Toner vs. Essence vs. Serum vs. Ampoule: What’s The Difference?
A rundown of the most celebrated Korean skin care essentials and their differences explained.
Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD 
Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner w... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
eshna dasBA, MSc Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are fascinated with K-beauty, you know that the products sometimes get pretty confusing. And most often, beginners find it tough to understand the difference between toner, essence, serum, and ampoule.
They all may appear similar but serve different functions and work differently on your skin. And once you understand their functions and benefits, you will know which product does what and how to layer them.
Testing and trying all products may take a lot of time and patience. Therefore, it helps when you have a guide to help you start your skin care journey. This article explains the differences between all the products to help you understand their benefits and usage. Scroll down.
In This Article
What Is The Difference Between Essence, Toner, Serum, And Ampoule?
Toner
What Is It?
The second step in the CTM routinei XA basic skincare routine that begins with cleansing the face with a cleanser, followed by the use of a toner and a moisturizer. is toning your skin. This involves closing open pores, clearing clogged pores, and removing the whiteheads and dead skin that accumulate on the topmost layer of your skin. Toner also works as a double cleansing step while balancing your skin’s pH levels.
What Does It Feel Like?
A toner has a watery consistency and evaporates quickly. It even sweeps away all the residue left from cleansing.
How Do You Use A Toner?
Toners come in spray bottles. Spray a little on a cotton pad, and rub it all over your face. If you look closely, you will see be able to see tiny particles like dead skin cells, dust, grime on the cotton pad.
What Type Of Ingredients Go Into A Toner?
A toner contains water along with essential oils, plant extracts, and other active ingredients that exfoliate your skin and act as gentle abrasives to soothe your skin.
Why Is Toner An Essential Step In Your Skincare Regimen?
Cleansing with just a facial cleanser or makeup remover is not always effective. Some of your pores will be left open while some of them will be clogged. Toning is an effective double cleansing step that also exfoliates your skin.
Quick TipEssence
What Is It?
An essence is the epicenter of the Korean skincare routine, as it hydrates your skin from within. If you haven’t fixed this part of your routine yet, you need to do so right now – get your hydration game up with an essence. The generic moisturizers we use do not cut it anymore. You need something that brings out the inner glow and brightens your skin. Use a toner followed by an essence.
What Does It Feel Like?
Essence feels like water, which is its primary ingredient. It also contains active ingredients. Its watery consistency makes it permeable and effective. If you feel like the essence is evaporating quickly, don’t worry – that’s how it is supposed to be.
How Do You Use Essence?
You cleanse and tone before you use an essence. Take one pump into your palms and start applying it near your chin, and move up. It is watery and evaporates quickly, so give it a few minutes before you move on to the next step. Some brands come with a spray nozzle that you can use as a mist.
What Type Of Ingredients Go Into An Essence?
Essence primarily contains water, along with other active ingredients, extracts, and HCAs that help brighten your skin and retain moisture. Ingredients vary depending on the brand and the type of skin it is targeting.
Why Is Essence An Essential Step In Your Skincare Regimen?
Our skin is exposed to free-radicals, sun, and pollutants that are not only harmful but also take away your skin’s moisture, thus making it look dull and tired. Over time you will start noticing fine lines and wrinkles – which is where the essence helps.
Serum
What Is It?
A serum is a gel-like, lightweight formula that is loaded with powerful ingredients that help in the treatment of specific skin problems like wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness. Serums are slightly heavier than essence and toner because they contain highly concentrated and potent active ingredients.
What Does It Feel Like?
Serums are spreadable, gel-like, thick, and lightweight. They get easily absorbed into your skin. Most of them are watery, while some might feel a little greasy for a while (depending on the product). If you have oily skin, choose something that is more absorbent.
How Do You Use A Serum?
Serums usually come in ‘dropper’ bottles or pumps. For application, just take a few drops or one pump and apply evenly all over your face. The serum absorption takes no time.. Wait a minute before you move to the next step.
What Type Of Ingredients Go Into A Serum?
There are all kinds of serums with many combinations. It is usually a blend of active ingredients like peptides that stimulate cell growth and repair, and vitamin C, HCAi XHydroxycinnamic acids are phytonutrients widely used in skin care for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-aging properties. , and AHAs. They battle aging issues like wrinkles and fine lines, and make your skin looking visibly plumper and youthful.
Why Is Serum An Essential Step In Your Skincare Regimen?
Look at serums as an instant magic wand. You apply one to your skin and you get visible results. As you age, your skin becomes more susceptible to damage and its ability to produce collagen diminishes. This causes wrinkles and saggy skin. Serums act like little fillers that transport active and potent ingredients to brighten and improve the health of your skin. They provide nourishment, even out complexion, help improve skin elasticity, and have hydrating and anti-aging benefits.
Ampoule
What Is It?
An ampoule is yet another interesting find by Koreans. Ampoules are a highly concentrated version of a serum, and act like a booster or a shot. But, unlike serums, ampoules can only be used for a short duration of time. They come in handy when you have an important event or occasion coming up.
What Does It Feel Like?
Ampoules have a very similar consistency to a serum. They can be thicker or thinner, depending on the brand.
How Do You Use An Ampoule?
Ampoule should be used after cleansing and toning. The directions for use and the amount of product you need are usually specified on the package. If you get the product in a dropper bottle and not as booster shots, then take a few drops in your palm and apply it like a serum.
Quick TipWhat Type Of Ingredients Go Into An Ampoule?
Ampoules contain active ingredients, peptides, plant extracts, vitamins, and essential acids. They are highly concentrated and extremely potent. These ingredients provide skin rejuvenation, promote skin firmness, and provide radiance and youthfulness.
Why Is Ampoule An Essential Step In Your Skincare Regimen?
Ampoule is time-bound and needs to be used for a stipulated period. The ingredients are highly concentrated and are not meant to be a part of your regular skincare regimen (unless it is prescribed by a dermatologist).
Final Verdict
Infographic: Toner, Essence, Serum, And Ampoule: How Are They Different?
While serums and ampoules have a gel-like consistency, toners and essences are watery in consistency. Each of these items serves a certain purpose to benefit your skin and give it the nutrients it lacks. Learn the distinctions between toner, essence, serum, and ampoule by viewing the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
I hope this article made you understand the difference between toner vs. essence vs. serum vs. ampoule. They are all different parts of the Korean skincare routine that serve a different purpose in taking care of your skin. A toner is of a watery consistency that removes residual dirt, oil, dead skin, and grime. Essence comes as the next step in the routine which penetrates the deeper layers of your skin, making your skin look radiant. A serum, on the other hand, is of a gel-like consistency that reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Last, but not least, an ampoule is of a higher concentration that leaves your skin smooth, firm, and glowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better – ampoule or essence?
Ampoule and essence serve different purposes. For daily use, it is better to use essence, while ampoule should be used on the days when your skin needs extra care.
Can I use essence, ampoule, and serum together?
Yes, you can use essence, ampoule, and serum together if your skin is extremely dehydrated and dull.
How often should toners, essences, serums, and ampoules be used in a skincare routine?
After washing, toners can be applied daily, followed by essences for light hydration. Serums can also be applied daily, but the frequency may vary depending on its potency and tolerance. Ampoules, however, should be used no more than once or twice a week.
Are there any potential side effects to using toners, essences, serums, and ampoules?
Yes. These products may cause breakouts, dryness, skin irritation, and sensitivity to the sun. If you experience any of these side effects, then stop using the product and consult your dermatologist.
Are there any ingredients that I should avoid when using toners, essences, serums, or ampoules?
Yes. It is important to avoid certain ingredients in these products, such as alcohol, synthetic dyes, and fragrances that can be harsh and irritating for the skin.
Key Takeaways
- Toner serves as a double cleansing phase and balances the pH levels of the skin simultaneously.
- An essence is one that hydrates your skin from within.
- A serum treats skin issues like pigmentation, wrinkles, dullness, and others.
- An ampoule is a highly concentrated form of serum that functions as a booster or a shot.
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ShareMaster the art of skincare with this comprehensive video guide. Learn how to properly use cleanser, toner, essence, serum, and moisturizer for a radiant, healthy complexion. Watch now and elevate your skincare routine!
