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.

 
Sidebar
  •  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
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -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
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -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
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -60%
    Mixsoon MIXSOON Panax Ginseng Root Essence 100ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Panax Ginseng Root Essence 100ml

    Unleash the power of Korean skincare with MIXSOON Panax Ginseng Essence – the viral sensation revolutionizing beauty routines everywhere! Infused with 100% Korea's iconic Panax Ginseng Root Extracts, also known as Red Ginseng, this essence is your...
    MSRP: £25.00
    £25.00
    £10.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -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
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -20%
    Mixsoon MIXSOON Mung Bean Seed Essence 100ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Mung Bean Seed Essence 100ml

    Unleash the power of nature with MIXSOON Mung Bean Seed Essence! This refreshing daily essence harnesses the potent benefits of Korean mung beans, brimming with nutrients and minerals. Watch as it strengthens the skin, recharges moisture, and controls...
    MSRP: £25.00
    £25.00
    £20.00
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -20%
    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
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • -20%
     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
    Add to bag The item has been added
    Add to bag The item has been added
  • Sold out
    AXIS-Y Vita Frost Chilling Essence

    AXIS-Y

    AXIS-Y Vita Frost Chilling Essence

    Step into a world of refreshing bliss with AXIS-Y Vita Frost Chilling Essence, a Korean face serum tacklign redness. Say goodbye to redness and irritation as this soothing essence works its magic with the power of Vitamin E. Watch in awe as tiny white...
    £21.00
  • -35%
    Sold out
    AXIS-Y Hydration Heroes Set

    Mixsoon

    Hydration Heroes Set

    The Hydration Heroes Set is a dynamic duo designed to deeply cleanse, hydrate, and restore your skin, leaving it soft, supple, and glowing. Perfect for those seeking a refreshed and luminous complexion, this set works in harmony to provide a flawless...
    MSRP: £39.00
    £39.00
    £25.35
  • -60%
    Sold out
     Manyo Heather Calming Essence 50ml

    Manyo

    Manyo Heather Calming Essence 50ml

    The Manyo Heather Calming Essence is a specialised treatment for sensitive and irritated skin. Its gentle yet effective formula helps soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and relieve discomfort. The essence not only calms irritation but also replenishes...
    MSRP: £24.00
    £24.00
    £9.60
  • Sold out
    Mixsoon MIXSOON Beta-Glucan Essence 100ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Beta-Glucan Essence 100ml

    Unlock the secret to radiant, bouncy skin with MIXSOON Beta-Glucan Essence – the viral sensation sweeping through Korean skincare routines! Crafted with 100% Beta-Glucan extracts, this essence is your ticket to hydrated, nourished, and detoxified...
    £25.00
  • Sold out
     Rovectin Aqua Hyaluronic Essence 100ml

    Rovectin

    Rovectin Aqua Hyaluronic Essence 100ml

    Introducing the refreshed appearance of Rovectin's Best Selling Activating Treatment Lotion! Rovectin Aqua Hyaluronic Essence 100ml is a powerful essence that hydrates the skin to create a younger, more supple appearance. This anti-ageing barrier repair...
    £20.00
  • Sold out
    Mixsoon MIXSOON Bifida Ferment Essence 100ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Bifida Ferment Essence 100ml

    Simplicity meets effectiveness with Mixsoon Bifida Ferment Essence! This powerful Korean face essence is formulated with 100% Bifida Ferment Extract, working wonders for your skin. It aids in recovering from external stressors, boasting anti-ageing...
    £25.00
  • Sold out
    Mixsoon MIXSOON Galactomyces Ferment Essence 100ml

    Mixsoon

    MIXSOON Galactomyces Ferment Essence 100ml

    Unlock the secret to radiant skin with Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence! This powerful essence is formulated with 100% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, combatting skin discoloration, pigmentation, and acne scarring while providing deep moisturization...
    £25.00
  • 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
  • Sold out
     I'm From Mugwort Essence 30ml

    I'm From

    I'm From Mugwort Essence 30ml

     I'm From Mugwort Essence is a Korean face essence that harnesses the incredible power of 100% mugwort extract sourced from Ganghwa County in Korea. Packed with natural detoxifying properties, this essence is your ticket to a clear, glowing...
    £9.50
  • Sold out
     I'm From Mugwort Essence 160ml

    I'm From

    I'm From Mugwort Essence 160ml

    I'm From Mugwort Essence is a Korean face essence that harnesses the incredible power of 100% mugwort extract sourced from Ganghwa County in Korea. Packed with natural detoxifying properties, this essence is your ticket to a clear, glowing complexion in...
    £37.00
  • Sold out
     Tocobo BIFIDA Biome Essence 50ml

    Tocobo

    Tocobo BIFIDA Biome Essence 50ml

    Unlock the secret to a fortified and radiant complexion with the Tocobo BIFIDA Biome Essence. This Korean barrier-strengthening essence is your key to skin that's resilient, hydrated, and youthful. Get ready to experience a transformative skincare...
    £23.00
  • Sold out
    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
  • Sold out
    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