We see toner vs essence compared all the time. Especially among people who are changing up their skincare ritual for the first time, looking beyond just cleansing and moisturizing. So what’s the difference between essence and toner? Is there one at all?

These are NOT the same thing, and there’s a chance you could benefit from both in your regimen. But we do understand the confusion since both sit in the early post-cleansing routine steps. Both feel very lightweight on the skin, and they serve the same purpose of preparing the skin for what’s next. There are important distinctions between essence vs toner, though.

• Toners balance and refine the skin
• Essences hydrate and deliver vital active ingredients at a deeper level

If you could only choose one, we’d recommend an essence - specifically, our Gotu Kola + Fruit Exosome Rejuvenating Essence. It helps support skin renewal and hydration simultaneously, backed by clinical results and esthetician recommendations. Learn more below.

Toner vs Essence (Quick Comparison)

The Purpose of Toner

Toners have been a staple in skincare for decades. They were specifically formulated to strip away any of the oil, cleanser, or makeup left behind after washing your face. The idea was to get a perfectly blank slate so that any steps that follow had full access to the skin.

Today’s formulas are not nearly as stripping as they used to be. Options like witch hazel were common, but these were notorious for leaving the skin tight and irritated. 

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel says, “Toners will be more watery in texture than an essence, and they're ideally used as a second step in a skin care routine (after cleansing) to remove remaining impurities and balance the skin's pH.”1 

They also help shrink the appearance of pores and control oil production. Thus, making them especially valuable for anyone with oily or combination skin.

You can think of a toner as the reset between cleansing and treatment. It brings your skin’s pH back into balance for remaining products, like serums and moisturizers. But how does the other half of the toner vs essence comparison fit in?

What is an Essence?

We recently rolled out our new Exosome skin care products, one of which is a rejuvenating essence. Already, we’ve been inundated with the same question: What is an essence in skincare?

This lightweight, hydrating treatment can be traced back to Korean and Japanese skincare. Dermatologist Dr. Raja Sivamani says, “From a functional sense, it's not as hard as a toner, and it is more about delivering ingredients to the skin rather than cleansing it.”2

This is the fundamental difference between essence and toner. An essence will earn its place in your ritual if you struggle with dryness or visible signs of aging, since the formula can feature hydrating compounds. A few you’ll find in essences include:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Gotu Kola
• Exosomes

You can see for yourself what makes an essence so powerful with our formula here at Naturopathica. The Gotu Kola + Fruit Exosome Rejuvenating Essence is a must-try.

Essence vs Toner: Side-by-Side Comparison of Key Differences

You’ve likely already picked up on some of the noteworthy differences between a toner vs essence. Despite the overlap, they are not the same thing and should not be seen as interchangeable. Here’s how they compare.

Prepping and Balancing

Toners sweep away residual impurities as they bring the skin’s pH back into balance and tighten the size of pores.

Hydrating and Nourishing

This is where an essence works its magic. Essences can contain deeply hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, fermented botanical extracts, and Exosomes. These actives pull moisture into skin cells and facilitate deeper repair compared to most other ingredients. 

Now, toners can have some hydrating properties, but that’s usually not the case. Dr. Sivamani says, “People with dry skin do not need to use a toner as that can be too harsh. Instead, this is where an essence can be useful.”2

Formulation (Active Ingredients)

You can distinguish between a toner vs essence based on what’s in them.

• Toner: AHAs, BHAs, Witch Hazel, Niacinamide. Active ingredients that clarify, exfoliate, and control oil.
• Essence: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Exosomes (plant-based), Gotu Kola. Hydrating ingredients that actually treat the skin. 

The difference between essence and toner can be traced back to their intended purpose. One is meant to prep the skin, while the other actively treats it.

Do You Need One, the Other, or Both?

Only you can decide what your skin needs. Those who have oily or combination skin can benefit from a toner to help shrink pore size and manage oil production. But we believe EVERYONE can benefit from an essence. Whether you use a toner or not, the right essence can have a hydrating effect on your skin.

Our Rejuvenating Exosome Toner gives you the best of both worlds. The formula features a blend of Exosomes derived from apples, tangerines, and papayas for smoother, firmer, more lifted-looking skin. It also contains Gotu Kola for its reparative and soothing properties, along with Tremella (Snow Mushroom) for hydration.

It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated in the USA. It’s also backed by clinical results, too:

• 100% agreed their skin felt instantly hydrated, refreshed, and more comfortable
• 100% agreed their skin looked smoother, more supple and firmer
• 97% agreed their skin felt strengthened and more responsive to skincare

The essence is also proven to enhance skin hydration levels by 1.5x upon application, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and boost skin elasticity. 

Adding a Toner or Essence to Your Skincare Regimen

Whether you decide to use a toner, an essence, or both, here’s how to get started:

1. Use a cleanser first, be it an oil or balm (we have a wonderful new Calendula Essential Cleansing Oil and a very popular Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm)
2. Follow up with your toner to remove any residual impurities and bring the skin back into balance.
3. Apply the Exosome Essence by dispensing a few drops onto a cotton pad and sweeping it over the face, neck, and chest. Do not rinse. 
4. Use any serums in your ritual. We love pairing the Naturopathica Plant Stem Cell Booster Serum with the Exosome lineup. Massage it into the skin using upward and outward motions.
5. Finish with the Naturopathica Exosome gel moisturizer to seal everything in. It’s lightweight consistency doesn't leave a heavy feeling behind, rather a delightful cooling sensation.

That’s a very simple 5-step ritual anyone can commit to daily. Some people use the Exosome skincare products we make twice a day. Consistency is key, though. As long as you can do this once a day, you’re on the right track.

Discover Your New Favorite Essence at Naturopathica

The toner vs essence question gets convoluted, but it’s fairly simple. They’re different products used for unique purposes. You might use both, or you may only need an essence. It depends on your skin type and concerns.

For the best of both worlds, try Naturopathica’s Gotu Kola + Fruit Exosome Rejuvenating Essence. It can replace your toner if you use one. Experience the difference for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need both toner and essence?

Not necessarily. We recommend toners for those with oily or combination skin who struggle with large pores and excess shininess. But anyone can benefit from an essence - especially people with dry or aging skin. 

Can an essence be used as a toner?

It’s not a direct substitute since toners balance pH and remove residual impurities. An essence doesn’t do that. But if you don’t need a toner, an essence is a great alternative for extra hydration and skin benefits. 

What comes first, toner or essence?

Toner, then essence. The toner preps your skin to fully benefit from the hydration of the essence. 

What is better, toner or essence?

The toner vs essence debate doesn’t have a clear-cut winner. They do different things, and there’s a chance you could need one of each in your daily ritual. 

How do I layer other products alongside an essence/toner?

The order is always lightest to heaviest. Cleanser > toner > essence > serum > moisturizer.

Do I use my essence and/or toner daily?

Yes. Every day, religiously. Consistency is key whether you go with an essence vs toner. 

Which is more hydrating between a toner vs essence?

An essence. Our essence at Naturopathica has Tremella, which is known to hold up to 500x its own weight in water and support skin hydration by retaining and drawing moisture into the skin.

Related Resources

Exosomes vs peptides | Manuka honey benefits for skin

References

1. Patel, P. "Toner Vs. Essence: Dermatologists Share Difference." Today.com
2. Sivamani, R. "We Ask a Derm: What's the Difference Between Essence vs. Toner?" PureWow