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.
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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?
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39 Member Comments
I usually look for one for sensitive skin so it isn't too harsh. :)
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This looks amazing!
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Great information to know
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Love reading articles like this as sometimes I struggle with my multi-step routine. A clear order of when to use what is always helpful.
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Yes, it's good to know
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I find essences essential for my routine, some nights I swap it for an acid toner
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thanks for the information
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I'd like to try a skin essence. I usually use Miceller Water.
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I use a toner. I used to incorporate an essence, but found that just using a serum was enough
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Interesting article, not products which I use. I used to use a toner but found it didn't do anything for my skin.
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Very informative article. Thanks BH.
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Interesting read. I think I might look into getting an astringent.
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I use a toner after cleansing to make sure I’ve removed all the cleanser. Currently I’m using Natio gentle toner.
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I really like the Olay Hydrating Essence in the Brightening Range.
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Essences havent been big on my agenda but maybe they should be!
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I like acid based toners and multi vitamin mists.
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I have oily skin & use a toner, which based on this, seems like the right way to go
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Definitely not into an astringent... I use the Jurlique essence. Love it! Sometimes I use it on its own at night. SO hydrating!
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I love toners and essences for my skin.
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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.
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Thank you for the information on acid toners
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Really keen to try the Tatcha one. Have heard good things.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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