It seems like every day there’s a new or must-have skincare product, two of such products are toners and micellar water.
But what is the difference between the two, and which one is right for your skin?
Read on to find out everything about Toner vs Micellar Water and which one you should use.
You see, before you start your skincare routine with a product that you except to properly cleanse your skin, you need to know what the products are made of and how they work.
Both toners and micellar water can properly cleanse your skin, but they work in different ways and have different benefits.
Toner is a traditional skincare product that has been used for decades to balance the pH of the skin and remove any remaining impurities after cleansing.
It’s usually applied with a cotton pad and left to absorb into the skin.
Micellar water, on the other hand, is a newer product. It’s a gentle, no-rinse cleanser that contains micelles, tiny molecules that attract and remove dirt and makeup.
So Toner vs Micellar Water, which one should you choose?
The answer depends on your skin type and specific skincare needs.
In this blog post, we will look into the differences between toner and micellar water, as well as the similarities, to help you determine which one is right for you.
Keep reading!
About Micellar Water?
Micellar water is a gentle, water-based cleanser that is known for its ability to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities without the need for rinsing.
Ingredients
- Purified water
- Mild surfactants (micelles)
- Glycerin
- Humectants
- Sometimes, soothing agents like aloe vera or chamomile
Uses
Micellar water is for
- Removing makeup
- Cleansing the skin
- Refreshing the skin throughout the day
- Prepping the skin for other skincare products
Benefits
- Gentle on the skin
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- No need for rinsing
- Hydrates the skin
- Convenient for travel and on-the-go use
Who Can Use It?
- People with sensitive skin
- Those who prefer a quick and easy cleansing routine
- People looking for a gentle makeup remover
- Anyone who wants a refreshing skin
How to Use It
To use micellar water,
- Soak a cotton pad with micellar water.
- Gently wipe the cotton pad over your face, eyes, and lips.
- Repeat until the cotton pad becomes clean.
Meanwhile, no need to rinse, just follow up with your regular skincare routine.
Read: Does Micellar Water Remove Sunscreen? All You Need to Know
About Toner?
Toner is a liquid skincare product used after cleansing and before moisturizing that helps to remove any remaining impurities, balance the skin’s pH, and prepare the skin for better absorption of other skincare products.
Ingredients
- Water
- Astringents (E.g witch hazel or alcohol)
- Humectants (E.g glycerin)
- Soothing agents (E.g aloe vera or chamomile)
- Sometimes, exfoliating acids (E.g salicylic acid or glycolic acid)
Uses
Toner is also used for
- Removing remaining impurities after cleansing
- Balancing the skin’s pH
- Hydrating the skin
- Prepping the skin for serums and moisturizers
- Providing additional skincare benefits (e.g., exfoliation, soothing)
Benefits
Toner helps to
- Deepens the cleansing process
- Balances skin pH
- Hydrates and refreshes the skin
- Target specific skin concerns (e.g., acne, dryness, dullness)
- Improves the absorption of other skincare products
Who Can Use It?
- People with oily or acne-prone skin (especially if the toner contains astringents or exfoliating acids)
- Individuals looking to balance their skin’s pH
- Those who want to enhance their skincare routine with additional benefits
- Anyone who wants to ensure their skin is thoroughly cleansed
How to Use It
- After cleansing, soak a cotton pad with toner.
- Gently wipe the cotton pad over your face and neck.
- Allow the toner to dry naturally.
- Follow up with your serums, moisturizers, and other skincare products.
Read also: 12 Best Toners Based On Your Skin Type
Toner vs Micellar Water: Differences
While both toner and micellar water helps your skincare routine, they serve different purposes
| Properties | Micellar water | Toner |
| Cleansing vs. Toning | primarily a cleanser | used to tone and prep the skin. |
| Ingredients | contains micelles that attract dirt and oil | contain astringents, humectants, and exfoliating acids |
| Usage | used at the beginning of your routine to remove makeup and impurities. | used after cleansing to balance the skin and prepare it for other products. |
| Benefits | gentle and hydrating, ideal for sensitive skin | offers additional benefits like pH balancing, hydration, and targeted skincare solutions. |
Micellar Water vs Toner: Similarities
Despite their differences, micellar water and toner share some similarities including
- Both can hydrate the skin, though toner often provides more targeted hydration.
- Both products prepare the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.
- They are both gentle on the skin, especially when formulated without harsh ingredients.
Can I Use Toner and Micellar Water at the Same Time?
Yes, you can use both micellar water and toner in your skincare routine. Here’s how:
- Start with Micellar Water by using it to remove makeup and cleanse your skin.
- After cleansing, apply toner to balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the rest of your skincare products.
Can I Use Toner and Micellar Water Interchangeably?
While both products have their benefits, they can not be used interchangeably.
Micellar water is designed for cleansing, while toner is meant for toning and prepping the skin.
So, using them interchangeably might not provide the same skincare benefits.
See: Is Micellar Water Oil Based? Uncovered Truth About Micellar Water
Can I Use Micellar Water as Toner?
Micellar water can temporarily act as a toner, but it won’t provide the same benefits as a toner.
Toners often contain ingredients that target specific skin concerns, balance pH, and enhance hydration, which micellar water may not offer.
Final Note
In this blog post, we have discussed everything you need to know about micelles water vs toner.
Now that you understand the differences and benefits of toner vs micellar water, you can create a more effective skincare routine.
Whether you choose one or both, using these products helps you to have cleaner, healthier, and more balanced skin.
Have you tried micelles water and toner before?
Feel free to share your experiences with micellar water vs toner in the comments below.
We’d love to hear how these products have worked for you!
Thank you for reading.