Facial lotion: everything you need to know (TOP 10 products)

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.

Facial lotion: what is it?

Facial lotion (from French and Latin - cleansing, ablution, washing, care) is a hygienic cosmetic product for regular facial skin care. The variety of brands allows you to choose the right product that meets the needs of your skin. Active components deeply cleanse pores, narrow them, even out the relief, and increase turgor. Having the right wash gel, lotion and one face cream can maintain your beauty and prevent age-related changes for many years. Why do you need facial lotion in cosmetology? It provides the following effects on the skin:

• high-quality cleansing;
• removal of the stratum corneum;
• cleansing of decorative cosmetics residues;
• prevention of dehydration, dryness;
• restoration of pH and regulation of the sebaceous glands.

The product can be used in the complex treatment of acne, acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation. Penetrating into the deep layers of the epidermis, lotions restore damaged cells and trigger the mechanism of active regeneration and renewal of the dermis. It is the lotion that will help to qualitatively remove impurities that could not be removed by washing, due to its deep penetration into the pores.

Pure System

All the benefits of such cosmetics are contained in a good cleansing lotion from Yves Rocher Pure System (French production). It is ideal for people whose skin constantly needs cleansing and special attention. Its active effect lies in the presence of unique elements - salicylic acid and aloe pulp extract. Both of these ingredients do their job quite quickly and efficiently, so this product is rightfully considered one of the leading products.

Salicylic acid affects dead cells, dissolving them, and also neutralizes bacteria that can cause frequent inflammatory processes.

Aloe pulp extract soothes and smoothes the skin. In addition, it gives the face a healthier look and a little matteness.

In addition to these components, it also contains other useful elements that help cleanse the face. Allergy sufferers and overly squeamish people do not have to worry about negative consequences, since this product does not dry out the skin, it has a light gel consistency and guarantees the narrowing of pores.

Types (5 options)

The lotion is not a universal product. It is important to choose a product that will not only suit your skin type, but also meet its daily needs.

Depending on the capabilities, there are:

1. Moisturizing.
2. Cleansing and mattifying.
3. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.
4. Toning and antioxidant.
5. Exfoliating, regenerating.

There are combination lotions with a wide spectrum of action. A professional cosmetologist will help you understand the variety of types of cosmetic products. Beautician Sean Patel

When choosing a product, it is necessary to take into account the likelihood of allergic reactions, age-related characteristics, and defects (moles, inflammation, neoplasms).

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.

Varieties by composition

The composition determines the purpose of a cosmetic product for daily care. The main component is mineral or thermal water. Excipients enrich the composition. The lotion may contain vitamins, alcohols, acids, esters, extracts of medicinal plants and flowers, extracts, and oils.

Alcohol care products

Alcohol-based facial lotion consists of ethyl alcohol. Purpose – deep cleansing, disinfection, narrowing pores. Alcohol lotions may contain plant extracts, boric or salicylic acids, preservatives to preserve the active formula, fragrances, and aluminum salts.

Alcohol lotions are intended primarily to tighten pores and restore facial contours. Beautician Sean Patel

To avoid overdrying, you need to choose the right alcohol concentration:

• up to 27%: for dehydrated and dry skin;
• from 22 to 30%: for normal, combination and rash-prone skin;
• from 30 to 35%: medium-oily skin with the appearance of shine in the T-zone;
• about 40% is suitable for very oily, large-pore skin with the formation of a sebaceous film 2-4 hours after washing.

The disadvantages of the alcohol composition include irritation, excessive dryness, and the opposite effect if the concentration of the drug is chosen incorrectly. For dry skin, use face lotions without alcohol.

Alkaline products

The basis of alkaline facial lotions is sodium hydroxide, which is part of regular soap. Alkaline components perfectly cleanse the epidermis and are widely used to care for oily and combination skin. A suitable option for daily care is weakly alkaline lotions. They do not destroy the protective barrier and do not change the acidic environment of the epidermis surface. The alkaline composition disinfects, removes inflammatory and purulent foci, and stops infectious processes.

Acidic lotions

The main composition usually includes lactic, boric, fruit acid, which restores pH, deeply nourishes and cleanses the face, and improves its color. After just a few days of use, the skin becomes radiant and healthy. Acidic foods improve blood circulation, eliminate sagging, age-related changes, prevent sagging and activate the synthesis of your own collagen and elastin. A popular product is face lotion with salicylic acid, alcohol-based or alcohol-free. Almost all types of lotions contain natural ingredients that expand the spectrum of action of the treatment and care product. Before purchasing, you must carefully study the composition.

Cucumber

Among the effective lotions prepared at home, the option based on cucumbers stands out. When used, the epidermis receives high-quality cleansing, whitening, nutrition and hydration.

Preparation:

1. Wash four fresh cucumbers and dry them with a paper towel.
2. Grind together with the skin using a grater.
3. The pulp is placed in a sterile glass jar.
4. Pour in a glass of vodka.
5. Place the jar under the lid in a dark cabinet for three days, remembering to shake the contents every day.
6. Filter the lotion into a glass bottle, seal and place in the refrigerator.

Used to wipe oily skin. The product is also suitable for combination dermis.

Expert opinion

VERY HELPFUL!

In order to moisturize dehydrated skin, you should prepare a rejuvenating composition from cucumber juice daily, which will require 2 tbsp. l. per 200 ml of sparkling mineral water. Use throughout the day, especially in hot or dry environments.

Question answer

These are different products. Lotions contain alcohols; they are created to intensively care for the skin and combat specific problems. Perfect for those with problem skin. And tonics are suitable for any type of skin, they act gently and tone. The lotion helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin in tandem with washing, and the tonic completes this process and prepares the face for applying the cream.

With age, the skin becomes drier and thinner, so you should choose products without alcohol. They should not act aggressively. Lean towards products containing hyaluron, glycerin, oils, allantoin.

The skin in this area is special, so it is better to avoid it and not wipe it with lotion. You need to cleanse your skin with special products.

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.

Popular products (TOP 10)

With proper use and choice of facial lotion, there will be a positive result. According to reviews from women, the following brands of cosmetics are popular products for daily care.

Facial lotion `hada labo` premium 170 ml

Facial lotion 'hada labo' premium 170 ml from a Japanese cosmetic company has a unique composition, including 5 types of hyaluronic acid: N-hyaluronate, 3D, absorbent. Auxiliary components: collagen, alpha-lipoic acid, retinol. The components actively heal and rejuvenate the skin and provide deep hydration. Even after washing, the skin is moisturized and is not subject to tightness or dryness. Deep hydration occurs at all levels and dermal layers. The product creates a molecular network that retains moisture. Polysaccharides in the composition are also responsible for hydration and prevent dehydration. The product is applied several times a day after cleansing, before applying the main cosmetic care product.

Costs about 700 rubles.

Hada labo gokujyun facial lotion with hyaluronic acid

The Japanese brand has a Gokujyun line, which is suitable for women with aging skin, with the first age-related changes. Facial lotion 'hada labo' Gokujyun with hyaluronic acid rejuvenates, deeply cleanses and moisturizes, removes dead epidermal cells. Immediately after use, the skin becomes smooth, flaking disappears, and complexion evens out. The product contains 3 types of hyaluronate, no fragrances, dyes, alcohol, or mineral oils. The lotion has a thick texture, so the consumption of cosmetic composition is economical. Moisturizing, velvety, increasing turgor and tightening the oval of the face are some of the significant advantages of use. In addition, the product can be used as a base for makeup.

Costs about 700 rubles.

Holy Land A-nox Face lotion

The Israeli brand Holy Land has released a unique formula for the care of the face, neck and décolleté. Holy Land face lotion actively cleanses the skin and has a moderate antiseptic effect. The active components create a steaming effect, which ensures deep removal of impurities from the pores. The product acts like a superficial peeling, evens out color and improves appearance. After just a week of regular use, the comedones soften and the ulcers dry out.

These are expensive products. Costs about 6000-6500 rubles.

Vitex Lotion

This is an exfoliant with fruit acids (glycolic, lactic, and citric). But it exfoliates gently, since the ingredients are not aggressive. The lotion provides nutrition with shea butter and wheat germ. Please note that the composition contains parabens. These components can form a film, but the manufacturer does not hide this. That is why if you have problem skin, choose another product. The packaging is convenient and economical. The lotion is not thick.

Price: 160-190 rub.

Clean&Clear

This product is designed for deep cleansing. That is why it is ideal for people with problem skin. The composition contains alcohol and salicylic acid. The product copes well with blackheads and eliminates oily shine. Moisturizing is provided by glycerin, which is also included in the composition. The lotion has a strong alcohol smell, which not everyone likes. But the reviews show that the product has proven itself well. After use, apply cream to the skin.

Costs about 300-400 rubles.

In addition to the products described above, it is worth mentioning the following lotions, which have also proven themselves well:

Before choosing a product, you must carefully study the composition and reviews. A good lotion does not have to be an expensive premium product. The cost of many exceeds 1000 rubles, but the uniform distribution and thick composition allow the product to be used for more than 3-4 months.

For wrinkles

Expert opinion

WE RECOMMEND!

Effective homemade lotions that help smooth out wrinkles are popular. Available ingredients are used for preparation.

Manufacturing procedure:

1. Laminaria powder purchased at a pharmacy - 30 g, pour a quarter glass of slightly heated water.
2. After three hours, the swollen mass is thrown onto a sieve.
3. Collect the liquid fraction in a separate container.
4. Mix it with a tablespoon of juice squeezed from grated fresh cucumber.
5. Supplement the prepared product with almond oil, which will require 16 drops.

Homemade face lotion

You can prepare lotion for any skin type at home. Many adherents of natural cosmetics choose this particular path to solve many problems. Home remedies have a right to exist, as they nourish the skin, moisturize its surface, and solve the problem of local small defects. Traditional medicine knows more than a hundred beauty recipes for the skin for every day.

For aging skin

A facial lotion for aging skin at home should nourish, enhance collagen production, and smooth out existing wrinkles. To turn back time, you can prepare the following recipes:

1. 1 tbsp. Olive oils, honey and apple cider vinegar are mixed until smooth, add 10 drops of tea tree oil and add 250 ml of water. Shake the mixture before applying.
2. 1 tbsp. dry rosemary is mixed with 250 ml of dry red rosemary, placed in a dark, cool place for 21 days. The composition is shaken periodically. The resulting composition smooths out wrinkles and refreshes the complexion.
3. Aloe juice can be applied daily as a stand-alone remedy or mixed with honey or flaxseed oil. You can prepare aloe juice yourself. Sometimes it is enough to wipe your face with a freshly cut leaf of the plant.

After application, it is recommended to pat and pinch the skin a little to improve the penetration of beneficial substances deep into the dermal structures.

For oily and combination skin

For problem skin, you can try the following recipes:

• Dried celandine herb (50 g) is poured with boiling water (350 ml), left to infuse until it cools completely. The resulting broth is filtered and the skin is treated several times a day. The recipe helps keep your skin clear. This face lotion is ideal for acne.
• Mix the yolk of one egg with vodka, add the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tbsp. full fat sour cream. All ingredients are mixed and used as a “chatter”.
• Dried rose petals are brewed with boiling water, combined with apple cider vinegar 1:2, and infused for 3-5 days. Afterwards, the product is ready for use before bed.
• Fresh parsley 100 g is poured with 500 ml of boiling water, brought to low heat, and cooled. Add apple cider vinegar or concentrated juice of half a lemon to the strained and cooled mixture. Wipe the face with the resulting mixture several times a day.

By the way, not only girls can use facial lotions. There are also men's options. For example, doctors advise that teenage boys take more care for acne, also using lotions.

For dry skin

Dry skin needs intensive hydration and regular protection. Popular recipes according to women's reviews are:

1. Boil 250 ml of birch sap for 3-5 minutes, turn off the heat and leave until cool. Add honey to the warm solution and mix until smooth. The solution is used several times a day.
2. Squeezed melon juice is mixed with milk in equal proportions. The resulting product is used to treat the skin of the face, neck, and décolleté. The solution can be washed off with water 1-2 hours after application.
3. Egg white, peach juice and 1 tsp. fresh cream is mixed until smooth. The lotion is used several times a day to maintain hydration, cleanliness and nutrition.
4. Cabbage leaves are chopped, squeezed, and poured with 300 ml of hot milk. After 2 hours, the milk is filtered through cheesecloth, cooled and used within 3 days. Next, a new composition is prepared.
5. Dried linden flowers are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left under the lid until cool. Next, the composition is filtered, melted honey is added and the lotion is used for its intended purpose.

To eliminate dryness, you can use vegetable oils (olive, flaxseed), essential oils of sea buckthorn, peach, and apricot. Conventional facial care products are often enriched with these substances. Dermatologist Jessica Kim

For whitening

To whiten the skin, you can use lotions based on chamomile, lemon juice, oatmeal decoction, dandelion, and cucumber. It is unacceptable to whiten your face with these components if you have dry and dehydrated skin.

Skin with reduced sebaceous secretion

Rose petal lotion

• Jasmine (inflorescences) – 30 g
• Red rose (petals) – 30 g
• Vitamin B1 – 2 ml
• Cologne – 20 ml
• Hot water – 50 ml

1. Mix the first two ingredients and chop finely.
2. Pour hot water over the flowers.
3. After seven hours, strain the mixture through cheesecloth.
4. Add the last ingredients to the solution.
5. Pour the mixture into a bottle, close the lid and shake.

Recommended for use morning and evening.

Milky lotion for sensitive dry skin

• Cabbage leaves – 100 g
• Milk – 1 glass

1. Pass the cabbage through a blender.
2. Boil the milk.
3. Stir cabbage pulp in milk.
4. Close the container with a lid and wrap it in a terry towel. After an hour, the lotion can be used.

Moisturizing lotion

• Banana – 30 g
• Powdered sugar – 20 g
• Milk – 1 glass
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 10 drops

1. Place the banana in a blender and make banana pulp.
2. Mix banana puree with sugar.
3. Heat the milk; Dissolve sweet banana puree in milk.
4. Once the pan is removed from the heat, add lemon juice.

It is recommended to use the lotion in the morning, daily, for up to 14 procedures.

How to use lotion correctly?

Skin care should be carried out in the following sequence:

First of all, lotions are designed to cleanse and normalize pH. Next, you need to look at what else this tool is needed for. If you need to whiten your skin, you should lean towards whitening options; if there is dryness, you should lean towards moisturizing lotions. If the composition contains hyaluron and collagen, then such a product will help fight age-related changes. It is also worth considering the type of skin. For example, lotions with acids are suitable for those with oily skin.

Rules of application

To ensure that you achieve the predicted results, you should follow the rules that prescribe how to use lotions:

• When preparing yourself, only high-quality ingredients are used;
• before using a product with a new composition, test it for a possible allergic reaction;
• if the recipe indicates the possibility of storing the lotion, pour it into a dark glass container with a sealed stopper;
• wipe the face in the morning and evening, as well as if necessary to cleanse the skin throughout the day;
• After two or three months, it is advisable to select another suitable recipe.

Expert opinion
RECOMMENDED!

When considering the types of facial lotions, it should be noted that for oily epidermis, their composition includes alcohol-containing liquids. For severe dryness, it is important to provide softening and hydration through vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Normal skin will benefit from egg, butter, and milk ingredients.

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.