What Is An Essence and How To Use It in a Skincare Routine

Read this guide to learn about the role of essence in skincare and how to use it in a routine.

Please note: I am not a doctor and all the information below is for illustrative and informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before starting any new skincare products. 

What is an essence?

Essence (also known as ‘skin’ in Korean beauty) is a very popular skincare step originating in Korea, which has now become popular all over the world. An essence is a lightweight liquid that deeply hydrates the skin and prep it for serums and moisturizers. It is usually formulated with ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and natural and fermented extracts from plants and fruits.

I think it’s important to also say here that essences aren’t considered a ‘must-have’ skincare product; it is more of a ‘nice-to-have’, if you’re looking for extra hydrating and soothing benefits for the skin.

Please note: I am not a doctor and all the information below is for illustrative and informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before starting any new skincare products. 

How does essence differ from toner and serum?

Essences are essentially designed with ingredients to hydrate the skin.

Toners can either have hydrating or exfoliating properties. A hydrating toner can replace an essence in a skincare routine because the benefits are quite similar. These days there are hybrid products called essence/toners.

If you are using an exfoliating toner, then using an essence after can be a nice step to hydrate the skin.

Serums like vitamin c, niacinamide and retinol are thicker in consistency and target specific skin concerns such as dullness, acne, ageing skin etc.

Benefits:

• Drench the skin in hydration
• Heal the skin
• Prep skin for serums and moisturizer
• Create the glass-skin effect

Different textures of essence:

Essences can have different textures ranging from watery to milky to gel-like, but they are all designed to absorb into the skin pretty evenly without leaving a sticky / greasy residue.

What kind of essence to use for different skin types and concerns?

Acne-prone / oily skin: Any oil-free essence with a watery consistency

Dullness / hyperpigmentation: Essence with ingredients such as niacinamide and licuorice root extract.

Dehydration / dryness: Alcohol-free essences with a thicker consistency that may contain silicones and botanical oils such as soybean, sunflower, castor etc

Sensitive skin: Alcohol, oil and fragrance-free essence with soothing ingredients like green tea and antioxidants and also rich in ferments

Ageing skin: Essence with antioxidants, fermentation treatment, black tea, hyaluronic acid etc

Where does essence fit in a skincare routine?

Essence are applied to skin after cleanser and toner.

How to apply essence and how often to use it:

Put a few drops in the palms of your hands and pat it gently into the skin. If you’re seeking extra hydration, try the Korean ‘7-skin method’, which essentially means taking a small amount of essence and applying it three to seven times on the skin.

Essences are generally gentle enough to use day and night.

Don’t use Vitamin C and exfoliating toners in the same skincare routine. Use Vitamin C in the AM and exfoliating toners in the PM, if used on the same day.

Don’t use retinoids / retinol on the same day as exfoliating toners. Alternate toner and retinol on different days.

If you’re curious to learn about other types of skincare products, click the links below:

What Is A Toner and How and When To Use It in a Skincare Routine

What Is A Serum and How and When To Use It in a Skincare Routine

Please note: I am not a doctor and all the information below is for illustrative and informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before starting any new skincare products.