Should You Apply Toner or Moisturizer First? Find Out Here

Should You Apply Toner or Moisturizer First? 

Beauty in Every Step. At Tu Cereza, we believe that your skincare routine should feel simple, smart, and effective—especially when it comes to the basics like toner and moisturizer.

When it comes to mastering a proper skincare routine, many are left wondering: Should I apply toner or moisturizer first? Both toner and moisturizer serve essential roles in maintaining healthy skin, but understanding when and how to apply them can make a noticeable difference in your results, trust us. In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you, step by step.

About Toner and Moisturizer

Toner and moisturizer are two staples in any skincare routine, each offering unique benefits. While toners prep your skin, moisturizers lock in moisture. But to reap the rewards of both, it's important to know the right order. That’s why understanding toner or moisturizer first is essential. Whether you're thinking moisturizer before or after toner or moisturizer first or toner, this article will guide you clearly.

What Is the Difference Between Toner and Moisturizer?

Toner	Moisturizer
Lightweight, watery formula	Creamy or gel-like texture
Cleanses and preps the skin	Seals in hydration and protects the skin
Often contains ingredients like niacinamide	Contains emollients and humectants
Applied immediately after cleansing	Applied as the final step of skincare

Still wondering moisturizer before or after toner? Or even moisturizer first or toner? Keep reading—we've got you.

What Does Toner Do for Your Face?

Toner acts as the middleman in your skincare routine, working between cleansing and moisturizing. It’s designed to balance your skin’s pH levels, remove any leftover impurities, and prepare your skin for the absorption of other products.

Benefits of Toner:

• Hydration: Boosts moisture for a plump, dewy complexion.
  
• Balances pH: Restores balance after cleansing.
  
• Preps Skin: Enhances absorption of serums and moisturizers.
  
• Targeted Care: Toners can calm redness, control oil, or brighten the skin depending on the formula.
  
  

Pro Tip: Look for a face toner for combination skin with niacinamide, or try a toner for dry sensitive skin with ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile.

Try: Skin Tone Harmony (Niacinamide 5%)

 

Need more help choosing? Read our guide on Top 7 Best Skin Care Products for Dry, Sensitive Skin.

 

What Does Moisturizer Do for Your Face?

Moisturizer is your skin’s best friend when it comes to hydration. It seals in all the benefits of your toner, serums, and treatments, while creating a protective barrier that keeps your skin soft and supple.

Benefits of Moisturizer:

• Locks in Hydration: Prevents water loss from the skin.
  
• Protects: Shields your skin from environmental aggressors.
  
• Repairs: Supports your skin’s natural barrier function.
  
• Smooths Skin: Leaves your face feeling silky and refreshed.
  
  

So yes—moisturizer first or toner? Always toner first. And when in doubt about toner or moisturizer first, toner wins.

Try: Original Series Lotion - Anti-Wrinkle Lotion

Do You Need Toner and Moisturizer?

The answer is yes! Toner and moisturizer complement each other and work together to give your skin everything it needs.

Skincare Goal: If you’re aiming for hydrated, balanced skin, the combination of toner and moisturizer is essential.

Using Other Actives? If you’re using products with ingredients like retinol or AHAs, toner helps calm the skin while moisturizer prevents dryness.

And yes—you can use toner and moisturizer together every day.

 

How to Use Toner

Using toner is simple:

1. After cleansing, gently pat your face dry.
   
2. Apply toner using a cotton pad or your hands.
   
3. Let it absorb fully before the next step.
   

Wondering when to apply skin toner? Right after cleansing never skip it!

How to Use Moisturizer

Once your toner has absorbed, follow with moisturizer:

1. Take a small amount onto your fingers.
   
2. Massage gently in upward strokes.
   
3. Wait until it’s fully absorbed before sunscreen or makeup.
   

Using a natural skincare moisturizer can be especially beneficial for sensitive or dry skin.

Try: Collagen Serum, Sunny SPF 50 Sunscreen, and Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Check out our full Natural Skincare Products Collection for more options.

 

Final Thoughts

So, toner or moisturiser first? Always toner, then moisturiser. And if you're still debating moisturizer before or after toner, let this article be your final answer.

This order ensures your skin gets the prep and the protection it needs. If you're looking to fix a damaged skin barrier, this pairing is a crucial first step. Want to go deeper? Don’t miss this read: How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier.

Beauty in Every Step—that’s what we live by. Explore our full skincare collection today to upgrade your daily routine the natural way.

 

FAQs

How often should you use toner?
Toner can be used twice a day as part of your skincare routine. If it contains actives, limit to once daily. Yes, you should use toner and moisturiser together.

How long should you wait to apply moisturizer after toner?
Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute after toner before applying moisturizer. This gives your skin time to absorb the skin toner.

Can you use toner and moisturizer together?
Absolutely! Toner or moisturiser first? Toner first, always. Moisturizer follows to lock everything in.

What is the difference between skin toner and moisturiser?
Toner is lightweight and water-based, meant for prepping the skin. Moisturiser is richer, seals in hydration and protects.

Moisturiser or toner first?
Toner first—then moisturiser. Never skip either step.

Toner before or after moisturiser?
Always apply toner before moisturiser. It prepares your skin for better absorption.

When to use toner in your routine?
Use toner directly after cleansing, and before applying serums or moisturisers.