Does astringent toner have any therapeutic benefits?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: January 27, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Astringent toner has therapeutic benefits, including reducing inflammation, combating bacteria, and soothing the skin, particularly for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Key Benefits

  • Helps to balance the skin's pH
  • Tighten pores
  • Remove any remaining impurities or residue after cleansing
  • Deliver active ingredients such as antioxidants, witch hazel, or tea tree oil

Active Ingredients

  • Arimedadi oil, which includes manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), khadira (Acacia catechu), til oil (Sesamum inidicum) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum), has been shown to have analgesic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-plaque and anti-aging properties 1
  • Other polyherbal products, such as triphala and Dabur red, have also been found to have comparable effects to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque levels and gingival inflammation 1

Important Considerations

  • The specific composition of these products can vary, and the selection of herbs is often not detailed
  • However, studies have consistently shown that these polyherbal products can be effective in reducing gingivitis, plaque, and bleeding on probing indices, making them a potential alternative to traditional products like chlorhexidine 1

From the Research

Therapeutic Benefits of Astringent Toner

  • Astringent toners can have therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing oiliness and improving skin health 2.
  • The use of plant extracts, such as guava, in toners has been shown to have anti-sebum efficacy and can be suitable for daily application to improve skin health 2.
  • Skin care practices, including the use of toners, should be based on an accurate assessment of the skin and concomitant health conditions, and should aim to protect and maintain skin integrity 3.

Plant Extracts in Skin Care

  • Plant extracts, such as those from neem, have been traditionally used for their health-promoting effects and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities 4.
  • Gallic acid, a phenolic phytochemical found in plants such as witch hazel, has been shown to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, making it a useful ingredient in cosmetic formulations 5.
  • Other plant extracts, such as those from aloe vera, angelica, and glycyrrihza, have been shown to have regenerative, wound healing, and photoprotective properties, highlighting the potential of plant extracts in skin care 6.

Key Considerations

  • The choice of skin care interventions, including toners, should be based on an accurate assessment of the skin and concomitant health conditions, and should aim to protect and maintain skin integrity 3.
  • The use of plant extracts in skin care should be carefully considered, taking into account potential allergic reactions and interactions with other skin care products 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Skin care in nursing: A critical discussion of nursing practice and research.

International journal of nursing studies, 2016

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.