Top 5 Korean Essences

Searching for the best Korean facial essence for your skin type? Read on because we are running through the Top 5 Korean Essences. But first things first, what exactly is an essence?

What Is a Korean Facial Essence?

An essence is a concentrated skincare product designed to be applied to clean skin after toning. Essences have a wide range of different formulas. In general, they tend to target wrinkles, fine lines, dehydration, dullness and/or uneven skin tone. Essence is considered to be an essential part of the Korean beauty routine by most Koreans. 

For more on Korean essences, tune into the Korean Beauty Show Podcast:

Is Essence The Same As Toner?

Although they are watery in texture, Kbeauty essences aren’t designed to replace your toner. Similarly, they are not supposed to be an additional cleansing step. Instead, they are often designed to target and treat the skin on a cellular level. 

What Does a Korean Face Essence Do?  

Korean essences perform several functions. 

1. First, they contain active ingredients that optimise the skin’s natural turnover rate.
2. Second, they prep your skin to absorb the next layers of skincare you apply.
3. Third, they lightly hydrate your skin to assist your serum and moisturiser to sink in properly.  

What Difference Will Using an Essence Make To My Skin? 

In addition to lightly hydrating your skin and preparing your skin to absorb your next layer of skincare, using an essence every day will make your skin smoother, brighter, softer and assist you to apply makeup more evenly. Read our blog here for more on why to use a Korean essence. 

How Do I Use an Essence? 

Apply your essence to clean skin, or after toning. You can use one both morning and night. Simply tap or pat it into your face (rather than wiping it).

Top 5 Korean Essences  

Top Korean Essences 1: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Arguably the most popular of all Korean essences, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a vitamin hit for your face. It's loaded with replenishing and revitalizing nutrients (including a whopping 96% snail mucin extract) to help prevent and repair damage.

Snail mucin has the ability to tackle everything from dry patches to acne breakouts. In addition, it can reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and redness

Top Korean Essences 2: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence

If your skin is looking rough, you'll love COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence. This is a potent hydrator that gives skin the optimum level of moisture. In addition, it offers deep nutrition. Sodium Hyaluronate feeds and enriches the skin for a healthy glow.

Further, it has a great pH level for all skin types. 

Top Korean Essences 3: APLB EGF Facial Repair Essence

An excellent essence for anti-aging, EGF Facial Repair Essence improves and boosts your skin's barrier. It delivers all the nutrients you need for glossy, brighter skin.

Not only that, it is 100% cruelty free and contains no synthetic dyes or parabens. 

Star ingredient EGF tackles pores, dull skin and more making it ideal for supporting a youthful looking complexion.

Top Korean Essences 4: Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence 

The iconic Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence has been a staple in many Korean skincare collections for years. 

It provides 8 benefits – soothing, smoothing, balancing sebum levels, moisturising, improving skin tone, firming, fine line repair and boosting – as certified by the KFDA.

Top Korean Essences 5: COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence

A newer version of COSRX's original snail mucin essence, this version contains 5% niacinamide. COSRX released it because many customers reported that they loved the results they got from mixing the original formula with niacinamide.

COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence provides elasticity and radiance to your skin. The formula offers glow, hydration and fights with the signs of ageing. 

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