Shopping for Answers: Facial toners almost always contain irritants – mainly alcohol

DEAR SHOPPING: Recently in your column, I was reading about the alcohol in men's products, which got me to thinking about the Sea Breeze astringent I use. When I checked, I saw that the second ingredient in this product is alcohol! Do you have suggestions for a good astringent with little or no alcohol?

– Debbie, Citrus Heights

DEAR DEBBIE: You did the right thing. Always check the list of ingredients, especially on toners, because there are some buzzwords that can spell irritation – alcohol being one of them. What happens is you feel that tightening, which makes you feel all clean. Actually, toners can adversely affect the skin's natural protective barrier. And they can be super-drying.

Most dermatologists say you don't need to even use a toner, just a mild, water-soluble cleanser followed by a moisturizer (depending on skin type) and sunscreen. But I was curious. So I did a check of about 20 toners at a drugstore and found all 20 to contain at least one or more irritants – everything from alcohol to eucalyptus, menthol and witch hazel – as main ingredients. However, don't be alarmed by ingredients like cetyl alcohol, which is found in super-gentle Cetaphil cleanser. Cetyl alcohol is a harmless thickening agent.

DEAR SHOPPING: I have been looking for one of Nivea's first products, which I have used for years and can't find anymore. It's called creamy conditioning oil. Nivea's newer products have a fragrance that I can't use because I'm sensitive to different chemicals. Do you know if the Nivea product is still made?

– Mary, Sacramento

DEAR MARY: I checked with Nivea, and the creamy conditioning oil is no longer in the company's product lineup. It's been replaced by Smooth Sensation Body Oil. I tried it and liked it, but it does have a subtle scent, as do most body oils, including popular brands like Neutrogena Body Oil. If you're willing to try a sort of combo oil/lotion formula, Vaseline Deep Moisture Creamy Formula ($3.99) is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. You also might like the Aveeno line of body moisturizers, which are formulated for sensitive skin. A couple of them even have sunscreen.

DEAR SHOPPING: I have a favorite Dooney Burke purse that could use a good cleaning. It is material with a leather strap and bottom. I remember awhile back, you mentioned a good place where a person could take a purse to get cleaned. My daughter has the same problem with a Coach bag that she has. Any idea how much a good purse cleaning costs and where?

– Min, Sacramento

DEAR MIN: The place you're referring to is a company in Bethesda, Md., that specializes in shoe, handbag and luggage repairs. The question concerned an antique alligator bag. The company has a Web site, www.fortunas.com, and can be reached at (301) 654-2533. Coach no longer offers a cleaning service, but if your daughter takes her bag to a store (one in Arden Fair), it probably could suggest a cleaning option. I would do the same with your Dooney Burke, especially if there are multiple fabrics.

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