What’s the difference between a serum and a toner?

Honestly, with all the different types of products in our skin care routines, it can be easy to get confused. One of the most common causes for confusion is the difference between toners and serums.

Is serum and toner the same thing?

It’s easy to see why people think toner and serum might be the same. Both of these products can have similar consistencies. Both of them are supposed to be used somewhere between the cleanser and the sunscreen. So is serum and toner the same thing?

Not quite. There are some important differences between the two!

Related: The best facial serum for Gua Sha by skin type

Differences between serum and toner

The most important difference between serum and toner is their purpose for your skin.

A toner’s main purpose is to restore your skin’s ph-level right after cleansing.

You’ve probably heard about “harsh cleaning products” and skin drying out because of that, right?

Well, a toner wants to repair that. They can also have a slightly cleansing effect themselves. However, if you need a toner after cleansing to restore ph-balance, I really hope your cleansing product does it’s job itself!

Usually, a toner is liquid, and therefore it’s best to swipe it across your face with a cotton pad.

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner for Combination and Oily Skin, Minimizes Large Pores, 6.4 Fluid Ounce Bottle

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Gentle Daily Fragrance-Free Face Toner to Tone & Refresh Skin, Toner Gently Removes Impurities & Reconditions Skin, Hypoallergenic, 8 fl. oz

Eight Saints Coast is Clear Seaweed Anti Aging Face Toner, Natural and Organic Alcohol Free Witch Hazel Toner for Face, Minimizes Large Pores and Redness, 6 Ounces

A serum, on the other hand, is full of “active ingredients”. Meaning, it has the purpose of addressing a specific skin concern and delivering a high concentration of a specific ingredient to do just that.

It might be hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness wrinkles or Niacinamide to fight hyperpigmentation, to just name a couple of examples.

Related: The best skin care products for treating acne scars

Usually, serums have a pretty high concentration of said ingredient. So you only need one or two drops. To make sure your skin absorbs all of it, you can massage the serum in. Gently!

Vitamin C Face Serum – Dark Spot Remover Facial Serum, Vit C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, & Vit E – Anti Aging and Skin Brightening Serum, Pure Vitamin C Serum Skin Care

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment – Resurgence Anti-Aging Serum for Lines and Wrinkles – Encapsulated Vitamin A Skin Care for Smoothing, Firming and Lifting Face and Neck, 1.0 Fl Oz

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum, 1.7% Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Plump, Bouncy Skin, Great For Hydrating Dry Skin

What is better toner or serum?

So now that you know what the main difference between toner and serum are, you might wonder, which one of them is better for you.

And the answer is, of course: neither and both. They have different purposes, sou you can’t really compare them directly.

If you need to balance your skin’s ph-level, a toner is better. If you want to address a specific skin care concern with a targeted ingredient, use a serum.

Can I use toner and serum together?

And yes, you can absolutely use a toner and serum together. Do you need a toner if you use a serum? Only if you need to additionally balance your ph-levels.

Again, they fulfill different purposes. So if you’ve wondered: can I use serum without toner? The answer is also yes.

However, if you want to use both together, make sure to do it in the right order.

What do you think: toner or serum first?

You probably remember from earlier, right? Toner happens RIGHT after cleansing to restore the ph-balance of your skin. So toner first, then serum with the active ingredients.

Did that clear things up?

I hope the difference between a serum and a toner is clear to you now. And you have confidence in picking the product type that is right for you!

If it was helpful, I really appreciate any shares. Thank you and enjoy whichever skin care product(s) you choose!