Toner vs. Essence: What’s The Difference?

The Korean skincare world is filled with numerous products that offer different benefits to treat your skin concerns. Oftentimes, skincare beginners get confused to understand the difference between toner and essence. These products might seem to be interchangeable and offer the same type of benefits, but that’s not the case.

If you’re looking to step up your skincare regime and achieve healthy skin, it is important for you to understand that toners and essences hold different benefits for your skin. So, scroll down to get all the deets on toners and essences. 

What is a toner? 

You must have heard that toner is an essential part of a skincare regime. It’s the second step in a basic CTM routine that helps your skin to prep and ensures that the other products work well. Toners help to remove impurities, shrink pores and balance skin’s pH levels. 

A few toners helps to exfoliate and smoothen the skin to aid better application and absorption of skincare products. It sets the stage for the rest of the skincare products so that they get absorbed into your skin. Also, it contains antioxidants and minerals that hydrate the skin.

How to use a toner? 

Once you’re done cleansing your face, add some toner to a cotton pad and gently dab it all over your face. One should wait for it to get fully absorbed before moving on to the next skincare product. 

Quench Recommendations: Matcha Better Pore Clearing Skin Tonic works like a potent skin toner that gently exfoliates, controls excess oil and unclogs pores. It comes packed with 10% willow bark extract complex that helps to tame acne and soothes down your skin irritation. Meanwhile, Yuzu Fine Vitamin C Brightening Toner is a Vitamin C enriched daily toner that helps to tighten your pores and uplifts dull complexion. It’s definitely a glow-boosting essential! 

What is an essence? 

Essence is very crucial to the Korean skincare regime, as it hydrates your skin from within. Just like toners, they too have a water-like consistency, but they contain active ingredients that help to treat and moisturize your skin effectively. Due to its formulation, an essence reaches the deep layers of your skin. 

After cleansing and toning, our pores are ready for more nutrients. Essence helps to replenish the lost moisture after cleansing. Enriched with active ingredients, it helps to jumpstart cell regeneration, so that you achieve younger-looking, smooth skin that glows from within.

How to use an essence?

Once you’re done with cleansing and toning, follow up with an essence. Take some on your hands and pat it gently into your skin.

Quench Recommendations: Mama Cica Intense Oil Control Essence enriched with hyaluronic acid goodness adds moisture, plumps up the skin and imparts a dewy finish. Packed with natural ingredients such as cica, peony root and sea buckthorn extracts, this facial essence tones, soothes, hydrates and enhances your skin texture!

What is the difference between a toner and essence? 

1. Layering

Once you are done with cleansing, opt for toning as it helps to remove the impurities that are left behind. Follow it up with essence as it's mild and provides your skin with all the hydration that got lost after cleansing. 

2. Function

Toners work as a facial mist that refreshes your skin while clearing the clogged pores. Depending on the formulation and composition, toners have the power to exfoliate your skin as well. Whereas, essence functions to even out the skin texture and lets the other products absorb better.  

3. Texture 

Toner has a watery consistency and usually comes in regular or spray bottles. You can apply them with a help of a cotton pad or when by just dabbing them onto the skin. While essence has a water-based texture which is easy to apply. 

We hope this breakdown of toner and essence was helpful!