I’m sure you guys have seen me using many toners and essences in my skincare routine after I slept with my makeup on and while traveling.
I always get tons of questions asking the difference between toner and essence… from you all and even some of the girls on the CINCteam! So, using the best of my skincare knowledge and a little bit of research, I wanted to give you guys the breakdown of what the actual difference is!
To Put it Simply…
A toner is used to balance your skin’s PH level and get rid of any other impurities left on your skin after cleansing.
An essence is most commonly used in Korean Skincare as a way to best prepare your skin for the rest of your routine.
Just like any other skin care product, there are dozens of variations on the market as well as some that work for certain skin types as opposed to the others!
To break it down even further…
A Toner…
… is mostly used in Western skincare, a toner (like this one or this one) is great for hydrating and smoothing. Beyond replenishing moisture, toners really help to get rid of any other impurities left behind on your skin from cleansing. Once upon a time, cleansers were a lot harsher than they are now, so a toner was heavily relied on for restoring your skin’s PH balance!
An Essence…
… is considered one of, if not the most important part of a Korean skincare routine. An essence is what all Korean women swear by to hydrate their face after they cleanse and apply their toner to help their other products absorb into their skin better. (I love this one, this one, and this one!)
The main goal of an essence is to hydrate the skin. Not to mention, they’re packed full of vitamins and antioxidants and are most comparable to a serum. They help your skin cell turnover (great for anti-aging) and there are different types of essences depending on your skincare needs.
I like to apply an essence with my hands, gently pressing it into my skin as opposed to wiping.
Do you guys use a toner or an essence? Maybe both? Let me know in the comments below!
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70 responses to “Toner vs. Essence”
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This makes me think of the other page here I was seeing earlier.
[…] so much about oils, serums, toners, eye creams, spot treatments, etc., that sometimes we forget that the best weapon in your skincare […]
I just did some research about the Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner after seeing it on your post. But people call this product an essence toner? Does it mean that it works as an essence and toner combining together? If I use this product, should I still apply some other toner or essence along with this Whamisa essence toner? Thank you in advance! I really want to try this product out but am so confused about the wording right now!
Great selection! I love toners.
http://www.upyourvlog.com
Great selection! I love toners.
http://www.upyourvlog.com
I love toners, but have never tried an essence! I usually use the Mario Badescu rosewater facial spritz as my morning toner, and Pixi Glow Tonic as my night time toner (although not every night – some nights I use the rosewater facial spritz instead).
http://sugarspiceblog.co.za
I love toners, but have never tried an essence! I usually use the Mario Badescu rosewater facial spritz as my morning toner, and Pixi Glow Tonic as my night time toner (although not every night – some nights I use the rosewater facial spritz instead).
http://sugarspiceblog.co.za
I don’t use any of those. But I really need to start using it.
When it is recommended to use these. In the morning or at night. Hope to hear from you guys.
Besos, Karla
I don’t use any of those. But I really need to start using it.
When it is recommended to use these. In the morning or at night. Hope to hear from you guys.
Besos, Karla
I’m definitely more of a toner girl. And I was so happy to see you include a picture of the PIXI Glow Tonic toner. I live and swear by that product, it’s soooo good! I mainly use the to-go version where you get 60 presoaked little pads in a small jar. I’ve never used an essence, and admit to previously being confused by the exact benefits they bring to your skin and skincare routine. I think unless I’m feeling extravagant and want to splurge, I won’t really be incorporating into my routine.
I’m definitely more of a toner girl. And I was so happy to see you include a picture of the PIXI Glow Tonic toner. I live and swear by that product, it’s soooo good! I mainly use the to-go version where you get 60 presoaked little pads in a small jar. I’ve never used an essence, and admit to previously being confused by the exact benefits they bring to your skin and skincare routine. I think unless I’m feeling extravagant and want to splurge, I won’t really be incorporating into my routine.
I’ve actually never heard of essence before, but I definitely want to give it a try!
Chloe x
http://www.softoctobernight.com
I’ve actually never heard of essence before, but I definitely want to give it a try!
Chloe x
http://www.softoctobernight.com
I use both. Toner then essence x
I always wondered about the difference so this post was so helpful! Need to try out your recs because your skin is amazing!
xx jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
I use both. Toner then essence x
I always wondered about the difference so this post was so helpful! Need to try out your recs because your skin is amazing!
xx jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
Hi! Great Post!
I have acne-tendency skin and sometimes oily, but is also very sensitive, so with the hard products I use daily it’s be a little difficult por me to balance pH levels, is there any kind of essence for oily skins that doesn’t make them ‘oilier’ ??
Most essences benefit oilier skins. They are designed to deliver moisture, not oil. Check the inci list, but very few will contain oil. Hope that helps x
Most essences benefit oilier skins. They are designed to deliver hydration, not oil. Check the inci list, but very few will contain oil. Hope that helps x
Hi! Great Post!
I have acne-tendency skin and sometimes oily, but is also very sensitive, so with the hard products I use daily it’s be a little difficult por me to balance pH levels, is there any kind of essence for oily skins that doesn’t make them ‘oilier’ ??
Most essences benefit oilier skins. They are designed to deliver moisture, not oil. Check the inci list, but very few will contain oil. Hope that helps x
Most essences benefit oilier skins. They are designed to deliver hydration, not oil. Check the inci list, but very few will contain oil. Hope that helps x
Love putting on essence during dry months! I also love patting it in multiple times so that the moisture is really locked on my skin.
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
Love putting on essence during dry months! I also love patting it in multiple times so that the moisture is really locked on my skin.
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
I’ve always used a toner but now after learning about using an essence, I am definitely going to look into one for my skin routine!
Xx. Joti
Lovely no I don’t use any
I’ve always used a toner but now after learning about using an essence, I am definitely going to look into one for my skin routine!
Xx. Joti
love this sort of content! I learn so much!
chevrons & éclairs
Lovely no I don’t use any
REALLY REALLYREALLY useful post, I didn’t know the difference before!
Miki x
http://littletasteofbeauty.blogspot.it
love this sort of content! I learn so much!
chevrons & éclairs
I’ve always just used a toner, but recently, my mom’s persuaded me to start incorporating an essence in to my skincare routine, and I’m loving it! 🙂 <3 Thank you so much for these great recommendations! I really want to try that Laneige one!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
I’ve been using Tatcha essence along with some of their other products combined with True Botanical products and it’s made a huge difference in my skin!
REALLY REALLYREALLY useful post, I didn’t know the difference before!
Miki x
http://littletasteofbeauty.blogspot.it
I use both! Exactly for the reasons you’ve described!
Vivian | LIVE IN LOVE
IG | @viviyunn_
~
I use both! =)
-mainou
http://www.looksbymc.com
Thank you for this explanation! I love toners
xx
https://closettostreet.com
I’ve always just used a toner, but recently, my mom’s persuaded me to start incorporating an essence in to my skincare routine, and I’m loving it! 🙂 <3 Thank you so much for these great recommendations! I really want to try that Laneige one!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
I’ve been using Tatcha essence along with some of their other products combined with True Botanical products and it’s made a huge difference in my skin!
I use both! Exactly for the reasons you’ve described!
Vivian | LIVE IN LOVE
IG | @viviyunn_
~
I use both! =)
-mainou
http://www.looksbymc.com
Thank you for this explanation! I love toners
xx
https://closettostreet.com
Yes, I use both. I use Thayers Rose toner and Secret Key Essence. I’m also trying out Belifs essence and toner. There are a few more I want to try like the famous SK-11. One day but for now, I love Thayers and Secret Key.
Thanks for the simple breakdown! I can totally see why Korean beauty love using essence(s). Thanks for sharing. 🙂
http://westofchic.blogspot.com
I use both!
From where I’m from (Singapore), most of us follow the toner-essence-serum-moisturiser routine. 🙂
This was a very helpful post! Will look into purchasing an essence!
Maria Eugenia ☀
http://www.thegirlonanisland.com
http://www.thegirlonanisland.com/2018/03/the-lists-5-things-ive-learned-since.html
I want them all! Amazing post as always! 😀
Great post! I never knew essence was a thing until now. I’m on the hunt for a good toner currently, but I wonder if essence or any other Korean skin care affects the skin differently since most of the K products were made for Korean skin and not other ethnicities or races?
Tabitha
https://shopsiloe.com/
Oh, I didn’t know what the difference was either. It sounds like an essence would be great to try!
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
Yes, I use both. I use Thayers Rose toner and Secret Key Essence. I’m also trying out Belifs essence and toner. There are a few more I want to try like the famous SK-11. One day but for now, I love Thayers and Secret Key.
Thanks for the simple breakdown! I can totally see why Korean beauty love using essence(s). Thanks for sharing. 🙂
http://westofchic.blogspot.com
Pixi glow tonic is everything!! 🙂
https://lartoffashion.com
i use both! 🙂
I use both!
From where I’m from (Singapore), most of us follow the toner-essence-serum-moisturiser routine. 🙂
This was a very helpful post! Will look into purchasing an essence!
Maria Eugenia ☀
http://www.thegirlonanisland.com
http://www.thegirlonanisland.com/2018/03/the-lists-5-things-ive-learned-since.html
I want them all! Amazing post as always! 😀
Great post! I never knew essence was a thing until now. I’m on the hunt for a good toner currently, but I wonder if essence or any other Korean skin care affects the skin differently since most of the K products were made for Korean skin and not other ethnicities or races?
Tabitha
https://shopsiloe.com/
Oh, I didn’t know what the difference was either. It sounds like an essence would be great to try!
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
I use a toner, but have yet to try using an essence.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
I use the Pyungkang Yul essence toner… and never thought too much of that name until this post which separates essences and toners!
Gothamista has great YouTube vids that also discuss essences and toners and she talks about this one. Sounds as though you may already know of her, but if you don’t you should check her out!
[…] I’ve gotten so many questions about the difference between the two, from you all and even some of the girls on the CINCteam! So using the best of my skincare knowledge and a little bit of research, I wanted to give you guys the breakdown! from The Chriselle Factorhttps://thechrisellefactor.com/2018/03/toner-vs-essence/ […]
Pixi glow tonic is everything!! 🙂
https://lartoffashion.com
i use both! 🙂
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
I use a toner, but have yet to try using an essence.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
I use the Pyungkang Yul essence toner… and never thought too much of that name until this post which separates essences and toners!
Gothamista has great YouTube vids that also discuss essences and toners and she talks about this one. Sounds as though you may already know of her, but if you don’t you should check her out!