I probably have too much time on my hands because I am often a believer in more is better. Several years ago, I discovered the Korean 10 step skincare regimen. And though I don’t follow it all the time, I have adopted some of the steps. Using a facial essence is one of them.
In the 10 step routine, an essence comes after cleansing and toning and before the serum(s). An essence is quite similar to a serum. And these days when they are heavier essences and lighter serums, I sometimes can’t tell the difference. Usually, however, an essence is lighter weight: a water, a gel that turns to water, or a gel, whereas a serum is usually a gel or a lightweight cream. An essence is often thought of as a hydration step, but it is often more than just moisture. An essence can brighten, soften and prime skin for next steps. What makes an essence and a serum similar is that both contain high concentrations of active ingredients. In other words, with both essences and serums, you get more bang for your buck.
Here are four of the essences that I have used and like.
- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: I received a travel size SK-II Facial Treatment Essence a couple of years ago from Influenster, and it was love at first use. I think it’s the lightest weight of any essence I have tried. In fact, it’s like giving my skin a big drink of water. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence contains 90% pitera, a natural by-product of yeast fermentation, and SK-II has its own exclusive yeast strain. This essence, containing 50 micro-nutrients including amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and organic acids, claims to improve skin brightness, decrease wrinkles, lighten dark spots, and in sum, produce clear skin. I really, really enjoyed using SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, but its high price – $185 – has prevented me from buying it.
- Tony Moly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Essence: One pump of this pale green gel turns to water and covers my entire face. Perhaps it’s the green shade and the faint green tea scent, but it feels so refreshing. Like SK-II, Green Tea Watery Essence also contains a fermented ingredient. Green Tea Watery Essence contains 80% antioxidant-packed fermented 1000 year old Korean green tea called ChungTaeJeon that is hydrating and protective. It also contains antibacterial, antifungal lemon seed oil and soothing, revitalizing rosewood oil. It’s a much more affordable $28, and I am on my third bottle.
- Pixi by Petra Skintreats Rose Caviar Essence: A blogger friend was kind enough to share some of the Pixi Skintreats Rose Collection with me, and the Rose Caviar Essence was one of the products I received. It’s a pale pink gel with little bits that look like rose petals (but aren’t) suspended throughout. Rose Caviar Essence has a sort of rose fragrance that is not at all overwhelming. This essence contains concentrated flower oils to brighten, nourish and hydrate. It comes in a translucent tube and is priced at $24.
- Iunik Vitamin Hyaluronic Acid Toner: Although it is called a toner, I think of Iunik Vitamin Hyaluronic Acid as more of an essence. When I use it, however, I skip the toner. It has a runny gel consistency that is quickly absorbed. It contains 45% hyaluronic acid and 5% hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract that moisturizes, brightens and helps even skintone. Formulated for dry and sensitive skin. Priced at about $20 for 6.8 fl. oz., and it lasts forever.
Do you use an essence as part of your skincare routine? If so, which one(s) do you like?
Good morning….☕️☕️🍩🍩 I recently purchased “The Beauty Spy JJ Beauty Sacred Rose Essence from HSN #659-537 $45.00. 4 fl. oz Made in Korea (Sacred rose face essence made with hydrating ingredients, 77% rosa damascena flower water and real rose petals that you can see floating inside the bottle. Helps skin look dewy, moisturized and supple.) So far I am really liking it. Some days I just use this after cleansing my face both morning and night. I haven’t had any break outs from it either. It has just a very slight scent of fresh roses. Have a nice day. 🌻🌻🌻
Hi DiEtta! I just went to the HSN website to check it out. You know I adore all things rose, so I will put this on my to try list. I watched the HSN segment about it, and it looks and sounds divine! Thank you for letting us know about it. I think essences are must-haves. And Damascene roses are the best. So glad to hear from you xo
I like using essences, though I don’t use them often enough. While 10 steps is a lot most of the time, working from home these days makes it far easier to do!
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I have never used an essence before. I get overwhelmed with too many steps lol. However, that Tony Moly one does sound really refreshing!
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I really enjoy the pixi one! I have used a couple tubes of it!
I’ve tried two essences: Pixi and Algenist. I didn’t see a difference on my skin but I can’t say I knew what to look for.
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I look primarily for my skin to be more hydrated. Also some essences do a noticeable job at brightening
I love essence. I use it, nearly daily and it makes a difference in how hydrated and soft my skin feels. I would love to try the SK-II but that price! Yikes!
I feel the same way. That price is nuts!
I used to use essence before from tatcha but now not anymore.
I also followed the 10-step Korean back in the day but my face got irritated so I had to simplify my skincare game.
You’re wise to follow what works for your particular skin