When winter chills are at your door, it’s time to switch to a hydrating toner and essence. Your best bets are listed below!
When fall and winter comes around, there is nothing more important than having a routine that is based in hydration. Whether you’re tackling the biting winds of New York City or the drying heaters of your home or office, it’s critical to have a skin care routine that will defend your skin and keep it supple and hydrated.
While having hydrating serums and moisturizers is clearly important, it’s also vital to start with hydration at the foundation of your routine. To do this, you need to be using hydrating essences and toners to ensure the first thing your skin receives post-cleanse is hydration. So, we decided to pull together all of our favorite hydrating toners and essences to moisturize and protect your skin this season.
Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence
This powerhouse essence is packed with 93% fermented ingredients that provide loads of vitamins and nutrients but also help to deeply hydrate and revitalize the skin. Most notably on the list of fermented extracts are Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate and birch juice. Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate is the star ingredient of other famous ferment-based essences, like the Missha First Treatment Essence, and it provides a powerful dose of moisture deep into the skin.
To top, the formula features birch juice, a star natural extract that has powerfully hydrating benefits, and also works to brighten and revitalize the skin. Overall, this essence packs a powerful punch of moisture while also helping your skin rejuvenate itself.
Hanskin Hyaluron Essence
When it comes to hydration, few ingredients are as effective as hyaluronic acid. It holds 1,000 times more moisture than water, resulting in deep and long-lasting hydration. This essence, however, provides even deeper penetration. This is because its formula contains sodium hyaluronate (the official name of hyaluronic acid) that is of a lower molecular weight. This allows for it to be absorbed much more quickly and deeply, helping your skin achieving deeper, longer lasting hydration.
Additionally, the thin and watery consistency of this essence makes it perfect for layering, which is one of the best methods for retaining moisture throughout the day.
Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
This toner is the dream hydrating toner for sensitive skin. Its ingredient list is extremely simple, free of fragrance, artificial color, and parabens. It is also balanced at a perfect pH of 5.5, which helps to keep the skin balanced and makes it the perfect post-cleansing step.
The simple ingredient list also allows its star ingredient, panthenol, to shine. Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, is a powerful B vitamin form of pantothenic acid. It is an incredibly effective humectant, so it both attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Its light watery texture also makes it ideal for layering, and its ingredient list makes it gentle enough for constant use. As the first step post-cleansing, this toner is an incredible option.
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
This is a holy grail toner for many K-beauty fans, and the stellar ingredient list backs them up. Perfect for sensitive skin, this toner features a soothing concoction of botanical extracts, along with the OG hydrating ingredient, hyaluronic acid.
Aside from the ingredients, the best part about this toner is the thick consistency. If you have severely dry skin, you’ll feel relief immediately once your skin comes in contact with its almost gel-like consistency. It truly seeps into skin and infuses it with hydration and vitality. After consistent use, your skin is less red and more smooth and plump.
The bottom line:
When it comes to hydration, you have to start from the ground up. Its not enough just to have a hydrating cream—every post-cleansing step needs to help your skin attract and retain moisture. Freezing winds and harsh HVAC systems have nothing on toners and essences like these that will leave your skin supple, plump, and full of long-lasting moisture.
+ What do you think is the best hydrating toner and essence? Share your picks in the comments!
