TOP 7 best face lotions: composition, effect, how to choose

Beautiful and smooth skin is every girl’s dream, but, unfortunately, not always a reality. Decorative cosmetics can help hide imperfections: foundation, powder, concealer. But this is not a way out of the situation. In order not to hide imperfections, but only to emphasize the advantages and natural beauty of the skin, it should be carefully looked after. And one of the stages of facial care is the use of lotion.

First published - 04/02/2020

Photo: inran.it

But before you start buying it, you should figure out what this product actually does and why it is needed.

Firstly, it is often confused with tonic. Despite the fact that they are similar in their action, they are still different products. The main function of both products is to deeply cleanse the face of impurities. But tonics act more delicately and gently, but lotions often contain alcohol, which has a more aggressive effect on the skin. Although modern manufacturers are moving away from this and stop adding alcohol to the formula, replacing it with acids or plant extracts.

Secondly, it is worth knowing that, like any other skin care products, lotions are divided into types corresponding to different skin types:

• Moisturizing.
• Rejuvenating.
• Exfoliating.
• For problematic skin.
• Matting.
• Antibacterial.
• Calming.
• Tonic.

Therefore, you should choose products of this type for yourself based on the characteristics of your skin. Sometimes lotions and tonics are also confused with makeup removers. It is not right. Makeup removal can only be done with micellar water, milk, hydrophilic oil or other specialized products. Lotions ensure clean skin after removing the make-up. They collect all the impurities that may remain even after thorough washing, tone the face, leaving it fresh and prepared for further procedures.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing such a product:

• Compound.
  The safety of the ingredients included in the product can be checked on the Internet. And, despite the fact that the basis of almost all products now consists of plant extracts, acids and oils, chemical elements still remain an integral part of the composition.
• Consistency.
  Clear or slightly tinted water is the standard form of lotion, but some manufacturers are moving away from the classic liquid look and releasing their products with the consistency of milk or serum.
• Volume.
  The consumption of such products is quite large, therefore, the smaller the volume of the bottle, the less time it will last you. This should be taken into account when purchasing expensive luxury goods, for example.
• Smell.
  Manufacturers have recently moved away from the use of harsh perfumes, giving preference to natural aromas obtained by adding flower or other plant extracts to the composition. Such smells are much more pleasant and unobtrusive.

Introducing the rating of facial lotions for 2022. The best 15 products that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.

What is and why do you need facial lotion?

A lotion is a water-alcohol composition with a whole range of nutrients. First of all, these are infusions of medicinal herbs, vitamins and acids of organic origin, which have a positive effect on a healthy appearance of the face.

Unfortunately, many women do not consider lotion a cosmetic product of primary importance and neglect it when choosing tonics and makeup remover creams. However, each of them has its own specific purpose, so they cannot be considered interchangeable.

Facial lotion is the main cosmetic product for cleansing the skin, which, in combination with a cleansing gel and/or cleansing masks, can improve its appearance, eliminating many problems. Properly cleansed skin with lotion becomes much softer, well moisturized and refreshed.

With the help of home or store-bought products, you can relatively quickly put your skin in order, relieving it of swelling, bruising and irritation. The effect of the lotion will be especially useful after steaming the skin, and if you choose a liquid with a mattifying effect, you can quickly hide minor facial imperfections.

Important!
Each skin type has its own lotion. When using an “oily” product on dry skin (or vice versa), one cannot expect positive results from this.

Based on plant materials

Lotions whose structural formula is based on plant materials bring undoubted benefits to the skin. They have a variety of positive effects due to the specific properties of the herbs used.

With chamomile

Pour a tablespoon of dried chamomile inflorescences into a glass and brew with a quarter glass of boiling water. After 40 minutes, the infusion is filtered and mixed with two types of oils - pomegranate (17 drops) and mint (5 drops). Used as a replacement for cleansing milk.

From parsley

Rinse and finely chop 10 sprigs of parsley. Grind and squeeze out the juice. Mix well with a tablespoon of sour cream with the addition of nutmeg oil, which will require three drops. Used to refresh the skin after removing makeup.

From aloe

Cut and washed two three-year-old aloe leaves are kept wrapped in parchment for 10 days in the refrigerator. Then the raw materials are crushed and the juice is squeezed out, which is mixed with grape oil - 16 drops. Use for moisturizing twice a day.

What is the difference between lotion and facial toner?

Both lotion and toner are types of products designed to improve the condition of facial skin. However, if the first is used as the main cleaning product, then the second is suitable only for the final stage of cleaning. Unlike lotion, tonic usually does not contain alcohol, and if it is present, it is in very small quantities. Of course, such a composition cannot replace a full wash, although it is considered cleansing.

Its main task is to prepare the skin for the application of creams, gels or other cosmetics and facilitate their penetration into the epidermis layer, with the maximum positive effect of nutrients on the skin cells. That is, for complete facial skin care, both products are required.

Video: Differences between lotion and tonic

Skin with increased sebaceous secretion

Citrus Cleansing Lotion

• Grapefruit – 2 pieces
• Lemon – 1 piece
• Vodka – 30 ml

1. Place the fruit in the juicer.
2. Add vodka to citrus juice.
3. Mix the ingredients.
4. Pour the lotion into a dark glass bottle.

It is recommended to wipe the skin with lotion twice a day.

Berry lotion

• Strawberries – 200 g
• Vodka – 100 ml

1. Squeeze juice from strawberries.
2. Mix freshly squeezed juice with an alcohol-containing ingredient.
3. Leave for one month in a cool, dark place.

After thirty days, the tincture can be used on oily skin. The product helps against red pimples.

Mattifying lotion with apple cider vinegar

• Cucumber – 100 g
• Apple cider vinegar – 80 ml

1. Place cucumber in blender; make cucumber pulp with seeds.
2. Pour vinegar over the mixture.
3. Infuse the solution for seven days in a cool, dark place.

The mixture can be used three times a day for severely oily facial skin.

Flower lotion

• White lily flowers – 5 flowers
• Moonshine
• Water

1. Grind the petals of lilies (preferably garden ones) using a blender.
2. Place flower petals in a wide-necked bottle and add moonshine. Lily petals should be completely hidden by the alcohol-containing ingredient.
3. Leave in the cold for one and a half months. Strain the lotion through cheesecloth.
4. Dilute the composition with water: one part lotion and three parts water.

Cosmetic product for oily skin on grapes

• Bunch of grapes – 1 branch
• Honey – 30 g
• Vodka – 50 ml
• Salt – 5 g

1. Wash the grape branch, dry it, and remove the berries. Pass the berries through a meat grinder.
2. After 120 minutes, add honey to the grape pulp.
3. Place the solution in a glass container with a wide neck.
4. Add vodka; mix the mixture with a wooden stick.
5. Add salt to the mixture. Mix.

After 5 hours, the cosmetic product is ready for use. It is not recommended to use the lotion for sensitive skin.

What are they?

Lotion is not a completely universal product, and a specific skin type may require its own type of product (each group has its own individual composition, aimed at the most effective result). So, depending on the functionality of the lotion, the following varieties are distinguished:

• moisturizing - great for dry skin, making it soft and silky;
• cleansing - in addition to the main functions, it is capable of removing dirt deposits (blackheads) and sebaceous plugs well;
• mattifying and tightening the pores of the face - an excellent solution for oily skin with a sebaceous film and oily sheen;
• anti-inflammatory - helps cope with acne and single pimples, which is especially valuable in adolescence;
• soothing - intended for sensitive skin, eliminates hyperemia well and reduces rashes on the face, preventing further possible irritation;
• tonic is an excellent two-in-one product: after using it, you no longer need to apply tonic, because it copes with the tonic function perfectly;
• exfoliating - has a deep effect on the dermis, removing impurities not only from the surface of the skin, but also from the deepest pores (this option is one of the most effective).

Cleaning

Expert opinion

WE RECOMMEND!

In the vast collection of folk cosmetology, it is not difficult to select options for the production of lotions that efficiently cleanse the face of all kinds of impurities and carefully remove makeup.

Preparation:

1. Dry nettle leaves - 15 g, slightly crushed and poured into a glass.
2. Pour in half a glass of boiling water. Keep under a terry cloth for two hours.
3. After filtering, take 40 ml of infusion, pouring it into a dark bottle.
4. Additionally, add dry white wine - 2 tsp. and glycerin - 8 drops.
5. Close the vessel with a stopper and shake vigorously.

Compound

The composition of the lotion is determined by its purpose. The main component is always water (mainly thermal or mineral), which is supplemented with various nutrients during the production process. Based on the additional ingredients, the following possible types of lotions are distinguished.

Alcoholic

Such options consist of 50% ethyl alcohol, which can completely dissolve any dirt on the skin and simultaneously disinfect it. Additional components in this case are:

• extracts from useful plants;
• boric acid;
• benzoic and salicylic acids (have antibacterial and antimicrobial effects);
• preservatives;
• fragrances;
• aluminum salts, which help tighten the skin and narrow pores.

With all its advantages, do not forget that alcohol is an aggressive environment and, when evaporated, removes not only fat and dust, but also some of the nutrients important for the skin. For this reason, the use of alcohol lotion is possible only for oily and problematic facial skin and no more than twice a day. It perfectly dries out pimples and wounds, and also helps to tighten pores and thoroughly cleanse the surface of the face. With proper regular use, the epidermis will soon acquire a fresh and healthy appearance.

Important!
The use of alcohol compositions to clean already dry skin is strictly contraindicated, even in cases where we are talking about a low concentration of alcohol and the presence of glycerin in the composition. If excessive drying occurs, inflammation cannot be avoided.

Alkaline

These products are based on the alkaline substance sodium hydroxide, which is known to many as the main component of ordinary soap. It perfectly cleanses the skin, but at the same time it can change the standard acidic environment of the epidermis to an alkaline one, which often results in the removal of the protective layer of the skin.

Slightly alkaline solutions have a milder effect. They will become indispensable assistants for those with problematic and oily skin, being not only good disinfectants, but also a means for eliminating ulcers, infectious and inflammatory foci on the surface of the face.

Acid

The main active ingredients of these lotions are boric, lactic, citric or fruit acids, which can restore the acid-base balance, soften sagging, prevent aging and improve skin color. Such lotions increase skin tone, whiten pigmented areas well, tighten pores and improve blood circulation, but even with such advantages, they cope with their main purpose (cleansing the face) much worse than previous options.

The benefits of homemade cosmetics

The first advantage that many young girls pay attention to is the naturalness of the components of the product, because purchased products cannot always guarantee quality.

In addition, there are other advantages of homemade cosmetics that should not be forgotten:

• gentle and thorough cleansing of the skin without negative consequences;
• reliable removal of excess fat;
• calming irritation;
• excellent disinfection;
• elimination of facial skin imperfections (rashes, inflammation, acne, unhealthy color, and so on).

The main positive features of homemade cosmetics surprise many people: both young and more experienced. Therefore, you can spend a little time purchasing the necessary ingredients and making lotion, because it is really worth it. You just need to clearly determine your skin type and find the most suitable recipe.

Rating of the best

On the modern market there are simply a lot of different options for the described cosmetic products, but when choosing a specific product, many consumers have problems. In such cases, customer reviews of brands play an important role, so we invite you to find out about the most popular lotions, many of which are aimed at caring for problematic and oily skin:

1. Israeli peeling lotion Alpha Complex Face lotion, including fruit acids (cost $30).

2. Clearskin Professional from Avon - perfectly masks problem areas of the skin and mattifies it (average price - about $3).

3. Alcohol-free lotion with salicylic acid from Russian (price - $1.3).

4. Optimally balanced composition Clean & Clear (France) - perfectly removes blackheads and cleanses clogged pores (average cost - $2.5).

5. Whitening Japanese product Arbutin Whitening Lotion with arbutin (about $10).

6. Another Japanese-made lotion Enriched Balancing Softener (with an enriched composition for mature skin), softens and nourishes well (price: approximately $30–40).

7. Physiogel from the Irish company Stiefel Laboratories, intended for regular use on dry and sensitive skin ($8).

8. AHA Body & Face Lotion — a product for the face and other areas of the body with AHA acids from the German manufacturer CNC ($25).

9. Diakon Tau — cleansing and antimicrobial composition from the Italian company Biogena ($13).

10. White Aura Skin Lotion — brightening lotion made in South Korea ($30).

As you can see, the TOP 10 of this group of cosmetics includes products from a variety of countries, which differ not only in general characteristics and composition, but also in price. Each consumer chooses the most suitable option for himself, taking into account all these criteria, but the main thing is that there are worthy offers among both elite and budget products.

Did you know?
One of the most expensive facial care lotions is the Japanese Balancing Lotion from Salon de Flouveil, which contains hyaluronic acid. Its approximate cost exceeds $350.

Bleaching

By selecting the appropriate list of ingredients, it is possible to prepare lotions with expressive skin-lightening characteristics. With its help, the face acquires a pleasant matte finish, its tone is evened out, and pigmentation becomes less noticeable.

Preparation:

1. You need to crush an aspirin tablet into powder.
2. Dissolve it in a mixture of pre-boiled and cooled milk and distilled water, taking these components 1 tbsp. l.
3. With active mixing, add jojoba oil - 19 drops.

It is recommended to use the prepared lotion after using a homemade whitening mask.

How to use it correctly

The correct selection of a cleanser is only half the success, but the second half is based on taking into account all the nuances of its use. The maximum effect is achieved only by regularly performing the following sequential actions:

1. First you need to remove your makeup by simply washing it off with water or using cosmetic milk.
2. Then, thoroughly moisten a cotton pad with the selected lotion, wipe your face, neck and décolleté with soft circular movements. When the disc dries, it is moistened again and the procedure is continued.
3. Having completed the main stage of cleaning, you can apply a special refreshing tonic, and after a while a cream, for which all the conditions have already been created for its full effect.

That is, the most important nuance of using lotion is to use it after first washing your face, but before applying tonic or cream. Violation of this order and chaotic use of all cosmetic products is always stressful for the skin, so there is no need to talk about its healthy appearance.

You should not exclude lotion from the list of cosmetic products used, because it is the one that can quickly and efficiently remove all impurities from the surface of the skin. All that remains is to choose the right product.

To tighten pores

Expert opinion

ATTENTION!

Enlarged pores often appear due to blockage with sebaceous secretions, causing discomfort due to loss of skin smoothness. To restore it and quickly narrow pores, it is recommended to prepare an effective lotion yourself.

Algorithm:

1. A teaspoon of large green tea leaves is brewed with 100 ml of boiling water.
2. After 30 minutes, filter the drink and pour 30 ml into a separate cup.
3. Add a teaspoon of grapefruit juice and tangerine ether - 7 drops to the brew.

The lotion is used after cosmetic cleansing procedures, spreading over problem areas with a cotton swab.

Micellar product

Micellar cleansing lotion, which surprised many people, was recently recognized as a novelty in cosmetology. First of all, everyone was interested in the question of what “micellar” is and why it is better than the others.

Mica is a small particle that instantly and painlessly removes cosmetics (makeup) and impurities from the face. To achieve these goals, no water is required; the product itself will do everything necessary.

The most effective micellar products:

1. Green style (Liv Delano – Belarus).
2. Ziaja (Belarus).
3. Natura Kamchatka (Natura Siberica - Russia).