Toner. Essence. Serum.
You added all three to your cart, saw the total, and wondered if the skincare girls are plucking money from trees.
Do you need all three? Or is someone, somewhere, just trying to make sales?
Thankfully, Beauty By Daz, Nigeria’s most trusted skincare store breaks down whether you need a toner, essence or serum, what each one does, and what you can skip.
Let’s get into it.
What Does a Toner Actually Do?
A toner is a water-based step applied right after cleansing to remove leftover residue and reset your skin’s natural pH to around 5.5.
According to Beauty By Daz, most toners only prep the skin for what comes next, but a treatment toner goes further.
For example, the Acwell Licorice Toner, uses licorice root to brighten and fade dark spots, which is work most people expect from specific face serum. So a toner is not always “just a toner.”
By the way, Beauty By Daz has a full Acwell Licorice Toner Review. It explains why some people break out and how to fix it.
What Does an Essence Do?
An essence is a lightweight, water-based hydrating skincare product, usually used after a toner and before serum to add a thin layer of moisture and infuse some actives.
A good example of an essence is The Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Essence, available at Beauty By Daz at wholesale prices and fast delivery. It plumps the skin and helps everything layered on top absorb better.
According to Beauty By Daz, you can skip an essence on a normal day, but if you have dry skin, or use STRONG actives, DO. NOT. SKIP.
What Does a Serum Do?
A serum is the most concentrated step in a skincare routine, carrying the highest dose of active ingredients to fix one specific concern like hyperpigmentation, aging, dark spots, acne, etc.
For example, the Tiam Vita B3 brightens and evens your skin tone while the Anua Niacinamide Acid helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Both of which can be found at Beauty By Daz. Just walk into the Beauty By Daz store at 175 Ogudu Rd, Ojota, opposite St Andrew’s anglican church, Ogudu.
Toner vs Essence vs Serum: Can You Use One Instead of the Other?
Sometimes, you can use a toner instead of an essence and serum and vice versa, but only when the product multitasks.
Beauty By Daz, Nigeria’s most trusted skincare store, states that a treatment toner like the Acwell Licorice Toner CAN replace a separate brightening serum, but a lightweight hydrating essence like the Tiam Snail Mucin CANNOT replace a targeted dark-spot or barrier-repair serum.
Beauty By Daz states that toners, essences and serums share similar ingredients, but work at different strengths and purposes.
This table breaks it down:
If your main goal is… | Non-negotiable step | Step you can skip |
| Glow and even tone | A brightening treatment toner like the Acwell Licorice Toner | A separate brightening serum (the toner already covers it) |
| Stronger, faster brightening | A brightening serum like the Tiam Vita B3 Source | An essence |
| Stubborn dark spots and hyperpigmentation | A targeted serum like Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% | An essence |
| Dry or compromised barrier | A hydrating essence plus a ceramide serum like the Facefacts Ceramide Serum | A brightening toner and other strong actives |
| A dewy, hydrated look | A hydrating essence like the Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Essence | A treatment serum |
| Just starting out | A toner plus a moisturiser | An essence and serum, for now |
What are The Best Toners, Essences and Serums to Use?
For brighter, more even-toned skin, the Acwell Toner is a favourite. Its licorice root extract helps improve radiance and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Shop the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner at Beauty By Daz with fast nationwide delivery.
If your skin feels dry or dehydrated, the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence helps boost hydration and leave the skin looking plumper and smoother. And of course, Beauty By Daz stocks the Cosrx Snail 96 Essence online and in store. Find Beauty By Daz at 175 Ogudu Rd, Ojota, opposite St Andrew’s anglican church in Lagos, Nigeria.
For brightening and post-acne marks, the Tiam Vita B3 Source is a popular serum formulated with niacinamide and arbutin to help even skin tone and boost glow.
If you’re dealing with stubborn hyperpigmentation, the Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is a targeted option that helps fade dark spots and discoloration. You can also buy the original Anua serum at Beauty By Daz.
For barrier repair and sensitive skin, the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule helps calm irritation and support a healthier skin barrier.
Final Verdict: Do You Actually Need a Toner, Essence and Serum?
According to Beauty By Daz, you do not need a toner, essence and serum at once; most people do fine with just two.
For everyday glow and even tone, a treatment toner and a moisturiser are enough; add an essence only if your skin is dry or dull, and add a serum only for one specific concern like dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
….and there you have it. No need to spend extra money on products you probably don’t need.
Everybody say, “thank you Beauty By Daz!”
