Are you confused between Toner and Serum and what you should use? If you know about both skincare processes, then you can get their real benefits.
Toner and serums both are important steps of your skincare routine. Both products promise healthy and glowing skin, but they play very different roles.
Many people become confused between two products, but understanding the difference will make your skincare more effective.
In this article, you’ll explore toner vs serum comparison. You’ll discover each product’s benefits and how to use them together.
Introducing Face Toners
| Aspect | Toner |
| What it is? | A lightweight liquid used after cleansing |
| Main Purpose | Balance skin’s pH, remove residue, prep skin |
| Texture | Watery, refreshing |
Toner is a lightweight and watery skincare product that cleanse your skin and balances the pH level. Toners provides you numerous benefits depending on their specific formulations. The main function of toner is exfoliating. They remove dead skin cells layer of your skin revealing new fresh skin.
Most toners contain green tea, rose water and aloe vera. They also have mild exfoliants such as glycolic or lactic acid.
As toner has liquid consistency, you should have to apply it before moisturizer and after cleanser. The toners increase the absorption of other skincare products as it prepares your skin for maximum absorption.
What’re the Benefits of Toners?
Toners feel like a refreshing drink of water for your skin. The toners provides you many benefits, some of them are:
- Toners maintain the pH level of your skin. Your skin becomes more alkaline after using harsh cleansers. So, it maintains pH after cleansing.
- The sun rays and pollution makes your skin dull and dry. Toners brighten your skin as it contains mild exfoliating ingredients.
- Toners control oil production to give you healthy and glowing skin. They also unclogs the pores and removes dirt and makeup.
- The serums maintain the hydration levels of your skin. It also strengthens the natural barrier.
Must Read – 5 Best Alcohol Free Toner for Oily Skin in India: Tested & Reviewed
What is a Face Serum?
| Aspect | Serum |
| What it is? | A concentrated treatment with active ingredients |
| Main Purpose | Target specific skin concerns (acne, aging, pigmentation, hydration) |
| Texture | Lightweight but thicker than toner, sometimes gel-like |
Face serums have water based consistency but they are thicker than toners. Serums have concentration of active ingredients to provide maximum benefits.
Serums include certain ingredients to target different skin concerns. They are used to treat acne, aging and pigmentation.
Serums contain hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol.
What’re the Benefits of Serums?
Serums contain higher concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. Here are some of the many benefits of serums:
- Serums have water like textures which absorb easily in your skin. The serums penetrate deeply in your skin to provide maximum benefits.
- Serums are useful for acne and oily skin. They unclog the pores and treat hyperpigmentation.
- Some serums contain retinol or vitamin C which slow down skin aging. They reduce the fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production.
- Some serums also prevent skin damage from sun and pollution.
- The serums contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than other skincare products. The serums provide you with more visible results in less time.
- Face serums are absorbed easily in your skin. They didn’t leave any sticky feeling.
- The serums that contain vitamin C, glycolic acid and kojic acid improves your skin tone.
Must Read – 7 Best Skin Brightening Serums for Glowing, Even-Toned Skin
Toner Vs Serum: The Comparison
Many people wonder “what is the difference between serum and toner”.
The table will help you to understand the complete difference between the both products. Here is the comprehensive table of difference between serum and toner:
| Feature | Toner | Serum |
| Main Role | Prepares and refreshes skin | Treats specific concerns |
| Concentration of actives | Low | High |
| Skin Feel | Light, watery | Slightly thicker, silky |
| Cost | Usually affordable | Usually more expensive |
| Essential? | Helpful but not always mandatory | Highly recommended for targeted results |
- Purpose
The main difference is that serum prepares your skin for other products while serums repair your skin targeting specific skin concerns.
- Ingredients
Serums contain different active ingredients to treat the skin problems. Such as vitamin C Serums treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Texture
The other difference between toner and serums is their consistency. Toners have a watery texture which can be applied as mist or spray. Serums have more thick consistency than toners.
Mostly serums have water based to gel like textures. The products absorb easily without leaving any sticky residue.
- Function
The toner balances the pH level of your skin. It also prepares your skin. The serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients which are used for different skin issues.
- Application
The toner is applied after the cleanser. It helps to balance the alkaline effect of cleansers. While you have to apply serum after the toner and before moisturizer.
Toner vs serum, which one is better? The answer is your skin needs both products for various skin needs.
Must Read – Serum for Oily Skin: How to Control Shine and Prevent Breakouts?
How to Use Serum and Toner Together?
Both products give you effective results. As toner increases the absorption of serums for maximum benefits.
Follow these steps to use serum and toner in a correct way to get maximum benefits:
Step 1: Apply Cleanser
Wash your face to cleanse your skin properly. You can use a mild cleanser to wash your face. Don’t use warm water as it can strip the natural moisture of your skin.
Step 2: Dry Your Face
Use a clean towel or tissue and dry your face. Wipe your face gently.
Step 3: Apply Toner
Put 3-4 drops of toner on your palms or cotton pads. Dab your palms or cotton pad gently on your face. Wait for a few minutes to let it absorb fully.
Step 4: Apply Serum
Take 2 -3 drops of serum in your palms. Massage the serum gently on your face. Don’t need to rub your face aggressively. Make sure that you have applied serum on your nose, forehead, checks and chin.
Step 5: Apply Moisturizer and SPF
Apply the moisturizer as it keeps your skin hydrated. During daytime, don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
You can use the toner twice a day. Follow these steps to apply toner and serum for effective results. Both products give you glowing, smooth and soft skin by regular use.
Conclusion : Toner Vs Serum
The main distinction in the toner vs serum discussion is that toners prep the skin, while serums deliver concentrated active ingredients.
Toners balance the pH and boosts hydration levels of your skin. Serums fight acne, pigmentation and skin aging.
You can use both products to get maximum skin benefits. Follow the above mentioned steps to use the toner and serum in the correct way.
