Essences

Unlock the secrets of luminous, healthy skin with our curated selection of Korean essences. These lightweight, yet potent formulations are designed to deliver a surge of hydration and prepare your skin for the subsequent steps in your skincare routine. Discover the transformative power of essences and elevate your skincare regime with Skinsider.

What is an Essence?

An essence is a water-based skincare product, lighter than a serum but more concentrated than a toner. It's formulated to deeply hydrate, nourish, and enhance the skin's ability to absorb other products. Essences often contain fermented ingredients, botanical extracts, and humectants that provide a concentrated boost of moisture.

What Does an Essence Do for Skin?

Essences replenish moisture, improve skin texture, and boost radiance. They deliver essential nutrients and hydration deep into the skin's layers, preparing it to better absorb serums and moisturisers. Using a skin essence can result in plumper, smoother, and more vibrant skin. Essences are also your go-to when you want to improve absorption for creams & moisturisers, while also making sure that skin is well hydrated.

If you have a specific aim in your skincare routine, be that reducing irritation or getting rid of dry patches, a good essence is only going to help speed up the process.

Essence Before or After Serum?

An essence should be applied before a serum. The lightweight texture of an essence allows it to penetrate the skin quickly, creating a hydrated base for the thicker, more concentrated serum to work effectively. Apply essence after cleansing and toning, followed by serum and moisturiser.

When to Use Essence in Skin Care Routine?

Incorporate an essence into your routine after cleansing and toning. It's typically applied before serums and moisturisers. Essences are designed to be used both morning and night, providing continuous hydration and nourishment.

If you use a Korean face essence as a part of your nightly routine, you will help your serum or sleeping mask to be absorbed more effectively.

What brands are known for K-Beauty essences?

We only ever stock brands we believe in, which is why there are only a select few, which we think are just fantastic with essences. Ones to look out for include:
Mixsoon
PURITO
COSRX
URANG

Explore Our Featured Essences:

Ask anyone who has a dedicated K-Beauty routine about essences, and they’ll tell you just how important it is helping toned skin feel firmer. Some of the most popular essences we highly recommend include:

Which essences are best for dull and dry skin?

With essences dealing with hydration, if you’re someone who has dull or dry skin, a good essence should become a pivotal part of your skincare routine.

APLB GLUTATHIONE NIACINAMIDE MIST ESSENCE is one of the lightest and the best essences for dull skin, while URANG True Rose Repair Essence has anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory properties which help tired skin feel and look calmer.

What are the best Korean vegan essences?

A good number of essences we have available are vegan-friendly, with some of the most notable options including:

You can see all our vegan products by clicking the filter button on the left side of the page.

Elevate Your Skincare Routine with Korean Essences

Discover the transformative power of Korean face essences and achieve a hydrated, radiant complexion. Our curated selection offers a range of formulations to suit your skin's unique needs.

 
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  • -20%
    APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Instant Calming Serum Pads

    APRILSKIN

    APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Instant Calming Serum Pads 80pcs

    Soothe irritation and restore balance with APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Instant Calming Serum Pads. These serum-soaked pads are designed to calm stressed, breakout-prone skin while delivering lightweight hydration and radiance. Infused with carrot-derived...
    MSRP: £20.00
    £20.50
    £16.40
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  •  Dr. Althea Anastatica Skin Conditioning Toner 250ml

    Dr. Althea

    Dr. Althea Anastatica Skin Conditioning Toner 250ml

    The Dr. Althea Anastatica Skin Conditioning Toner is a moisture-boosting, skin-reviving toner powered by Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, known as the “Resurrection Plant.” This botanical marvel helps skin retain moisture even in harsh...
    £18.00
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  • -25%
     Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence

    Dr. Althea

    Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence

    Dr. Althea Natural Radiance Essence is a brightening powerhouse, crafted to restore dull skin to its radiant, natural state. This essence features 85% Kakadu Plum Extract, an ingredient renowned for containing 150 times more Vitamin C than lemons, which...
    MSRP: £15.00
    £15.00
    £11.25
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  • -25%
     Dr. Althea Skin Relief Essence

    Dr. Althea

    Dr. Althea Skin Relief Essence

    Dr. Althea Skin Relief Essence is a nutrient-rich, ampoule-type Cica essence crafted to soothe and revitalize sensitive skin exposed to environmental stressors. Formulated with 85% Centella Asiatica Extract from pristine regions in India, this essence is...
    MSRP: £15.00
    £15.00
    £11.25
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  • -30%
    Mixsoon MIXSOON Heartleaf Essence 100ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Heartleaf Essence 100ml

    Experience the true essence of skincare with Mixsoon Heartleaf Essence! This Korean gem boasts 100% Heartleaf extract, visibly soothing and calming irritated skin while preventing breakouts for a clear complexion. Say goodbye to inflammation and redness...
    MSRP: £25.00
    £25.00
    £17.50
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    Mixsoon MIXSOON Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence 50ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence 50ml

    Introducing Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica - the solution for irritated and troubled skin! Formulated with 100% Centella Asiatica Extract, this essence boasts strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing redness and...
    MSRP: £18.00
    £18.00
    £14.40
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     Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

    Beauty of Joseon

    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

    Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water is a  refreshing, nourishing toner enriched with Hanbang(traditional Korean herbal medicine) ingredients for smoother and revitalized skin. The essence toner contains 80% of Ginseng root water. The complex...
    MSRP: £16.00
    £16.00
    £12.80
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  • Sold out
     URANG Prestige Purple Essence Toner 115ml

    URANG

    URANG Prestige Purple Essence Toner 115ml

    Unlock the secret to radiant, healthy skin with our highly nourishing Urang Prestige Purple Shield Essence Toner. Crafted with love and care, this non-sticky essence toner boasts a remarkable 81% organic balloon flower extract sourced straight from...
    £45.00
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    Mixsoon MIXSOON Bean Essence 50ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Bean Essence 50ml

    MIXSOON Bean Essence is a multi-functional product designed to deeply hydrate, repair, and rejuvenate the skin. At the heart of this essence is fermented soybean extract, which is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. This extract helps to restore the...
    £26.00
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    Mixsoon MIXSOON Bean Essence 30ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Bean Essence 30ml

    Introducing Mixsoon Bean Essence - the ultimate solution for achieving a smooth and dewy complexion! Formulated with fermented Soy Beans, Barley, Pear, and Pomegranate, this amazing essence deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin while also doubling up...
    £20.00
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     LAGOM Cellus Revive Essence Toner

    LAGOM

    LAGOM Cellus Revive Essence Toner

    Lagom Cellus Revive Essence Toner is one of those multi-taskers you want to have in your skin routine. You will love it as it provides hydration & moisture, and also firms the skin in one go. Lagom Cellus Revive Essence Toner provides Double Firming...
    £25.00