How to Use Astringent

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Astringents are skincare products you can use after washing your face to remove any leftover makeup or soap. Although they are similar to toners, which also cleanse and purify your skin, astringents are formulated to remove extra oil from your skin as well. [1] To effectively use astringent, first find the right type for you. Use it after cleansing and follow up immediately with a moisturizer. You can try out natural astringents made from fruits, herbs, and plants.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Applying Your Astringent of Choice

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  1. Use warm water and your favorite cleanser to wash away makeup and dirt. Gently pat your face dry with a towel. [2]
  2. Pour a small amount of astringent onto the cotton ball, enough to make the top of the ball moist but not soaked through. You may rub it in gently, but do not scrub. [3]
    • If you have combination skin, try dabbing the astringent only in your oily areas (often the forehead, nose, and chin). Skip over any dry areas.
    • Some astringents also come in spray bottles that you can lightly mist over your face without using a cotton ball. [4]
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  3. Wait for your astringent to absorb slightly. Then, apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Choose a light moisturizer or one formulated for oily skin. [5]
    • You may think adding moisturizer to oily skin will only make things worse, but drying out your skin too much can cause even more oil production. It’s best to keep your skin balanced with a light moisturizer. [6]
    • Sunscreen is helpful since your skin is more likely to be sensitive to light after using astringent.
  4. Apply your astringent once per day, after you wash your face in the morning. Skip the astringent after cleansing your skin in the evening. [7]
    • If desired, you may use toner in the evening in place of astringent.
  5. Even the mildest of astringents can burn if you put them on an open cut or scratch on your face. It’s best to avoid these areas and wait to apply astringent until the skin is healthy again. [8]
  6. If you feel a burning sensation or your face becomes red after applying astringent, stop using it. Calm your skin by applying moisturizer. [9] Try a more soothing astringent, or switch to using toner instead. [10]
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Part 2
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Trying Natural Astringents

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  1. Rosewater is a very soothing natural astringent. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe irritation and relieve redness. Boil a 1 cup (240 ml) of water and add a handful of rose petals. Continue boiling until the water pulls the color out of the petals. Mix in a few drops of lemon essential oil for an extra astringent boost. [11]
    • Rosewater will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. [12]
    • Try tearing the rose petals before you put them in the boiling water to help release the nutrients inside the petals.
    • You can also purchase pre-made rosewater.
  2. Apple cider vinegar is a strong natural astringent, so it should be diluted to use. Add 5 teaspoons (25 ml) apple cider vinegar to 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) distilled water. Mix in a few drops of essential oil like lemon or rose to cut the vinegar smell. [13]
    • You can adjust the ratio of apple cider vinegar to water depending on your skin type. Try a 1:4 ratio if you have sensitive skin or are trying out astringents for the first time. If your skin still feels oily, you can make a 1:3, 1:2, or even a 1:1 dilution.
    • Store your apple cider vinegar dilution at room temperature.
  3. Chamomile can remove dirt and control the oil production of your skin. It is also very soothing and can calm sensitive skin. Mint is also a mild astringent and will give this mixture a refreshing scent. To prepare, boil 2 cups (470 ml) of water with a handful of dried chamomile flowers and dried mint. [14]
    • Store your chamomile astringent in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  4. Cucumber is not only a natural astringent, but may also help to reduce dark spots. Simply take freshly cut cucumber slices and rub them on your face. Then, rinse your face with water. [15]
  5. The ascorbic acid in lemon makes it a great natural astringent. It may also help to brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of scars. Just add a squeeze of lemon to a 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of water, then apply to your clean face with a cotton ball. [16]
    • This lemon astringent mixture can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Picking the Right Astringent

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  1. Because astringents remove excess oil from the surface of your skin, they can also help prevent clogged pores and acne. If you want to add even more acne-fighting power, find an astringent with a blemish fighting ingredient like salicylic acid or glycolic acid listed among the active ingredients. [17]
    • For acne-prone skin that is not oily, skip the astringent. Drying your skin out too much may increase your breakouts.
  2. If your skin is prone to redness or irritation, take special care when choosing an astringent. Alcohol-free astringents are much gentler on the skin. If you feel any burning or stinging, or if your face turns red after applying astringent, stop using it. [18]
    • Other ingredients you may want to avoid if you have sensitive skin include fragrances, colorants, menthol, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
  3. If you already have dry skin, an astringent can take out even more moisture and make the problem worse. In this case, you may consider using a toner instead of astringent. They have the same cleansing properties as astringents, but they can help soothe and draw moisture back into the skin. [19]
    • Toners also prime the skin so your moisturizer can penetrate even deeper.
    • To soothe dry skin, look for moisture-enhancing ingredients in your toner like glycerine, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, aloe, hyaluronic acid, and sodium lactate. [20]
  4. Witch hazel is a natural astringent made from the bark and leaves of a plant called Hamamelis virginiana. The astringent properties of witch hazel come from natural compounds called tannins. It is a quite gentle astringent that usually works well for all skin types. [21]
    • Sometimes witch hazel products have high concentrations of alcohol. If you want to find the most gentle form of witch hazel, check the ingredients to make sure there is no alcohol, and look for “witch hazel extract” in the ingredient list instead of “witch hazel distillate”.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the best astringent for acne?
    Asmi Sanghvi, DO
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. Asmi Sanghvi is a Board Certified Dermatologist based in New York, New York. She specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology and has a passion for educating others. Dr. Sanghvi has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cutis. She holds a BS in Human Communication Sciences from Northwestern University and a DO from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
    Asmi Sanghvi, DO
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    If you have acne or blackheads, try using a toner with witch hazel, glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
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  • Question
    Can I use astringent if I have rosacea?
    Asmi Sanghvi, DO
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. Asmi Sanghvi is a Board Certified Dermatologist based in New York, New York. She specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology and has a passion for educating others. Dr. Sanghvi has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cutis. She holds a BS in Human Communication Sciences from Northwestern University and a DO from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
    Asmi Sanghvi, DO
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can. Try using an astringent with azelaic acid for better results and to avoid problems.
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  • Question
    If I feel redness in my face, what should I do?
    Ella Viella (Evie)
    Community Answer
    Take antihistamine at once. Use a mild cleanser, and moisturize your face throughout the remainder of the day.
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      Tips

      • Start with an alcohol-free or mild astringent first. If it is not enough to control the oil, then try a stronger astringent or one that contains alcohol. You can also try increasing the number of times you use it every day. Start using it just once per day, and increase to up to 3 times per day. [22]
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      Warnings

      • Use any astringent in moderation. Astringents remove excess oil from your skin, but if you overdo it, you can dry out your complexion. [23]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      2. ↑ Asmi Sanghvi, DO. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.healthstatus.com/health_blog/acne/7-all-natural-astringents-for-healthy-and-beautiful-skin/
      4. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      5. ↑ https://www.healthstatus.com/health_blog/acne/7-all-natural-astringents-for-healthy-and-beautiful-skin/
      6. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-moisturize-face
      7. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      8. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/skin-care-product-burn
      9. ↑ Asmi Sanghvi, DO. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
      1. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      2. ↑ https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-natural-homemade-astringents-for-oily-skin-1775822
      3. ↑ https://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/the-benefits-of-rose-water-2/
      4. ↑ https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-natural-homemade-astringents-for-oily-skin-1775822
      5. ↑ https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-natural-homemade-astringents-for-oily-skin-1775822
      6. ↑ https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-natural-homemade-astringents-for-oily-skin-1775822
      7. ↑ https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/5-natural-homemade-astringents-for-oily-skin-1775822
      8. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      9. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      10. ↑ https://www.makeup.com/toner-versus-astringent
      11. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      12. ↑ Asmi Sanghvi, DO. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
      13. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/astringent-vs-toner-4151988
      14. ↑ https://www.makeup.com/toner-versus-astringent

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