Facial toner and micellar water are two skin care cosmetics that are often considered interchangeable, however, this is not the case. Both are solutions, but their compositions and functions nevertheless differ. Let's talk about what such cosmetics are intended for and how to choose it.
Criteria for comparison
The tonic serves to tone the skin of the face. Beauticians consider this procedure an integral part of competent skin care. Toning should go immediately after cleansing, that is, the tonic is used after all impurities have been removed from the skin using other means: cosmetic cream, micellar solution, washing gel, etc. can be used for this purpose.
The tonic solution is used in the second stage of skin care: after cleansing it, but before applying moisturizing or nutritious cosmetics, and this tonic differs from micellar water for the face, which is designed to remove makeup and remove impurities, and therefore is used first. These cosmetic products have different purposes.
In order to clearly demonstrate the difference between these two cosmetics, we will compare their compositions, methods of application and principles of action.
Micellar water composition
The main active component of micellar water is surfactants (surfactants), presented in solution in the form of micelles - spherical groups of molecules.
The molecules that make up the micelles have two parts: hydrophilic ("loving water") and hydrophobic ("hating water"), but lipophilic (attracting fat).This property of the molecules allows surfactants to effectively remove impurities.
Accordingly, the main function of micellar water is to cleanse the skin, including removing makeup from it.
As additional ingredients, plant extracts, glycerin, zinc and other components with a moisturizing, tonic or seboregulatory effect can be included in micellar water, but the main objective of this cosmetic product is to remove impurities and make-up.
Tonic Ingredients
The composition of the facial tonic depends on what type of skin it is intended for.
So, among the ingredients of tonic solutions for oily and problem skin can be:
- zinc (gives anti-inflammatory and matting effect);
- tea tree essential oil (has antibacterial properties, reduces inflammation);
- witch hazel extract (eliminates oily sheen);
- calendula extract (has a bactericidal effect, soothes the skin);
- BHA-acid (salicylic) (evens out the microrelief, exfoliates dead cells);
- alcohol (has an antibacterial effect);
- glycerin (has good moisturizing properties), etc.
Tonics for sensitive skin often contain the following ingredients:
- allantoin (soothes the skin, promotes its healing);
- thermal water (eliminates irritation);
- chamomile extract (has anti-inflammatory effect);
- almond oil (eliminates dryness and irritation);
- rose extract (has moisturizing and anti-aging properties), etc.
The components of toners for normal skin can be:
- aloe extract (restores the skin and moisturizes it, eliminates irritation);
- hyaluronic acid (has excellent moisturizing properties);
- glycolic and other AHA acids: lactic, citric, tartaric (have exfoliating, brightening, softening effect), etc.
Principle of Operation and Efficiency
The principle of micellar water is the dissolution and removal of cosmetics and impurities from the face. Micellar water also happens for different types of skin and for different types of makeup, so it may contain additional ingredients: zinc for matting, glycerin for moisturizing, plant extracts for toning, oils for removing persistent makeup.
Micellar water is considered an effective and gentle cleansing cosmetic product.
The specific effect of the tonic depends primarily on those ingredients that are in its composition. The composition is determined by what type of skin the cosmetic product is designed for. That is why it is recommended to choose a tonic, given this factor.
The action of tonics for the face is calculated:
- to complete the process of skin cleansing (removing from it the remnants of cleansers, salts and other impurities that may be present in water);
- restoration of normal skin pH;
- elimination of problems such as dryness, inflammation, greasy shine (depending on the type of tonic).
Tonic is considered an indispensable skin care product. The systematic use of a suitable tonic can improve its condition and appearance.
Application features
On trips and trips, cleansing the skin with micellar solution can be a substitute for washing with water and another cleanser. Micellar water is also used in cases where the skin does not tolerate normal washing. Besides, Micellar solution easily removes makeup from the eyes and lips, which other cosmetics do not always cope with.
Makeup is removed using a cotton pad dipped in a micellar solution. First, a cotton pad should be applied for some time to the skin of the eyelids, then with light movements to remove makeup from the eyes. After this, wipe other areas of the face. If necessary, it is worth using several cotton pads.
At the end of the cleansing process, you need to wash yourself to remove micellar solution from the face.If this is not possible or the skin does not tolerate ordinary water, then after applying micellar water, you should immediately proceed to the use of tonic.
The tonic is not a means to cleanse the skin and can not replace either micellar water or any other cosmetic product intended for this.
The tonic should be applied after cleansing the skin, regardless of which cosmetic product was used for this: gel for washing with water, milk or micellar solution. If cleansing was performed with a micellar solution, then after it you still need to use a tonic, which is also applied to the face with a cotton pad. Tonics are usually not intended for use in the area around the eyes.
Micellar water is recommended to be washed off with water. Tonic does not need to be washed off.
What is the fundamental difference?
The main difference between micellar water and tonic is that these products are used at different stages of skin care. Micellar solution - at the stage of purification, tonic - at the stage of toning, which comes after. Micellar water removes makeup and dirt from the skin. Tonic prepares it for the action of moisturizing and nourishing cosmetic preparations.
It is advisable to use it twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, after cleansing the face.
Which is better to choose?
The question is what is better to choose: tonic or micellar water is not correct. Water with micelles and tonic are not mutually exclusive, but complementary.
Toning is considered a mandatory component of competent facial skin care, regardless of what tool was used to cleanse: cosmetic milk, a solution with micelles, or something else. So the question of what to prefer is more relevant in relation to those cosmetic products that are used to cleanse the skin or make-up remover: for example, you can choose between cosmetic milk and micellar water, between gel and face powder for washing, etc.
See the video below for the difference between tonic and micellar water for the face.
