If you're wondering what the difference is between all the fancy skincare words you're hearing is- then you've come to the right place. Which of them are really different, and which are just marketing techniques? Do you really need one of each? Keep reading to find out the truth.

Firstly, let's get some definitions.

Toner: a toner is a watery skincare product, often used to exfoliate and prep the skin before the rest of the skincare routine. 

Toners can be used either with a cotton pad for that gentle exfoliation that will smooth out your skin, or simply patted onto the skin in layers for some extra hydration depending on the active ingredients. Our cruelty-free and vegan toner recommendations are: Beauty of Joseon's Ginseng Essence Water (for a glow you just can't beat) and SKIN1004's tone brightening toner if you want to smooth and even out your skin tone. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/ginseng-essence-water

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/tone-brightening-toner

Essence: usually slightly thicker than a toner, an essence is usually a layering product for hydration. 

You might have heard of snail mucin, this usually comes in essence form. Unfortunately, snail mucin is highly unethical (and doesn't actually do much for your skin). As a good vegan essence alternative we recommend Muihood's Tao Rice Water Essence, infused with fermented rice water, snow fungus and prickly pear extract, it's perfect for glow and hydration. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/tao-rice-water-essence

Serum: the most potent skincare step. These can range anywhere from lightweight to heavy duty, and usually have highly concentrated potent ingredients that target a variety of different skin concerns such as: brightening, anti-aging, calming and hydrating. 

Serum is a step you can't skip if you have those ultra-specific glass skin goals. Our favourite cruelty-free and vegan serum: UpCircle's Peptide Serum which is an anti-aging holy grail, you'll fall in love with the lightweight non-sticky formula. 

https://gentlepanda.co.uk/products/peptide-serum-with-custard-apple-blood-orange

Now for the big question: Do you really need to use all three of these?

The short answer is: No. Absolutely not. While they're all great additions to a skincare routine, you definitely do not need to overconsume and overbuy (and damage your skin barrier in the process.) What you actually need is heavily dependant on your skin goals.

Evening out the skin tone and texture? Try just using a toner and serum. The serum will target any dark spots and the toner will work overtime to both even out any blemishes and target texture. 

All you want is super juicy and hydrated skin? Layer both essence and and a hydrating serum, skip the toner.