In Asia, more women use essences than creams in their skin-care regimen—it’s a beauty and anti-aging staple overseas, but stateside, many people are still wondering if that extra step is really worth it. If we’re judging by the abundance of benefits these 10 formulas deliver, the answer is astoundingly, YES! Not only are essences super lightweight—they feel like water on your skin and absorb instantly—but they’re also an easy solution for hydrating dry skin. Here are 10 of the top essences we think you should know about.
For skin that needs a boost in tone and clarity, this essence offers major brightening benefits. Loaded with the brand’s VibraWhite Ferment Blend, the formulation has a milky consistency that absorbs instantly to soften and hydrate skin while creating a seriously luminous complexion.
This concentrated essence is
light in texture, yet powerful in the hydration department—apply it to clean skin to create a smooth surface that doesn’t feel dry, tight or
itchy. Over time, skin is noticeably more hydrated (thanks to key ingredient lotus seeds) and even in tone. Plus, it comes with 70 natural cotton pads(!): Soak the pad and gently press it into your skin.
The sister product to the
brand’s cult-classic Facial Treatment
Essence, this spray-on
version keeps skin fresh, hydrated and guarded from environmental aggressors thanks to key ingredient Pitera, the brand’s vitamin-rich yeast extract.
Use it alone, before or after
applying your makeup, or
throughout the day to wake up tired-looking
skin and give your makeup
a dewy effect.
A favorite in Korea packed with fermented yeast and niacinamide, this
essence works to promote
healthier, stronger skin by
strengthening its protective
barrier, shielding against
sun damage and refreshing
its overall look and feel for a healthy glow.
Think of this skin-care power player as a serum and essence in one that works on all skin types to reduce signs of aging and breathe life back into lackluster skin. Barley-based EGF (epidermal growth factor) helps moisturize dry areas and prepare the skin for subsequent lotions and potions, making them more effective.
Oily skin types will love this sake water essence—beloved aesthetician and brand founder Shani Darden calls it a “serious multitasker.” Apply it at night after washing your face—once your skin acclimates, you can use it twice a day—to keep sebum production in check, smooth your skin’s surface and make pores appear smaller.
Did you know birch water is one of nature’s best detoxifiers? This super silky, birch water–infused essence not only increases circulation in the skin as it helps remove daily toxins, but also allows any products you apply afterward to absorb exponentially better for higher skin-care payoff.
Relying on its proprietary Micro-Nutrient Bio-Ferment complex,
this fragrance-free essence
works to reset your skin by
hydrating, strengthening
and calming it, and has a lotion-like consistency that almost feels cool on the skin as it dries.
Inspired by Asian beauty,
this skin perfecter uses exfoliating enzymes to lift away dead skin cells
while infusing skin with a
dose of hyaluronic acid for hydration. Expect a
clearer complexion, fewer lines and less
dullness with continued use.
This vegan radiance booster is super concentrated yet quick to absorb, chock-full of antioxidant-rich wild arctic cloudberry and vitamin C that helps minimize hyperpigmentation with each use. It also packs double-duty hydration benefits, as hyaluronic acid and pure arctic spring water promote long-term moisturization and plumping action.
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