To maintain hydration without any heaviness, I recently started using multiple layers (at least three) of a hydrating toner or essence at different stages of my routine. This method of layering hydrating toners and essences is especially helpful if, like me, you want plump, hydrated skin without the greasy feel.
I first saw this tip shared by aesthetician Nayamka (@labeautyologist) and was reminded of it again by skincare scientist Hannah Collingwood English (@hannahcollingwoodenglish).
My skin tends to be oily, so I generally avoid products that leave me feeling greasy, particularly during the daytime. Layering hydrating toners and essences allows me to maintain hydration and plumpness while avoiding heavier creams or occlusive textures on my face.
How To Apply Hydrating Toners And Essences
The key to aiding absorption is to gently press each layer into the skin with your hands, rather than rubbing the product around. This helps the skin take in hydration more effectively and avoids unnecessary friction.
This technique has genuinely saved my skin over winter, but I will be hydrating this way all year round because I’ve noticed such a positive change in the overall health and comfort of my skin.
How Often Should You Use Hydrating Toners And Essences
Try it twice a day for a week and you’ll likely notice a difference in how hydrated and balanced your skin feels.
Keep in mind that exfoliating toners are not recommended for use in this way. What you want to look for are hydrating and calming formulas designed to support the skin barrier.
My Top Picks For Light Layers Of Hydration
Fenty Skin Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence, $46.00
A toner-essence hybrid with a thick, milky texture that helps plump skin with hydration while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum, $46.00
A two-in-one toner serum that helps refine the look of pores, visibly fade dark spots, brighten, smooth, and control shine without stripping the skin.
I’m From Mugwort Essence, $66.00
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and tannins, mugwort is known for its detoxifying and calming properties. This essence uses 100% Korean mugwort extract to help refine and purify the skin, with a distinctive fresh scent.
Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser, $55.00
A nourishing formula that combines the benefits of a hydrating toner and a lightweight moisturiser in one step.
Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner, $32.00
A gentle, fragrance-free toner containing hyaluronic acid for hydration and centella asiatica to help soothe sensitive skin and support renewal.
Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water, $38.00
A fresh, nourishing toner enriched with Hanbang ingredients to help revitalise and smooth the skin.
Kylie Skin Vanilla Milk Toner, $40.00
A gentle, soothing toner that helps remove impurities and refresh the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
Parkie Super Collagen Moisture Dew, $62.00
A hydrating toner designed to boost moisture levels and support skin elasticity with a collagen-enriched formula.
Aprilskin Artemisia Rice Toner, $35.00
A calming and brightening toner that combines artemisia with rice water for balanced, radiant-looking skin.
Kaine Kombu Balancing Ampoule Toner, $28.00
A balancing toner enriched with kombu extract to help regulate oil production and support a healthy skin barrier.
Hada Labo Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator, $36.95
A deeply hydrating lotion that boosts moisture levels and improves skin texture using multiple forms of hyaluronic acid.
In Conclusion
No matter the time of year, the level of humidity, or how my skin is behaving, toners and essences remain a lifeline in my routine.
I love that I can layer as many or as few layers as I want, depending on what my skin needs, without it ever feeling heavy or “too much”. Depending on the toner or essence you choose, you can also gain additional benefits from the supporting ingredients included in each formula.
This post was originally written for the All Who Wonder blog by Praise and has been shared with permission.
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