Toner vs. Serum: What’s the Difference?

Skincare can be confusing—do you really need a toner and a serum? Let’s break it down.
What’s a Toner?
Toner removes leftover dirt and oil after cleansing while restoring your skin’s pH. It’s great for all skin types, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Benefits:
✔ Balances pH
✔ Minimizes pores
✔ Preps skin for serums & moisturizers
What’s a Serum?
Serums are power-packed with active ingredients to address skin concerns like dullness, fine lines, or acne. They penetrate deeper than toners, giving your skin an extra boost.
Benefits:
✔ Deep hydration
✔ Targets skin concerns (fine lines, dark spots, redness)
✔ Packed with targeted ingredients
Do You Need Both?
Toner and serum are a power duo that help your skin in different ways. By using both, you’re covering all the bases:
* Toner clears, hydrates, and preps.
* Serum deeply penetrates with targeted ingredients.
Skipping toner means your skin may not absorb serums as effectively, while skipping serum means missing out on deeper treatment. If you’re investing in good skincare, why not make sure you’re getting the most out of it?
Looking for the Right Toner and Serum?
Our Fresh Start Toner is packed with natural ingredients like aloe vera and prickly pear to gently exfoliate, refresh, and balance your skin without stripping moisture.
Pair it with our Dew Drops Serum, a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with Tremella Mushroom and Kakadu Plum to hydrate, plump, and brighten your skin.
Want a routine tailored to you? Take our Skin Quiz and get started today!
11 comments
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Doris Chan on
My skin is very dry. Do your toner & serum work for me?
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Sharron Cooke on
I have very sensitive skin so I’d like to sample your products so I know they don’t cause breakouts.
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Debra on
How do you know which is the best toner for you
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Lucy Moodie on
I’ve tried sample of the entire set but don’t believe toner was included
Why are your products so expensive? It’s not like we’re paying for beautiful expensive packaging. Everything you sell is in plastic tubes or plastic containers.
Other cosmetic lines have 25% to 30% sales from time to time to make us feel like we’re getting a break. I haven’t noticed that with Three Ships.