Toners are popular skin-care products that cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. The primary difference between alcohol-free and alcohol-based toners is the absence or presence of alcohol.
However, there’s much more to these products than an ingredients list. Continue reading to learn how these toners function and which type is best for your skin.
Alcohol-Based Toners Remove Excess Oil
A feature that significantly sets apart the two toners is the ability to remove excess oil from the skin. Alcohol-based toners contain ethanol, which acts as a drying agent and helps get rid of oil. This can benefit oily skin types that have trouble controlling oil production or acne.
When applied, alcohol-based toners break down the oils on the skin's surface, making them easier to wipe away. They can prevent clogged pores and reduce shine.
Alcohol-Free Toners Hydrate and Soothe the Skin
As their name states, alcohol-free toners don’t include any type of alcohol, making them gentler on the skin. They typically contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera. Instead of removing excess oil, these toners reduce inflammation and replenish the skin’s moisture.
Alcohol-Based Toners May Cause Dryness and Irritation
While oily skin types can benefit from alcohol-based toner, the benefits don’t outweigh the disadvantages. Alcohol-based toners can disrupt the skin's moisture barrier. The skin becomes more susceptible to environmental irritants because it strips the skin of its natural oils. Redness, flakiness, irritation, and even breakouts are likely to follow.
Alcohol-Free Toners Safeguard the Skin’s Barrier
Protecting your skin’s moisture barrier is a priority to improve aspects like acne, your complexion, and the skin’s texture. Alcohol-free toners are gentle, containing ingredients like glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid, and borage oil to safeguard the skin’s protective layer.
Toners for sensitive and dry skin contain primarily hydrating ingredients. You’ll find that acne-prone skin toners combat acne with active ingredients like salicylic acid that exfoliate and increase cell turnover for a clear complexion.
Now that you know the differences between alcohol-free and alcohol-based toners, you can see that the safe bet is to choose products that don’t include alcohol. Ensure that ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, methanol, ethanol, and benzoyl alcohol aren’t present.
You’ll find exactly what you need from Jil Goorman Beauty. We have several toners to choose from based on your biggest concerns. Whether you have dry and oily skin or acne-prone and sensitive skin, you’ll find a carefully crafted toner to benefit your skin.