What is astringent used for?

Astringents are primarily used to soothe the skin, particularly for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. They work by tightening the pores and reducing excess oil, which can lead to a clearer complexion. Astringents often contain ingredients like witch hazel, alcohol, or salicylic acid, and their soothing properties can help calm irritated or inflamed skin.

While astringents may play a role in preparing the skin for makeup application, the primary purpose is not to enhance longevity or clean tools. They also don’t hydrate the skin; instead, they can sometimes have a drying effect, which is why their use is often targeted toward oily skin types. Thus, their main function centers around soothing and refining the skin rather than addressing hydration or makeup concerns directly.