Are Toners and Tonics the Same?

Toners and tonics are related beauty products in that they are typically always a runny liquid, what differentiates them is their individual purpose and ingredients. They are both used after the first initial cleanse, where a cleansing milk or face wash is used. Generally, the job of a toner is to remove the last traces of cleanser, clear and shrink pores, condition and tone skin, plus prepare it for the facial products used after cleansing; such as serums, oils and moisturisers. A tonic on the other hand usually has a more specialised purpose, such as being an exfoliating tonic, or a hydrating tonic.

At Nakin we have a toner and a tonic in our natural face products range and they have different primary functions. A toner and an exfoliator serve distinct purposes in skincare, targeting different aspects of maintaining healthy skin. Toners are always liquid products designed to remove any traces of makeup, dirt, or oil left behind after cleansing, while also helping to restore the skin's natural balance. They are often infused with hydrating or soothing ingredients and prepare the skin for further treatments like serums or moisturisers.

On the other hand, exfoliators are formulated to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell renewal, leading to smoother and brighter skin. At Nakin we have a modern high performing tonic form, but many older varieties are physical, containing small granules to manually buff the skin The tonics use ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve dead skin cells. While toners can be used twice daily, exfoliators should generally be used less frequently to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation.

If you are looking for a toner and a tonic then we have our Nakin Purifying Face Toner and Nakin Exfoliating Radiance Tonic.

Are Toners and Tonics the Same?

Toners and tonics, while often confused due to their similar names, serve distinct purposes in skincare and wellness routines. Toners are primarily skincare products designed to cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and restore the skin's natural balance after cleansing. They are typically water-based and may contain ingredients like astringents, hydrating agents, or antioxidants. On the other hand, tonics generally refer to more rejuvenating invigorating elixirs, such as exfoliation treatments, or a product used to support the overall health and well-being of skin. Often herbal or nutrient-rich, tonics are consumed to promote vitality, boost energy, or address specific skin concerns. While both contribute to self-care, their applications and benefits can differ significantly. 

Another product that has been popping up a lot in recent years is an essence. These started in Korea and have become more popular across the world. We would say that essences are more similar to toners than tonics are, but there are a lot of tonics that are also essences. As we said before each facial product will have distinct functions and properties for the skin, so the key is to pick one that is suited to the purpose you need it for. At Nakin we formulate all of our face products to be as multi-purpose as possible, and this is why our Nakin Purifying Face Toner is so good for skin and combines many of the benefits of an excellent toner, as well as the properties of tonics and essences. For an exfoliator you can use our Nakin Exfoliating Radiance Tonic which is a more intense anti-ageing product, in a liquid form.

If you like to spend a lot of time on your skincare routine then you can use all three products, as long as the toner, tonic and essence do not have any warnings about this. Most natural face products will not as they combine easily with other skincare and have less conflicts for the skin, especially when it comes to sensitivity. Having said this, many tonics can contain powerful cleansing actives and might be the only step needed after the initial cleanse. Natural face products tend to cause less disruption to the skin barrier, leaving skin comforted and thriving, without the sting of some conventional face products.

If you are unsure about a product, then read the product description carefully to check that it will meet your needs. We also recommend reading the ingredients list as this gives a good idea as to the active ingredients within it, plus how natural a product is. At Nakin we are huge advocates of natural anti-ageing skincare and whether or not a product is a toner or a tonic, we always recommend going for a natural option. Natural toners and tonics tend to be much kinder to skin and help to keep it looking fresh and youthful holistically.

We hope that you found our feature helpful explaining how toners and tonics differ. In today’s modern skincare regimes many face products such as Nakin’s offer so many benefits for skin, so in this instance our toner could easily be labelled as a tonic or essence. This is the same with all of our face products and we have a complete collection of skincare, which includes the products below.

• Discover our award-winning natural anti-ageing face treatments.
• Discover our award-winning natural anti-ageing moisturisers.
• Discover our award-winning natural anti-ageing eye cream.
• Discover our award-winning natural anti-ageing lip care.
• See our full range of natural anti-ageing products, with everything needed in an effective face care routine.

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