Essence VS Toner| What’s the difference?

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Welcome back to my blog.

Essence vs toner and what’s the difference between the two? So, many people actually don’t know the difference between the two. For some they are the same but actually there is a difference and I have broken down a list of the differences.

I know the beauty industry can be a confusing place especially for those that don’t consider themselves a skincare enthusiast  as every minute some new product is released you wonder to yourself how and when do I use it. 

In this blog post I will explain to you what is the difference between a toner and essence and when to use them. Also, at the end of the blog I have included my favorite brands of toners and essence.  If you like these types of blog post check out another review called The battle of the exfoilators where i break down two popular physical exfoliators.

Toner

Texture: on the liquid side

Benefits: removes residue that might be left over after cleansing, helps to balance your skins ph, gentle exfoliant if it has AHA (ex. Glycol or lactic acid), also preps the skin for skincare products and brightness the skin overtime. 

When is it used:  immediately after cleansing 

Essence

Texture: on the viscose side

Benefits: smoothes the skin, gives a boost of hydration and offers anti-aging benefits rich with ingredients like amino acids, Hyaluronic acid and fermented rice just to name a few.

When is it used: after cleansing or after toner

Who should use an essence or toner?

Anyone can use both but you choose depending on your skin type. 

If you have dry skin use hydrating toners and gentle exfoliant. Essence that are on the hydrating side are great for dry skin.

Whereas, for oily to combination skin types medium strength toners that have AhA  are good to keep congestion at bay and light hydrating Essence are recommended. 

Finally, I hope I have simplified the ever confusing debate of essence vs toner and the difference between the two to you. As promised I have included my top favorite toners and essences to check out.

“This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.”

Toners I love

Wishtrend: Mandelic Acid 5% skin prep water: This is a fabulous gentle exfoliating toner that overtime will brighten your skin with 5% percent mandelic acid.

isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner: This is great for oily/combination skin. It helps control excessive sebum yet still gentle and wont dry out the skin.

pixi glow tonic my all time favorite toner. It was the first acid toners I’ve tried which started my love for acid toners.

ACWELL 5.5 Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner. I absolutely love this toner because it is a well balanced toner (hence 5.5 which means it’s a perfect ph balanced toner).

Essences I Love

Primera Miracle Seed Essence: I can’t get enough of this essence it’s on the pricier side but it gives my combination skin enough hydration without the greasiness.

Skin Grammer Super Good Repair Essence: this has centella asiatica which is great for calming the skin if you have sensitive or rosacea prone skin.

Innisfree firming energy Essence with fermented soybean: I haven’t tried this but heard such great positive reviews and it was featured on allure’s top 19 facial essences.

Laneige Water bank hydro Essence: Oh my this is definitely a drink of water to my skin when it’s dry during the winter time and it gives such a beautiful glow to my skin.