Korean skincare opened a flood of new products to Western markets including something called essence. Because it’s a watery-like liquid in a bottle, it’s often confused with toner. Some have even thought that essence is some kind of serum.
It can have a more watery consistency but can also be gel-like. So what is it? What is its purpose?
Today, let’s explore what essence is. By the end of this article, you can decide if this is a must-have for your skincare routine. Or if it’s something that’s to be left on the shelf.
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What is an Essence in Skincare?
Think of skincare essence as a highly-concentrated treatment. It essentially works as a primer for your moisturizing steps, but with a lot of other skin-benefitting ingredients.
When it comes to the skincare steps, you apply essence right after you cleanse and tone your face.
You may be asking what the point is, right?
Washing your face is a slightly drying process. You’re ridding your skin of excess oil through the use of an oil cleanser, and then even further with a water cleanser. In that state, think of your skin as a dry sponge. You wouldn’t just dump your moisturizer on a dry sponge and expect that moisturizer to absorb effectively.
That’s why the Korean beauty routine focuses so much on layering. Each layer is to effectively prep your skin to take in a little more moisture while adding whatever delicious benefit you need it to. Anything from balancing, to brightening, to anti-aging. And skincare essence is no different.
Your toner will add a little bit of moisture to your skin. Your essence will add even more moisture.
What’s the Difference Between Toner vs. Essence?
The purpose of a toner is to bring your skin’s pH back into balance. It can contain beneficial ingredients as well, but its main purpose is to balance and cleanse your skin from anything your double cleanse left behind.
But essence is filled with active ingredients to target whatever skin woes you have while adding an extra splash of hydration to the skin.
How About the Difference Between Serum vs. Essence?
While both can target your skin woes, a serum is thicker and highly concentrated. Compared to skincare essence, serums tend to be much more potent. They tend to have a smaller molecular structure to deliver a concentrated dosage of active ingredients. You can read all about serums here.
Is Skincare Essence Necessary to My Routine?
This is a highly debatable topic. When it comes to Korean skincare, Korean women will swear that essence is the most important step to have in your skincare. And even though the more minimal French skincare routine has far fewer steps, their brands still carry skincare essence..
In my experience, essence is very dependent on what you need in your routine. I tend to add essence to my routine in the colder, drier months as a needed boost of hydration. I would even use it in a nighttime routine all year round.
But keep in mind, I’m a combo skin type that lives in the southeast US where it tends to be humid in the summertime.
If you’re a drier skin type or live in a drier climate, you may find that essence is a step that you can’t live without. And I wouldn’t blame you! It’s wonderful at quenching parched skin.
Any Skincare Essence Recommendations?
COSRX Niacinamide 5% + Snail Mucin 74% Dual Essence
I’m a huge fan of COSRX’s products. When I wanted to try an essence, they were the first ones I thought of. This is the first essence I tried and I really liked what it did for my skin. Snail mucin is extra hydrating whereas the bit of niacinamide is to battle against dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence
If you’re looking for a hydrating boost minus niacinamide, consider the Power Repairing Essence. For dehydrated babes that are breakout prone, this is worth trying. I’ve seen it on nearly everyone’s must-try list for essences.
Fresh – Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence
This Black Tea Kombucha Essence is perfect for those who want to add anti-aging benefits to their routine. It delivers a burst of antioxidants while giving your skin a needed boost of hydration.
[I’m From] Mugwort Essence
For those with a more sensitive skin type, check out I’m From’s Mugwort Essence. Mugwort is an ingredient that is used to soothe and detox skin.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, 2.5 Ounce
No list of skincare essences would be complete without SK-II. This is the OG of facial essences and the price is for those who aren’t messing around with their skincare routine! This essence is made from pitera which is an ingredient derived from yeast fermentation. This powerful ingredient contains over 50 micronutrients.
It evens skin tone, reduces signs of aging, and may fade dark spots over time.
The Skincare Essence Takeaway
My advice? Feel it out. You may find that you like the addition of essence to your routine and make it a must-have step. Or you could be like me where it’s a conditional addition.
Either way, it doesn’t hurt to try something new if you feel like your routine is lacking a little something extra. Give it a try, see how you like it, and assess accordingly.
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Sources:
What Is a Skin Essence, and Do You Really Need One?
What Is an Essence—and Why Does Your Skin Need It?