Toner vs. Serum: What’s the Difference?

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

  • Three Ships Team on

    Hi Sharron,

    We do not offer samples of the toners however we do offer a 30-day guarantee so if the products are not right for you, we would offer a refund or replacement that is better suited for your skin! We are always here to help if you want product recommendations. You can email us at hello@threeshipsbeauty.com

  • Three Ships Team on

    Hi Debra,

    We would recommend Fresh Start for anyone looking for brightening. Awake would be great for soothing the skin and Calm is great for hydrating! They can all be used by multiple skin types!

  • Three Ships Team on

    Hi Doris,

    Great question! For dry skin we would recommend our Calm or Fresh Start toner and our Dew Drops serum!

  • Three Ships Team on

    Hi Helen,

    Thanks for your comment! We do occasionally have sales like our Birthday and Black Friday sales throughout the year to offer our customers some great promotions! We do also offer products bundles all year on our site which are discounted 20%! Feel free to reach out to us at hello@threeshipsbeauty.com for any other questions and we would be happy to help!

  • Andrea on

    After a year of experimentation I use Three Ships products exclusively. I have mature skin and your line can be tailored perfectly for my needs, even in Winter! I am so grateful to have found a natural line of affordable skin care, made in Canada, that my skin loves.

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