From sheet masks and sleep masks to ten-step skincare routines and oil cleansers, many of our common skincare trends and techniques have originated in Korea. However, facial essence remains one Korean skincare product that we’re a little less in touch with over here in the west. Seemingly the worst-kept secret to the porcelain ‘glass’ skin sported by many Koreans, here’s exactly what facial essence is, how to use it, and the best essences to invest in.
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What is a facial essence?
Not quite a toner, not yet a serum. Depending on the formula, skincare essences can provide similar benefits to serums, with a lower molecular weight than a moisturiser, allowing them to penetrate the skin more deeply. Skin essences work to add radiance, rebalance and nourish the skin, providing deep hydration that allows your skin to absorb your skincare actives (i.e. serum) more effectively.
How to use a facial essence
Skin essences sit between toner and serum in your skincare routine. To apply a facial essence, spray or pour a few drops into the palms of your hands and gently press (don’t rub or drag your skin!) it into your face, neck, and decolletage.
The best facial essences to try right now
There are numerous skin essences on the market; the right one depends on your skin type and skincare goals. From brightening essences to hydrating essences, here are our 7 favourite facial essences on the market.
1. Jurlique Activating Water Essence
Made with hydrating and soothing marshmallow extract, as well as a combination of botanical extracts like calendula, neem, lavender, rosemary, horsetail, witch hazel, nettle, and peach leaf, Jurlique Activating Water Essence works to help the skin retain moisture and prepare it to better absorb actives. Gentle on the skin, this activating essence is suitable for all skin types.
2. Saturday Skin Freeze Frame Beauty Essence
This facial essence utilises pomegranate extract to target elasticity and improve skin texture, squalane and avocado proteins for hydration and moisture retention, and a peptide complex that promotes the skin’s natural cell turnover. Saturday Skin Freeze Frame Beauty Essence is particularly helpful for targeting fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.
3. Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
Dual weight hyaluronic acid, a floral hydrosol trio, and an Australian flower blend work synergistically to hydrate the skin, calm irritation, and minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition to use before serums, this essence can also be used during the day as a hydrating mist.
4. Mizon Mela Defense White Capsule Essence
Not just a pretty bottle, this brightening essence by Mizon uses sakura and white flower to even skin tone and address hyperpigmentation (think dark spots and discolouration), as well as jojoba oil, macadamia oil, and hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and increase hydration levels. Suitable for all skin types.
5. Lancôme Hydra Zen Beauty Essence
Formulated to aid in fighting visible signs of stress, Lancôme Hydra Zen Beauty Essence provides intense hydration and revitalises the skin, leading to a smoother, more supple complexion. This essence sports a slightly thicker, jelly-like texture, making it good for use in your nighttime skincare routine.
6. Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Essence
Ideal for reducing the appearance of fine lines, Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Essence utilises nourishing iris florentina root extract, lypo hydroxy acid to gentle exfoliate, and sodium hyaluronate to smooth fine lines. Suitable for dull, dry, and ageing skin, this lightweight essence works well under serums and makeup.
7. Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence
From cult French skincare label Caudalie, this facial essence utilises glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and grape water to hydrate, moisturise, and soothe the skin, preparing it to absorb the active ingredients of your serum.
Words by Arabella Johnson
