Is toner better or serum?

Author: Dr. Ofelia Lubowitz  |  Last update: Monday, December 22, 2025

Toners will help to balance and hydrate the skin, but they aren't concentrated enough to provide benefits beyond the surface. They help to refresh and hydrate the top layer of your skin, but they aren't delivering any benefits that meaningfully change your skin's health from within. Serums are the exact opposite.

Are toners better than serums?

Both toner and serum are essential components of a good skincare routine, but they serve different purposes. A toner helps to balance your skin's pH level and remove any remaining impurities after cleansing, while a serum is a concentrated product designed to target specific skin concerns.

Can I just use serum without toner?

Yes, you can use serum without a toner. While toners can help prepare the skin and enhance the absorption of serums, they are not strictly necessary. If your skin feels clean and hydrated after washing, you can apply serum directly. Just ensure that your skin is suited to the products you choose to use.

Should I buy toner or serum first?

Step 1: Cleanser. Step 2: Toner. Step 3: Face Serum. Step 4: Eye cream.

Do dermatologists recommend toners?

While they can be helpful, Dr. Elias emphasizes that most dermatologists aren't going to recommend a toner. He adds, “They can overcomplicate your skincare regiment which can usually be boiled down to a few easy steps: cleanse, retinoid at night, moisturize, and sunscreen.

The Difference Between Toners, Essences, Serums & Ampoules | Peach & Lily

When should you not use toner?

Alcohol, witch hazel, and menthol are certainly able to remove stressors from your skin, but they can also be extremely harsh and lead to dry skin. If your skin is sensitive, mature, or simply overtaxed, avoiding those ingredients in your toner is crucial.

Should I use serum every day?

In most cases, it's not only okay to use your serum every day—it's recommended to do so in order to reap the full benefits of the product. However, usage can vary depending on the type of serum, the ingredients they contain, and how concentrated it is.

Is vitamin C serum better than toner?

Serums target specific skin concerns with potent ingredients, offering deep nourishment and treatment. Toners, on the other hand, prepare and condition the skin for optimal absorption and balance.

What is the best skin care routine?

  • Cleanse. Twice per day, morning and night. ...
  • Tone: Essence, Facial Mist or Toner. Twice per day, morning and night. ...
  • Exfoliate. Once or twice per week. ...
  • Mask. Once or twice per week. ...
  • Treat: Serum, Concentrate or Facial Oil. Twice per day, morning and night. ...
  • Moisturize. Twice per day, morning and night. ...
  • Eye Care. ...
  • Protect/SPF.

Which face serum is best?

  • Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Serum With Vitamin C & Turmeric for Radiant Skin - 30 ml. ...
  • Skin Correct Face Serum with Niacinamide and Ginger Extract for Acne Marks and Scars - 30 ml. ...
  • Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Serum 10 ml. ...
  • Rice Water Dewy Active Serum With Rice Water & 10% Niacinamide For Glass Skin - 50 ml.

Is hyaluronic acid a toner or serum?

If you're using a hyaluronic acid toner, all you have to do is spray a few times over clean skin. If you're using a hyaluronic acid serum, you will use it after washing your face and dampening your skin. Apply just a few drops to your skin or mix with your moisturizer for double hydration.

What are the disadvantages of face serum?

Drawbacks Of Using Face Serum Every Day
  • Face serums can be more expensive than other skincare products.
  • People with sensitive skin may face irritation, redness or breakouts if the serum's formulation doesn't suit them. ...
  • Even when used daily, you should only use a small amount of serum.

What is the correct order for skincare?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  • Step 4: Serums.
  • Step 5: Retinol.
  • Step 6: Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Face Oils.

Can I use toner without serum?

Can I Use Toner Without Serum? Yes, you can use toner without serum. Toners can be used on their own or as part of a skincare routine. If you are using toner as part of a skincare routine, then it is best to apply it after cleansing and before moisturising.

Is moisturizer necessary after serum?

Yes! Your skin can benefit from both serum and moisturizer, and it's recommended to use both of these products. However, it's not strictly necessary when you are using a moisturizing face serum. You can adjust your skincare routine to suit your individual skincare needs, concerns, and goals.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

What are the three most important skin care products?

The 3 Most Important Skin Care Products
  • Sunscreen. You're probably already aware of how over-exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. ...
  • Cleanser. Number two on our list of the most important skin care products is a cleanser. ...
  • Moisturizer. Your skin cells need moisture in order to properly function.

Should I get a toner or serum?

The Takeaway

If you had to choose between the two, serums will provide more benefits to your skin than a toner will. If you'd like to use them both, they'll work well together.

What are the disadvantages of vitamin C serum for face?

Vitamin C for skin can make the skin dry, so follow up with a moisturizer. Some people may face some allergic reaction to the ingredients present in the serum. If you have acne-prone skin you may experience breakouts after using Vitamin C serum. Always do a patch test before use.

Can I use vitamin C toner everyday?

A: It is generally recommended to use Vitamin C toner twice a day, in the morning and evening, after cleansing your face.

Can I leave serum overnight without moisturizer?

You can also use serum alone without added moisturizer, but this may reduce the power of the serum's active ingredients. Serums contain active ingredients such as oat oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that pull moisture into the skin for deep hydration.

Does serum remove dark spots?

You can always use a serum for dark spots to fade blemishes and ensure an even-toned complexion. The nourishing ingredients present in a dark spots serum can easily improve skin tone and texture. Using dark spot correcting glow serum will leave you with a radiant and clear complexion.

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