To place it merely, these lively elements permit essences to focus on particular issues. In the meantime, “a toner could or could not have lively elements to assist with pores and skin issues,” says King.

What forms of elements must you search for in a hydrating toner or essence?

For the toner, it’s useful to search for exfoliating elements like alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, “which are sometimes used to assist maintain pores and skin on the marginally acidic facet,” says King. She additionally factors to witch hazel as a well-liked choice for refining the pores, making them look much less seen.

In each essences and toners, hydrating elements are particularly helpful; Czech calls out hyaluronic acid and glycerin as two good choices. They’re each humectants, which means they draw water into pores and skin, dampening it and getting ready it for added elements.

Within the case of essences, Chang recommends supplementing these hydrators with extra focused actives. “Niacinamide, vitamin C, inexperienced tea, and licorice root extract are antioxidants that assist brighten the pores and skin and have anti-aging advantages,” she says.

What’s the goal of a hydrating toner or essence?

It is determined by your actual issues. “The precise elements within the merchandise are extra essential than whether or not it’s a ‘toner’ or ‘essence’,” Chang explains. “Matching your pores and skin kind and particular pores and skin issues with lively elements will decide which product is extra appropriate.” Usually, all pores and skin varieties can profit from hydrating toners with hyaluronic acid, she says; these with oily or acne-prone pores and skin ought to take into account toners with exfoliating elements, corresponding to salicylic acid, in addition to anti-inflammatory elements like tea tree oil.

As for essences, formulations with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and snail mucin are particularly useful for folks with dryness, in keeping with Chang. They will also be useful for mature pores and skin, since these merchandise “usually comprise anti-aging elements like peptides, antioxidants, and nutritional vitamins,” she says.

How must you incorporate a toner or essence into your routine?

Whereas there is likely to be some overlap relying on the formulation, “toners and essences usually have synergistic advantages and may work collectively to boost pores and skin moisture ranges and nourish the pores and skin,” says Chang. Should you select to make use of each, observe your cleanser with toner after which essence earlier than transferring onto your serum.

Meet The Consultants

• Claire Chang, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in beauty and laser therapies.
• Ginger King is a beauty chemist specializing in inventive product formulation and superior expertise purposes.
• Joanna Czech is a celeb esthetician whose shoppers embody Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian.