Yeppo Glow Guide, part 3: toners and essences

Our guide to glowing skin continues with one of the most important aspects of Korean skincare: toners and essences. These two are a quintessential part of Korean skincare, and now we explain why. What is the difference between toner and essence? Which is the better option for you? Is toner or essence really a necessary part of the skincare routine?

Toner vs essence: differences and similarities

Toner and essence are often mixed up, and this is no surprise – their textures and ingredients vary a lot and sometimes they are hard to distinguish. Therefore, there is no single sentence that can fully explain the purpose of both, as there are many. Let’s briefly go through the role of these products in skincare:

Toner

The role of toner has changed over the decades. Originally, toners were introduced to the market to balance the skin’s pH after washing because the cleansing ingredients used back then were very harsh and disrupted the skin’s protective barrier. The purpose of toners was to balance the skin’s pH and prepare the skin for the next products. But this is no longer necessary because cleansing products are gentler and there is no need to balance pH (healthy skin can balance its own pH without help). 

A new role was invented for toners, which also changed their formulations: they provide moisture, brightness, firmness to the skin and can also act as exfoliating products. So depending on the product, toners have different functions, so you can choose the right toner according to your skin’s needs. 

In short, what is toner not?

👉🏼 Toner does not restore the skin’s pH because the skin does that itself, and toners are not meant for cleansing but rather they support and nourish the skin.

Why choose a toner? For many, toner is the best way to bring hydration to the skin because it has a light texture and it is easy to layer. For some skin types, toner absorbs better than moisturizer for example. And especially oily skin types that doesn’t need any more oils or other emollients, toner can be a pleasant way to hydrate the skin. 

What are Korean toners made of? The first ingredient is naturally pure water or possibly some fruit water. Moisturizing ingredients, plant extracts, and the desired active ingredient are added to this. The result is a long-lasting and lightweight product that is a versatile part of the skincare routine.

Essence

Essence, or hoitoneste, is almost like a giant serum – it’s often thicker and more nourishing than toner and usually contains a higher concentration of various active ingredients. So it’s like toner on a higher gear! 💥 Essences are an essential part of Korean skincare and add extra oomph to your routine. There are almost as many essences as there are different serums. Their textures also vary from light and watery to gel-like and thick serum-like consistencies. Essences can also contain more oils, so the result can be almost like a light moisturizer. But compared to serums, they often don’t have as high concentrations of active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C.

What do essences contain? Essences always have active ingredients that nourish and often firm the skin, such as peptides, ceramides, fermented ingredients, Korean hanbang ingredients, antioxidants, and many other skin benefiting components.

Korean essences are based on gentle care and should be used morning and evening for the best results. 

A necessary part of skincare?

There are many opinions on whether toner or essence is a necessary part of a skincare routine. The truth is that it entirely depends on your skin’s needs and preferences. However, we believe that toner and essence can elevate your skin’s well-being to a new level! Many find that toner or essence helps them achieve better moisture balance in their skin. 

So if you want your skin to look radiant, softer, hydrated, brighter, firmer... you might want to try adding toner and essence to your routine 😇

How to use toner or essence?

Toner and essence are always the first part of the routine after cleansing, typically toner first, then essence.  

What about product application? This depends on the product type and its purpose, but in short:

• If the product is an exfoliating product, apply it either with a cotton pad to the face or carefully dispense it onto your palms and pat onto the face
• For any other product, always apply with your hands to avoid wasting valuable product on the cotton pad!

Toner Pads and spray toners are also covered separately:

• Exfoliating toner pads are used to gently wipe the face and are typically not left on the skin
• Moisturizing toner pads can be left on the skin for a moment like a mask
• Toner pads with active ingredients can be left on areas of the skin that need the most treatment
• Spray toners can be used both at the start of your routine and added throughout the day for extra hydration 

Is more better?

Can you use both toner and essence in the same routine? Absolutely! Here are our tips for the best combos based on different skin type and concerns. Remember, these are just suggestions and there are plenty of options. But with these, you can easily get started:

Dry Skin

Moisturizing Toner [About Me] Rice Makgeolli Skin Softener + nourishing and radiance-boosting essence [K-SECRET] SEOUL 1988 Essence : Snail Mucin 97% + Rice If your skin is very dry and rough, choose an even richer essences [VT Cosmetics] PDRN Essence 100

Aging Skin

Moisturizing Toner [Genabelle] PDRN Rejuvenating Toner + kiinteyttävä hoitoneste [Numbuzin] No.9 NAD+ Bio Lifting-sil Essence

Sensitive Skin

Balancing Toner [HEVEBLUE] Salmon Caring Centella Toner + skin-strengthening essence [VT Cosmetics] Glucamune Essence

For brightening and pigmentation

Antioxidant Toner [Numbuzin] No.5+ Vitamin Boosting Essential Toner + kirkastava hoitoneste [VT Cosmetics] TX-Toning Essence 2000 Shot

Oily skin

Exfoliating and sebum-controlling toner [Axis-Y] Daily Purifying Treatment Toner + balancing essence [Axis-Y] Biome Radiating Intensified Essence

Combination skin

Balancing toner, such as [SKIN1004] Madagascar Centella Toning Toner + essence that meets your skin’s specific needs, since combination skin needs vary greatly from person to person. Toner can also be exfoliating if your combination skin is more prone to impurities, and you can combine it with, for example, a more moisturizing essence.

Skin prone to impurities and pimples

Soothing and balancing toner pads [EQQUALBERRY] Swimming Pool Toner Pads + skin-renewing essence [VT Cosmetics] Pro Cica Reedle Shot 100

Psst! 🤫 Reedle Shot is a special essence that you apply first after cleansing, and it contains tiny particles that create a microneedling-like effect on the skin – but a milder version! Find more information about Reedle Shot and its benefits in this article

In the end...

The differences between toners and essences vary so much that it’s not worth focusing too much on what's is the name of the product, but rather look at whether the product description and ingredients suit you. Toners and essences actually have more in common than not 💜

Written: 4.3.2026, Tabell, S.