If you’re as obsessed with skincare as I am, you’ve probably heard about Korean essences. Wondering what they’re all about and if they’re worth the hype? Well, you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, I’ll break down the basics of essences and share a list of the 12 best Korean options that could give your skin a noticeable glow. So, if you’re curious or considering adding an essence to your routine, these are, in my opinion, the best of the best. Let’s explore these top picks together.
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What’s an Essence?
So, what exactly is an essence? It’s a lightweight, watery formula that you apply after cleansing your face and before moisturizing. It’s not as thick as a serum but thicker than a toner.
Essences help hydrate your skin, prep it for the products you’ll use next, and some even target specific skin concerns. Essentially, it’s a step that can boost your skin’s hydration and overall appearance.
Best Korean Essences for Anti-Aging:
1. MISSHA – Time Revolution The First Essence 5X
MISSHA’s Time Revolution The First Essence 5X is your go-to for maintaining youthful skin. This essence is designed to target signs of aging, offering a potent blend of ingredients to promote skin elasticity and firmness. With a focus on anti-aging, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking more youthful. By incorporating this essence into your skincare routine, you’re giving your skin the extra care it needs to withstand the test of time, keeping it resilient and radiant.
2. Beauty of Joseon – Ginseng Essence Water
Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Essence Water is also known for its anti-aging benefits. This essence contains ginseng, a powerful ingredient that helps to firm up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ginseng is rich in antioxidants, which fight off free radicals that can damage the skin and accelerate aging. By incorporating this essence into your skincare routine, you’re not only hydrating your skin but also addressing signs of aging, leaving your complexion looking more youthful and revitalized.
Best Korean Essences for Hydration:
3. COSRX – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is my go-to for hydration. This essence might sound a bit unusual, but don’t let that fool you – it’s a game-changer. It contains a high concentration of snail mucin, a soothing and moisturizing ingredient that helps to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. When you apply this essence, it works to keep your skin plump and happy. It’s like a drink of water for your face, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed. So, if your skin needs some serious hydration, this essence might just become your new best friend.
4. Secret Key – Starting Treatment Essence
Secret Key’s Starting Treatment Essence is an excellent choice to kickstart your skincare routine. With a blend of galactomyces ferment filtrate, this essence helps to prep and prime your skin for the products that follow. It’s designed to improve skin texture, enhance hydration, and create a smooth canvas for your skincare routine. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it sets the stage for optimal absorption of subsequent skincare products. If you’re looking for an essence that lays the foundation for your routine, Secret Key’s Starting Treatment Essence could be the perfect addition to your skincare routine.
Best Korean Essences for Moisture:
5. mixsoon – Bean Essence
mixsoon’s Bean Essence focuses on improving skin texture and boosting moisture levels. Formulated with beans, this essence delivers essential nutrients to the skin, helping to enhance its elasticity and smoothness. By providing deep hydration, it works to plump up the skin and reduce dryness, making it feel soft and supple. Additionally, the essence helps to refine pores and promote a more even skin tone. If you’re aiming to improve both the texture and moisture balance of your skin, mixsoon’s Bean Essence could be the perfect solution for a smoother, more hydrated complexion.
6. SKINFOOD – Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence
SKINFOOD’s Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence is ideal for dry skin. It contains royal honey and propolis and nourishes and revitalizes the skin, giving it a luminous glow. Royal honey and propolis are known for their moisturizing and antioxidant properties, which help to brighten the complexion and improve overall skin health. By incorporating this essence into your routine, you can expect to achieve a more radiant and healthy-looking skin tone, making it a go-to choice for boosting your skin’s natural glow.
Best Korean Essences for Soothing:
7. I’m from – Mugwort Essence
I’m from’s Mugwort Essence keeps things simple with just one ingredient: mugwort. This essence is designed to calm and soothe your skin, especially if it’s sensitive or troubled. Known for reducing redness and irritation, mugwort offers a refreshing feel when applied. If you’re looking for a straightforward solution to help with irritated skin, this essence could be a good fit for your skincare routine.
8. MISSHA – Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence
MISSHA’s Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence is tailored for soothing and calming the skin. Infused with Artemisia, also known as mugwort, this essence offers gentle relief for sensitive or irritated skin. It works great to reduce redness, inflammation from acne, and discomfort, providing a soothing layer of hydration. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, giving immediate relief and comfort to the skin. If you’re looking for an essence that prioritizes calming properties, MISSHA’s Artemisia Treatment Essence could be your go-to solution for achieving a balanced complexion.
Best Korean Essences for Brightening:
9. PURITO – Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence
If you want brighter skin, try PURITO’s Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence. It’s got galactomyces ferment filtrate and niacinamide to even out your skin tone and fade dark spots. This lightweight essence absorbs quickly, giving your skin intense hydration and a radiant glow. Suitable for all skin types, it not only brightens but also improves your skin’s overall texture. If you’re looking for an overall brighter complexion, this is the perfect essence to add to your skincare routine.
10. ma:nyo – Galactomy Niacin 2.0 Essence
Another essence that is great for brightening is ma:nyo’s Galactomy Niacin 2.0 Essence. Like the PURITO one, it has galactomyces ferment filtrate and niacinamide to even out skin tone and lessen dark spots. It’s a light product that hydrates your skin fast and makes it look brighter. Many people say their skin looks better and brighter when they use it regularly.
Best Korean Essences for Overall Skin Health:
10. PURITO – Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence
PURITO’s Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence is all about nourishing your skin. Packed with a powerful blend of fermented ingredients, it provides deep hydration and helps improve skin elasticity. The essence is rich in antioxidants, working to revitalize and rejuvenate your complexion. With its lightweight texture, it absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. If you’re looking for an essence that focuses on nourishment and overall skin health, PURITO’s Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence is the perfect addition to your skincare routine.
11. Benton – Snail Bee High Content Essence
The Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence is like an all-in-one for your skin. With snail secretion filtrate and bee venom, it not only hydrates but also works to address various skin concerns. Whether you’re aiming for anti-aging, brightening, or soothing effects, this essence has got you covered. Its gentle formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin, leaving you with a refreshed and hydrated feel. If you’re on the lookout for a versatile essence that takes care of multiple skin needs, Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Essence is worth considering.
12. NEOGEN – Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence
NEOGEN’s Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence is made with real fermented ingredients that help to hydrate and improve your skin’s overall appearance. It’s gentle, easy to apply, and quickly absorbs into the skin. With regular use, many people find their skin feels softer and looks more revitalized. If you’re looking for a simple way to enhance your skin’s health and glow, this essence could be a great addition to your routine.
Those are all my top picks for the best Korean essences. Whether you’re wanting extra hydration, brightening, anti-aging benefits, or to improve the health of your skin, there’s an essence here for you. Adding an essence might just be the missing piece to your routine for healthier skin!
Any of these products catch your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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