🧴 Toner vs Serum vs Ampoule – What’s the Difference?
If you're new to K-beauty, you’ve probably seen all these fancy bottles lined up on your feed – toners, serums, ampoules... But what exactly do they do, and do you really need all three?
Let’s break it down, Unnie-style 💁✨
💧 1. Toner – “Preps your skin and boosts hydration”
Think of toner as the refreshing first drink your skin gets after cleansing. It’s light, watery, and super hydrating.
What it does:
✔Balances your skin’s pH after washing
✔Wipes away any leftover dirt or cleanser
✔Prepares your skin to soak up all the goodness that comes next!
🕒 When to use: Right after cleansing
🌿 Unnie’s Pick: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
– Only £15.33(200ml) at Unnie4U!
Gentle, calming, and full of skin-loving herbs.
✨ 2. Serum – “Targeted skincare for specific concerns”
Got dullness, dryness, or breakouts? Serums are your besties! They’re lightweight but pack a punch with active ingredients.
What it does:
✔Delivers powerful ingredients straight to your skin
✔Treats specific concerns like acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, or dehydration
✔Perfect for daily use
🕒 When to use: After toner
💛 Unnie’s Pick: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
– Only £12.33 at Unnie4U!
Glow-up in a bottle with propolis and niacinamide!
⚡ 3. Ampoule – “Super-charged booster for quick results”
Ampoules are like serums... but with superhero powers 🦸♀️
They’re more concentrated and often used when your skin needs that extra oomph.
What it does:
✔Provides an intense dose of active ingredients
✔Great for emergencies (dryness, breakouts, dullness before a big event!)
✔Not always for daily use – think of it as a skin booster shot
🕒 When to use: Before or in place of serum (as needed)
🌱 Unnie’s Pick: SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule
– Only £12.33(55ml) at Unnie4U!
Calm. Heal. Repeat. 💚
🧪 Quick Guide: Toner vs Serum vs Ampoule
| Step | Product | What it Does | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step1 | Toner | Hydrates & preps your skin | After cleansing |
| Step2 | Serum | Targets concerns like acne or dullness | After toner |
| Step3 | Ampoule | Delivers high concentration treatment | Before serum or as needed |
💌 Final Tips from Your Korean Unnie
✔ You don’t need to use all three every day! Start with toner and serum, then add an ampoule when your skin needs a little extra love.
✔ Always apply from thinnest to thickest texture – so your skin can absorb each step properly.
✔ Don’t forget SPF after your routine in the morning ☀️
Got more questions about your skincare routine? Message us or heck out what’s trending on Unnie4U!