Does astringent toner have any therapeutic benefits?

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Last updated: January 26, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Astringent toner has therapeutic benefits, particularly for oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps to balance the skin's pH, tighten pores, and remove impurities.

Key Benefits of Astringent Toner

  • Balances the skin's pH
  • Tightens pores
  • Removes impurities and residue after cleansing
  • Delivers active ingredients such as antioxidants, witch hazel, or tea tree oil to reduce inflammation and combat bacteria

Therapeutic Uses

  • Reduces inflammation and combats bacteria in acne-prone skin
  • Soothes the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and prepared for further skincare products
  • May be used to treat other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, although the evidence is limited 1

Important Considerations

  • The use of astringent toner should be tailored to individual skin types and needs
  • Patients should be advised to avoid using skin irritants, such as perfumes, deodorants, or alcohol-based lotions, which can exacerbate skin conditions 1
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic benefits and potential limitations of astringent toner, particularly in the context of specific skin conditions and populations. Note that the provided evidence does not directly address the therapeutic benefits of astringent toner, but rather discusses the use of natural products, including herbal compounds, in oral health and dermatology 1. However, the principles of using natural products to promote health and prevent disease can be applied to the use of astringent toner in skincare.

From the Research

Therapeutic Benefits of Astringent Toner

  • Astringent toner, which often contains phenolic compounds, may have various therapeutic benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anticancer effects 2.
  • The astringency perception mechanisms of phenolic compounds involve chemosensors and mechanosensors, and may be influenced by factors such as structure, pH values, ethanol concentrations, and viscosity 2.
  • Plant extracts, which are often used in astringent toners, have been shown to have beneficial effects on the skin, including moisturizing, anti-aging, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, wound healing, photoprotective, and anti-tyrosinase activity 3.
  • Gallic acid, a phenolic phytochemical commonly found in plants, has been reported to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer activities, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetic formulations 4.
  • The use of gallic acid and its derivatives in astringent toners may provide therapeutic benefits for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, and wound healing 4.
  • However, it is essential to note that while astringent toners may have therapeutic benefits, individual results may vary, and more research is needed to fully understand their effects on the skin 2, 3, 4.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Plant Extracts as Skin Care and Therapeutic Agents.

International journal of molecular sciences, 2023

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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