Facial essence: what it is, why and how to use it

Facial essence - what is it and what is it for?

Essence is a light-textured product that is applied at the third stage of facial care, after washing and toning. Its initial tasks are hydration (moisture saturation) and nutrition of the dermis, as well as enhancing the effect of subsequent applied products (emulsion, cream, serum, mask).

The main components of the essences are hyaluronic acid and collagen. Additional ingredients may include: snail mucin, plant stem cells, spider web proteins, African cleome flower extract, black caviar and many others.

A few more facts about the essence:

• It is easily absorbed and does not leave a film effect.
• Doesn't clog pores or tighten skin.
• It does not contain oils, which allows it to be used for oily and problem skin.

Replacing the cream

Unlike serums (essences are most often confused with them), essences do not need to be covered with cream - they work perfectly on their own. Apply the essence in one or several layers - and you will feel: the skin has enough moisture, it does not require additional products.

However, they are also friends with cream - essences can be easily integrated into your favorite care system: sometimes use only it, and sometimes supplement its action with cream for powerful rehabilitation and recovery.

How is an essence different from a serum?

Many girls and women do not see the difference between serum and facial essence, but in fact there are differences.

• The first thing to note is that the serum looks like a cream with a liquid consistency, and the essence is a clear liquid.
• If we consider the essence and serum by properties, then the essence is absorbed much faster, while the serum takes time.
• After applying the serum, the facial care procedure is not completed; you need to apply a moisturizer. But after applying the essence, you don’t have to use the cream.

This is the main difference between these tools.

How to use emulsion correctly

The key to reaping the benefits of emulsion is to apply it in the correct order. The cosmetic product should be used as the final touch in skin care. Therefore, it is recommended to apply it after the active product: it can be a cream or serum.

Photo by cottonbro: Pexels

So, if you first use an anti-aging serum in your daily care, then apply this serum first. Gently beat a small amount of emulsion on top of it. And don’t forget to use sunscreen as the last step.

If there are no serums in your care, then it is enough to use sunscreen in the morning, and after it - an emulsion.

It is not necessary to use a moisturizer afterwards, since the emulsion itself copes with this task no worse than a cream.

Thus, the emulsion is a liquid replacement for the usual cream. It should be used if there is no desire or opportunity to apply thick or greasy creams. It moisturizes the dermis no worse than cream, but is not felt on the skin. Use emulsion instead of cream or together with cream to moisturize dry dermis more. It will not conflict with other skin care products, so feel free to include the product in your daily care.

But the essence is not a mandatory care. Use the product if you want to improve your skin or give the dermis more vitamins, which is important during the cold season.

Popular brands 2022

• Dr.Healux Jewerly is a Korean-German cosmetics that appeared on the market back in 2006. Its main purpose was home care exclusively after salon procedures. Now the brand is actively producing series for home care, which can replace trips to the salon.
• Belita-M – cosmetics from Belarus. The company's first product was hair dyes. Over time, the number of product lines has grown, and now there are a variety of care products not only for hair.
• Payot is a French brand created back in 1925. The products are intended for face and body care.
• Etude House - cosmetics originally from South Korea. The range includes everything for creating bright makeup and professional skin care.
• Sashera-Med is a Russian cosmetics company that creates skin care products exclusively from natural products.
• Eunyul is a Korean skin care brand that also offers decorative cosmetics.
• A'PIEU is a brand from South Korea, founded in 2008. Most cosmetics and care products are designed for sensitive and dry skin.
• Art Life is a domestic brand that creates not only cosmetics and facial skin care products, but also weight loss products.
• Cefine is a Japanese company that uses the knowledge of Chinese medicine and the latest Japanese biotechnology as a basis for the development of cosmetics.

Tools Overview

Not all cosmetic companies have made sure that when purchasing an essence, you can complement your daily self-care sessions with other products. By using one series of products, the efficiency of use increases.

1. The Japanese brand Isehan, following the Korean example, has created a care series that consists of various products. Their gradual use enhances the effect of the previous product, and the result obtained can be observed for a long time.
2. The European analogue of comprehensive care is Chanel, the Sublimage series, consisting of all the necessary products for intensive rejuvenation.
3. Products from the USA under the Shiseido brand are designed to support youth and eliminate the signs of aging. All this is the Benefiance series.

By choosing the optimal line of products for your skin's needs, you can expect visible and lasting results.

Table: review of the best facial essences

The best facial essences

The best inexpensive facial essences

Mini-guide – which essence to choose?

What kind of skin do you have?

Normal, oily, combination, dehydrated.

Solution:

Renewing essence 9 Essential Seeds “9 valuable seeds”
Use the essence 9 Essential Seeds: it contains extracts of nine seeds, including chia, fennel, quinoa, lotus, grape, baobab seeds. They reduce the visibility of blackheads and age spots and even out skin tone.

Works as an independent or additional moisturizer, enhancing the effect of the next step of care. Promotes natural cell renewal and fills the skin with a healthy glow from the inside. Contains extracts of 9 seeds, including chia, fennel, quinoa, lotus, grape and baobab seeds. They reduce the visibility of blackheads and age spots, even out skin tone and texture. Light as water, the consistency allows the essence to deeply moisturize the skin without overloading it.

Suitable for all skin types.

Price: RUB 3,399

What kind of skin do you have?

Normal, dry, age-related.

Solution:

Nourishing Essence 8 Nourishing Beans “8 Nourishing Beans”
Use the 8 Nourishing Essence: it contains extracts of beans, black and red beans, mung beans, peanuts, carob, red beans, which increase skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Nourishes and soothes the skin, tightens and increases its elasticity, reduces expression wrinkles, and promotes regeneration.

Price: 3,699 rub.

Moisturizing essence 5 Energy Roots “5 roots for energy”

Intensely moisturizes, restores water balance, saturates cells with oxygen and improves skin tone.

Price: 3,099 rub.

The best facial essences

Dr.Heaiux Jewerly Essence

The essence of this brand is suitable for absolutely any skin type. Its main functions are nutrition, moisturizing and increasing skin elasticity. It is also used as a means to improve complexion.

Ingredients: hyluuronic acid, collagen, glycerin, snail mucin.

Pros:

• Suitable for any skin type;
• Performs its functions perfectly;
• Can be applied at any time of the day;
• There are different sizes of bottles on sale;
• There is a dispenser;
• Can be applied not only to the face, but also to the neck.

Minuses:

• The product is quickly sold out in stores.
• A bit high price.

Reviews:

• Anna: “The essence is just super. After a month of constant use, my complexion has evened out significantly. The elasticity on the face has not increased, but on the neck - YES! I'm very pleased with the effect."
• Ksenia: “This essence is the first I have experienced. The consistency is very pleasant, without any strong odors, it fits well on the skin and is absorbed quickly. Expression wrinkles have smoothed out a little. I’ve been using it for the third week and I like it so far.”
• Lyudmila: “I barely found this product in stores. I read positive reviews about it and decided to buy it too. I like the bottle with a dispenser - very convenient. My dry skin has constant flaking and inflammation. The essence quickly eliminated everything. I definitely recommend.”

Price - 1700 rubles.

Dr. Healux Jewelry Essence Facial Essence

Facial moisturizing essence Payot Hydra 24+

The main effect that can be achieved by using the essence is increasing skin elasticity, evening out complexion and active moisturizing.

Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E.

Pros:

• Professional product;
• Can be applied both day and evening;
• Maximum moisturizes the skin;
• Suitable for all skin types.

Minuses:

• Apply only to the face, not to the neck;
• Without dispenser.

Reviews:

• Maria: “I’ve been using it for less than a month. Perfectly moisturizes the skin and does not leave a sticky feeling.”
• Julia: “I am very pleased with the use! The quality is simply superb. The skin is velvety and pleasant to the touch. The complexion evens out instantly.”
• Katerina: “I took it to get rid of wrinkles on my forehead. I used the essence for about two months. The wrinkles have smoothed out a little. I will buy more."

Price - 1500 rubles.

Payot Hydra 24+ Moisturizing Essence for Face

Etude House Wonder Pore Tightening Essence

Description: The main tasks of the product are to narrow pores, mattify the skin of the face, and, directly, increase skin elasticity.

Ingredients: castor oil, glycerin, collagen.

Pros:

• Suitable for any skin type;
• Apply during the day and/or evening;
• Bottle with dispenser.

Minuses:

• For use on the face only;

Reviews:

• Natalia: “I liked the product. After overnight use, the skin is very soft and matte.”
• Nina: “It was not possible to smooth out deep wrinkles, but the pores narrowed and the complexion evened out. I like the result."
• Alina: “Ideal for oily skin. Nothing shines, the skin is super matte. The effect is cumulative. I will take more!”

Price - 1800 rubles.

Etude House Wonder Pore Tightening Essence

Eunyul Horse Oil Essence

The product is applied both during the day and at night. Horse oil used as a base helps nourish the skin and moisturize it, which will help remove inflammation and prevent frostbite of the skin in winter. Hyaluronic acid helps quickly restore skin elasticity.

Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, horse oil, green tea extract.

Pros:

• Apply at any time of the day;
• Protects the skin during the cold season;
• Does not contain sulfates and parabens;
• Strengthens the effect of products applied after it;
• Convenient packaging.

Minuses:

• Apply to the face only;
• Used only in autumn and winter.

Reviews:

• Zina: “For dry and sensitive skin in the winter, this essence is a real salvation! Inflammation and redness go away instantly.”
• Angelica: “It’s unlikely to remove wrinkles, but it moisturizes very well. I recommend".
• Karina: “The skin after the essence is so smooth and pleasant. And I noticed that if you apply essence before makeup, and then makeup base, the fresh appearance lasts all day. I'll take more."

Price - 1350 rubles.

Eunyul Horse Oil Essence

A'PEIU Nonco Mastic Balancing Moisturizer

The essence is designed exclusively for dry and sensitive skin. It does its job perfectly: moisturizes, dries out inflammation, protects from wind and cold.

Ingredients: natural ingredients, vitamin E, collagen, hyaluronic acid.

Pros:

• Relieves skin stress;
• Carefully takes care of the face;
• Soft texture;
• Professional Asian cosmetics;
• Apply at any time of the day.

Minuses:

• Designed exclusively for dry and sensitive skin;
• Hard to find.

Reviews:

• Kira: “I have been looking for this essence for a very long time. When I found it, I was convinced that there was nothing better! Dry skin is immediately nourished with beneficial elements and appears healthier.”
• Ruslana: “I purchased the product on the advice of a friend who always suffered from all sorts of flaking and other problems of sensitive and dry skin. In three days, all the redness disappeared from my face. You should always keep this essence in your arsenal."
• Nadezhda: “Nice texture, but won’t remove wrinkles. Suitable for moisturizing, nothing more"

Price - 1480 rubles.

A'PIEU Nonco Mastic Balancing Moisturizer Facial Moisturizing Essence

Energy facial essence Art Life Golden Cocoon Energy Essence

The essence performs standard functions - nutrition, moisturizing, increasing elasticity. It can even be used as a base for makeup. A large amount of hyaluronic acid helps reduce the number of fine wrinkles.

Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycerin, niacinamide.

Pros:

• Apply at any time of the day;
• Can be used as a base for makeup;
• Soft texture;
• Does not contain sulfates and parabens;

Minuses:

• Price;
• Apply to the face only;
• Without dispenser.

Reviews:

• Anastasia: “The essence is expensive, but the effect is amazing! Expression wrinkles are smoothed out instantly. I've been using it for two weeks so far. I plan to buy another bottle later."
• Valeria: “Wrinkles are slowly but surely leaving my face. It's a pity that the product is not intended for the neck. In addition to increasing skin elasticity, the complexion has become significantly better.”
• Marina: “I didn’t really like the essence, but it’s great as a makeup base”

Price - 2540 rubles.

Art Life Golden Cocoon Energy Essence Energetic facial essence

Rejuvenating facial essence with pure collagen Cefine Pure Collagen

The essence allows you to very quickly restore the skin and restore its elasticity. In addition to 99% (!) pure collagen, the composition also contains hyaluronic acid, which promotes hydration.

Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, collagen.

Pros:

• Rapid skin restoration;
• Convenient bottle;
• Instant smoothing of facial wrinkles;
• Beneficial effects on the skin.

Minuses:

• Very high price;
• Difficult to find;
• Intended for the face only.

Reviews:

• Veronica: “This is the best essence for rejuvenation! I took it for my mother (she is 59 years old), after a month of use, the wrinkles became much smaller. I didn't think it would work. I definitely recommend.”
• Zoya: “The essence will not smooth out deep wrinkles, but there will be no trace left of facial wrinkles. Perhaps I just need to use it longer (I’ve been using it for three weeks so far).”
• Claudia: “The wrinkles remain. But the only plus is that the skin is perfectly hydrated.”

Price - 17,580 rubles.

Cefine Pure Collagen rejuvenating facial essence Pure collagen

Emulsion is a salvation for dehydrated skin

The product is in a slightly different category. The emulsion has a special texture, it is close to creams. It is based on a two-phase product made from an aqueous concentrate of active ingredients and cosmetic oils. The components are combined in a special way using emulsifiers. The result is a product with a light texture that does not clog pores. Its main task is fast and deep hydration without nutrition.

Two formulas:

• water-soluble components in oil Cosmetic products of this type are a kind of conductors that deliver the beneficial ingredients of the composition to the deep layers of the epidermis;
• oil components in water. Products of this type create an invisible protective film on the surface, retain moisture, and effectively soften the skin.

Important! Emulsions require compliance with storage conditions and temperatures. Otherwise, they delaminate and lose their properties. At best, the product simply stops working at full strength. At worst, it harms the skin.

The best inexpensive facial essences

Concentrated moisturizing essence for face Belita-M Galactomyces Skin Glow Essentials

Designed for maximum skin hydration and saturation with beneficial elements. The composition of the product makes it possible to achieve quick results in the form of radiant and velvety skin. With long-term use, elasticity also increases.

Ingredients: active component Galactoferm-NS, glycerin, castor oil.

Pros:

• Apply at any time of the day;
• Low price;
• Suitable for any skin type.

Minuses:

• Apply only to the face.

Reviews:

• Miroslava: “Moisturized skin and a matte complexion - that’s what you can achieve using this essence”
• Julia: “I really like the effect. The skin is simply unrecognizable. By the way, facial wrinkles are almost invisible. I recommend."
• Zlata: “The usual moisturizing effect, nothing surprising. Price and quality correspond"

Price - 340 rubles.

Bielita Galactomyces Skin Glow Essentials Intensive facial activator serum for all skin types

Rejuvenating facial essence with myrothamnus extract Sashera-Med Sashel Liposal

The essence tones, moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Thanks to this, the rejuvenation process is accelerated. Due to its rich natural composition, the product relieves swelling and eliminates inflammation.

Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, natural extracts and concentrates, minerals.

Pros:

• Low price;
• Hypoallergenic product;
• Natural composition;
• Apply at any time of the day;
• Relieves swelling.

Minuses:

• Will not smooth out deep wrinkles;
• For use on the face only.

Reviews:

• Olga: “It’s just perfect for dry skin. Maximum hydration"
• Vita: “This essence is simply magical. Relieves swelling instantly! I recommend"
• Irina: “Unfortunately, it is not suitable for oily skin. But for sensitive and dry skin – definitely yes! The inflammation is gone."

Price - 340 rubles.

Sashera-Med Sachel Liposal Rejuvenating facial essence with myrothamnus extract

Rejuvenating facial essence Secrets Lan Beuaty.Ko

The product is created for maximum skin hydration. The active components in the composition accelerate the process of restoring skin elasticity. Suitable for all skin types, but designed for daytime use only.

Ingredients: collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycerin.

Pros:

• Very budget essence;
• Convenient packaging;
• Good rejuvenating effect.

Minuses:

• Apply during daytime only.
• Application area: face;
• Small packaging volume.

Reviews:

• Sofia: “It does a great job with expression lines! An ideal essence for young girls.”
• Inna: “The texture is very soft and pleasant. Skin then like a baby's. I'll take more."
• Tatyana: “For your money - super! The face is hydrated and healthy. Within a month of using the product, my complexion has become better, and the wrinkles on my forehead are not so noticeable!”

Price - 160 rubles.

Secrets Lan Beauty.Ko Rejuvenating facial essence

Ampoules

Ampoule serum or simply ampoule is the top of the cosmetic chain. They contain the maximum possible useful components. Ampoules are not used on an ongoing basis, but only when the skin needs additional help. After 3-4 weeks of using the product, it is recommended to give the skin a rest. If the bottle does not indicate whether it is a night or day serum, then it can be used 2 times a day, morning and evening.

How to use facial essence correctly: instructions

1. Wash.
2. Cleanse skin of makeup.
3. Apply toner to skin.
4. Apply a small amount of essence with your fingertips all over your face.
5. After this, you can apply face cream or makeup if the essence was used as a base for makeup.

Essence is an amazing product of the cosmetic world that came to us from Asia. Just one bottle performs many functions, thanks to which the facial skin gradually becomes ideal.

In our rating, we have collected the 10 best facial essences based on reviews written by consumers. We hope it will help you with your choice. If we missed something, write in the comments. We wish everyone perfect skin!

Maximum deep hydration

Korean women apply essences using the 7Skin method: it involves sequential application of 7 (!) layers of essence to the skin. Thanks to the multi-layer application of one product, the skin receives several times more active substances. At the same time, it is not overloaded with heavy consistencies, is not wrapped in several layers of dense nourishing cream - and the level of moisture increases significantly. In addition, multi-layer application forces the skin to really absorb every last drop - the beneficial ingredients penetrate as deep as possible into the skin.

We tried this method ourselves - and we can say for sure: it works! The number of layers can be adjusted independently: sometimes 4-5 are enough, and sometimes (for example, after a long flight) 10 really save the skin.