What Is an Emulsion, and How Can You Add Emulsions into Your Skincare Routine?

Emulsions vs toners vs serums: what’s the difference?

To get the best use out of your emulsion – and your following products – it’s useful to know how they differ from your other skincare formulas. If you’re wondering what emulsions are in skincare, keep reading to learn how they differ from toners and serums.

• Emulsions: Used between a serum and a moisturiser, the lightweight formula has a fluid, milky texture that hydrates and supports skin tone. They're particularly useful for layering and balancing moisture levels.
• Toners: Usually applied after cleansing, toners help prep your skin by removing residual impurities. Modern toners are refreshing, lightweight, and formulated with non-drying ingredients.
• Serums: These are concentrated formulas designed to target specific skin concerns – like blemishes or fine lines and wrinkles. Serums tend to have a lightweight consistency and are packed with potent ingredients that deliver benefits deeper beneath the skin surface.

How to use an emulsion in your skincare routine

Incorporating emulsions into your skincare routine is easy. These lightweight hydrators are designed to be layered – typically after your serum and before your moisturiser.

Below, learn how to effectively use face emulsions in your skincare routine.

1. Cleanser

Quality skincare routines start with a thorough cleanse. This first step helps remove excess oil, impurities and buildup – creating a strong foundation for product absorption.

For a gentle and effective option for oily and normal skin, use the Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser. The cleansing foam helps purify your skin, while desert plant extract delivers some introductory hydration, leaving your skin feeling clean and balanced. If your skin is on the dry or sensitive side, opt for our squalane-infused Ultra Facial Cleanser to eliminate debris without over-drying the skin.

2. Toner

Next, toner helps to sweep away any remaining impurities and provide some final prep for hydration, helping to rebalance your skin’s surface and reduce uneven skin tone.

For this step, we recommend the Calendula Herbal Extract Toner. Alcohol-free and made with the benefits of calendula, it delivers a comforting formula that helps to nurture and support your skin’s clarity.

3. Serum

Serums deliver targeted yet lightweight care that absorb quickly into your skin. They’re ideal for supporting your skin type, helping to strengthen the overall feel of your complexion and minimise skin concerns.

Our Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum is an ideal formula after toning. With the benefits of hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and an adaptogenic herbal complex to visibly improve radiance and tone, its anti-ageing properties promote a stronger, more radiant complexion.

4. Emulsion

After applying your serum, an emulsion adds a layer of lightweight hydration to boost comfort and rebalance skin. It’s the ideal step for supporting moisture without the weight of a heavier cream. Depending on the formulation, different types of emulsions can deliver hydration in unique ways, making them a versatile addition to your routine.

With its silky texture and breathable feel the Calendula Skin-Soothing & Stabilising Emulsion provides a gentle finish. Empowered by a triple vitamin B complex that supports optimal hydration, this emulsion helps care for a damaged skin barrier, protecting against environmental stressors.

5. Moisturiser

After your emulsion, it’s time to lock in hydration with an efficacious moisturiser. This step helps to reduce moisture loss throughout the day and create a smooth surface – whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or just in need of extra support.

For a nourishing dose of hydrating ingredients, apply the Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane. This gentle, comforting texture absorbs easily – especially after your emulsion step – leaving your skin feeling supple and hydrated for up to 24 hours.

6. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a summer skincare essential and a crucial final step in morning skincare, protecting your skin against harmful UV rays while providing a final reinforcement of nourishing ingredients. Make sure you reach for a broad-spectrum SPF50 sunscreen to shield against UVA and UVB rays.