Emulsion vs Toner: Navigating Your Skincare Choices

Tori Douglas

Global Digital

4 min read

Skincare Education

Enhance your cleansing & moisturising routine with emulsions & toners.

Fresh Rose emulsion and toner

It’s 2023, and we in the UK are skincare pros. From the latest TikTok skincare routines to British Instagram beauty gurus, impeccable skin has become a national obsession, and we'll stop at nothing to attain it. At fresh, we're not just followers of trends, we're leaders in natural, research-driven skincare. Emulsions and toners – two stalwarts of our line-up – have earned their stripes. But which is more tailored to your skin type? Do you need to use both… or can you pick and choose? Read on to learn more.


Emulsions: The skincare staple you need to know about

So, what is emulsion in skincare? They play a significant role. by expertly blend oil and water to form a velvety, milk-like texture. Light on the skin, they make excellent moisturisers for those with oily or combination skin types. Emulsions can be used in your skincare routine, both morning and evening, to boost hydration and defend the skin. They also complement other skincare products perfectly, optimising absorption of any products applied afterwards.


By creating a skin barrier, emulsions deter moisture loss and lock in hydration. They markedly improve the texture and appearance of the skin, rendering a softening and smoothing effect.


What is facial toner?

A face toner is a fundamental part of your daily face-cleansing ritual – typically applied post-cleansing and pre-application of serums and essences, moisturisers, or SPF-laden products. Its task is to banish lingering impurities, harmonise the skin's pH, and reintroduce hydration. Generally, toners come as a liquid or a mist and are swept across the face with a cotton pad or spritzed directly onto the skin.


A toner for the face is revered for its pore-tightening properties and its knack for enhancing the skin’s complexion. They are also efficient in tackling excess oil and dead skin cells, imparting a refreshed and renewed feeling to your skin. Moreover, certain toners are equipped with skin-specific ingredients, enabling you to select a product tailored to your skin type or concern.


However, not every toner holds the same benefits. Alcohol-rich toners can be excessively harsh, depriving the skin of its natural oils, which can result in skin dryness and irritation. Hence, it's vital to choose a toner that is kind to your skin type and boasts soft, nourishing ingredients.


How to select the perfect skincare products tailored for your skin

In a nutshell, emulsions are crafted to nourish your skin, while toners function to cleanse and harmonise your skin. The bonus? Both can comfortably fit into your skincare ritual, empowering you to curate your products according to your unique requirements.


Everyone can gain from an excellent facial toner, but those coping with oily or acne-prone skin, as well as individuals who frequently don makeup, will find it exceptionally beneficial. Boasting a triple threat of roses – toning rose fruit extract, bolstering damask rose extract, and nutritious rose oil – Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Toner comprehensively sweeps impurities from the skin and refines pores for a seamless, even-toned complexion. If you're keen on skin conditioning, try Crème Ancienne Infusion, a detoxifying treatment toner that polishes skin texture, rendering it velvety, pliable, and well-moisturised.


To attain a deeply nourished, radiant complexion that feels as soft and plump as it looks, include Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Emulsion in your daily routine. Its feather-light formula delivers a weightless finish, making it suitable for use both solo and coupled with a hydrating moisturiser. Customised to balance your skin's hydration levels, this potent emulsion contributes to evening skin texture while diminishing the appearance of pores and visibly easing fine lines.


Glow naturally with fresh

Not quite convinced your current skincare regimen is doing the job? It's time to upgrade your ritual with the expertise of a fresh Beauty Advisor. Arrange a personal session for bespoke skincare guidance and resolve all your skincare quandaries. Or, tap into the wisdom of our curated stories from top beauty experts.

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blog author tori

Tori Douglas

Global Digital

Written by Tori Douglas for Fresh. Tori is a NYC-based digital and brand strategist. Tori has worked for various publications and brands such as Kiehl's, The Body Shop, Deux Hommes Magazine, and Elite Daily with her expertise lying in the fashion & beauty space.