noun C2 Proficient

astringent

uh-STRIN-juhnt

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Astringent (noun) means a liquid or substance applied to the skin to make the tissue contract, reducing oil and tightening pores. Example: “She wipes her face with an astringent after cleansing.”

noun

A liquid or substance applied to the skin to make the tissue contract, reducing oil and tightening pores.

"She wipes her face with an astringent after cleansing."

"Witch hazel is the astringent most often recommended for oily skin."

adjective

Causing body tissue to tighten or contract, especially the skin.

"Green tea extract has a mildly astringent effect."

"Alum has been used as an astringent for centuries."

Having a sharp, dry, mouth-puckering taste.

"Unripe persimmons are so astringent they are almost impossible to eat."

"The wine was young and astringent, all tannin and no fruit."

Sharply critical in a dry, unsparing way.

"Her astringent review left the production very little to hold on to."

How to use astringent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that tightens the skin, or a sharp taste or comment that makes you wince.

When to use it

The skincare and taste senses are everyday; the sense meaning harshly critical is literary.

Memory tip

Do not confuse astringent with stringent. Stringent means strict, as in stringent rules, and has nothing to do with taste or skin.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

stringent → abstergent antiseptic →

Common pairings

astringent toner mildly astringent astringent taste astringent wit

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “astringent” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She wipes her face with an _____ after cleansing.

Etymology

From Latin astringere 'to bind fast, draw tight', from ad 'to' and stringere 'to bind'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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toner styptic sharp tart acerbic puckering caustic biting trenchant acerb

Antonyms

mellow sweet smooth gentle indulgent nonastringent

Related words

sweet smart soft calm sharp acid smooth moderate

Rhymes for astringent

stringent contingent

See all rhymes for astringent →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an astringent and a toner?

Toner is the broad category of liquid applied after cleansing, and many toners are gentle and hydrating. An astringent is a toner that specifically tightens the skin and cuts oil, and it is often alcohol-based, which makes it stronger and more drying.

Why does tea taste astringent?

Tea contains tannins, compounds that bind to the proteins in saliva and make the mouth feel dry and rough. Over-brewing releases more tannin, which is why stewed tea puckers the mouth.

What is the meaning of astringent?

"astringent" (noun) means a liquid or substance applied to the skin to make the tissue contract, reducing oil and tightening pores.

What is another word for astringent?

Other words for "astringent" include toner, styptic, acerbic, acerb, sharp, tart.

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