations!) You can also inquire at the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center via (+63) 999-887-1944. The center will be temporarily closed, however, during the MECQ period.
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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:
 Froika Hyaluronic Tonic Lotion, P1,900 |
 Froika Hyaluronic Cleansing Lotion, P1,900 |
 Ivatherm Lotion Micellaire, P1,100 |
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