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

    25 Nov 2020 12:02 PM | Posted by
    bh's Delaney Loane's picture
    bh's Delaney Loane
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    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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    Because while the application process is the same (a few drops in your hand, to be patted into clean skin using palms), the objectives and results offered by each do differ.
     
    Think of them as levels on a skin-balancing scale. Essences are the gentlest, astringents are the strongest, and toners sit somewhere in between. Allow your goals and skin type to inform your choice.
     
    As for layering, the intensity scale apprises the suitability of certain combinations; for example, as the mildest option, an essence could be layered over a toner, but pairing a powerful astringent and balancing toner together could definitely verge on drying and detrimental. Our advice? For safety, pick your player and stick to it.
     
    We spoke to Kiehl's Educator Jemma McBride to identify the differences once and for all.
     

    What are astringents and how do they work? 

    "Astringents are the second step in the routine, after cleansing. They help to clean and minimise pores, reduce excessive oil and fight breakouts," McBride explains.
     

    What ingredients should you look for in an astringent? 

    "A good quality astringent should contain ingredients that reduce oil, minimise pores and act as an antibacterial, as well as ingredients that hydrate the skin. They can include natural ingredients such as witch hazel or acids like salicylic acid," she shares.
     

    Which skin types are astringents best suited to?

    "Acne and blemish-prone skins should be using an astringent, [whereas] sensitive and dry skins should avoid using astringents," McBride tells us.



     

    What are toners and how do they work? 

    "Toners are the second step in the routine, after cleansing. Toners help to balance the pH levels of all skin types which helps the skins barrier function protect us against harmful bacteria," she explains.
     

    What ingredients should you look for in a toner? 

    "Toners are water-based with a range of added ingredients depending on the targeted concern. Toners are usually on the acidic side in order to balance the pH levels of the skin," McBride shares.
     

    Which skin types are toners best suited to?

    "Toners are suitable for all skin types and conditions. There are many different toners in the market, some are created for dry, others for normal or oily skin," she confirms.
     
    Balancing Toner, $38 by Grown Alchemist
     
     

    What are essences and how do they work? 

    "Essences are the third step in the routine, after cleansing and toning, however, many use essences on their own instead of a toner. Essences are designed to provide hydration to the skin. Most essences also balance the pH of the skin, which is why many people opt out of using a toner," says McBride.
     

    What ingredients should you look for in an essence?

    "Essences are usually a richer texture and often contain a number of nutrient rich ingredients like antioxidants, active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, natural botanic and plant extracts," she shares.
     

    Which skin types are essences best suited to?

    "Dry or dehydrated skin would be more suited to an essence. An essence will provide a dry or dehydrated skin with hydration to last throughout the day," she advises.
     
    The Essence by Tatcha, $152 at MECCA
     
    Main image credit: @lauralind

     

    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

    Sparkle 77 5 Jan 2021 12:28 PM

    I usually look for one for sensitive skin so it isn't too harsh. :)

    Ellyloves 4 Jan 2021 2:43 PM

    This looks amazing!

    BeautySwan88 3 Jan 2021 3:12 PM

    Great information to know

    GeeJ 31 Dec 2020 12:26 AM

    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.

    Sootyhere 3 Jan 2021 11:15 PM

    Yes, it's good to know

    bebeautiful34 29 Dec 2020 9:04 AM

    I find essences essential for my routine, some nights I swap it for an acid toner

    Sootyhere 28 Dec 2020 6:08 PM

    thanks for the information

    cityglenda 27 Dec 2020 6:01 PM

    I'd like to try a skin essence. I usually use Miceller Water.

    IndieAna 26 Dec 2020 4:49 PM

    I use a toner. I used to incorporate an essence, but found that just using a serum was enough

    Hayley644 26 Dec 2020 9:13 AM

    Interesting article, not products which I use. I used to use a toner but found it didn't do anything for my skin.

    Marclaire 24 Dec 2020 7:01 PM

    Very informative article. Thanks BH.

    Beautybabe140194 24 Dec 2020 5:28 PM

    Interesting read. I think I might look into getting an astringent.

    lindylou 23 Dec 2020 9:48 PM

    I use a toner after cleansing to make sure I’ve removed all the cleanser. Currently I’m using Natio gentle toner.

    Saffy86 23 Dec 2020 8:34 AM

    I really like the Olay Hydrating Essence in the Brightening Range.

    clearcrystalwater 23 Dec 2020 7:01 AM

    Essences havent been big on my agenda but maybe they should be!

    Gilded 23 Dec 2020 12:47 AM

    I like acid based toners and multi vitamin mists.

    Wn0873 22 Dec 2020 9:43 PM

    I have oily skin & use a toner, which based on this, seems like the right way to go

    Belindarella 22 Dec 2020 11:11 AM

    Definitely not into an astringent... I use the Jurlique essence. Love it! Sometimes I use it on its own at night. SO hydrating!

    Jessica712 22 Dec 2020 11:08 AM

    I love toners and essences for my skin.

    jupiter 22 Dec 2020 10:57 AM

    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.

    Sootyhere 3 Jan 2021 11:17 PM

    Thank you for the information on acid toners

    AndreaD 22 Dec 2020 10:52 AM

    Really keen to try the Tatcha one. Have heard good things.

    Ethelinde 22 Dec 2020 10:47 AM

    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.

    Elunia 22 Dec 2020 10:14 AM

    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.

    Meedee 5 Jan 2021 7:31 AM

    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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