In the skincare industry, toner, serum, and essence are all similar concepts. However, what makes them different? This is probably the most common question people ask. I am sure you did!
But do not worry! If you are unsure about the difference between them, you are on the right page. I will provide you with the basics so that you will know their main purpose. All three can be used as an extra step in your skincare routine, but let’s go into more detail about what each of them offers.
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Toner
A toner basically looks exactly like water (apart from the taste lol) and kind of acts like water. But it does not deliver what water delivers. This is because they contain acids, glycerin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories components.
For those of you who are interested in the science behind it, a toner is a quick-absorbing liquid that helps hydrate the skin and remove some dead cells. This leads to plump, glowing skin. In an interview with Allure, dermatologist Arielle Kauvar explains that toner works like a primer for serums and moisturizers.
The beneficial ingredients of a toner can penetrate the skin more deeply when grime, makeup, and dead skin are removed.
Toners are often considered must-haves for healthy skin. Obviously, it is not an essential. Rather it’s an additional treatment that can be added to your skincare regimen for a healthier appearance.
A dermatologist based in New York City, Amy Wechsler, recommends using a toner after cleansing and including it in both your morning and evening routines.
Specifically, majority of dermatologists recommend using toner following double cleansing and exfoliation. Following toner application, you can apply treatment-oriented products like serums, sunscreen, and eye cream, if you wish.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that you should use a toner no later than a minute after cleansing. It sounds weird, but it works. The skin absorbs most molecules best when it is wet, so applying active ingredients immediately after cleansing is most effective.
Serums
Designed to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients directly to the skin, this product is highly effective for addressing a variety of skincare concerns.
It also contains many important nutrients for the skin and can perform a variety of purposes, ranging from hydrating to brightening your skin.
A serum is generally used after applying a cleanser and right before applying a moisturiser to help boost hydration. In fact, when applied underneath moisturizers, serums address wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness.
Dermatologists recommend serums because they contain topical antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. Some serums also contain retinol and other ingredients that help to even out the skin tone.
In addition, it can often be clear, gel-based, or liquid, and they are usually thinner than moisturizers. Serums can hydrate effectively, even more so than heavier creams. It penetrates the skin and hydrates it on the deepest level, whereas heavier creams are more likely to fall on the surface. Hydrating serums are not meant to replace moisturizers, but rather to boost the hydrating action of moisturizers.
Choosing serums rich in botanicals, antioxidants, and hydration (water!) will provide a concentrated dose of nutrients, and when applied to freshly cleansed skin, the serum will penetrate more deeply,” explains Dr Craig Kraffert, a dermatologist.
Essence
Essence is a water-based skin care product with active ingredients to hydrate, nourish, protect, and improve skin health.
It is a hydrating product formulated using nutrients and hydrating ingredients. It helps restore hydration to the skin cells when applied to clean skin after using a cleanser and toner. Applying it before serums and moisturizers help these products absorb better.
The common ingredients that it contains include water, vitamins and minerals, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, botanical plant extracts, but also active ingredients that help with UV rays.
Differences
Although they may resemble one another in some aspects, they are extremely different in terms of the skin-care goals that they provide.
One key bonus to add is that essence, toner, and serum are popular products used in Korean skincare.
As we all know, Korea’s skincare is one of the best in the world. Their products are among the most sophisticated, and many of them are extremely affordable, so you will have a wide selection to choose from!
You should be aware that in the past, toners were detested due to their tendency to dry out the skin and the presence of alcohol. Nowadays, toners are much milder.
In fact, they help restore the skin’s pH balance and can even remove dirt that has remained after cleansing.
Essence, on the other hand, does not cleanse, but it is the perfect product for restoring hydration and balance to the skin. They usually have a waterier consistency, but they can be thicker than toners. The latter acts like a primer to be used before a serum or moisturiser.
Given that serums contain potent ingredients that hydrate the skin, it could be said that they act as moisturisers, however, they do not replace them.
Furthermore, serums and essences may sound the same, but well… they are not. Serums generally contain more active ingredients than essences.
According to dermatologist Erum Ilyas, MD, of Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania, it’s not completely necessary to use an essence and serum. However, if you have drier skin, an essence, and serum can both be utilized in your routine.
But if you wish to combine the three, the general recommendation is to use an essence after cleansing and toning, followed by a serum.
Warnings
Keep in mind that serums can include powerful ingredients, so check for any potential skin sensitivity before using them. Also, toners can sometimes irritate the skin, especially for those with dry and sensitive skin, so be sure to read the ingredients beforehand.
To conclude, the three products differ from one another and depending on what you want the product to do for your skin, you can choose which one best suit your needs.
It is important to mention, however, that you do not have to incorporate them into your skincare routine. I personally do not use any of them although I have a few around the house but don’t know exactly where they are. 🙂
For a good sampling, check out the toner serum & essence from one of the most popular Korean Skincare Beauty brands. There are a lot of options and you can see what you think will work best for your skin! 😉
Besides, I hope you now have a clearer understanding of these three products, which are great for boosting our skin and taking greater care of it. The most important thing is to consider your skin type (dry-sensitive-skin) and needs before looking through the skincare aisles to see what products will suit you.
