Step 5: Essence

Essences are not a new product in the cosmetic industry. In the Greek area it has been around for 2-3 years, while Korean women have been using it for centuries. They know that healthy and bright skin is not the result of makeup, but of a quality skin care routine.

It should be noted that the first essence was created by Beauty Trivia in 1897. It was called Eudermine, also known as Red Water because of its red bottle

But what are essences?

It is neither a toning lotion nor a serum even though they look very similar!

They are very thin, which makes them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. They contain moisturizing, repairing and antiaging agents, but in a lower concentration than a serum. We can characterize them as hybrid products with a watery texture. They come in by 5^The step of Korean daily facial care, between the toning lotion and serum, as the last step of cleansing and the first step of care.

How does it differ from toner;

• Essence is usually more moisturizing than a tonic lotion.
• Toners contain active ingredients (AHA, retinol, salicylic acid) that remove dirt, dead cells, sebum and any makeup residue left on the skin after cleansing.
• The essences complement the skin with valuable ingredients that seal in moisture and increase the beneficial effects of the products of the subsequent care steps.

They are useful essences;

In order for the active ingredients of care products to penetrate into the deeper layers, the skin needs to be hydrated. And this is the goal of essences. More specifically:

• They are packed with moisturizing agents.
• They restore moisture loss in the surface layer of the skin.
• They restore the pH, which is disturbed by the use of cleaning products, especially lotions with alcohol.
• They contain valuable ingredients, such as amino acids, vitamins, peptides, plant extracts and minerals, strengthening the defense against everyday environmental conditions.
• They prepare the skin to better accept and absorb the beneficial active ingredients of the products that follow, improving their effectiveness.

How to use the essences?

Put a few drops of the essence in your palms and dab it all over the face, except for the eyes and mouth. Avoid rubbing the product on your face, but prefer gentler and gentler movements. Once it is absorbed, you can move on to the application of the serum.

Is it time to take your daily skin care a step further? Now you will ask me which essence to prefer. Well, below I have two of the top K-Beauty Essences for you. Take a look…!

• Advanced 96 Snail Mucin Power Essence, Cosrx

100 ml

It consists of 96% snail mucus, one of the most famous ingredients at the moment, which makes the skin younger. Thanks to its properties, the skin is smoothed, the lost hydration returns to the place of dryness and the elasticity of the skin is restored.

• Ginseng Essence Water, Beauty of Joseon

150 ml

Its main ingredient is ginseng, which in combination with its active ingredients (hyaluronic, panthenol, niacinamide) moisturizes sensitive and dry skin. It manages to regulate facial sebum. It is the right product to close your daily skin care routine and relax.