Garnier Tonics: My Opinion

by Maria / On 22 March, 2024 / In Beauty

If you haven’t found your ideal toning lotion yet, let me introduce you to my review of the Garnier tonic.

You probably already know this brand. Currently, it offers both hair products and other facial care products. It is mainly characterized by the use of natural and respectful active ingredients.

Facial tonic is a cosmetic that should never be missing from your care routine, as it offers a multitude of benefits and advantages.

However, choosing the most appropriate one is not an easy task. In the market, you will find thousands of options from all brands made from different ingredients.

In my case, many of them have left certain areas somewhat dry and have also caused tightness and even redness.

Do you want to know what my experience with Garnier’s option has been? Continue reading to find out. Plus, I reveal another alternative that will surely surprise you.

What are the best options? Here is my selection. And if you have oily skin, these are the best tonics you can use.

What is a facial tonic

It consists of an aqueous and very light lotion that is applied after cleansing and before moisturizing cream.

Its main advantages are:

They hydrate the dermis.
They regulate pH.
They reduce the visibility of wrinkles and expression lines.
They help combat pigment spots.
They close the pores, thus providing a more uniform appearance.
They combat specific problems: acne, dryness, redness, etc.
They prepare the face to receive subsequent treatments.
They contribute to greater luminosity.

Here you have more information about the tonic and its functions.

Presentation of Garnier’s tonics

This brand offers two types of lotions: one with rose water, and another with aloe vera. Let’s see what their characteristics are.

Rose water tonic

The rose water is a very popular ingredient in natural cosmetics that adapts to all skin types.

Despite this, it is especially recommended for people with sensitivity issues such as redness, flaking, eczema, or other symptoms.

This version is mainly characterized by its combination of vitamins and antioxidants.

Aloe vera tonic

Do you have oily or combination skin? In that case, this might be your best choice.

Aloe vera has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory power. In addition, it acts as an excellent cell regenerator.

Although both products are different, they promise a series of common benefits:

Hydrate and soften the face.
Provide coolness.
Improve the state of imperfections.
Grant greater luminosity.

Texture

Both the rose water and the aloe vera have a very light texture. Really, it is what any other facial tonic displays.

The best thing is that they are easily absorbed, so you do not have to wait a long time to proceed to apply other cosmetics. This factor is fundamental to me.

They also do not leave any greasy or sticky film, quite the opposite.

Package and smell

The packaging consists of a plastic bottle with 200 ml of product. The dispenser is very simple and comfortable. You just have to pour the bottle and press to get the desired amount.

The smell, however, is an aspect that I did not like about either of the two products. As soon as you open them, they release a very strong and cloying fragrance.

Remember that the ideal in a cosmetic is that its scent is barely perceptible, as artificial perfumes can cause irritations, dryness, tightness, and other unfavorable symptoms.

Ingredients

Although they are made with very beneficial actives, they contain alcohol and other not recommended substances.

In addition, they have low concentrations of natural ingredients, so they cannot be considered very potent formulas.

I leave you the INCI of each one so you can evaluate them yourself.

Rose water tonic:

AQUA / WATER • GLYCERIN • ALCOHOL DENAT. • ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER • SODIUM HYDROXIDE • SODIUM PHYTATE • ARGININE • PROPANEDIOL • CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE • CITRIC ACID • SALICYLIC ACID • LINALOOL • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE.

Aloe vera tonic:

AQUA / WATER • ALCOHOL DENAT. • GLYCERIN • ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER • VITIS VINIFERA FRUIT WATER / GRAPE FRUIT WATER • SODIUM HYDROXIDE • SODIUM PHYTATE • CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE • SALICYLIC ACID • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE.

Who it’s aimed at

The rose water one is intended for any skin type, regardless of the problems you have.

However, the aloe vera version is recommended more for oily or combination faces that have excess sebum, shine and acne.

How to apply

The method of application is very simple:

Clean and remove all makeup from the face. We advise the use of micellar water, as they tend to be more respectful cleansers.
Pour the liquid onto a cotton pad. It should not be too soaked, nor too dry.
Gently pat the cotton pad over the face, neck, and décolletage.
Avoid applying it around the eye contour, as it is an extremely sensitive area.
Wait for it to dry completely.
Lastly, you can continue applying other cosmetics such as serum, moisturizer, contours, etc.

My experience with Garnier’s tonics

In my case, I have tried both products. At first, it is true that I noticed very favorable results such as, for example, greater smoothness of the complexion, a more illuminated face, and a great freshness.

However, after several weeks, the rose water tonic left me with very dry areas and I noticed increased tightness in my skin. I even had some mild flaking.

In short, I particularly recommend the aloe vera, but only for oily or combination faces that do not present sensitivity. If your skin is more mature, or needs more nourishment, they are not a good option.

The best aspects of both lotions are:

They provide a cool sensation.
They have great durability.
They are affordable.
The packaging and dispenser are suitable.
They leave the face soft and luminous.

Regarding the weak points that I have perceived, I highlight the following:

They are not entirely natural formulas.
They contain alcohol and artificial perfume.
The smell is very cloying.
The rose water one can cause tightness and dryness.
They are not suitable for sensitive skins.

How to choose a good facial tonic

Do you know what aspects you should consider when choosing a toning lotion?

The ideal is that its ingredients be natural.
It is also recommended that it is low in preservatives.
It should be free of alcohol and artificial fragrance.
The fewer ingredients it contains, the better. This way, all of them will be present in greater proportion.

An alternative: Nezeni Cosmetics micellar water

If you believe that none of the options offered by Garnier are for you, I present a more effective alternative.

It is the micellar water from Nezeni Cosmetics. It is such a potent product that it manages to cleanse, remove makeup, moisturize, tone, and revitalize at the same time.

Its ingredients are totally natural and it is low in preservatives, so you don’t have to worry about combining it with other cosmetics. It especially highlights the extract of aloe vera, apple, ginger, and oat.

To use it as a tonic, you just have to spray the liquid onto a cotton pad and gently pat it on the face, neck, and décolletage.

Other options are to pour it onto the palms of your hands, previously disinfected, or to spray it directly on the face.

Conclusion

This has been my review of Garnier’s tonic. As you can see, it is a mid-range cosmetic that can provide some beneficial results for the face.

Mainly, I recommend it for people who do not suffer from specific problems and who do not expect great results.

I have also tried: My own homemade version, Clinique’s, Mercadona’s, or Pixi’s.

For a more potent and natural option, I recommend using Nezeni Cosmetics micellar water as a facial tonic. Plus, you’ll have the advantage of enjoying a cleanser and toning lotion in a single product.