What Is Essence Skincare – If you like to keep up with skincare updates, especially Korean skincare products, then you’ve probably heard of essences. But, you may feel confused with how it is any different than other similar skincare products. Skincare can sometimes feel overwhelming, with new products like essences, ampoules, and boosters filling up store shelves.
You may also start to wonder whether all these extra steps are really necessary, or just another trend. Read on until the end of this article to find out what makes essences different from a toner, serum, or ampoule. We’ll break down everything you need to know about essences, from how they work, to when to use them, and if they’re even worthy of being part of your daily skincare routine.
What Exactly Is Essence in Skincare?
Essence is a lightweight, water-based skincare product that’s packed with active ingredients to hydrate, protect, and support overall skin health. Essence is typically applied after cleansing and toning, or before serums and moisturizers. The way it works is by replenishing moisture and preparing your skin for the next steps in your routine. Besides that, essences are also often formulated to address specific skin concerns like dryness, aging, or breakouts. Essences often contain hydrating ingredients that are great for locking in moisture, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
In simple words, essence is like the perfect hybrid between serum and toner. It helps prep the skin to better absorb other products in your skincare routine, while also delivering targeted treatments with active ingredients like a serum, just in lower concentration.
How Is Essence Different Than Serum Or Toner?
Essence is a unique step in your skincare routine. It’s not quite a toner, but it’s also different from a serum. While they all may look similar at first glance, their functions and formulas set them apart.
Essences are generally lightweight formulas that provide both hydration and a boost of active ingredients, just in lower concentrations compared to serums. Their main role is to add an extra layer of nourishment and prep the skin for the next steps. This may sound the same as what toners do, but they’re slightly different in function.
Toners focus on clearing away leftover impurities and balancing the skin’s pH after cleansing. Meanwhile, serums are more concentrated treatments, delivering high levels of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. Since serums are thicker and more potent, they’re applied after essences to help deliver targeted benefits deeper into the skin.
Is Essence Necessary for You?
Essences generally work well for all skin types, even oily or sensitive skin, thanks to their lightweight texture. Their super hydrating formulas make them especially great for dry and dehydrated skin. While they’re not completely essential, essences offer bonus nourishment and benefits if you want smoother, more radiant skin.
When & How to Use Essence in Your Skincare Routine
You can use essence both in the morning and at night, after cleansing and toning, and before your serum. Pour a couple of drops into the palm of your hands and gently press into your face and neck. Don’t use a cotton pad to apply, it will waste the product and your hands are much more effective.
Essences are not completely necessary, but they can give your skin that extra boost when needed. If your skin feels thirsty or lacks that glowy bounce, adding an essence can make all the difference. You’ll start noticing plumper, more luminous skin and improved performance from your favorite active products. Whether you treat it as an essential step or a radiant bonus, an essence is a subtle yet potent upgrade to any routine.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-essence.
- https://www.byrdie.com/skin-essence-8712452.
- https://jurlique.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-face-essences.
