Do you really need a facial toner?
It's an often asked question of skin care professionals: "Is toner really necessary?"
In a word, yes.
I think that some people are skeptical of trying toners because they associate toner with the old SD alcohol-based astringents that used to strip skin and leave it feeling tight and dry. Many toners out there still have some less than stellar ingredients, but that's not what we're talking about.
Let's compare popular facial toners:
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 is one of the best-selling products on the market, but have you ever taken a look at the ingredients in this product, which is marketed toward those with "dry or combination" skin?
Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau , Alcohol Denat. , Glycerin , Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) , Menthol , Acetyl Glucosamine , Trehalose , Sodium Hyaluronate , Butylene Glycol , Sodium Bicarbonate , Red 6 (Ci 15850) , Red 33 (Ci 17200) , Ext. Violet 2 (Ci 60730)
This toner is a mix of water, a stripping alcohol (Alcohol Denat), menthol (harsh for facial use) and artificial dyes. While it does have a form of Hyaluronic Acid and glycerin, the majority of ingredients are quite harsh.
Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion is a toner described as one which will be soothing to the skin. What is in it?
Ingredients: Aqua (Water, Eau), Isopropyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract,Polysorbate 20, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Chloride, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1), Citronellol,Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
While there is, indeed, cucumber fruit extract, water, rubbing alcohol and propylene glycol make up a large portion of the formula. There are also artificial colors and fragrance.
Let's look at a toner with benefits.
A good toner will be free of harsh ingredients artificial colors or fragrance and actually serves a purpose to the skin. Toner is an essential step in your skin care routine.
Toner helps to remove any traces of makeup left behind after cleansing. A well-formulated toner can also restore the skin’s pH.
Benefits of Seed Advanced Botanicals Toner:
- Refreshes with aromatic plant distillates
- After cleansing, our toner balances your skin's pH prior to moisturizing
- Ultra-clean feel
- Cleanses any remaining make-up
- Soothes and calms skin
- "One-Touch" dispenser conserves product, keeps out germs and air
- Available in Lemon Balm or Cucumber
After cleansing, use a cotton ball or cotton pad and dispense toner onto it. Swipe across the skin and apply moisturizer.
What ingredients are in Seed Advanced Botanicals Toner?
Lemon Balm: Aqua (Water), Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Distillate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativis (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone.
Cucumber: Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Distillate, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone.
As you can see, we just use the good stuff. You will not find drying alcohols, fragrance, colorants or any unnecessary ingredients. You -- and your skin -- deserve the best!
Seed Tip:
Tip for a hot day: toner chilled in the fridge feels amazing on the skin!
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