What is the best astringent in 2022?

If you grew up in the 90s or before, you've probably used astringents. They used to be ultrapotent alcohol-based formulas made to remove all the oil from your skin, ostensibly to keep it away from pimples and blackheads.

However, most astringents are no longer the harsh, irritating products we once knew. In fact, some formulations of this product can be a great addition to your skin care routine, especially if you're prone to excess oil.

Aggressive ingredients that you used to see in astringent formulas, such as alcohol, have been replaced by other more natural actives that do not cause damage to your skin. Read on to understand what you should look for in an astringent and know the best ones on the market.

The 10 best astringents of 2022

How to choose the best astringent

Astringent is an important part of our skin care routine, but if we buy one that doesn't suit our skin type, the results can be more damaging than not using it at all.

First, consider your skin type. Oily or combination skin requires an astringent. Astringents contain fantastic ingredients, such as aloe vera and salicylic acid, that not only remove excess oil, but also prevent acne and blemishes.

On the other hand, dry or sensitive skin will benefit from water-based and alcohol-free tonics. Read on to find out which astringent you should use and which ingredients to prioritize when making your choice.

Choose the best component of an astringent according to your needs

Ingredients are key when it comes to choosing the best astringent. That means you have oily, acne-prone skin, look for astringents that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, salicylic or lactic acids.

These components are chemical exfoliants that help to gently remove dead skin and reduce oil. Aloe vera and melaleuca oil can also be helpful as they are suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

For dry skin, on the other hand, using a moisturizing astringent that contains ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid would be more beneficial, as well as other soothing ingredients that can leave skin looking healthy.

Salicylic acid: fights oiliness and unclogs pores

Salicylic acid is a common ingredient found in skin care products, but many people don't know what this ingredient is or how it benefits the skin. To understand the overall benefits of salicylic acid, it is first important to learn what salicylic acid is.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that belongs to the salicylate drug class. It is an ideal ingredient for deep exfoliation of the skin, especially to diminish the appearance of blackheads and pimples.

In addition to its other notable benefits, this component is also a highly effective astringent that can minimize the appearance of pores by tightening the skin and reducing skin oil. By minimizing the appearance of pores and tightening the skin, salicylic acid can give skin a youthful and smooth appearance.

Aloe Vera: gentle action for sensitive skin

Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing properties. It can come in powder, liquid and gel form and can be found in products such as creams, moisturizers, gels, masks and astringents.

Aloe is rich in vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides and phytosterols, so it has all these great, soothing properties. Plus, it has vitamins A, C, D and E, and it also has minerals, like zinc, potassium and magnesium, so it's really a rich extract that can be used for a variety of uses.

When it comes to its actual skin benefits, it can soothe and moisturize the skin; increase collagen; prevent UV and gamma radiation damage; stimulate elastin fibers, increasing skin elasticity - resulting in fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

Melaleuca oil: bactericidal and healing

Melaleuca oil has soothing quality, reduces itching and irritation on the skin. It cools and soothes the skin providing a moisturized skin. It also helps to cure infections that cause itchy skin.

Moreover, the anti-inflammatory quality of this essential oil helps to soothe irritated skin. It also reduces redness and swelling. However, instead of using pure tree oil, it is always advisable to apply it with a carrier to treat inflammation.

Melaleuca oil is also effective in treating acne because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It also prevents and reduces acne scars, leaving the skin smooth and clear.

Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant

For one thing, vitamin C promotes the production of collagen, which has the potential to thicken the dermis, diminish fine lines and is essential for firm, youthful skin. In addition, vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it protects skin cells from harmful free radicals caused by UV exposure.

It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and increase skin radiance. Finally, vitamin C helps repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss, encouraging healthy cell renewal and regeneration.

Vitamin B5 and seaweed: moisturize the skin

In general, B vitamins are essential ingredients in skin care. This is because they are stable and are also rich in antioxidants, which helps keep skin protected from free radicals and therefore younger.

These properties make topical vitamin B products suitable for face creams, gels and astringents and also for body creams, especially for dry or eczema-prone skin.

Seaweed, on the other hand, is said to be able to help with congestion (clogged pores), pigmentation and hydration. They are high in amino acids (the building blocks of protein, which are important for collagen and elastin in the skin) and a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, which promote healthy skin cells.

Check if the astringent is specific for your skin type

There are several types of astringents, and the differences in each are usually the ingredients, so consider your skin type and the components of the products first when choosing an astringent.

Products with natural ingredients like aloe vera, melaleuca oil and seaweed are commonly used to remove excess oil without over-drying the skin.

On the other hand, astringents to treat acne contain ingredients like citric acid and salicylic acid, which help clear pores of dirt and oils that can lead to pimples and blackheads.

They can be used as a preventative and gentle treatment for existing acne. Those with a stronger astringency can cause skin irritation, so choose wisely.

Avoid alcohol and parabens to avoid damaging the skin

If you want to avoid adverse reactions, check the product label for alcohol before adding a new astringent to your skincare routine.

Fatty alcohols are not bad as they help absorb and hold moisture, but simple alcohols dry and damage most skin types, especially those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin.

So, when in doubt, look for mild ingredients, and avoid alcohol if it is present in the formulation. Also, opt for hypoallergenic formulations. Finally, fragrances, synthetic extracts, sulfates and parabens should also be avoided, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Check the cost-effectiveness of large or small packages according to your needs

Before choosing the best astringent you need to consider its package size. To do this, you will need to answer the following questions: how much product will you use with each application? How often will the product be used? How long is its shelf life?

These are all issues that should be considered when deciding on the size of astringent. Only after analyzing this, you can then look for properly sized containers to match the volume of the desired product.

Don't forget to check if the manufacturer performs animal testing

Cruelty-free or cruelty-free products claim not to harm animals. Because testing cosmetics on animals can cause harm or even kill the animals, products that practice animal testing are not cruelty-free. The phrase originated in the 1950s as part of the animal rights movement, and became popular in the 1970s.

Despite these labels being popular or coveted, millions of animals are killed each year when animal testing goes wrong. It is also estimated that eight million are used in experiments that cause animals pain, and about 10% of these creatures are not given painkillers as part of the process.

Therefore, cruelty-free products, or the idea behind them, seek to take animal testing out of the cosmetics equation.

The 10 best astringents to buy in 2022

Astringents may seem optional, but they're actually super helpful. After you're done cleansing, it goes into double action leaving your skin even cleaner and preparing and soothing it for the next step in your skincare routine.

This means that whatever the active ingredients in your favorite products are, the astringent will ensure that they are better absorbed. There are several products suitable for different skin types, so read on and check out a full ranking of the best astringents available on the market.

Avon Clearskin Astringent Facial Toner

Clean, hydrated and oil-free skin

Avon Clearskin Astringent Facial Toner is a lotion indicated for those with oily skin or acne. It cleans and tones the skin, penetrating into the pores, removing excess oiliness and traces of impurities, without drying the skin.

It has in its formula salicylic acid, which promotes skin cleansing, controls oiliness without drying it up. Besides containing chamomile extract that soothes and refreshes the skin, it also has aloe vera extract that has healing and moisturizing function.

By the way, these actives are excellent for acneic skin, because they remove dead cells and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Provides a feeling of refreshment, dry skin without oiliness and clean . Not indicated for very sensitive skin because it can cause burning or irritation. Contains a mild fragrance.

Depil Bella Mint Astringent Lotion

Clean and greaseless skin for much longer

Depil Bella Astringent Lotion Mint is indicated for all skin types. Its formula is enriched with calendula extract and mint. In addition, this lotion removes excessive oiliness of the skin, leaving it ready to receive the waxing process.

The actives present in the composition of this lotion have as function to facilitate the adherence of the depilatory wax on the skin. The calendula has bactericidal function, astringent and antiseptic, it moisturizes, tones and soothes the skin . In turn, the mint extract, besides having a mild aroma, promotes a refreshing sensation and helps to heal and calm irritated skin or inflamed.

This lotion provides refreshing action, a clean, purified, greaseless skin for much longer, as well as resistant to the damage caused by shaving or waxing. It can be used on the face and body.

Astringent Facial Lotion Nupill Derme Control

Regenerates the skin and accelerates the healing of acne

The Astringent Facial Lotion Nupill Derme Control is indicated for combination and oily skin. It prepares the skin toning it and leaving it ready for application of the gel or cream facial treatment as needed skin. It also removes oiliness preventing the appearance of blackheads and pimples.

Its formulation contains anti-inflammatory and healing properties that mitigate the pain and signs caused by acne. In addition, the assets found in its formula such as aloe vera, help retain skin moisture leaving it balanced, regenerate and accelerate the healing of acne.

This astringent also has salicylic acid that helps control oiliness, protects and prevents contamination caused by fungi and bacteria that cause acne. Its use results in a toned, protected skin, free of impurities and with controlled oiliness.

Actine Astringent Lotion Darrow

Healthy skin with long-lasting matte effect

Actine Astringent Lotion Darrow is indicated for all skin types. It reduces the size of pores without clogging them, besides controlling oiliness on the skin, leaving it shine-free with prolonged matte effect. In addition, this lotion stimulates cell recovery, leaving skin healthy and dry.

Its formula contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, witch hazel water and alpha bisabolol. This composition leaves skin clean, with a healthy appearance due to the action of exfoliants , soothes and leaves skin hydrated and soft.

It can be used without restriction because it does not irritate the skin, because it has no alcohol in its formulation. This lotion promotes the removal of impurities and in a deeper way where soaps can not clean. Its texture is oil free, is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

Refreshing and Whitening Toner Himalaya

Clean, soft and radiant skin

Himalaya Refreshing and Brightening Toner is suitable for all skin types. It controls excess oil on the skin and removes impurities, acne and pimples from normal and combination skin without drying the skin. In addition, this toner removes dead skin cells and tones the face.

Himalayan tonic is composed of natural ingredients such as jasmine, lemon, lime, lentil and Boerhavia root extract. Lentil deeply cleanses pores, lime helps reduce pores and refreshes, and Boerhavia root extract controls excessive oil secretion leaving skin clean, smooth and radiant.

Its formula free of liquid petroleum and its by-products, parabens, phthalates and synthetic substances. Contains no alcohol and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

Adcos Acne Solution Drying Tonic

It has anti-inflammatory, soothing and moisturizing action

Adcos Acne Solution Drying Tonic is indicated for oily skin with acne. It was developed to control oiliness and fight acne. Its composition has a drying and anti-inflammatory action that speeds up the healing process, avoiding stains on the face, besides balancing pH and fighting free radicals.

It is indicated for all skin types. It contains hamamelis extract and has astringent, antiseptic and antisseborrheic properties. It also has lactobionic acid which has antioxidant, moisturizing, rejuvenating and healing function, besides providing softness to the skin; finally, it contains HDA Complex with drying action and sebum production control.

This tonic refreshes and purifies the skin and also provides protection to the collagen . In addition to having a light texture, it is free of fragrances, dyes and parabens, which minimizes the risk of allergies and irritation.

Nivea Astringent Facial Tonic Shine Control

Sensation of refreshed and deeply cleansed skin

Nivea Astringent Facial Toner Shine Control is indicated for combination and oily skin. This astringent with matte effect, has a formula that removes impurities and makeup residues that were not removed completely by soap, and deeply tones the skin.

It prepares skin for hydration, finishes cleansing by unclogging pores. Contains in its formula Marine Algae, Vitamin B5 and Panthenol that controls sebum production, reducing and controlling oiliness.

This tonic removes and cleans impurities, renews the skin, reduces and controls oiliness . It is formulated without alcohol which does not cause irritation. It can be used before makeup , because it leaves the skin with matte effect without drying it, and leaves the skin looking healthy.

The Body Shop Marine Algae Purifying Facial Toner

Purified, fresh and shine-free skin

The Body Shop Seaweed Facial Purifying Toner is indicated for combination and oily skin. It is a purifying and alcohol-free tonic that instantly cleanses the skin and removes all traces of makeup.

This tonic also leaves skin fresh, shine-free and better prepared to absorb moisturizing products. It has cucumber extract with refreshing astringent action, menthol and glycerin which is a water-soluble moisturizer.

It prepares the skin to receive all other products and deeply cleanses the pores, removing excess oil and daily impurities, leaving the skin feeling fresh. It does not irritate the skin and cleanses without drying. It has a mild and refreshing fragrance.

Normaderm Astringent Tonic Vichy

Matified and impurities-free skin

Vichy Normaderm Astringent Tonic is indicated for oily skin and acne prone skin. Its function is to cleanse and tone the skin, reduce oiliness, minimize pores and mattify the skin. Provides a more regular skin relief, eliminates impurities and rebalances the pH of the face.

Its formula has compounds that offer a peeling effect and a calming and purifying action. It has the following assets in its composition: Thermal Water Vichy, which has calming, antioxidant and fortifying action; Glycolic Acid, which has exfoliating action, leaving it silkier, stimulates the synthesis of collagen, delaying skin aging; and Salicylic Acid, which helps reduce theoiliness of the skin and prevents against acne.

It has a liquid texture, ultra refreshing and non-greasy and its fragrance is mild and refreshing.

Facial Toner Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hell Pore Clean Up AHA Fruit

Powerful tonic with natural ingredients

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hell Pore Clean Up AHA Fruit Facial Toner is suitable for dry skin. This multipurpose cleanser provides cleansing of impurities, tones the skin and gently removes dead skin cells from the skin's surface.

Its formula contains premium fruit extracts, and BHA and AHA, sea cucumber extract, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, argan seed oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil and seaweed extract. These natural oils associated with seaweed extract remove dead skin and moisturize at the same time leaving skin clean and renewed.

This tonic is to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize the skin thoroughly. It has 3.5 pH acidity to match the acidity of the skin, making it healthier.

Other information about astringent

The best face and body astringents are a great addition to your skincare routine, especially if you wear heavy makeup or have oily skin.

These products offer additional cleaning after washing by removing excess oil and cleaning pores, while providing protection by preventing clogged pores and making it harder for dirt to penetrate.

Also, astringents help restore the pH balance of our skin that gets unbalanced after washing with regular soaps, creating a higher chance of excess oil production. Here's how to use these products below.

How to use astringent properly

Astringents should be used right after a thorough washing of the face. However, it is a completely personal preference whether you apply the product with your hands and spread it directly on the skin, or soak a cotton sponge and gently disperse it.

In addition, many dermatologists recommend applying the astringent morning and evening. To increase the effectiveness of the product, wait five minutes after application before continuing the rest of your skin care routine. This will prevent you from neutralizing the acids with other products before they have a chance to work.

Difference between tonic and astringent

In short, toner is a water-based skin care product. It is primarily used to remove residues of makeup and cleansers that may be left on the skin after washing the face.

Astringents are also water-based skin care products that are used for the same purpose. However, the main difference between an astringent and a toner is that astringents are also formulated to remove excess oil from the skin.

You may want the benefits of a specific toning product and also a product to remove excess oil. Try using the astringent in the morning and the toner at night. Or you can apply the astringent first and let it dry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, before finishing by spritzing a toner on top.

Other skin products

To get the best results when using astringent, you need to keep two things in mind: the combination with other skincare products and the frequency in which you apply the product.

For example, an astringent especially one with a moisturizing or moisture-binding effect can be used daily in liquid, serum or essence form after cleansing to ensure that the entire layer is prepared to receive the next level treatment products such as moisturizer or sunscreen.

But be careful not to overdo the use of astringents, because they can reduce the acid mantle and disrupt the pH balance, and induce more oil production due to over-drying, so it is important to monitor the use and the resulting effects on the skin.

Choose the best astringent according to your needs

Lastly, it is important to find the best astringent for your skin type, otherwise, you may not get the full benefits of this product for your skin. And as you have seen, there are a few things that you need to consider before buying this product, which can make the process difficult for those who are not sure what they need.

So, to help with the buying process, stick to all the information you've read in this guide to find the best tonics for your skincare routine.