Tonic

Ingredients with the tonic function are used in cosmetics to give skin or hair a feeling of freshness, composure and visual "tightness". In the European CosIng database, this function is highlighted separately, and the database itself is used as an official reference for cosmetic ingredients and their roles in formulas. In practice, such components are most often found in lotions, refreshing sprays, after-wash products, and scalp products.: they help to quickly refresh the surface of the skin, reduce the feeling of lethargy, and sometimes give a slight astringent or stimulating effect. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

Most often, such an action is not associated with deep care, but with a sensory and superficial effect: the skin looks more vigorous, less dull, and the hair at the roots can be perceived as lighter and fresher. In formulas for the scalp, such substances are often used as part of refreshing compositions, especially in tonics and indelible products. At the same time, the tonic function itself does not mean treatment or a pronounced rejuvenating result — it is precisely the cosmetic effect of improving tone and comfort. The CosIng database serves as a source of information on the cosmetic functions of ingredients in the EU; additional reference resources also indicate that the functions in INCI describe the role of the substance in the finished product. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

Typical examples include Hamamelis Virginiana Water, which is often used in refreshing and slightly astringent formulas, as well as Menthol, if you need a quick cooling and toning sensory effect. The specific effect always depends on the general formulation, concentration and skin type: for sensitive skin, overly active refreshing ingredients may not be the most comfortable, so they are evaluated not separately, but as part of the entire formula. (cosingchecker.com)