When building a skincare routine, it’s easy to feel confused by all the steps. Do you really need a toner, essence, and serum? Aren’t they kind of… the same thing?
Let’s break it down 👇
1. Toner: The Skin Balancer
What it is:
A toner is a water-light liquid used right after cleansing. Its job is to rebalance the skin’s pH, remove leftover residue, and prep the skin to better absorb the next steps.
Why it matters:
Think of toner as the reset button that helps your skin start fresh before hydration and treatment.
When to use:
Immediately after cleansing. Pat in with your hands or swipe gently with a cotton pad.
Different types of toners & products:
- Hydrating toner (great for dry/sensitive skin): Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
- Exfoliating toner (with glycolic/salicylic acids for dull or acne-prone skin): The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Soothing toner (with calming ingredients like green tea or chamomile): Benton Deep Green Tea Toner
2. Essence: The Hydration Booster
What it is:
Essence is like a cross between a toner and a serum — lightweight but packed with nourishing ingredients. It delivers hydration and nutrients deep into the skin and helps serums absorb better.
Why it matters:
Essence is your hydration kickstart — it plumps up skin and makes your treatments work harder.
When to use:
After toner, before serum. Pat gently into the skin.
Products:
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Ultra-hydrating and repairing
- SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule – Soothing and calming, great for stressed skin
3. Serum: The Targeted Treatment
What it is:
Serums are concentrated formulations designed to target specific skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, fine lines, or dehydration. They usually contain active ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, or vitamin C.
Why it matters:
This is where your skincare gets personal — serums let you zero in on your skin goals.
When to use:
After toner and/or essence, before moisturizer.
Products:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Daily hydration boost
- La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum – Brightening and anti-aging
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost 10% Niacinamide Serum – Hydrating, pore-refining, and radiance-enhancing
Final Thoughts
The secret isn’t doing more steps, it’s knowing which ones make the biggest difference for you.
The steps are usually:
👉 Cleanser → Toner → Essence → Serum → Moisturizer → SPF (daytime)
