What Is a Korean Facial Essence?

An essence is a concentrated skincare product that is applied to clean skin after toning. Essences have formulas that specifically target wrinkles, fine lines, dull and uneven skin tone. Koreans consider these to be essential products in a skincare routine, rather than an option or a luxury. 

Is Essence The Same As Toner?

Although they are watery in texture, Kbeauty essences aren’t designed to replace your toner or to offer an additional cleansing step. Instead, they 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 to renew skin cells and regenerate the skin. 

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. If you’ve ever felt like your moisturiser is just sitting on top of your skin and not dissolving into it, essence will be a great addition to your skincare routine.In a nutshell – essences are a quick and easy way to up your skincare game. 

What Difference Will It 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. 

How Do I Use an Essence? 

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

Our Top K-beauty Picks

For Dry Skin: we adore COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence (100ml).Specialising in skin hydration, COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence is a revolutionary essence that fills the layers of the skin with moisture to repair and revitalise dry and rough skin.

For Dull Skin: we can’t go past Tosowoong’s Brightening Propolis Essence. This clarifying and soothing Korean Beauty product is jam-packed full of K-Beauty favourite propolis. It works to gently nourish, soothe, calm and brighten.

For Sensitive Skin: we recommendPyunkangyul Essence Toner is an ingenious formula that contains no water, fragrance, dye or irritants. Instead, the formula uses milk vecht root extract, which full of skin-beneficial betaine and minerals. It has antioxidant, nutrient-boosting properties. We love the consistency - this gel-type toner quickly absorbs to hydrate and strengthen skin. It is perfect for the 7 Skins Method.

For Mature Skin: we love APLB Glutathione Hyaluronic Acid Essence. Experience the effects of famed pigmentation-eradicating ingredient glutathione for yourself. This newly released product is infused with Glutathione (100ppm), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid (100ppm) and more to provide elasticity and nutrition for youthful looking skin.

For Oily Skin and Redness: try the beauty bloggers’ favourite LJH Tea Tree Essence. Formulated with 90% natural tea tree extract, this cult Korean beauty product alleviates uneven skin tone, minimises redness and irritation and improves your overall complexion.

For Acne Prone Skin: it’s got to be Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Essence.This cult-favourite product works wonders on acne-prone skin and acne scars by brightening skin, lightening scars and increasing collagen production to repair skin.

For All Skin Types: the original “Holy Grail” of Korean Beauty is Missha’s Time Revolution First Treatment Essence. This product provides 8 benefits – soothing, smoothing, balancing sebum levels, moisturising, improving skin tone, firming, wrinkle repair and boosting.