# Essence vs toner vs softener

Source: https://serumandjar.com/blog/essence-vs-toner
Published: 2026-10-10
Publisher: Serum & Jar

**Short answer:** A toner is a watery liquid used right after cleansing; Western toners were traditionally for removing leftover cleanser, while Asian toners and softeners are hydrating. A softener is a hydrating toner, a name Shiseido and others use. An essence is a slightly more concentrated watery step that goes after toner and before serum. All three are optional.

The first watery steps of a routine have more names than any other: toner, softener, lotion, essence, essence-in-lotion. Brands from Japan, Korea, France and the US all use the words differently, which makes shopping confusing. This page sorts them out. We explain what each name usually means, the order to use them in, how to apply each, and give luxury examples with sizes and prices from their listings. We focus on texture, order and naming, not on promised results.

## The three names, sorted

**Toner.** In Western routines, a toner was traditionally a liquid swept on with a cotton pad after cleansing to remove what the cleanser left behind. Many modern toners are gentler and hydrating. In Japanese routines, the same step is often called a **lotion**, which confuses US shoppers because lotion usually means a moisturizer in the US.

**Softener.** A softener is a hydrating toner, usually a little thicker than water. Shiseido uses the name in Future Solution LX and other lines. Our page on [what the Shiseido softener is](https://serumandjar.com/blog/what-is-shiseido-future-solution-softener) covers it in detail.

**Essence.** An essence is a thin liquid that usually carries the brand's key ingredient in a more concentrated form than a toner. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, with over 90% PITERA per its listing, is the best-known example. See [what is a skincare essence](https://serumandjar.com/blog/what-is-a-skincare-essence).

| Name | Common meaning | Order | Typical application |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Toner (Western) | Liquid after cleansing; older formulas clarifying, newer ones hydrating | 1st after cleanser | Cotton pad or hands |
| Lotion (Japanese) | Hydrating toner | 1st after cleanser | Hands or cotton pad |
| Softener | Hydrating toner, slightly thicker | 1st after cleanser | Hands or cotton pad |
| Essence | Watery, more concentrated | After toner, before serum | Pressed in with palms |
| Essence-in-lotion | Hybrid of the two, brand-specific | After cleanser, before serum | Per brand |

Watery steps at a glance

## Luxury examples with listing facts

La Prairie uses the hybrid term essence-in-lotion, which tells you the product fills both slots. Prices are listing prices at the time of writing. La Prairie titles on Amazon do not state the size, so check the listing details before working out price per ml with our [price per ml calculator](https://serumandjar.com/tools/price-per-ml-calculator).

| Product | What the listing calls it | Size | Listing price | Price per ml |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SK-II Facial Treatment Essence | Essence, over 90% PITERA | 228 ml | $245 | $1.07 |
| La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion | Pre-serum treatment | Not stated in title | $185 | Check listing |
| La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Life-Lotion | Essence-in-lotion | Not stated in title | $825 | Check listing |

Listing facts

## What order do they go in?

The general rule is thinnest to thickest. Toner, lotion or softener goes first after cleansing. Essence goes next. Then serum, eye cream, moisturizer, oil, and sunscreen last in the morning. If you use an essence-in-lotion, it replaces both and goes straight after cleansing. When a brand gives a specific order for its own line, follow the brand. Our [routine order builder](https://serumandjar.com/tools/routine-order-builder) sets it out for you, and [skincare routine order](https://serumandjar.com/blog/skincare-routine-order) explains the logic.

## How to apply each one

Toners and softeners can go on with a cotton pad or with the hands. A pad gives a light swipe and uses more product; hands waste less. Essences are usually poured into the palm and pressed in, which is how the SK-II listing describes it: shake a small amount into the palms and press over the face and neck. See [how to use a skincare essence](https://serumandjar.com/blog/how-to-use-a-skincare-essence).

1. Cleanse and pat dry.
2. Toner or softener: a few drops in the palm or on a cotton pad, pressed or swept over the face.
3. Essence: coin-size amount in the palm, pressed in.
4. Wait a moment for each layer to absorb.
5. Continue with serum and moisturizer.

## Do you need toner, softener and essence?

No. All three are optional. A routine of cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen covers the basics. If you like a watery step, one is usually enough: a softener if you want a simple hydrating layer, or an essence if you want a brand's key ingredient in a light form. Using both is a matter of preference, not a rule.

If you are on a budget, spend on the step you use most carefully, usually serum or moisturizer, and keep the watery step simple. Our [serum vs essence page](https://serumandjar.com/blog/serum-vs-essence) explains the next step up, and our [luxury essence guide](https://serumandjar.com/best/best-luxury-skincare-essence) lists full-size options.

Note: Some Western toners contain alcohol or exfoliating acids. If a toner stings, stop using it and check the ingredient list.

## Matching a watery step to a line

Most luxury lines sell their own first step. Shiseido Future Solution LX starts with a softener, Lancôme Absolue with the Rose 80 toning lotion, La Prairie Skin Caviar with the Essence-in-Lotion, and SK-II with Facial Treatment Essence. Using the matching step is not required, but it keeps scent and texture consistent. For brand-level comparisons, see [SK-II vs Lancôme Absolue Rose 80](https://serumandjar.com/blog/sk-ii-essence-vs-lancome-absolue-rose-80) and our [La Prairie skincare guide](https://serumandjar.com/best/best-la-prairie-skincare).

## Frequently asked questions

**Is a softener the same as a toner?** A softener is a type of toner, usually hydrating and a little thicker. The name is common in Japanese and Korean lines.

**Does toner go before essence?** Yes. Toner or softener first, then essence, then serum.

**Why is a Japanese lotion not a moisturizer?** In Japanese skincare, lotion means a watery toner-like step. A US body or face lotion is a moisturizer, which is a different thing.

**What is an essence-in-lotion?** A hybrid term La Prairie uses for a watery first step that covers both toner and essence. Use it right after cleansing.

## Buying guides for this topic

- https://serumandjar.com/best/best-luxury-skincare-essence
- https://serumandjar.com/best/best-sk-ii-products
- https://serumandjar.com/best/best-la-prairie-skincare