Finding the best skincare lineup for your complexion’s unique (re: temperamental, always changing) needs can be tricky. Luckily, I’ve discovered that sticking to a core set of staple products is the best way to ensure that my epidermis is healthy, happy, and glowing, no matter the season. But I’m always surprised to hear that a product category that I’ve been loyal to for literal years is the one that many people often skip: hydrating toners.
The term is interchangeable with essences (this phrasing is much more common in the K-Beauty space) but essentially, these formulas are lightweight, concentrated, and meant to be applied while your skin is still a bit damp post-cleansing and before your more concentrated products like serums. "Depending on their formulation, they can serve a variety of purposes—soothing irritated skin, boosting radiance, setting makeup, or reinforcing the skin barrier," board-certified dermatologist Charles Puza, MD previously told Marie Claire. They typically involve superstar hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol (plus a bunch of other good-for-your-skin goodies) to bump up your glow and prep your skin for the rest of your regimen.
