Ah, the facial essence... You've probably seen it in a YouTube video or in an Instagram post about a Korean skincare routine, right? But let's be honest: between the toner, the serum, the moisturizer, and the rest... who really wants to add another step?
And yet, an essence might just be the small gesture that changes everything. Hydration, radiance, skin texture, better absorption of other products... this magical lotion really deserves a place in your beauty routine.
What is facial essence? 🧐
An essence is a bit like the child prodigy of a serum and a toner. Neither completely fluid nor completely thick, its lightweight texture quickly penetrates the skin to deliver a concentrated dose of hydration and active ingredients. Unlike a toner, which purifies and prepares the skin, or a serum, which is often more targeted, an essence acts as a bridge between these two steps.
It's often enriched with star ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plant extracts like ginseng , or green tea. The result: plumped, radiant skin, ready for the rest of your skincare routine.
So, why use an essence on your face? Simply because it boosts the effectiveness of your routine and gives your skin that little boost of radiance that even the best creams sometimes struggle to provide on their own.
What Essence Does for Your Skin (and Why You Shouldn't Go Without It) 🤩
Still wondering if it's really necessary? Here's what regular use of an essence can do for your face:
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Intense hydration : The essences are packed with hydrating active ingredients, perfect for dehydrated or tight skin.
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Immediate radiance : They help smooth skin texture and awaken dull complexions.
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Skin preparation : They boost the absorption of subsequent treatments (serum, moisturizer, etc.), like a well-prepared sponge.
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Anti-aging effect : Some essences are formulated with anti-wrinkle and firming active ingredients to prevent skin aging.
Yes, but when and how do we use it? 😅
You don't need a PhD in dermatology to incorporate essence into your routine. In fact, it's actually quite simple:
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Remove makeup and cleanse your face with a gentle product suited to your skin type.
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Apply a toner to rebalance your skin's pH (optional but recommended).
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Pour a few drops of essence into the palm of your hand.
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Gently pat onto your face until completely absorbed.
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Follow with your serum, your moisturizer , and you're done.
Use it morning and night for optimal results. And if you want a no-fuss, turnkey routine, Holy Skin offers personalized routines based on your skin type—just take their quick, free diagnostic!
Is gasoline right for me? 🤔
No matter your skin type, there is (at least) one essence for you:
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Dry skin : Choose an essence rich in hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
👉 Isntree - Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence -
Oily skin : Choose a light, mattifying formula with sebum-regulating active ingredients like niacinamide.
👉 Beauty of Joseon - Ginseng Essence Water -
Sensitive skin : Choose soothing, fragrance-free essences made with natural ingredients.
👉COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence -
Mature skin : Turn to essences with collagen, ginseng, or fermented ingredients to stimulate cell renewal.
👉 Missha - Time Revolution The First Essence 5X
At Holy Skin , you can filter products by skin concern : wrinkles, redness, blemishes... and each product is described in detail. In short, no need to rack your brains!
Mistakes to avoid with gasoline ❌
Even though it is gentle and easy to use, there are still some pitfalls to avoid:
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Do not use on poorly cleansed skin : The essence will not be able to do its job properly if impurities block absorption.
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Too much : A few drops are enough, no need to empty the bottle.
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Forgetting it in the routine : As with any treatment, it’s regularity that makes the difference.
FAQ about facial essence 💬
Does essence replace serum?
No, they are two complementary treatments. The essence hydrates and prepares the skin, while the serum targets a specific problem (wrinkles, dark spots, enlarged pores, etc.).
Can you use essence alone?
Technically yes, especially in the morning if you're in a hurry. But for complete hydration, it's best to pair it with a moisturizer.
How long before I see results?
Some people see a difference within the first week. Skin radiance and texture often improve quite quickly, especially if the essence is chosen correctly.
Can an essence irritate the skin?
Rarely, but like any product, you should check the ingredients. Those with highly reactive skin will prefer a formula without alcohol, perfume, or essential oils.
When to apply essence to the face?
It's applied right after cleansing (and toning, if you use one) , before serum and cream. For it to work really well, it should be applied to slightly damp skin, preferably by patting with your hands rather than a cotton pad. Use morning and night for optimal effectiveness.
What you need to know about facial essence 🌿
Still hesitant? Let's recap. Why use an essence on your face?
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Because it deeply hydrates without weighing you down.
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Because it improves the effectiveness of subsequent treatments.
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Because it is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
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Because it gives a real boost of radiance, quickly visible.
All in all, it's a small gesture that can have a big impact. And if you're not sure where to start, Holy Skin is here to help with a free skin diagnosis, routines by skin type, and a cutting-edge selection of skincare from Korea , the land of "glass skin" par excellence.
