The Beauty Insider Malaysia team have done the research to help you really understand what it does and why you need it. Firstly, face essences not fancy toners. Essence goes a step further than toner to penetrate deep into the skin for a boost of moisturisation. Essences also can help balance and prep the skin for all your moisturisers and makeups. Now, do you want one for yourself? Below, we have picked out the best face essences in Malaysia that your skin will thank you for.

The Best Face Essences in Malaysia

1. Derm Acte Mulivitamin Mask

This unctuous and velvety cream mask has got all the vitamins your skin needs. It can help the skin to recover its optimal hydration level as well as strengthen the skin’s defence system which helps to fight against the appearance of ageing’s signs. It can go further by protecting your skin from premature ageing. Use it once or twice a week, apply a generous layer to cleansed face and neck for 15-20 minutes. Use a tissue to remove any excess and massage in gentle circular motions so it can penetrate into your skin. Do this regularly and watch your skin transform to goddess level!

Why we love it:

  • Retains moisture
  • Fortifies skin barrier
  • Prevents signs of ageing

Price: RM238.00

Where to buy: AcademieBeaute Malaysia OR Aura Marketing Sdn Bhd contacted+03-55694420

2. DHC Olive Virgin Oil Crystal Essence

This deeply moisturizing essence by DHC is powered by Pure Olive Oil, known to be filled with vitamin A, E, D, and K, to nourish and moisturize skin. Ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive ones, it helps balance the skin’s water and oil content while keeping it glowing and soft. Its lightweight formula will absorb quick into the skin without being heavy or sticky!

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Lightweight formula
  • Does not leave any greasy residue

Price: RM125.00

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3. The Potions Mugwort Water Essence

Those with acne-prone and sensitive skin, this Mugwort-filled essence will soothe and lessen the redness on your skin! It conditions the skin so it’s protected from environmental factors and stressors. Additionally, this essence will help revitalize and brighten up your skin while moisturizing it.

Why we love it:

  • Brightens the skin tone
  • Protects against environmental factors
  • Soothing properties

Price: RM59.90

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4. I’M FROM Mugwort Essence

Mugworth

If you’re looking for the best face essences in Malaysia, simply splurge on the I’M FROM Mugwort Essence and your skin will thank you. It features a concoction of natural ingredients that are sourced from different parts of Korea like mugwort, vitamin tree, ginseng, honey, fig and pear. Infused with mugwort sourced from Ganghwa as its star ingredient, it has powerful detoxifying and healing properties that can treat breakouts and soothe irritation. What’s more, this antioxidant-rich ingredient is packed with vitamins that can improve the overall complexion.

This highly-rated product is formulated to deliver comprehensive benefits from soothing, nourishing to hydrating which makes it effective to combat rough texture and uneven skin tone. It features a watery consistency that can be used as a toner, facial mist, DIY sheet mask and even a feminine mist. One pro tip to revitalize your skin instantly is by soaking the cotton pad with this essence before you place it on different parts of your skin for about five minutes. The I’M FROM Mugwort Essence works wonders for all skin types especially those with acne-prone or sensitive skin. With consistent application, you will notice that it gives your skin a healthy glow and minimizes the signs of ageing.

Why we love it:

  • Features high quality ingredients
  • Versatile product
  • Soothes redness and inflammation
  • Delivers intense hydration

Price: RM42.00 (30ml) and RM123.00 (160ml) 

Where to buy: Watsons, Shopee, Lazada and Zalora

5. SOPH Light Me Up Treatment Essence

This treatment essence comes in a spray nozzle so you can mist away and pat the product in easily into the skin! SOPH’s Light Me Up Treatment Essence gives your skin hydration while lightening up scars and pigmentation, thanks to its Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. It also prevents breakouts, build up of sebum, and clogging of pores. After consistent use, your complexion will appear brighter and smoother!

Why we love it:

  • Easy application
  • Prevents acne
  • Decongest the pores

Price: RM45.00

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6. Uriage Glow Up Water Essence

Made with Uriage’s thermal water mixed in with enhanced calcium and magnesium, a few drops of this Glow Up water essence will leave your skin moisturized all day long! It also helps strengthen your skin’s barrier to keep it healthy and fresh. You don’t have to worry about your skin showing fine lines due to dryness once you pat this one.

Why we love it:

  • Long lasting hydration
  • Minimizes imperfections
  • Packed with essential ingredients

Price: RM102.90

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7. Privia Revitalizing Gold Essence EX8

Treat your skin to luxury with Privia’s 24k Pure Gold-infused Revitalizing Gold Essence! Targeted for those with mature skin, it focuses on improving the look of wrinkles and maintaining the elasticity of the skin. It will help with activating the skin’s metabolism to regulate circulation. Aside from that, it will moisturize and nourish tired skin!

Why we love it:

  • Reverse the signs of ageing
  • Revives tired skin
  • Boosts hydration level

Price: RM219.00

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8. Laneige Water Bank Hydro Mist 

Infused with enriching Green Mineral Water from vegetables, the Laneige Water Bank Hydro Mist can fortify the skin barrier for healthy skin. It can also help charge the skin with the moisture it needs. Upon application, the essence absorbs into the skin and tightly locks in the moisture and prevents evaporating. Apply generously around your cheeks, forehead and chin and watch your skin just glow.

Why we love it:

  • Fortifies skin barrier
  • Retains moisture
  • Healthy glow

Price: RM190.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

9.  SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

One of the most expensive face essences in Malaysia, the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is an MVP in the beauty world for some time now. Infused with Pitera, this luxe essence contains over 50 micro-nutrients that do everything for your skin. From nourishing to keeping it well hydrated, this essence encourages new cell growth. Furthermore, it can also reverse the signs of ageing and rejuvenate the texture of your skin.

Why we love it:

  • Innovative formula
  • Revitalize the skin
  • Ultra-lightweight

Price: RM759.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

10. Origins Original Skin Essence Lotion with Dual Ferment Complex 

This is most probably the best face essence for those with oily skin. This oil-free essence is light in texture and can effectively soften, refine and restore radiance back to your skin. It can also reduce the look of pores and soothe the skin so that your complexion looks instantly brighter and vibrantly healthy. The potent blend of willowherb and Persian silk tree can further enhance the skin’s radiance.

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for oily skin
  • Soothes redness
  • Minimizes the pores

Price: RM145.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

11. Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Antioxidant Essence

This power-packed essence by Fresh is one of the best-selling face essences in Malaysia for all good reasons. Packed with an array of skin-looking ingredients like kombucha, Africana fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, and mandarin peel extract, this essence act as a protector from all external aggressors. Furthermore, it can also help prevent signs of ageing with its glow-enhancing formula. Use it every day and watch your fine lines, wrinkles and all fade away. 

Why we love it:

  • Prevents signs of ageing
  • Premium ingredients
  • Protects from external aggressors

Price: RM320.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

12. Pixi by Petra Rose Caviar Essence

Pixi’s Petra Rose Caviar Essence is basically everything you need. Gentle and lightweight, this essence is suitable for all skin types. The essence has an antioxidant-rich formula that features ingredients like rose oil, anise extract, and mulberry extract which are all known to brighten and soothe even the most sensitive skin. With just one application, it can give your skin a hydration boost and keep it supple and moist all day long. 

Why we love it:

  • Gentle formula
  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Long lasting hydration

Price: RM120.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

13. Innisfree Green Tea Fresh Essence 

The Innisfree Green Tea Fresh Essence is the perfect option for those with sensitive skin. It is free from all sorts of parabens and chemicals can that lead to irritation and sensitivity. The essence is made with extracts from fresh green tea leaves which can truly hydrate and nourish the skin. It is also good for those with oily skin because the clove blossom extract in this essence can help control shine for a matte finish without drying the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Clean ingredients
  • Delivers matte finish
  • Regulate excess sebum

Price: RM66.50

Where to buy: Innisfree

14. OLAY White Radiance Light Perfecting Essence Serum

One of the most popular face essences in Malaysia, the OLAY White Radiance Light Perfecting Essence Serum can make your skin dewy, supple and smooth. It can enhance radiance from within while also brightens and lightens your skin tone. With regular use, you can notice the look of spots significantly reducing. To add to that, the texture of the essence is light and absorbed quickly into the skin without being too greasy. Oh, and the refreshing smell of jasmine and rose, can truly awaken all your senses.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight texture
  • Refreshing scent
  • Brightens the skin

Price: RM84.90

Where to buy: Watsons Malaysia 

15. WEI Royal Ming Imperial Tonic Essence

This alcohol-free, skin-softening essence can drench your skin with hydration. The intuitive formula uses all-natural ingredients like tree peony, wild ginseng root and Tibetan safflower, all known for their impeccable skin smoothing properties. Just load your skin up with the essence across your bare face twice daily for a refreshing boost of hydration. You will love the cooling enhanced effect of the essence. Despite being on the pricer end, this essence is worth the price. 

Why we love it:

  • Alcohol-free formula
  • Natural ingredients
  • Intense hydration

Price: RM275.00

Where to buy: Sephora Malaysia

16. Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Sleeping Essence 

Last but not least in our list of the best face essences in Malaysia list is the Garnier Sakura White Pinkish Radiance Sleeping Essence. It is also super affordable and certainly on par with its luxury counterparts. It is a leave-in night essence that will give you gorgeous supple and vibrant looking skin the day after. It can help lock in moisture and plump up your skin while you are asleep. You will also see your skin having a subtle pinkish tone after regular use that cuz of the sakura.

Why we love it:

  • Good value
  • Seal in the moisture
  • Plumper looking skin

Price: RM31.10

Where to buy: Garnier Malaysia

17. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

The Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a game changer for creating a beautiful complexion. This essence’s fast-absorbing composition gives the skin a healthy, inner glow. The ingredient at its centre is snail mucin, which is well-known for its ability to deeply moisturise and soothe inflamed skin, particularly after a breakout. 

This essence, with its lightweight texture that is ideal for all skin types, is a must-have in your skincare regimen. Discover its nourishing components, including snail secretion filtrate, betaine, and sodium hyaluronate, which work together to replenish moisture and stimulate skin rejuvenation. With each use, it will transform your complexion, revealing a revitalised, radiant look.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Retains moisture and restores skin following breakouts

Price: RM69.49

Where to buy: Watsons

18. Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Essence Water

Introducing the Aiken Prebiotic Hydra Essence Water, a water-based, pH-balanced essence that absorbs rapidly and leaves your skin feeling fresh and radiant with no greasy residue. It intensely moisturises and nourishes your skin, providing a healthy, glowing complexion. 

This essence not only provides rapid moisture but also locks in hydration for up to 20 layers, keeping your skin hydrated all day. It’s a perfect nutrient boost for your skincare routine, having been dermatologically tested and providing numerous benefits. Give your skin the moisture it needs and enjoy a revitalised, plump, and healthier complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Locks in skin moisture
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Keeps skin hydrated all day long

Price: RM17.91

Where to buy: Watsons

19. Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

Get hold of the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water, a combination of essence and toner that is your passport to rejuvenated skin! Packed with 80% ginseng root water, this essence provides deep hydration while infusing your skin with antioxidants to protect it from external aggressors such as free radicals, which lead to premature ageing. 

It uses the rejuvenating benefits of ginseng to increase circulation and collagen formation, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and brightening the skin. With the addition of niacinamide, this product improves the skin barrier, increasing resilience, while ginseng’s anti-inflammatory effects soothe the skin from any inflammation. Experience the benefits of this essence as it regulates sebum production, nourishes your skin, and delivers a targeted anti-wrinkle treatment, leaving you with youthful skin.

Why we love it:

  • Provides anti-wrinkle and brightening effects
  • Promotes skin circulation and collagen formations
  • Enhances and maintains the skin barrier

Price: RM62.91

Where to buy: Watsons

20. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence

Experience the wonder of L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro Essence, the perfect answer for flawless skin from the first drop! This essence penetrates oily skin, effectively regulating excess sebum and minimising pores, revealing crystal-clear skin in just seven days, thanks to the strong pure salicylic acid infused in the essence. 

It has an ultra-light feel that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and non-sticky upon each application. With this essence, you will enjoy bountiful advantages, such as significantly reduced pores, greater luminosity, and improved skin texture, giving you the confidence to shine bright every day!

Why we love it:

  • Improves skin complexions
  • Effectively reduces pores
  • Results are proven as early as seven days

Price: RM65.03

Where to buy: Watsons

21. Elora Instant Lifting Essence

Introducing Elora Instant Lifting Essence, a marine magic elixir that is transforming skincare. This hypoallergenic essence, which is chemical-free, pH adjusted, and packed with unique Marine Bioactive Peptides, producing visible effects in just 60 seconds. It uses Nano Technology and EGF components to hydrate, tone, and smooth the skin, while marine collagen peptides creates resilience for healthier skin. EGA60 technology provides firm lifting in just one minute, leaving you with glowing, youthful skin. Say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles with Elora’s Instant Lifting Essence, which adds the beauty of the sea to your skincare routine instantly.

Why we love it:

  • Eliminates fine lines and wrinkles
  • Free of harmful chemicals
  • Reduces puffiness and inflammation

Price: RM300

Where to buy: Lazada

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