Cleanser and Toner: What’s the Difference and Uses?

Cleansers and toners both play a crucial yet distinct role in any skincare routine.

These two skincare products help keep your skin healthy and glowing, but knowing the differences between them and how to use them correctly will help people make the right skincare choice. 

To end your struggle with how to incorporate these two products into your skincare routine? This blog on cleanser and toner will explore the key differences between both, how to use them correctly, and why the duo is a must-have for your face.

What Is a Cleanser? 

A cleanser as a product cleans or removes oil, dirt, dead skin cells, makeup, pollutants, or other particles from the skin and effectively addresses common skin concerns such as pimples, acne, clogged pores, etc. It is usually applied before toner to deep cleanse the skin and to better absorb the toner nutrients. 

Key Ingredients in cleansers 

A cleanser usually contains ingredients like:

• Glycolic acid, lactic acid to reduce the apperance of pores and clear dead skin cells buildup. 

• Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes to exfoliate dead skin cells for clear and radiant skin. 

• Witch Hazel water controls excess oil, reduces inflammation, and tightens pores. (best for oily skin) 

• White mushroom ensures that your skin stays hydrated, leading to a revitalized and supple complexion. It is ideal for combination skin. 

What is a Toner?

A toner is a product that not only cleans your skin but also maintains the PH balance of your skin. It is usually applied after a cleanser and before you apply moisturiser and serum on the face. It is a water-based skincare product derived from the steam distillation of flowers and other ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. 

Key Ingredients in Toner 

• Aloe vera: This natural gel-like substance serves as a balm for healing skin inflammation and redness. 

• Tea Tree: It is yet another ingredient found in toners because of its healing properties. Like aloe vera, it also calms irritated skin. 

• Witch Hazel: Soothes the skin and reduces inflammation, similar to aloe vera gel. 

Difference Between Cleanser and Toner

Cleansers and toners are both essential for healthy skin, but they serve different purposes. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Cleansers:

Purpose: Cleansers are designed to remove impurities like dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. 

Benefits: They help prevent skin infections, clear blocked pores, and remove excess sebum and dirt without damaging the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 

Types: Cleansers come in various forms like gels, creams, foams, oils, or micellar water, catering to different skin types. 

Usage: Cleansers are typically used twice daily, in the morning and evening. 

Toners:

Purpose: Toners help restore the skin’s natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by cleansing. They also remove any remaining impurities and prepare the skin for serums and moisturizers.

Benefits: Toners can hydrate the skin, shrink the appearance of pores, and provide a smoother base for makeup application.

Ingredients: Toners often contain ingredients like antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, or exfoliating agents.

Usage: Toners are used after cleansing and before applying other skincare products. 

How to Apply Cleanser vs Toner: Key Steps to Follow 

Here are the step-by-step tips on how to use cleanser and toner correctly: 

Step-by-step guide for applying cleanser

Here are important tips on how to apply a facial cleanser correctly to boost your skincare routine and get soft, balanced, and refreshed skin. : 

Step 1: Pulling your hair back 

Those with long hair should tie their hair to ensure that hair does not interfere with the cleansing process. It also helps cleanse the pores on the hairline, which may get clogged due to excess hair product and oil. 

Step 2: Cleanse your hands 

Remember to cleanse your hands before rinsing your face. Do not rinse your face with dirty hands to prevent transferring bacteria from your hands to your face. 

Step 3: Wet the face 

Wash your face with lukewarm water before you apply the cleanser. This step ensures smooth application of cleanser on your skin and that it is applied evenly across your face. 

Step 4: Apply cleanser on your face 

Take a pea-sized amount of cleanser on your clean hands and then apply it evenly on your face. Emphasize places like the jawline, hairline, and neck. Apply carefully around your mouth and eye area. 

Step 5: Gently massage face 

Gently massage the cleanser on your face and neck, using small, circular finger motions. Continue to massage as per the cleanser type you are applying. 

Step 6: Rinse 

After cleansing, rinse face using lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water to prevent drying out your skin and irritation. 

Step-by-step guide to apply toner

Follow the steps below to tone your skin well, or learn how to apply toner correctly to get gorgeously glowing skin: 

Step 1: Start by rinsing your face with a mild natural cleanser. Massage the cleanser thoroughly on the face to remove dirt and makeup. 

Step 2: Wipe a toner-soaked cotton ball or cotton pad on your face and neck gently to eliminate the remaining dirt. 

Step 3: After applying the toner, the skin gets ready to absorb the goodness of skincare products. You can continue your routine by applying moisturiser and your other skincare products. 

Natural Homemade Face Cleanser and Toner Uses and Benefits

Here’s a table outlining certain examples of face cleansers and toners prepared using natural ingredients at home. 

Conclusion 

Regardless of the difference between cleanser and toner, both products benefit your skin immensely. These products form distinct steps in a skincare routine, with different functions and skin health to promote your overall skin health. 

You can use both products together; that is, cleansing your skin with a cleanser first, and then putting the toner on your skin, which will help give you a charming, glowy look. Regardless of whether you want to address acne, dullness, or dryness, include both in your skincare routine for a flawless and beautiful complexion. 

FAQs 

What is the difference between cleanser and toner? 

 Cleansers eliminate dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin’s surface, while toners balance the skin’s pH, hydrate, and prepare the skin for subsequent products. 

Which is better, toner or cleanser? 

Both cleanser and toner are important for a healthy skincare routine, and neither is inherently better than the other; rather, they complement each other. 

Do you use a cleanser or toner first?

You should always apply a cleanser before a toner. Cleansing eliminates dirt, oil, and makeup, creating a clean base for the toner to work effectively. 

Is it good to use cleanser and toner every day?

Yes, it is usually good to use a cleanser and toner every day, as part of a regular skincare routine. But the frequency of applying toner may differ according to skin type. 

Do you need a cleanser if you have a toner?

Yes, you still need a cleanser even if you use a toner. Cleansers and toners have different functions in a skincare routine.

Is it okay to use cleanser and toner at the same time?

No, it is not recommended to use a cleanser and toner at the same time. Cleansers and toners are made to be used sequentially in a skincare routine, not simultaneously. 

How long should you wait before applying toner after cleanser?

You should apply toner immediately after cleansing your face. There’s no need to wait, and in fact, applying toner while your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing may aid in absorption. 

Can a toner replace a cleanser?

No, a toner cannot replace a cleanser. While both are used to cleanse the skin, they have unique purposes and are not interchangeable. 

Do face cleanser and toner brighten skin?

Yes, cleansers and toners may lead to brighter skin. Cleansers help eliminate impurities while toners can balance the skin’s pH and prepare the skin for better absorption of brightening products. 

Is rosewater a toner?

Yes, rosewater may be used as a toner. It’s a natural toner derived from rose petals that helps balance the skin’s pH, hydrate, and soothe the skin.