Astringents in Skin Care

Astringents are an important category of ingredients used in many skin care products. This blog discusses the definition of astringents and helps you find astringent skin care products. By causing a temporary tightening or toning effect on the skin, astringents can help minimize the appearance of pores, control oil production, soothe minor irritation, and give skin a smooth texture.

Common sources of plant-based and synthetic astringents include witch hazel, alum, sage, tea tree oil, aluminum acetate, and alcohol.

When used properly, astringents can be beneficial as toners, cleansers, aftershave products, and more by promoting a healthy, balanced complexion. But astringents are not good for some skin types, so you need to know your Baumann Skin Type before shopping for astringent containing skincare products.

Definition of Astringent

An astringent is defined as a chemical compound that can constrict body tissues. In skin care, the meaning of astringent is a substance that can cause temporary tightening or toning of the skin. They work by precipitating proteins in the outer layers of the skin to reduce oiliness and minimize the appearance of pores.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines astringents in their Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use as:

“…products applied to the skin or mucous membranes for a local and limited protein coagulant effect.”

This means astringents cause proteins in the skin to coagulate or clump together, resulting in tightening of the skin.

Chemistry

In broader chemistry, an astringent is any substance that can shrink or constrict body tissues. In the context of skincare, this typically means substances that tighten the skin and reduce oiliness. The term isn’t restricted to any specific chemical structure but rather refers to the effect the substance has on the skin or tissue.

How Astringents Work

Astringents work through a process called precipitating proteins. When applied to the skin, astringents chemically interact with the proteins in the outer layers of skin tissue. This causes the proteins to lose their solubility and clump together, resulting in the tightening effect.

By precipitating skin proteins and constricting pores, astringents also absorb water from the skin’s surface. Removing excess proteins and water causes the skin to contract and feel tighter.

How Astringents Tighten Skin

Astringents work by precipitating proteins in the outer layers of the skin through chemical interactions, causing the tissue to contract. This constricting action also absorbs water from the skin’s surface. Removing excess proteins and water tightens the skin.

Protein Denaturation: When applied to the skin, certain astringent ingredients can cause proteins (like keratin in the skin) to coagulate or denature. This results in a constricting or tightening effect, which can make the skin feel firmer and reduce the appearance of pores.

Constriction of Skin Tissue: Astringents can cause a temporary constriction of the skin’s tissues, leading to a tightened feeling.

Removal of Surface Oils: By removing oils from the skin’s surface, astringents can create a sensation of tightness.

pH Factor: The pH of an astringent can have an effect on the skin, but it’s not the primary reason for the skin tightening. That said, restoring the skin’s pH balance after cleansing can contribute to the overall health and feeling of the skin.

Dehydration: Astringents, especially those containing alcohol, can have a drying effect on the skin. While this can help reduce oiliness in the short term, it can also lead to dehydration of the skin’s surface, contributing to the sensation of tightness. However, this kind of tightness isn’t always beneficial, as over time it can lead to skin dryness and irritation.

Astringents and Alcohol: While many astringents contain alcohol , not all astringents are alcohol-based. There are many alcohol-free astringents on the market formulated with ingredients like witch hazel, rose water, or botanical extracts. These can be gentler on the skin while still providing some astringent benefits.

The skin-tightening effect of astringents is a combination of protein denaturation, tissue constriction, and the removal of surface oils. The sensation of tightness can also be influenced by changes in skin pH and dehydration, especially with alcohol-based astringents. Astringents aren’t always alcohol-based, and their defining characteristic is their skin-tightening effect rather than a specific chemical structure.

How Astringents Unclog Pores

The action of astringents on pores and their ability to unclog them is a combination of several factors:

Removal of Surface Oils and Debris:

Astringents can help remove excess oils (sebum) and debris from the skin’s surface. Overproduction of sebum combined with dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores, which can result in comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). By removing excess oil and debris, astringents can help reduce the likelihood of pores getting clogged.

Exfoliation:

Some astringents contain ingredients, like salicylic acid, which act as exfoliants. Exfoliants help in removing the dead skin cells that can accumulate and clog pores.

Salicylic acid, in particular, is lipophilic, meaning it’s attracted to oils. This property allows it to penetrate deeper into oil-filled pores, helping to unclog them from within.

Antiseptic Qualities:

Many astringents have antiseptic properties, meaning they can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin. This is particularly valuable because bacterial growth within pores can lead to inflammatory acne.

For example, witch hazel, a common ingredient in many astringents, has both astringent and antiseptic properties, making it effective at keeping pores clean and reducing the likelihood of bacterial-induced breakouts.

Reduction in Pore Size:

By causing a temporary constriction of skin tissues, astringents can make pores appear smaller. While this doesn’t technically “unclog” a pore, it can make them less prone to accumulating debris simply by reducing their opening size.

Balancing Skin pH:

The skin’s natural barrier, known as the acid mantle, has a slightly acidic pH, which helps keep bacteria at bay and ensures proper functioning of enzymes responsible for skin health. By helping to balance the skin’s pH, some astringents can promote a healthier skin environment, making it less prone to clogging and breakouts.

Hydration:

While this may seem counterintuitive, some astringents contain hydrating ingredients or are followed up with moisturizers. Proper hydration can ensure that the skin sheds dead cells more effectively, preventing them from accumulating inside pores.

In summary, astringents in skin care can help unclog pores through a combination of cleaning surface oils and debris, exfoliating action, antiseptic properties, making pores appear smaller, balancing skin pH, and promoting effective skin hydration. However, it’s essential to select an astringent suited to your skin type and concerns and to use it in conjunction with other suitable skincare products for the best results.

Benefits of astringent ingredients

Benefits and Uses of Astringents

Astringents have several uses in skin care:

Tightening and toning pores – By precipitating proteins and absorbing water, astringents cause pores to tighten and appear smaller. This can reduce the appearance of large pores.

Reducing oiliness – Astringents remove excess sebum, dirt, and oil from the skin’s surface, leading to a less shiny complexion.

Minimizing puffiness – Constricting the skin can decrease minor puffiness and swelling, like under eye bags. Astringents are common ingredients in eye creams.

Treating minor skin irritations – Some minor skin issues, like insect bites, hemorrhoids, rashes, and acne can benefit from an astringent’s skin tightening abilities. The constricting effect helps reduce inflammation and irritation.

Skin Care Products

Astringents are most commonly found in:

Toners – Facial toners applied after cleansing contain astringent ingredients to help remove residue and tighten pores.

Essences – Like toners, essences often contain plant-based astringents to refine skin texture.

Products with alcohol

Alcohol reduces skin bacteria and shrinks pores but can be drying to some skin types.

Products with Sage

Sage is an antioxidant astringent. It is a natural ingredient to shrink pores.

Products with Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a very popular astringent because of it’s anti-inflammatory abilities.

When To Use Astringents in Skin Care Routine

Astringents are applied to the skin after cleansing and before moisturizing. Using an alcohol-free astringent 1-2 times per day can help minimize pores, absorb oil, and create a smooth base for other products

astringent ingredients

List of Astringent Ingredients in Skin Care

Some plant-based and synthetic ingredients commonly used as astringents include:

Witch Hazel – Distilled from the witch hazel shrub, this natural astringent is gentle on sensitive skin.

Sage – An herb with antioxidant and astringent benefits. Often used in toners and aftershaves.

Aluminum acetate and aluminum sulfate – Synthetic ingredients used in commercial antiperspirants for their pore-tightening effects.

Alcohol – Ethyl alcohol provides an intense astringent effect by quickly drying the skin. Can be irritating.

Calamine – A mixture of zinc and iron oxides with astringent and skin-protective properties often used to treat poison ivy.

Comfrey – A healing herb used to treat wounds and irritation that also has mild astringent effects.

Black Tea – Black tea contains tannins that act as natural astringents when applied to the skin.

Alum – A type of mineral salt used as a natural astringent, often in shaving products.

Manjishtha – An Ayurvedic herb used to treat acne, skin inflammation, and blemishes.

Sandalwood – Sandalwood oil has antiseptic and astringent properties. Helps calm and tighten skin.

White Oak – The bark contains tannins that act as an astringent. Also has antibacterial effects.

Ginkgo – Ginkgo leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids that provide antioxidant and astringent benefits.

Using the right astringent ingredients for your skin type can help refine pores, reduce shine, and give skin a smooth, toned appearance. When used properly, astringents can be beneficial additions to your daily skincare routine.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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