What Is the Difference Between Skin Toner and Serum?

What’s the difference between toners and serums? When should an essence be used instead of a serum? What products work well together?

When it comes to skincare, there are many products to choose from, and it can be challenging to know which ones are right for you. Two standard products included in most skincare routines are toners and serums. But what is the difference between these two products, and do you need both of them? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Toner?

A toner is a lightweight liquid you apply to your skin after cleansing to help remove any remaining impurities, balance your skin’s pH, and prepare your skin for other steps in a skincare routine. Toners can come in different forms, including sprays, liquids, and wipes, and they can contain various ingredients, including astringents, exfoliating acids, and hydrating agents.

What Is a Serum?

A serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing fluid that targets specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. Serums are designed to be used after cleansing and toning, and they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than other skincare products. They can be used on their own or layered under a moisturizer.

The Difference Between Toner and Serum

The main difference between toner and serum is the purpose and function of each product. Toners cleanse and balance your skin, while serums treat blemishes and skin conditions while providing additional hydration and nutrients. Toners are typically applied with a cotton pad, while serums are applied with your fingers and massaged into the skin.

Toners are easy to use, but you must apply them correctly to experience their benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using toner in your skincare routine:

How Do You Use Toner?

1. Cleanse your skin: Start by cleansing your skin to remove makeup and excess oil. Your toner will help lift up any last traces of impurities, but it won’t work as effectively on heavy layers of products or oil.
2. Apply the toner: Dampen a cotton pad with toner and gently swipe it over your face, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes. You can also dispense toner directly into your hands and pat it onto your skin if you prefer.
3. Wait for it to dry: Allow the toner to dry completely before using any other products. This will help ensure your skin feels clean and dry and returns to its ideal pH balance.

Moisturize your skin: Applying moisturizer can help reverse any dryness or irritation from toning. It can also help give you softer skin and a more radiant complexion.

Some toners, such as alcohol-based or astringent products, can be too harsh for sensitive, dry, or irritated skin. Certain products also target specific skin concerns more effectively. Choose a toner that matches your skin type and needs for the best results, and avoid using products that contain ingredients that interact with other items in your skincare routine.

How Do You Use Serum?

A key difference between toners and serums is their application method, as serums should be used slightly differently. Serums have a thicker texture and contain concentrated ingredients, so using them sparingly is vital.

1. Identify your skin concerns: Before using a skin serum, it’s essential to identify the type of blemishes or skin problems you want to address and choose a serum that is specifically formulated to address those concerns. For example, vitamin C serums are ideal for dull skin or hyperpigmentation, whereas niacinamide serums are best for acne, excess oil, or pore-size reduction. 
2. Cleanse your skin: Begin by cleansing your skin thoroughly to help improve the serum’s absorption. After cleansing, you can use toner following the steps from the section above. Just skip applying moisturizer until later in your routine.
3. Apply the serum: Dispense a pea-sized amount of serum onto the back of your hand and dip your fingertips into it. Dot the serum across your cheeks, forehead, nose, jaw, and neckline and blend in a smooth, circular motion.
4. Use the right amount: Be mindful of the amount of serum you use. Using too much can lead to skin irritation and over-drying, while using too little may not provide the desired results. Follow the instructions on the product and adjust from there based on how your skin reacts.
5. Allow time for absorption: Once you’ve applied the serum, give it time to fully absorb into your face before using any other products. After it dries, you can apply a moisturizer if you need extra hydration. Hyaluronic acid or ceramide-based serums are already intensive moisturizers, so you may not need to, depending on your serum.

Do You Need Both Toner and Serum?

Whether or not you need both toner and serum in your skincare routine depends on your individual skin concerns and needs. 

If you have oily skin, you may find toner and serum are both important for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. A toner can help strip excess oil for a matte skin texture, while niacinamide serum may help shrink your pores and reduce oil production. However, if you have dry skin, a light, hyaluronic acid serum could be all you need.

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether you need a toner and serum in your skincare routine is to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional. They can help you create a customized skin care plan that considers your skin type, concerns, and goals.