Serums, toners, and essences all are skincare products, but they have different benefits and have different characteristics as well. According to Dr. Blossom Kochhar, "Serums are more lightweight formulas that have active ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, etc. Toners are a water-based product that helps skin to get a perfect PH level. Essences are lighter than serum but thicker than the toner, they also contain active ingredients to focus on skin’s hydration and nourishment."


When To Use Serums?


Dr Dinyar Workingboxwalla, who is a Skin Guru and Co founder of Beauty by BiE said, "Serums are an important aspect of any skincare routine if you want to target your specific skin concerns. They are lightweight, and have smaller molecular sizes than moisturizers and face oils, making them highly concentrated and designed to address myriad skin conditions. For best results, use serums both during the morning and at night in this recommended order- apply your serum after cleansing and toning (if you’re choosing to use a toner, that is)."


"Since serums penetrate deep into the skin, they should always be applied before heavier products like moisturisers and face oils. This allows the active ingredients in the serum to work effectively. Another rule of thumb is to always address your skin concerns by using efficacious ingredients in serum form rather than products that have larger molecules. Take the example of collagen; it is much more potent and beneficial to layer a collagen serum under your moisturiser rather than introducing a collagen moisturiser in your routine. If you want to address signs of ageing, you are much better off using collagen in a concentrated serum form. Consistency while using serums is key, so make sure you’re incorporating them into your daily regimen," he dded.


When Should We Use Toners?


According to Dr Dinyar, "The use of toners in a skincare routine has been debatable for a long period of time. It largely depends on your individual skin needs and the products you like to use. Toner may not be necessary if your cleanser and face wash are pH balanced and gentle, as these should cleanse and effectively prep your skin without stripping it. However, if you decide to use a toner, be vigilant about its ingredients."


"Many toners contain alcohol in large quantities, which can cause your skin to become irritated and inflamed, giving you the temporary illusion of tightened pores. To steer clear of this, read ingredient labels closely before incorporating not just a toner, but any product into your skincare routine," he added.


When Should We Use Essences?


Dr Dinyar said that essences can be thought of as the 'primers' in our skincare routines. They provide hydration and help effectively prepare your skin to absorb the active ingredients in the steps that are to follow in your skincare routine.


"For optimal and coveted results, use essences both in the morning and evening. Apply your essence after cleansing and toning and before your serums. This sequence ensures that your serums can penetrate deeply and deliver their benefits to your skin," he added.


Toner Vs. Essence: Do You Need Both In Your Skincare Routine?


Priya Bhandari, who is the Head of Training at Skeyndor listed out the benefits of each:


Key Benefits of Toners:



  • Hydration: Toners often contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which help to hydrate the skin.

  • Cleansing: Toners can help remove any remaining traces of makeup, dirt, or oil that your cleanser might have missed.

  • Prep the Skin: They create a smooth canvas for the application of subsequent skincare products, allowing them to penetrate more effectively.


Key Benefits of Essences:



  • Targeted Benefits: Essences often contain active ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and vitamins, which target specific skincare concerns such as anti-aging, brightening, or hydration.

  • Skin Nourishment: They provide an extra layer of hydration and nourishment to the skin, helping to strengthen the skin's barrier.

  • Improved Absorption: Like toners, essences enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products, making them more effective.


Should You Use Both?


In addition to her, Zoya Ali, who is a Beauty Expert & Training Head at AmorePacific India explaned why we can choose both.


The choice between toner and essence isn't about one or the other. It's about recognising their distinct roles and how they complement each other. Here's why both deserve a spot in your daily ritual:



  • Synergy: Toner and essence work together to amplify the benefits of your entire skincare routine. Toner prepares your canvas, while essence provides the nourishment.

  • Customisation: With a wide range of toners and essences available, you can tailor your skincare regimen to your unique skin needs, whether it's hydration, brightening, or anti-aging.

  • Layering: The Korean beauty philosophy embraces layering for maximum efficacy. By using both toner and essence, you're building a multi-layered fortress of hydration and nutrients.

  • Consistency: Consistency is key in skincare. Incorporating both toner and essence into your routine ensures a holistic approach to maintaining healthy, radiant skin.


In conclusion, there's no need to choose between toner and essence; they're like the yin and yang of skincare. By embracing both, you're ensuring your skin is well-balanced, hydrated, and ready to take on the world.