Is there a difference between micellar water and toner?

Beauty

February 10, 2023

Author: Doré

Beauty

February 10, 2023

Is there a difference between micellar water and toner?

Author: Doré

The short answer is, yes, there is! What’s micellar water? We’re exploring both micellar water and toner, and what exactly makes them different skincare products.What is Micellar Water?Is micellar water a toner? No, micellar water is an oil and water emulsion that acts as a cleanser. Micellar water has properties (specifically micelles) that gently remove impurities, makeup and excess oil from the skin. Micelles float freely in the water and help to attract dirt and oil. Since they are a magnet for dirt and oil, micellar water cleanses the skin without scrubbing. Micelles are so gentle and hydrating to the skin that there is no need to rinse afterwards, or cleanse the skin with an additional cleanser.What is Toner?Toner is a product that is applied after cleansing. Toners contain ingredients to address specific skin problems such as dry skin, acne, etc. There are a plethora of toners on the market that target a wide range of skin concerns and different formulations of toners help to balance the pH of skin after cleansing. By re-balancing the pH of the skin, toners help to strengthen the skin barrier, allowing problematic skin to get back on track.So, what's the difference?So micellar water v. toner. What’s the difference? Micellar waters cleanse your skin and are to be used as a first step in your skincare routine, while toners restore a pH balance to the skin, and can be used after the skin is cleansed as part of your treatment step. As well as their use, their benefits differ too. Benefits of Micellar WaterThere are many benefits to using micellar water over traditional cleansers, especially if you have sensitive skin or live in an environment with hard water, very old pipes or compromised water quality.Makeup RemovalMicellar water is a type of cleanser, allowing you to gently remove substances that build up on the skin. This includes makeup, dirt, and oil. When to use micellar water? Well, as a make up remover is a great place to start.It is important to remove makeup and dirt at the end of each day, as they can potentially block pores. Any cleanser can help you avoid this, but micellar water can clean the face even if you cannot wash with running water. You only need the product and something to apply it with, such as a cotton pad.Micelles may also allow substances to penetrate deeper into the skin, although research to date has only focused on their ability to deliver medications rather than cosmetic applications.Skin HydrationMicellar water often contains hydrating compounds, such as humectants. Humectants are moisturizing agents that attract water into the skin’s outer layers from deep within the skin and the surrounding air.In a 2016 study, researchers noted that glycerin was the most effective humectant available and could effectively increase hydration in the top layer of skin.Glycerin also has beneficial effects on skin barrier repair. The skin barrier is critical for maintaining hydration and protecting the body against environmental damage and infection. Ingredients like glycerin are not always found in other water-based cleansers. Gentle CleansingMicellar water can be suitable for all skin types. A 2020 study concluded that micellar water is even suitable for people with rosacea, as long as it does not contain irritants.The best micellar water for sensitive skin or rosacea should not contain:

alcohol
fragrance
essential oils

In addition, micellar water often contains soothing ingredients such as glycerin, which may reduce irritation. Benefits of TonerWhile micellar water is a great cleanser, toner can be a great treatment step in your routine. Removal of Residue and OilMany cleansers are actually adept at removing dust, oil, and bacteria from the skin, but they cannot always penetrate deeper into pores to remove stubborn dirt and makeup residue. This is where toners come in. Toners contain solutions that can penetrate deep into the pores of your skin, eliminating stubborn or buildup residues that cleansers may not be able to grab.Active Ingredients for Skin ConcernsThere are a variety of toners available to suit all skin types and concerns. For oily and acne-prone skin, an astringent or alcohol-based toner will help remove excess oils and impurities while minimizing the appearance of pores. If you want to give your complexion a boost of antioxidants, then look for a green tea or herbal-infused toner.Dry skin can benefit from an oil-rich toner made with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile that help replenish lost moisture. And if you're looking to even out skin tone or reduce the signs of aging, there are many toners featuring active ingredients like glycolic acid or kojic acid that can deliver long-term benefits.Balancing Skin pH LevelsWhen it comes to skincare, pH levels are extremely important. The acidity of our skin can be affected by superficial elements such as pollution and harsh products, which is why many experts recommend correcting the pH balance with a toner.Some toners contain ingredients that can help restore the natural acid mantle of our skin, bringing its pH back to a balanced level that's optimal for moisture retention and healthy cell regeneration.Can I use both products?Listen to your skin. It will tell you if using both products is too much. Start slowly and build up to daily use. You can always try a small test spot first to determine if both products can be used.Micellar water is a great way to thoroughly clean your skin to keep it radiant and healthy. Some toners contain antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and help prevent UV damage to your skin. Others contain anti-aging ingredients to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant for longer.Micellar water and toners work differently and are great additions to your skincare routine. Micellar water is a great cleanser because it removes makeup, dirt, and oil. Toners are a great to use after cleansing to balance your skin's pH and tackle any particular skin issues you have. If your skin will tolerate it, you can use both.

The short answer is, yes, there is! What’s micellar water? We’re exploring both micellar water and toner, and what exactly makes them different skincare products.What is Micellar Water?Is micellar water a toner? No, micellar water is an oil and water emulsion that acts as a cleanser. Micellar water has properties (specifically micelles) that gently remove impurities, makeup and excess oil from the skin. Micelles float freely in the water and help to attract dirt and oil. Since they are a magnet for dirt and oil, micellar water cleanses the skin without scrubbing. Micelles are so gentle and hydrating to the skin that there is no need to rinse afterwards, or cleanse the skin with an additional cleanser.What is Toner?Toner is a product that is applied after cleansing. Toners contain ingredients to address specific skin problems such as dry skin, acne, etc. There are a plethora of toners on the market that target a wide range of skin concerns and different formulations of toners help to balance the pH of skin after cleansing. By re-balancing the pH of the skin, toners help to strengthen the skin barrier, allowing problematic skin to get back on track.So, what's the difference?So micellar water v. toner. What’s the difference? Micellar waters cleanse your skin and are to be used as a first step in your skincare routine, while toners restore a pH balance to the skin, and can be used after the skin is cleansed as part of your treatment step. As well as their use, their benefits differ too. Benefits of Micellar WaterThere are many benefits to using micellar water over traditional cleansers, especially if you have sensitive skin or live in an environment with hard water, very old pipes or compromised water quality.Makeup RemovalMicellar water is a type of cleanser, allowing you to gently remove substances that build up on the skin. This includes makeup, dirt, and oil. When to use micellar water? Well, as a make up remover is a great place to start.It is important to remove makeup and dirt at the end of each day, as they can potentially block pores. Any cleanser can help you avoid this, but micellar water can clean the face even if you cannot wash with running water. You only need the product and something to apply it with, such as a cotton pad.Micelles may also allow substances to penetrate deeper into the skin, although research to date has only focused on their ability to deliver medications rather than cosmetic applications.Skin HydrationMicellar water often contains hydrating compounds, such as humectants. Humectants are moisturizing agents that attract water into the skin’s outer layers from deep within the skin and the surrounding air.In a 2016 study, researchers noted that glycerin was the most effective humectant available and could effectively increase hydration in the top layer of skin.Glycerin also has beneficial effects on skin barrier repair. The skin barrier is critical for maintaining hydration and protecting the body against environmental damage and infection. Ingredients like glycerin are not always found in other water-based cleansers. Gentle CleansingMicellar water can be suitable for all skin types. A 2020 study concluded that micellar water is even suitable for people with rosacea, as long as it does not contain irritants.The best micellar water for sensitive skin or rosacea should not contain:

alcohol
fragrance
essential oils

In addition, micellar water often contains soothing ingredients such as glycerin, which may reduce irritation. Benefits of TonerWhile micellar water is a great cleanser, toner can be a great treatment step in your routine. Removal of Residue and OilMany cleansers are actually adept at removing dust, oil, and bacteria from the skin, but they cannot always penetrate deeper into pores to remove stubborn dirt and makeup residue. This is where toners come in. Toners contain solutions that can penetrate deep into the pores of your skin, eliminating stubborn or buildup residues that cleansers may not be able to grab.Active Ingredients for Skin ConcernsThere are a variety of toners available to suit all skin types and concerns. For oily and acne-prone skin, an astringent or alcohol-based toner will help remove excess oils and impurities while minimizing the appearance of pores. If you want to give your complexion a boost of antioxidants, then look for a green tea or herbal-infused toner.Dry skin can benefit from an oil-rich toner made with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile that help replenish lost moisture. And if you're looking to even out skin tone or reduce the signs of aging, there are many toners featuring active ingredients like glycolic acid or kojic acid that can deliver long-term benefits.Balancing Skin pH LevelsWhen it comes to skincare, pH levels are extremely important. The acidity of our skin can be affected by superficial elements such as pollution and harsh products, which is why many experts recommend correcting the pH balance with a toner.Some toners contain ingredients that can help restore the natural acid mantle of our skin, bringing its pH back to a balanced level that's optimal for moisture retention and healthy cell regeneration.Can I use both products?Listen to your skin. It will tell you if using both products is too much. Start slowly and build up to daily use. You can always try a small test spot first to determine if both products can be used.Micellar water is a great way to thoroughly clean your skin to keep it radiant and healthy. Some toners contain antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and help prevent UV damage to your skin. Others contain anti-aging ingredients to keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant for longer.Micellar water and toners work differently and are great additions to your skincare routine. Micellar water is a great cleanser because it removes makeup, dirt, and oil. Toners are a great to use after cleansing to balance your skin's pH and tackle any particular skin issues you have. If your skin will tolerate it, you can use both.