so typically a toner is used straight after cleanser to make sure the skin is completely clean and free from all oil, dirt debris etc. it can also have some great ingredients which really do work for the skin, like Salicylic acid etc. an essense is thicker than a toner but thinner than a serum. it is a power house packed full of great ingredients at higher levels. it will sink into the skin quickly and easily and will usually give an extra layer of hydration too. an essence is also a great thing to use as your step before a hyaluronic acid serum, as your skin needs to be damp when apply HA. this isn't a set hard and fast rule when it comes to the differences between toners and essences but it is around 95 percent of the time. xxxx😍😘