Toner and Essence have continued to rise in popularity within the skincare industry. But with all these different Toners and Essences coming out and targeting different skin concerns, it can be quite difficult to know what exactly does what and how it benefits your skin. Let’s take a deeper look into the difference between Essence and Toner.

What is a Toner?

Toners are a water-based liquid that is commonly used after cleansing the skin to further remove any impurities, dirt and debris that your skin picks up throughout your day. Toners are also often used to help balance out the skin’s natural pH levels (optimal ~5.5 pH) and act as the last step for exfoliating the skin. 

When Do I use Toner?

Ideally, toner should be used after cleansing. Using toner once you’ve cleansed will make sure that any makeup or impurities that might’ve been left over from the initial wash, get removed so your skin is truly clean and refreshed. Usually toner comes in a liquidy texture so application with either a cotton pad or your hands is best to ensure your skin is absorbing all the ingredients that your skin needs to stay hydrated and glowing. 

What is an Essence?

Similarly to Toner, Essence also does come in a liquidy texture but is a lot more watered down compared to toners. Essences act as a primer for your skin so it can fully absorb any products that follow after it such as serums and moisturizers. Essences are usually formulated with a much higher concentration of various ingredients to help other ingredients better penetrate your skin.

When Do I use Essence?

Essence should be used right after cleansing as well. However, if you’ve applied toner beforehand, it can be applied after using toner. Essence is formulated with higher concentrations of different ingredients that will boost other ingredients in your other products for a much more effective skincare routine. Just like toner, essence can be applied both during the day time and the night time, but ideally you want to apply essence right before bed so your skin can absorb your entire routine while you sleep.

Urban Calm Soft Essence with Fermented Seaweed and Panthenol

For example; the Urban Calm soft essence is the perfect hydrating step after cleansing your skin as it gives a powerful burst of hydration. It is formulated with Fermented Seaweed and Cica so it plumps the skin by reducing moisture loss and protects skin cells from any environmental damage

The difference between Essence and Toner can be confusing due to their similarities but hopefully this deep dive into their differences will encourage you to incorporate them both into your skincare routine. Both essences and toners can be used together, but be sure to use them in the right order for the best benefits!