With new steps being added to your skincare regime by the second, routines have become more and more complex. The humble cleanse, tone and moisturise is being pushed aside, as things like serums, boosters, mists and essences play out for face and body. The Koreans and Japanese are crazy about it, a staple step that has long been part of the Asian skincare regime (and have you seen their skin?). But is an Essence really worth the buzz (and the bucks)? Here, we get to the essence of it…
An essence is often confused for its cleansing counterpart, toner, due to its clear, water-like consistency. However, don’t let its appearance fool you. The intended purpose of an essence isn’t for cleaning at all. Its function is placed half-way between a serum and moisturiser, and despite its watery-like consistency, it is brimming with nutrients and moisture for thirsty skin to drink up with ease.
Whilst formulas vary from bottle to bottle, essences have highly concentrated antioxidants, vitamins, organic acids, and sometimes fermented probiotics, to promote the longevity of your complexion.
It’s all about hydration; once you have a freshly cleansed face, that’s where an essence works its magic. Enriched with a potent cocktail of actives, its said this high dosage of actives penetrate deeply into the skin’s surface post-cleansing. Typically packed with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other natural extracts, skin is immediately nourished and comforted, plus it balances out the pH levels once you’ve stripped your skin of its natural oils.
However, an essence should not also be confused with a serum, which has even higher viscosity, is thicker in texture and usually comes packaged in teeny-tiny vial-like containers. The light-weight liquid form boasts a smaller molecular structure, which makes for rapid absorption sans the stickiness. The thickening ingredient in serums and the like, often leave skin with a film, whereas an essence will simply absorb in straight away. Many essences contain organic acids that also act as gentle exfoliation, promoting cell renewal for brightening and evening skin tone. Aiding the creation of hyaluronic acid on its own, so your skin is perennially hydrated and moisturised.
Application wise, it also differs to a toner. Lose the cotton pad and head straight to your paws; simply splash a few drops and gently pat or press onto the skin using your hands, starting from the chin in upward motions.
Think of it as an aid to your moisturiser, that not only helps to facilitate its efficacy, but gives you that extra hit of hydration, with its own anti-ageing benefits; so it’s time to splash your way to bouncy, wholly hydrated skin.
Here are our picks of the beauty bunch…
Jurlique Activating Water Essence (Available July)
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
This Works No Wrinkles Wonder Essence
Burt’s Bees Nourishing Facial Water With Clary Sage
