Essences, toners & astringents: What's the difference?

Unique enough to warrant individual brackets but similar enough to cause confusion, the crowded crop of post-cleanse topical options can make the selection process a complex one.
RELATED: The products you need to wake up tired skin, according to an expert
RELATED: This is why you shouldn't be washing your face in the shower
What are astringents and how do they work?
What ingredients should you look for in an astringent?
Which skin types are astringents best suited to?

What are toners and how do they work?
What ingredients should you look for in a toner?
Which skin types are toners best suited to?

What are essences and how do they work?
What ingredients should you look for in an essence?
Which skin types are essences best suited to?

Do you use an essence, toner or astringent in your routine? Which would you most like to try?
You might also like
52 Member Comments
I use a toner after cleansing to make sure I’ve removed all the cleanser. Currently I’m using Natio gentle toner.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I really like the Olay Hydrating Essence in the Brightening Range.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Essences havent been big on my agenda but maybe they should be!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like acid based toners and multi vitamin mists.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have oily skin & use a toner, which based on this, seems like the right way to go
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Definitely not into an astringent... I use the Jurlique essence. Love it! Sometimes I use it on its own at night. SO hydrating!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love toners and essences for my skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I find that Korean brands make awesome toners and essences, and the lines between them can be blurred, for example the Pyungkang Yul 'essence toner'. They are usually very hydrating.
There's also another class of toners - acid toners which need to be applied more carefully/possibly less frequently as they are exfoliants.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Thank you for the information on acid toners
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Really keen to try the Tatcha one. Have heard good things.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Honestly a bit surprised to find astringents being given props here. Not suitable for all - most definitely not suitable for dry skin types. If you have acne and dry skin, an astringent can further irritate breakouts, leading to peeling and additional redness. Also, avoid alcohol-based astringents if you have eczema or rosacea.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I do flick between toners and astringents, astringents are harsh so I use a toner every so often but I need the strength of an astringent.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use a toner and an Essence. The Olay Miracle Essence is my thing and is something I have used ever since the product came out.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I find toners can be very refreshing and I am currently using an essence from Lancome, which is nice, but I would not call these necessary steps in skincare. Nothing can substitute a good cleanser and moisturiser and serum.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
That Essenes from Tatcha looks great
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner. It’s very gentle and hydrating. It has a milky consistency and it’s almost like an essence.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Thank You BH for a Great Article on Skin Toners and Astringents the effects that they have on our Skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm currently using a glycolic acid toner which has really helped my skin
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
There's a typo: the 2nd "What are toners and how do they work" should be "What are essences ..."
I use toner, so I'm doing the right thing for my skin type.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use toner and a very informative read, thank you.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I use toner and essence, Tatcha is a bit too much for my budget unfortunately.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I like essences or toners for sensitive/dry skin. Enjoying a Burt's Bees sensitive skin toner at present.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0