Essence vs. Toner vs. Serum: What's The Difference?

Toner, essence, and serum are often confused—and for good reason. Each plays a distinct role in your skincare ritual, yet they share overlapping benefits, especially when it comes to hydration and prep. Understanding the differences—and how to layer them—can help you build a more effective routine tailored to your skin’s needs.  

Each of these science-backed formulas is designed to enhance your ritual and support your healthiest-looking complexion.

What is a Toner?

Texture:  Lightweight, water-like

Purpose: Used after cleansing to remove leftover debris, balance pH, and prep the skin.

Recommended For: Oily or Combination skin types prone to clogged pores or excess surface oil.

How to Use: Apply after cleansing using a cotton pad to sweep toner across the face.

Toners to Try: 

Light Controlling Toner: A clarifying formula that gently exfoliates while removing surface oils and binding moisture for a fresh, shine-free finish. 

Best For: Normal to Combo/Oily skin.

Shake-It Tinted Skin Treatment: Not a traditional toner--but a shake-to-activate tinted treatment used as the final skincare step. It visibly refines pores, events skin tone, and mattifies. 

Best For: Combo/Oily skin, especially those seeking a sheer-matte finish.

What is an Essence?

Texture: Thicker than toner, thinner than serum.

Purpose: Hydrates, nourishes, and primes the skin with beneficial actives.

Recommended For: Dry or dehydrated skin needing a moisture boost and antioxidant support.

How to Use: After toner, press essence into the skin with your palms for better absorption. Those with dry skin may use essence in place of toner; oily skin may skip essence altogether.

Essences to Try: 

Skin Supplement Essence: Energizes and comforts dry skin with hydrating ProVitamin B5 and Allantoin. 

Best For: Dry Skin, leaving it soothed and revitalized.

VTM Micro-Essence: A weightless, restorative essence lotion for dry, pigmented, or dull skin. It smooths texture and refines tone over time. 

Best For: All skin types, especially dull or uneven skin.

Soothing Relief Hydration Lotion: A silky essence lotion powered by SensCalm® Complex to instantly calm and deeply moisturize.

Best For: Sensitive skin prone to redness or irritation.

What is a Serum?

Texture: Most concentrated and typically the thickest of the three.

Purpose: Targets specific skin concerns like dullness, fine lines, irritation, or dehydration.

Recommended For: All skin types--just choose the right formula based on your concern.

How to Use: Apply after toner and/or essence, before moisturizer. Smooth evenly across the face, avoiding the eye area. Use eye creams first to prevent irritation from active ingredients.

Serums to Try:

Phormula 3-10® Serum Concentrate: Rejuvenates and revitalizes skin, improving suppleness and overall tone. 

Best For: Mature skin, but suitable for all types. 

Timeless Skin Serum: A lightweight, age-defying serum that improves tone and texture while preserving hydration.

Best For: All skin types, especially those concerned with early signs of aging.

Soothing Relief Hydration Serum: A calming serum that replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier. 

Best For: Sensitive skin, leaving it visibly calm and healthy-looking.

How to Build the Right Routine

Whether your skin is oily, dry, mature, or sensitive, combining toner, essence, and serum in the right order helps maximize results. Need help deciding?

Use our skin type guide to discover the best formulas for your skin, or take our quiz for personalized product recommendations.