Toner vs. Moisturizer: Key Differences and How to Use Them

Toner and moisturizer are among the most common skincare products used in daily routines. Both are essential in achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin.

Understanding the difference between the two is important to effectively address specific skin concerns. Knowing how to use both toner and moisturizer correctly can significantly improve your skincare regimen.

Here is everything you need to know about toner vs moisturizer and how to use them. 

What are Toners?

A toner is a liquid skincare product designed to be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing in a skincare routine.

It helps to remove any remaining traces of makeup, dirt, and oil, providing a clean skin surface for subsequent skincare products like serums and moisturizers.

For example, Self Smooth 10% Glycolic Resurfacing Serum from Kinship is a facial toner that exfoliates and improves texture.

Common ingredients found in toners include witch hazel, salicylic acid, and glycerin.

These ingredients help to control excess oil, reduce the appearance of acne-prone skin, and provide hydration to dry skin.

Other beneficial components, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and alpha hydroxy acids, can also be found in various toners to suit different skin types and concerns.

Types of Toners

There are different types of toners designed to suit various skincare needs. Each type offers unique benefits and can be selected based on specific skin types and concerns.

• Hydrating Toners: These toners contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to provide moisture to dry skin and maintain the skin's protective barrier.
• Exfoliating Toners: These toners contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which help remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and promote radiant skin.
• Astringent Toners: These toners help control excess oil and balance the skin's pH levels to prevent clogging pores, making them the best choice for oily skin types.
• Soothing Toners: These toners are formulated for sensitive skin and include soothing agents like aloe vera to reduce irritation.
• Clarifying Toners: These toners target acne-prone skin using active ingredients such as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) to address specific concerns and maintain clear skin.

Benefits of Using Toners

Skin toners offer several advantages in a skincare routine, like balancing the skin's pH, removing residual impurities, and preparing the skin for moisturizer.

Applying toner with a cotton pad gently cleanses the skin, making it suitable for everyone's skin and contributing to a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Toners help maintain a healthy skin barrier and ensure it is clean and ready to absorb subsequent skincare products effectively. They can also improve texture for oily, sensitive, or combination skin types.

Incorporating facial toners into daily skincare routines enhances the effectiveness of other products like serums and moisturizers.

What are Moisturizers?

A moisturizer is a skincare product designed to hydrate and protect the skin by maintaining its moisture balance. Using the right moisturizer can prevent fine lines and wrinkles, making it an important part of any skincare routine.

It forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and improving overall texture.

For example, Supermello Gel Cream Moisturizer from Kinship hydrates and helps soothe sensitive skin after cleansing.

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and natural oils are common ingredients in moisturizers. These components help reduce dryness, address specific skincare concerns, and enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture.

Types of Moisturizers

There are different types of moisturizers to suit various concerns. Each type offers unique benefits, making choosing the right one for your skincare routine important.

• Creams: These are thicker products that provide intense hydration, making them best for dry or mature skin.
• Lotions: Lighter than creams, lotions are ideal for normal to slightly dry skin types and absorb quickly into the skin.
• Gels: Perfect for oily skin, gels are lightweight, non-greasy, and help to hydrate without clogging pores.
• Ointments: These are the heaviest and most occlusive, providing a protective barrier on the skin. They are ideal for very dry or compromised skin barriers.

Benefits of Using Moisturizers

Moisturizers offer several advantages in a skincare routine, primarily by providing hydration to the skin.

They help to balance the skin's moisture levels, preventing dryness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturizers can shield the skin from environmental aggressors and harsh cleansers by creating a protective barrier on its surface.

Additionally, moisturizers improve texture and address specific skincare concerns such as oily, sensitive, and aging skin.

Ingredients like shea butter and vitamin C in moisturizers can enhance the skin's natural radiance and firmness.

Applying moisturizer after toner and other skincare products also helps with absorption and effectiveness, making it an important step in any skincare routine.

Differences Between Toners and Moisturizers

You may wonder, what is the difference between toner and moisturizer? Toners and moisturizers differ in many ways, but both address the skin's different concerns.

Toners primarily balance the skin's pH and remove remaining impurities after cleansing. They prepare the skin to absorb other skincare products effectively.

In contrast, moisturizers focus on hydrating and creating a barrier to prevent dryness and improve texture.

Toners are also used after cleansing and before applying moisturizers and serums. This step ensures the skin is clean and ready for subsequent products.

Moisturizers are applied after toners and serums to lock in hydration and provide lasting moisture.

Toners are particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin, helping to control oil and prevent clogged pores.

On the other hand, moisturizers cater to various skin types and concerns, such as dryness, anti-aging, and maintaining overall skin health.

How to Use Toners and Moisturizers in Your Skincare Routine

Some may wonder, "Do I put toner on before moisturizer?" 

Using toner and moisturizer together can enhance skincare results by addressing various skin concerns more effectively.

Toners prepare the skin to absorb subsequent products, while moisturizers lock in hydration, creating a synergistic effect that improves complexion and overall health.

By following these tips, you can effectively layer toner and moisturizer in your skincare routine.

• Apply toner after cleansing: Use a cotton pad to apply toner evenly across your face, focusing on areas with specific concerns to help improve skin texture.
• Wait for the toner to dry: Allow the toner to fully absorb into your skin before applying other products to prevent clogging pores.
• Use a gentle, patting motion for moisturizer: When applying moisturizer, gently pat it onto your skin rather than rubbing to ensure better absorption and less irritation.
• Consider your skin type and concerns: Choose a toner and moisturizer that specifically addresses your skin type and concerns, such as hydrating formulas or oil-free options based on your skin type.

Choosing the Right Skincare Products

Selecting the right toner or moisturizer depends largely on your skin type.

• Oily: Look for skin toners that help control oil and prevent clogged pores.
• Dry: Choose hydrating toners and rich moisturizers to maintain moisture balance.
• Combination: They can benefit from balancing formulas that address multiple areas.
• Sensitive: If you have sensitive skin, you will need gentle, soothing ingredients to prevent irritation.

Reading labels and ingredients is crucial to choosing effective products. Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration or BHA for acne-prone skin. Avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the skin.

Personal preference for your toner or moisturizer also plays a significant role in selecting skincare products. A product's texture, scent, and feel can influence your satisfaction and consistency in using it.

Whether you prefer a lightweight gel or a rich cream, finding products you enjoy using can enhance your skincare routine's effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section will cover common questions about toner vs moisturizer. 

Are Toners Necessary?

Toners are not necessary for a skincare routine.

However, depending on your skin type and concerns, you can still use toner to prepare for other products. They will help other products in your routine better penetrate your skin.

Can You Use Toner Without Moisturizer?

No, you should not use toner without moisturizer, especially if using harsher products like exfoliating toners.

They can be drying, so it is important to use toner and then apply moisturizer to provide the necessary hydration and moisture for healthy, balanced skin.

Key Takeaways on Toner vs Moisturizer

Toners and moisturizers each play unique roles in a skincare routine. Use a toner to balance pH and remove residual impurities, then apply moisturizer to hydrate and protect the skin.

Incorporating both can address various concerns and improve your overall skin texture.

Experimenting with different products can help you find what works best for your unique needs.

Do not be afraid to try new combinations and adjust your routine based on how your skin responds, especially if you have reactive skin.