Toners, essences and facial serums have recently seen a surge in popularity, but are they worth the buzz? Because these products can seem similar, you might be wondering the difference between a toner vs. serum, a serum vs. essence or an ampoule vs. serum. We’re here to help decode how these product types differ, so you can decide which is right for you and how to incorporate them into a regimen. Spoiler alert: you can benefit from these products with or without a ten-step skin care routine! Let’s dig into some questions about these beneficial skin care products, including:

• What is a toner?

• What is an essence?

• What is a serum?

• What’s the difference between a serum vs. essence?

• What’s the difference between a toner vs. serum?

• What are ampoules?

• What’s the difference between an ampoule vs. a serum?

• Which toner, essence, serum and ampoule should I use?

1. Toners

While toners may be the least concentrated product type on this list, they still provide a number of benefits that earn them a spot in any regimen. Contrary to popular belief, the toners of today evolved with their cleanser counterparts. Once used alongside face washes to remove residue before the days of pH balanced cleansers, they now contribute to skin health in a number of ways. Now, many brands use the term “toner” generally to categorize any water-based liquid product. Whether spritzed directly onto the face or used with a cotton round, modern-day toners take the form of astringents, tonics, skin fresheners and other beneficial formulas. Capable of targeting an array of concerns across all skin types, every regimen deserves a complementary toner.

3 toners to try

Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner

Formulated to benefit oily and acne-prone skin, this toner mist helps minimize breakouts and improve the appearance of pores with nasturtium and daisy extracts. It also contains calendula extract to calm irritation and reduce redness along with witch hazel, which acts as a natural astringent and balances oil production.

Avene Gentle Toning Lotion

French skin care brand Avene creates formulas centered around its signature Avene Thermal Spring Water, sourced from a natural thermal spring in southern France that’s known for its skin-soothing qualities. This facial toner contains mineral-rich Avene Thermal Spring Water to soften and soothe sensitive skin as well as natural silicates that provide a protective film on skin to guard against environmental aggressors. It also removes any traces of leftover makeup without overdrying skin, making it a great follow-up step to your favorite facial cleanser.

LovelySkin LUXE Toner Mist

This facial toner mist is quite the multitasker. You can use it after cleansing, as a makeup-setting mist or spritz it on throughout the day to give your skin a refreshing pick-me-up. Key ingredients include soothing Dead Sea minerals, antioxidant-packed vitamin C and afaLUXE. “afaLUXE is our own proprietary ingredient we developed to gently exfoliate and help improve your skin’s moisture barrier,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

3. Essences

Essences are perhaps the least well-known product in this category, so you may have some questions about their role in skin care. When it comes to toners and serums vs. an essence, what exactly makes them different?

Unlike toners, essences and serums tend to be more emollient and viscous, which means they won’t be found as mists and should not be applied with a cotton pad. Apply essences, like serums, directly to your skin by gently patting the face until all product absorbs. Essences share many similarities to serums, but serums typically contain more active ingredients, providing targeted treatments while essences act as an additional layer of hydration or protection.

Though essences may seem a bit extra, there’s a reason they’re known as the heart of some skin care routines. Sometimes, all you need is an effective essence to unlock your skin care regimen’s full potential.

2 essences to try

Eminence Organics Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence

If you’re struggling with dullness, this nourishing essence can help you get glowing. It contains glycerin and aloe leaf juice to help hydrate moisture-starved skin and a botanical blend of jasmine, ginger and white tea extracts to help refresh and brighten. This essence also contains a blend of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to help keep your skin’s microbiome in balance, resulting in healthy skin barrier function, less irritation and improved luminosity.

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence

This essence from ELEMIS is formulated to prepare your skin’s lipid barrier to absorb subsequent steps most effectively in your skin care routine, such as serums and facial oils. It also has multiple benefits in its own right. Marine algae extracts help stimulate the production of collagen, and hyaluronic acid provides an instant plumping effect to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This essence also contains a multi-mineral active (a blend of zinc, magnesium and copper) to help moisturize skin and improve radiance.

3. Serums

Serums, also called face treatments, fill what is arguably the most important step of any anti-aging routine next to sunscreen. Applied after less-concentrated toners and essences, serums feature a slightly thicker yet lightweight consistency. These products act as the powerhouses of regimens by instilling skin with potent ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, growth factors and more.. From blemishes and dark spots to fine lines and wrinkles, when skin needs saving, serums come to the rescue.

2 serums to try

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Serum

A prime example of a serum containing high concentrations of effective ingredients, this facial serum contains 2% licorice root, 0.2% purple rice extract and 1.3% pure hyaluronic acid. In combination with Proxylane, a proprietary ingredient derived from beech wood that restores moisture levels, these ingredients provide lasting hydration while preserving the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid content.

LovelySkin LUXE HA Peptide Serum

Packed with potent ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides and Swiss apple stem cells, this serum targets fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the complexion and repairing cellular damage. Persian silk tree extract also prevents further signs of aging by warding off fatigue and environmental stress. With consistent use, this serum helps your skin appear more radiant, firm and youthful.

4. Ampoules

While on the topic of serums, it would be remiss not to mention ampoules. When it comes to an ampoule vs. a serum, what’s the difference? The term “ampoule” actually refers to the container rather than the product itself. Ampoules are sealed vials of pre-measured liquid. In this case, ampoules contain supercharged serums that contain an abundance of active ingredients at even higher concentrations than usual. Because of their potency, ampoules play a supplemental role in most routines, used sparingly or for short durations.

2 ampoules to try

BABOR Multi Vitamin Ampoule Concentrates

Touted as “stronger than a serum, better than a booster,” these ampoules contain a powerful complex of vitamin A, vitamin E, pro vitamin B5 and biotin. Designed to be used daily for seven days, these concentrated treatments provide a serious spike in moisture and strengthen skin when it needs it most, leaving the complexion soft and well-hydrated. For skin that’s in dire straits, an ampoule a day can help keep the damage away!

ISDIN Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Vitamin C Ampoules

If improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is your goal, these ampoules from Spanish skin care brand ISDIN could be just what you need to supercharge your routine. Each ampoule contains vitamin C to help brighten skin and remedy existing sun damage, as hyaluronic acid instantly plumps skin to diminish the look of fine lines. This formula also features UltraGlycans, which are proteins that help support your skin’s elasticity and firmness while also working to maintain optimum moisture levels for a smooth, soft appearance.

Which toner, essence, serum and ampoule should I use?

To figure out which one of these products would best fit your skin care routine, you can start by assessing the gaps in your regimen along with the concerns requiring extra attention. The specialized nature of toners, essences, serums and ampoules allows you to fine-tune a routine until it reflects your individual needs. Whether you decide to incorporate one or all of these products, they hold the key to making your regimen uniquely you.

Now that you know the importance of toners, essences, serums and ampoules, you can find out the best way to incorporate them into a regimen by reading our complete guide on how to layer skin care products.