You’ve probably heard both terms—toner and essence—thrown around in skincare routines and product pages. They both come in bottles. They both have watery textures. And they both sit somewhere between your cleanser and serum. So, are they the same thing?
Not quite.
When it comes to toner versus essence, the real difference is subtle—but important. These two steps may look similar, but they serve distinct purposes in your skincare ritual. One preps, the other treats. And understanding how they work (together or apart) can help you get the most out of your products.
The difference between toner and essence
Let’s break down the difference between toner and essence in the simplest way possible:
Toner = Reset
- Rebalances your skin’s pH
- Removes leftover residue after cleansing
- Often includes gentle exfoliants or hydrating ingredients
- Prepares skin to absorb the next steps
Essence = Recharge
- Hydrates deeply and delivers active ingredients
- Often contains fermented ingredients, vitamins, and humectants
- Boosts cell turnover, glow, and absorption of serums
- Acts like a lightweight serum in liquid form
Think of toner as the breath you take before a long exhale—it brings your skin back to neutral. Essence is the first inhale of nourishment that follows. One clears the path, the other begins the journey.
Which comes first: Toner or Essence?
In your routine, apply toner first, then essence. Here’s why:
- Cleanser – Removes dirt, oil, makeup.
- Toner – Rebalances and resets your skin’s pH.
- Essence – Starts delivering hydration and treatment-level ingredients.
- Serum + Moisturizer – Lock in the glow.
If you’re using a minimalist routine and want to skip steps, you might opt for a hybrid product—something that combines both toner and essence into one (like our Dew It All Essence, for example). But if you enjoy layering and customizing your skincare, using both can be a game-changer.
Do you need both toner and essence?
Not always—but they work beautifully together. If your skin is:
- Dehydrated
- Dull or uneven
- Stressed or sensitive
- Struggling to absorb products
...then a toner + essence combo might be exactly what it needs.
Toner gets your skin prepped, smooth, and ready. Essence dives deeper—delivering moisture and actives with a soft, weightless feel. It’s a ritual, but it’s also science.
Final thoughts
In the toner versus essence debate, there’s no clear winner—because they do different things. Toner balances. Essence boosts. Together, they create the perfect foundation for healthier, more radiant skin.
Still unsure where to start? Choose a multitasking essence that hydrates and treats in one step—or build your routine with both, starting slow and feeling it out.
Explore our Habitude Thicc Water Toner and Habitude Dew It All Essence duo [here].