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Korean essences, which are different from serums and ampoules, have been hailed as a wonder product by skincare buffs and beauty junkies alike. It's no secret that Koreans are ahead of the curve when it comes to skincare. More and more brands have developed innovative formulas that aim to give clear, smooth, glowing skin. One unique K-beauty product you can't miss is essences.
So what exactly is an essence, and what are the best ones out there? We asked for some additional comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz to add to your skincare knowledge. If you're new to Korean beauty products or want to take your skincare regimen up a notch, we've also compiled a list of the best Korean essences you can buy online, so you can readily cop that K-pop glow!
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Essences are highly concentrated formulas that nourish, hydrate, and soothe the skin after cleansing. Often described as the foundation of the Korean skincare routine, essences are packed with vitamins and nutrients that target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
They also balance your skin's pH levels to better absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products. Essences vary in texture and consistency, but they all have the same goal of helping you achieve a smoother and more radiant complexion.
Essences are products incorporated with hydrating ingredients as well as active ingredients targeted to a specific concern (e.g., even out skin tone, combat signs of aging, etc.). It's generally lightweight and fast-absorbing, allowing it to prime the skin to allow other products to get absorbed more efficiently.
Like other skincare products, it's important to know which ingredients and formulas best fit your skin type before trying out a Korean essence.
For those with oily and acne-prone skin, choose ingredients that target oil production, enlarged pores, and breakouts. Some of the best acne-fighting ingredients include witch hazel, green tea, and niacinamide.
If you have inflamed or irritated skin, you can also look for ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to help soothe your skin while keeping it moisturized and hydrated.
Oily skin types may appreciate essences given their hydrating properties minus the greasiness and heaviness of oils and heavy creams. Generally, oily-skin types would benefit from water-based ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
Typically, essences are incorporated with active ingredients, and oily-skin types can look for acne-fighting ingredients. Good choices include niacinamide as it is not only able to reduce sebum production (specifically the content of triglycerides, diglycerides, and fatty acids of surface sebum) but also acts as an anti-oxidant, strengthens the skin barrier, and brightens the skin too! If the skin is irritated, aloe vera may be a good option, given its anti-inflammatory properties.
Essences work wonders on dry skin. Since hydration is their primary job, those with dry and dull skin may notice immediate visible results once they include essences to their skincare routine.
Go for formulas with powerful antioxidants such as glycolic acid or natural ingredients like jasmine water to up your skin's hydration level and leave it soft and supple.
The difference between essences and serums is that essences primarily target hydration and can sometimes target specific skin concerns as well, while serums primarily target skin concerns. Thus, for dry skin types, essences would be a good add-on.
In general, essences are considered the secret to the dewy, glass skin that Koreans are known for. Look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin!
The best essences for sensitive skin are those with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and oat extract. If your skin is prone to redness, swelling, and irritation, these ingredients can help repair and strengthen your skin's barrier functions. It's also best to avoid essences that contain potential irritants such as alcohol or fragrance.
When you have sensitive skin, it means that you have higher chances of reacting to a product and developing signs of inflammation - be it redness, flushing, stinging, acne-like eruptions.
Aloe vera may be a good option for patients with sensitive skin as it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Centella Asiatica is another go-to for those who want both soothing and hydrating properties. Centella Asiatica not only increases skin hydration but also stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis. Panthenol is another fascinating ingredient that moisturizes, assists in skin barrier repair, and even soothes skin as an anti-inflammatory.
If you have combination skin, the goal is to choose products that regulate oil production while hydrating the dry areas of your face. Stay away from essences that contain parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Stick to oil-free products with deep moisturizing benefits to balance your skin and keep it healthy and shine-free.
Combination skin types tend to be a bit tricky since they have both normal to dry and oily areas. Combination skin types have oiliness only in the T-zone, but dryness in other parts of the face. Thus, it is important to choose a product that can deal with both types. I think this is where an essence may be beneficial as it is generally lightweight.
Thus, it can hydrate the dry zones without worsening the excess sebum on the T-zone. Moisture-retaining humectants like hyaluronic acid and panthenol are good choices for combination skin. They are lightweight and can attract water from the surrounding air to keep dryness away. Squalene is another good option as it acts as an emollient but also possesses anti-bacterial properties.
Essences come in a wide range of formulas. Some have a thin and watery consistency, while others come in gel, lotion, and even oil versions.
If you have dry skin, opt for gel-like products that can moisturize and hydrate while giving a cooling sensation to your skin. For oily-skinned individuals, choose an essence with a lightweight, watery texture so it won't feel too heavy or greasy on your skin. You can also look for non-comedogenic products that won't clog the pores and cause breakouts.
In choosing an essence, the texture is also important. Gels are more concentrated formulas that need a bit of waiting time to fully penetrate your skin, making them a perfect addition to your nighttime regimen. On the other hand, watery essences absorb faster and don't leave any sticky residue, making them an excellent choice for those leading busy lifestyles.
Essences are generally lightweight and fast-absorbing, but they still come in a range of consistencies and textures - from a thin consistency to a much more viscous, serum-like texture. At the end of the day, it boils down to choosing one that is best for your skin type and one that feels good on your skin!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence | ₱495 Low | Soothe, Heal, and Moisturize Your Skin With Snail Mucin | ||
2 | Innisfree Jeju Orchid Enriched Essence | ₱1,890 High Mid | Stay Young with This Powerful Anti-Aging Essence | ||
3 | Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence RX | ₱1,620 High Mid | Double Fermented Essence for Double the Benefits | ||
4 | Laneige Water Bank Moisture Essence | ₱1,040 Mid | Intense Hydration for Dewy, Luminous Skin | ||
5 | Banila Co. Hi Bye Clean Up Sebum Control Essence | ₱995 Mid | Organic Ingredients to Keep Oil at Bay | ||
6 | Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence | ₱1,340 Mid | 93% Naturally Fermented Ingredients for Healthy, Supple Skin | ||
7 | COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence | ₱1,000 Mid | Multi-Action Essence with Whitening Properties | ||
8 | Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence | ₱645 Low Mid | Packed with All-Natural Ingredients to Nourish the Skin | ||
9 | Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil Essence | ₱1,434.5 Mid | Antioxidant-Rich Formula for Hydrated, Glowing Skin | ||
10 | Primera Miracle Seed Essence | ₱2,327.5 High | Brighten and Hydrate Your Skin with Amino Acid-Rich Lotus Seeds |
Wondering how all your favorite K-drama celebrities and K-pop idols manage to look youthful despite their age? Top Korean beauty brand Innisfree offers an answer with its Jeju orchid skincare line! This enriched essence promises to nourish and strengthen your skin to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and other early signs of aging.
Combining the strengths of Orchidelixir 2.0™, oat extract, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidants, this liquid gel provides a world of benefits in one compact bottle. With regular use, expect to revitalize tired skin to reveal a healthier, younger-looking glow. Indeed, it's never too early to incorporate anti-aging ingredients into your daily regimen.
As they say, time is of the essence. That's why it's important to invest in good skincare products no matter your age. This upgraded boosting essence from Missha delivers twice the benefits with 95% cica enzyme fermentation to effectively repair damage and firm up skin in just a few weeks.
Best for sensitive skin types, this runny essence delivers moisture deep into the skin's layers to heal heavily dehydrated skin. The double-fermentation process also allows for longer moisture retention and better skin elasticity. With added pearl reef and rice extracts, you'll certainly notice a more even skin tone and a fresher, brighter complexion.
Quench thirsty skin with this ultra-hydrating essence from Laneige, one of Korea's top-selling luxury skincare brands! This essence harnesses the combined power of garden cress extract plus green mineral water derived from vegetables to strengthen your skin's barriers and lock in moisture.
Its watery cream consistency easily blends into the skin without leaving behind a sticky or greasy feeling. Another bonus is the hypoallergenic properties, so you can rest assured it's made from only safe ingredients. If you have dry skin, then you've found your new holy grail! This lightweight concentrate offers long-lasting moisture to keep your skin soft and supple all day long.
Struggling to manage your oily skin? Take out the stress, and try Banila Co.'s Hi Bye Clean Up essence! This gel-type essence contains a unique blend of organic ingredients such as green tea, beraclay, peppermint, and witch hazel to control sebum production and balance your skin's moisture levels.
It also uses the brand's exclusive Pore Vacuum System and Clean Balance Complex to effectively remove dirt and other impurities. This essence does more than just moisturize and keep oil under control. It can also be applied and worn under make-up to help you achieve a smoother, more radiant complexion! A skincare product and make-up base in one? What's not to love?
Formulated with more than 93% naturally fermented ingredients, Neogen's Real Ferment Micro Essence delivers intense moisturization to plump, hydrate, and renew aging skin. Its primary ingredient, Bifida Ferment Lysate, is a probiotic ingredient that protects against sun damage and speeds up DNA repair.
Another plus point is the 17% birch juice that helps brighten the skin from within. This liquid essence is stored in a solid bottle for easy dispensing and absorbs quickly into the skin without any shine or stickiness. Free from any fragrances, Neogen's deeply hydrating and brightening essence helps ward off irritation for even the most sensitive skin types.
Galactomyces is a sought-after ingredient in the Korean skincare industry, and it's easy to see why. Also known as pitera, galactomyces is the fermented byproduct of yeast and contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to protect and nourish the skin. When it comes to this potent ingredient, COSRX is once again at the forefront with their tone balancing essence.
Boasting a whopping 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate, this refreshing liquid gel works to clear away impurities, smoothen skin texture, and slow down aging. It also includes niacinamide as one of its primary ingredients, so those looking to lighten and brighten their skin can reach for this without having to resort to harsh whitening products.
Infused with a strong combination of snail secretion filtrate and bee venom, this high content essence from vegan, cruelty-free brand Benton can instantly hydrate dull and tired skin and protect it from the harmful effects of UV damage and free radicals. Say goodbye to dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles!
This liquid gel moisturizes, heals, and protects your skin using only high-quality natural ingredients. It helps reduce pigmentation, minimize signs of aging, and boost your overall complexion with potent collagen properties. With zero parabens, fragrances, alcohol, and silicone, Benton's best-selling essence is suitable for all skin types and safe even for acne-prone skin.
This Huxley favourite comes in a dual formulation that combines both the benefits of a hydrating essence and a nourishing facial oil. But don't let the term oil scare you away! This antioxidant-enriched concentrate is easily absorbed into the skin without any traces of greasiness or heaviness-perfect for all skin types!
Coming in an easy dropper bottle along with unique ingredients such as 61% Sahara cactus seed oil, acai berry, and quinoa, this oil essence leaves your skin hydrated, smooth, and luminous without the effort. And with a light and refreshing scent, this essence is undoubtedly best for those who want to perk up their mood and give their skin a refreshing boost.
The secret ingredient of this highly popular and number-one Primera product? Lotus seeds. Loaded with amino acids and antioxidants, lotus seeds are proven to yield effective results and protect your skin from sun damage, pollution, and other environmental stressors. No more dull, damaged, and lackluster skin!
This lightweight, watery essence effectively preps your skin to better absorb your serums, toners, and other skincare products. It even comes with a free facial cotton so you can easily kick start your new skincare regimen! Free from artificial fragrances and synthetic colorants, you won't have to look far to find an essence that's true to their claim of being a miracle in a bottle.
Adding a new product to your skincare routine is difficult, especially if you have many unanswered questions on your mind. We asked Dr. Katrina some of the most asked questions online, and here are her answers!
The truth is there are actually no standard definitions for these terms. The majority of the time, their functions may even overlap. In general, though, the main idea between essences and serums is that essences primarily target hydration and can sometimes target specific skin concerns, too, while serums primarily target skin concerns.
At the end of the day, regardless of the name, the best is to identify your skin concern and see if the product has what you are looking for and if it translates to results for your skin.
This is definitely up to you! This will boil down to your skin concern and overall preference. In general, it would be good to start slow, especially if you already have an existing skincare routine. You'd also want to double-check with your dermatologist if any of the ingredients in your current skincare routine can be mixed with the ones in your essence - just to minimize chances of developing an irritation.
Now that you know everything you need to know about Korean essences, why not go all the way and complete the renowned 10-step skincare routine? We've listed down the best products, both from Korean and non-Korean brands, so you can begin your journey into getting your best skin ever!
Author: Marion Angeli Flores
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: COSRX|Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
No. 2: Innisfree|Jeju Orchid Enriched Essence
No. 3: Missha|Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence RX
No. 4: Laneige|Water Bank Moisture Essence
No. 5: Banila Co.|Hi Bye Clean Up Sebum Control Essence
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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