Best Korean Essence: The Key To Glowy, Bright and Hydrated Skin

Many debates the necessity of implementing essences into your skincare routine but many K-beauty enthusiasts beg to differ. According to Korean skincare experts, essences play a vital role in not only hydrating the skin but also strengthening its barriers as well. However, if you don’t believe us, read all you need to know about Korean essence below including Beauty Insider’s favourites too!

So Technically…What Is An Essence?

Essence is a water-based skincare product with a high concentration of active substances designed to hydrate, protect, and improve skin’s overall health. After using a cleanser and toner, apply the essence to clean skin to assist restore moisture to the skin cells. When used before serums and moisturisers, it aids in the absorption of these items by the skin.

Essences are similar to serums in that they have a lower molecular weight than most everyday creams, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin than your ordinary moisturiser. Essences integrate the many parts of a skincare regimen into a single step, hydrating and rebalancing the skin while also delivering highly concentrated quantities of active ingredients. This allows for a more thorough penetration of our skin barrier. This additional hydration helps your skin to absorb even more of the benefits of your following product than normal.

To put it another way, the essence is primarily utilised to enhance the effects of all of the other items in your routine. The powerful components will go even deeper into the skin, enhancing the effects of your other skincare products and making everything more effective.

Best Korean Essence To Try

1. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

This essence has the greatest snail mucin level we’ve seen, with 96% snail secretion filtrate. It’s really popular because of how moisturising it is and how delicate the recipe is. It’s slimy, so you might be put off, but give it a chance since it’s great for giving you a brighter, smoother, and even complexion.

The hydrating composition leaves your skin feeling wonderfully hydrated, and while it may take a few minutes to dry, it’s definitely worth it. This delicate product battles dry flaky skin and help to cure acne scars, leaving your face feeling soft and smooth.

Why we love it:

• Clarifies and treats damaged skin barrier
• Makes skin supple with hydration

Price: RM76.00

Where to buy: Watsons

2. Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

With 80% ginseng root water, this pleasant essence-meets-toner provides profound hydration. This vital element is high in antioxidants, which protect the body from harm caused by external aggressors, which can cause premature ageing. It improves circulation and collagen formation, which helps to minimise wrinkles and lighten the skin. Ginseng has a soothing impact due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin barrier, making it more resilient. With its moisturising characteristics, it controls oil and improves texture by decreasing the appearance of pores over time. Adenosine aids in the reduction of redness and irritation, as well as the restoration of skin. It helps the skin’s surface seem smoother and plumper by energising it.

Why we love it:

• Formulated with 80% of ginseng root water for anti-ageing properties
• Great for oily to combination skin to hydrate and nourish

Price: RM44.67

Where to buy: Shopee

3. Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence

This Korean essence from Benton skincare hydrates, brightens, repairs and revitalises your skin with a high concentration of snail filtrate in conjunction with bee venom. Bee venom has long been praised for its ability to minimise scars and hyperpigmentation in the cosmetic industry. This essence includes skin-soothing aloe, brightening willow bark extract, and other botanicals, as well as niacinamide, making it suitable for both sensitive and problematic skin. If you’re seeking skin lightening qualities, they are a good choice.

Why we love it:

• Extremely hydrating
• Has skin healing properties

Price: RM39.00

Where to buy: Shopee

4. MISSHA Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive

MISSHA’s Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Intensive is designed to hydrate deeply while also preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Because this liquid essence is so thin, it’s simple to spritz on and massage into your skin for optimum absorption. This essence was intended to aid in the restoration of your skin as well as the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s made up of 80% fermented yeast extract, which is said to be a powerhouse when it comes to keeping your skin looking young and healthy for longer. It’s abundant in vitamin B, one of your skin’s superfoods, which helps with a variety of issues ranging from dryness to acne, but it also has anti-ageing properties.

Why we love it:

• Contains anti-ageing ingredients and amino acids
• Reduces inflammation and irritation

Price: RM81.00

Where to buy: Shopee

5. SKINFOOD Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence

This essence is very beneficial for problematic skin since it contains a lot of bee sweetness. Propolis extract from bees helps to balance, heal, and soothe inflamed skin while also promoting cell development. It’s reported to be very effective in clearing congested pores.

The anti-inflammatory royal jelly extract is the next ingredient in this skin-friendly composition, and it’s a potent ally in the fight against acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Honey extract backs it up, and this delicious component is naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, and excellent at retaining moisture.

Why we love it:

• Treats skin concerns and sensitivity issues
• Relieves from inflammation and irritation

Price: RM80.00

Where to buy: Shopee