Toners and essences can look and feel the same. They can even have similar ingredients, and sometimes the stated benefits can sound very similar. This can lead to confusion – what’s the difference between the two and what are they even for?
Common definition of Toners and Essences
Toners and essences aren’t regulated terms, so each brand can define them a bit differently. However, the most commonly used definitions are:
A formula that balances skin’s natural pH levels (to that optimal ~5.5 pH)
A formula that deeply hydrates skin and prepares the skin for the next skincare steps
Secondary Benefits
Now, here’s where it can get tricky. Some toners are also hydrating, and some essences also help balance skin’s pH. However, the main job of toners are typically all about helping skin balance its pH levels, and the main job of essences are typically all about drenching skin with hydration — two distinctly different jobs.
Additionally, some toners and essences can come with secondary benefits like exfoliating, brightening, firming and more.
We recommend reading through the ingredient list and benefits listed to see what other ways your toner and essence can support your skin.
And unless there’s a two-in-one benefit where the product is excellent at both balancing your skin’s pH levels and deeply hydrating skin, we recommend using both a toner and essence to amplify results of your skincare routine.
Which order to use Toner and Essence in your routine
In a skincare routine, the order of application would be: Cleanser, Toner, Essence, Treatments/Serums, Eye Cream, Moisturizer, SPF (in the AM)
Peach & Lily Toner and Essence
If you’ve been eyeing The Good Acids Pore Toner and the Wild Dew Treatment Essence, we’ll break down the main benefits of each here.
The Good Acids Pore Toner: at a pH of 4.4 and a gentle daily dosage of less than 0.5% AHA + BHA, our toner helps balance skin’s pH, while also gently polishing skin each day to stay on top of keeping pores clarified and flakes far away. While some other toners can be harsh or drying on skin, our formula is crafted with sensitive skin in mind and includes super soothers
Wild Dew Treatment Essence: at a pH of 5.7, this gentle essence is your super hydrator that soaks skin in various molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration. 2% Niacinamide helps boost glow and promotes a bright, even glow. Adenosine helps fill in lines and wrinkles for a smooth finish, and antioxidant-rich lotus and bamboo help fight signs of stress. This miracle product leaves skin plumped up with hydration and prepares skin to absorb all other skincare products that much more effectively.
The combination of these two liquids help keep skin radiant and polished with clarified pores, then hydrated and bouncy with skin prepped for following steps.
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We hope this breakdown was helpful, Peaches! As always, if you have any questions, please leave below and we’ll be sure to answer them.
Cheers to radiance!
Peach & Lily team
