12 Best Hydrating Toner of 2024 to Balance, Moisturize & Soothe Skin

To put it simply, these active ingredients allow essences to target specific concerns. Meanwhile, “a toner may or may not have active ingredients to help with skin concerns,” says King.

What types of ingredients should you look for in a hydrating toner or essence?

For the toner, it’s helpful to look for exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, “which are often used to help keep skin on the slightly acidic side,” says King. She also points to witch hazel as a popular option for refining the pores, making them look less visible.

In both essences and toners, hydrating ingredients are especially beneficial; Czech calls out hyaluronic acid and glycerin as two good options. They’re both humectants, meaning they draw water into skin, dampening it and preparing it for additional ingredients.

In the case of essences, Chang recommends supplementing these hydrators with more targeted actives. “Niacinamide, vitamin C, green tea, and licorice root extract are antioxidants that help brighten the skin and have anti-aging benefits,” she says.

What is the purpose of a hydrating toner or essence?

It depends on your exact concerns. “The specific ingredients in the products are more important than whether it is a ‘toner’ or ‘essence’,” Chang explains. “Matching your skin type and specific skin concerns with active ingredients will determine which product is more suitable.” Generally, all skin types can benefit from hydrating toners with hyaluronic acid, she says; those with oily or acne-prone skin should consider toners with exfoliating ingredients, such as salicylic acid, as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil.

As for essences, formulations with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and snail mucin are especially helpful for people with dryness, according to Chang. They can also be helpful for mature skin, since these products “often contain anti-aging ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and vitamins,” she says.

How should you incorporate a toner or essence into your routine?

While there might be some overlap depending on the formulation, “toners and essences often have synergistic benefits and can work together to enhance skin moisture levels and nourish the skin,” says Chang. If you choose to use both, follow your cleanser with toner and then essence before moving onto your serum.

Meet The Experts

• Claire Chang, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and laser treatments.
• Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist specializing in creative product formulation and advanced technology applications.
• Joanna Czech is a celebrity esthetician whose clients include Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian.