Lotion vs. Toner — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Lotion is a skin moisturizer, and Toner is a skincare product for cleansing and pH balance.
Difference Between Lotion and Toner
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lotions and toners serve different purposes in skincare routines. Lotions are primarily moisturizers; they hydrate the skin and often contain ingredients to soothe or nourish. Toners, however, are formulated to cleanse the skin, remove residual impurities, and restore the skin's pH balance after washing.
Lotions are typically thicker in consistency compared to toners. They are designed to create a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. Toners are generally watery and lightweight, aimed at preparing the skin for further skincare products by balancing its pH and tightening pores.
While lotions are used to provide hydration and may contain ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, toners might contain astringents like witch hazel or salicylic acid to help with oil control and exfoliation. The functions of lotions and toners thus cater to different needs of the skin.
Lotions are generally applied after toners in a skincare routine. After cleansing and toning, a lotion helps in sealing the moisture that the toner has prepped the skin for. Conversely, toners are used after cleansing to ensure the removal of any remaining impurities and to refine skin texture.
The choice between lotion and toner depends on individual skin needs. Lotions are essential for hydration, especially for dry skin, while toners can be particularly beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin due to their cleansing and balancing properties.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Hydrate and moisturize skin
Cleanse, balance pH, refine skin texture
Consistency
Thicker, creamier
Watery, lightweight
Key Ingredients
Moisturizing agents like glycerin
Astringents, pH balancers
Role in Skincare
Lock in moisture, soothe skin
Prep skin, remove impurities, tighten pores
Application Order
After toner
After cleansing
Compare with Definitions
Lotion
A skincare product for body or face.
After showering, he applied a body lotion.
Toner
Used after cleansing, before moisturizing.
She applied toner to prep her skin for the serum.
Lotion
A hydrating liquid applied to the skin.
She used a lotion to soothe her dry skin.
Toner
Can contain astringents for oil control.
His toner with salicylic acid helped reduce acne.
Lotion
Can have soothing or nourishing properties.
The lotion with chamomile helped calm her irritated skin.
Toner
A skincare product to cleanse and balance skin.
She used a toner to remove residual makeup.
Lotion
Often contains ingredients to moisturize and protect.
The lotion, rich in aloe vera, provided relief from sunburn.
Toner
Aids in restoring skin's pH balance.
The rosewater toner helped maintain her skin's natural pH.
Lotion
Designed to create a barrier to lock in moisture.
Her face lotion prevented her skin from drying out in winter.
Toner
Typically watery and lightweight.
The toner felt refreshing and light on her skin.
Lotion
A lotion is a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin. By contrast, creams and gels have higher viscosity, typically due to lower water content.
Toner
Toner is a powder mixture used in laser printers and photocopiers to form the printed text and images on the paper, in general through a toner cartridge. Mostly granulated plastic, early mixtures only added carbon powder and iron oxide, however, mixtures have since been developed containing polypropylene, fumed silica, and various minerals for triboelectrification.
Lotion
A protective or restorative liquid or cream applied to the skin.
Toner
A chemical bath used to change the color of a photographic print or to preserve black-and-white prints or movie film.
Lotion
A low- to medium-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin.
Sun-tan lotion
Toner
A powdery ink used dry or suspended in a liquid to produce a document by means of a photocopier or laser printer.
Lotion
(archaic) A washing, especially of the skin for the purpose of beautification.
Toner
A lotion used to refresh the skin.
Lotion
(transitive) To cover or treat with a lotion.
Toner
Powder used in laser printers and photocopiers to form the text and images on the printed paper.
Lotion
A washing, especially of the skin for the purpose of rendering it fair.
Toner
Cosmetic lotion designed to cleanse the skin and shrink pores, usually used on the face.
Lotion
A liquid preparation for bathing the skin, or an injured or diseased part, either for a medicinal purpose, or for improving its appearance.
Toner
A musician, particularly one that plays a wind instrument.
Lotion
Any of various cosmetic preparations that are applied to the skin
Toner
A hair product used to reduce brassiness and increase shine in bleached and dyed hair.
Lotion
Liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin;
A lotion for dry skin
Toner
A solution containing chemicals that can change the color of a photographic print
Toner
A substance used in a printer to develop a xerographic image
Toner
A lotion for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores
Common Curiosities
Should lotion be applied before or after toner?
Lotion should be applied after toner.
Are toners necessary for all skin types?
While beneficial, toners are not mandatory for all skin types.
What is a toner?
A skincare product used for cleansing, balancing pH, and prepping skin.
Can toners help with acne?
Yes, toners with ingredients like salicylic acid can help with acne.
Should toner be washed off?
No, toners are meant to be left on the skin.
What is a lotion?
A skincare product primarily used for moisturizing the skin.
Can lotions be used on oily skin?
Yes, there are lotions formulated for oily skin types.
How often should I use lotion?
Lotions can be used daily, depending on skin needs.
Can toners dry out the skin?
Some toners, especially those with alcohol, can be drying.
Can I use lotion on sensitive skin?
Yes, but choose lotions formulated for sensitive skin.
Can lotion replace a cream?
Lotions are lighter than creams but can be used as a lighter alternative.
Is it okay to skip toner in a skincare routine?
While beneficial, toner can be skipped depending on individual skin needs.
Is fragrance in lotion harmful?
Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin, so fragrance-free options are advisable.
Are lotions only for the face?
No, there are lotions for the face as well as the body.
Do toners shrink pores?
Toners can help tighten and appear to reduce the size of pores.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
