Toners vs Emulsions: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Choose?
- Peonies Beauté
- Dec 16
- 3 min read
In the world of skincare, two products often cause confusion due to their similar steps in a routine: toners and emulsions. Both play vital roles in achieving healthy, glowing skin, but they serve distinct purposes. Understanding the differences between toners and emulsions will help you create a personalized skincare routine that addresses your skin’s unique needs. Let’s dive into the details!
What is a Toner?
A toner is typically a water-based product that’s applied to the skin after cleansing. It works to balance the skin’s pH, hydrate, and prepare the skin to absorb the next layers of your skincare products, like serums and moisturizers.
Types of Toners:
Hydrating Toners: Perfect for dry or dehydrated skin, these toners are rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. They help to lock in moisture, leaving your skin plump and hydrated.
Exfoliating Toners: These contain chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) that gently remove dead skin cells. Great for people struggling with acne, rough texture, or dullness.
Balancing Toners: Ideal for oily or combination skin, balancing toners contain ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil, which help to regulate oil production and keep breakouts at bay.
Soothing Toners: If you have sensitive or irritated skin, a soothing toner infused with ingredients like centella asiatica (Cica), aloe vera, or chamomile will calm inflammation and reduce redness.
How to Use a Toner
After cleansing, apply toner with a cotton pad or by patting it into your skin using your hands. It prepares your skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively and can leave your face feeling refreshed and hydrated.
What is an Emulsion?
An emulsion is a lightweight, water-based moisturizer that often follows toner and essence in a skincare routine. It’s a bit thicker than a toner but thinner than a cream, offering a light layer of hydration. Emulsions are ideal for people who want moisture without the heaviness of a thick cream, making them a great option for oily or combination skin.
Types of Emulsions:
Moisturizing Emulsions: These contain lightweight hydrating ingredients like ceramides or squalane that hydrate the skin without clogging pores. Great for oily or acne-prone skin types that need moisture but dislike greasy finishes.
Anti-Aging Emulsions: Loaded with ingredients like retinol, peptides, or niacinamide, anti-aging emulsions help to reduce fine lines, boost collagen production, and improve skin texture.
Brightening Emulsions: Perfect for those struggling with pigmentation or dull skin, brightening emulsions contain ingredients like vitamin C, arbutin, or licorice extract to even out skin tone and add a healthy glow.
Calming Emulsions: These are infused with soothing ingredients like green tea extract, cica, or panthenol, making them ideal for sensitive skin prone to redness or irritation.
How to Use an Emulsion
After cleansing, toning, and applying essence (if used), smooth a small amount of emulsion over your face. It can be layered under a cream for dry skin or used on its own for oily skin types.
Which Should You Use – Toner or Emulsion?
It’s not a matter of choosing between a toner and an emulsion; they’re designed to work together! A toner preps your skin by adding hydration and balancing the pH, while an emulsion adds lightweight moisture and specific active ingredients based on your skin’s needs.
Here’s a quick guide based on skin type:
Dry Skin: Hydrating toner + Moisturizing emulsion
Oily/Combination Skin: Balancing toner + Lightweight emulsion
Sensitive Skin: Soothing toner + Calming emulsion
Acne-Prone Skin: Exfoliating toner + Oil-free emulsion
Aging Skin: Hydrating or Exfoliating toner + Anti-aging emulsion
Explore Toners and Emulsions at Peonies Beauté Glow Shop
At Peonies Beauté Glow Shop, we offer a curated selection of toners and emulsions to fit every skin type. Whether you're looking for a hydrating toner to plump your skin or a lightweight emulsion to keep it moisturized without feeling heavy, we have something for you.
Our collection features popular Korean and Western skincare brands, with ingredients tailored to different skin concerns. Visit our online shop or stop by our store in San Jose to explore toners like the D'LEXO Cica Exo Comforting Toner, which is perfect for soothing sensitive skin, or lightweight emulsions that provide deep hydration with a non-greasy finish.
No matter your skin type, toners and emulsions can help you achieve the glowing, healthy skin you've always dreamed of.
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