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Some people have time for a 10-step Korean skin care regimen, while others—myself included—simply don't have the energy. Applying anything beyond an oil cleanser, face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen feels like time I could be spending getting a few extra winks of sleep. However, one thing I am trying to incorporate back into my routine is a Korean essence.
If you’re not as K-beauty obsessed as I am, you might not know what an essence is. “Essences are lightweight, water-based treatment products that deliver a concentrated blend of hydrating, brightening, and anti-aging ingredients for the skin,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician and the founder of Soko Glam and Then I Met You. They’re meant to be applied after toner but before a serum, and they also help prepare the skin to absorb other products by giving it a boost of moisture. “Koreans are obsessed with repairing the daily damage of the skin barrier, which leads to dry, flaky, and irritated skin,” explains Sarah Chung Park, the CEO of Landing International, a company that has helped a multitude of K-beauty brands expand to the U.S. “Essences are an essential tool to rebuilding a healthy skin barrier,” she adds.
Our top picks for the best Korean essences of 2024
No matter your skin type or needs, there’s an essence out designed to help. Dealing with dry skin? Go for one “that focuses on hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or fermented extracts,” says Cho. On the other hand, Cho reports that rosacea or acne-prone skin may appreciate an essence with soothing centella asiatica or green tea, and those battling dark spots have plenty of brightening formulas to choose from.
After testing some formulas on our skin, reading countless customer reviews, and consulting the skin experts, I compiled a guide to the 10 best Korean essences for hydrating, calming, brightening, and beyond. Better skin is only a scroll and a click away.
1
Best for All Skin Types
Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X
Now 40% Off
Pros
Suitable for sensitive skin- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Packaging not TSA-friendly
Missha is constantly tweaking and improving upon its beloved and wallet-friendly essence. Thr latest version features niacinamide and adenosine, which can reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. If you’re a complete essence newbie, you can’t go wrong with trying this one first.
Key ingredients: Desert cica yeast ferment, niacinamide, adenosine
Size: 5.07 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This was my very first essence. As an acne-prone teen, I pretty much burned my skin with harsh actives and acids. Plenty of redness, irritation, and below-the-surface dehydration followed. But I found that a few layers of this formula moisturized and soothed my skin without feeling too greasy like a heavy-duty moisturizer might.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
2
Best for Glass Skin
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Now 48% Off
Pros
- Improves skin texture
- Softens skin
Cons
- Some may dislike sticky texture
Park calls the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence the “granddaddy” of Korean essences, thanks to its enduring popularity over the years. “Formulated with 96.3 percent snail secretion filtrate, this essence restores and revitalizes the skin, combating dryness and signs of aging,” she says.
Key ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, betaine, allantoin, panthenol
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I have very dry skin. So when I’m in need of extra moisture, it only makes sense to put snail mucin on my face. This essence was the first product I used from this line, and once I saw how glowy it made my skin, I went out and bought the rest of the range the same day. It always leaves my skin feeling super hydrated and smooth with a dewy finish. So if you’re wondering how to get the glass skin look, I’d highly recommend this essence.”—Tasha Smith, ELLE beauty assistant
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Pros
- No sticky or greasy residue
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
This formula is essentially an essence-serum hybrid. “It has the benefits of the deeply nourishing fermented ingredients, but it also contains five percent niacinamide, which brightens the skin and improves the skin barrier,” explains Cho.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ellagic acid, black chokeberry
Size: 5.07 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This essence is perfect for my dry skin. It literally drinks it all up. It leaves my skin feeling plump, hydrated, and comfortable. It also helps reduce the redness that I tend to get on my cheeks. Also, the packaging is stunning!”
4
Best for Irritated Skin
Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
This essence features 100 percent centella asiatica, one of my favorite ingredients for calming irritation and redness. The plant derives “from Jeju Island, on land that has never been touched by pesticides, and undergoes a proprietary 72-hour low heat, high-frequency extraction method. This essence helps soothe and repair irritated skin and increases skin moisture, promoting collagen synthesis,” raves Park.
Key ingredient: Centella asiatica
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The Mixsoon Essence has become one of my favorite skincare products. I love how gentle it is—it works perfectly for my sensitive skin without causing any irritation. I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my skin’s texture and overall glow since I started using it. If you have sensitive skin and need a soothing, effective essence, I highly recommend giving this one a try!”
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Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Plumping
Cons
- May take time to see results
Cho describes this essence as an “absolute hydration powerhouse.” The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump. Plus, it is suitable for all skin types, “especially those dealing with dryness or dehydration, as it helps the skin retain moisture throughout the day,” she adds.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, hydrolyzed collagen, sodium hyaluronate
Size: 5.07 fl. oz.
Soko Glam rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Soko Glam reviewer says: “Makes my mature skin look more youthful and a wee bit plumper. I love this right before serums or on top of other essences. It’s not sticky, and I feel like it absorbs so nicely. Packaging is cute as well.”
6
Best for Dull Skin
Neogen Real Ferment Micro Toner
Pros
- Gentle
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
We may be obsessed with “glazed donut skin,” but there’s another food-related skin trend that has been all the rage in South Korea: “Honey skin.” The term describes a complexion that is as glowy and smooth as honey. If that sounds good to you, Cho says that this “is the perfect essence if you are looking to achieve honey skin—it will hydrate and brighten to give you that glow, and it is at such an affordable price point,” she explains.
Key ingredients: Micro-bio ferment complex 61% (bifida ferment lysate, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, betula alba juice, rice ferment filtrate (sake), panthenol
Size: 5.07 fl. oz.
Soko Glam rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Soko Glam reviewer says: “I have oily skin and love this toner. I used to also use the essence and loved that as well. It feels extremely light and hydrating, no harsh scent or sticky after feeling. Love it!”
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7
Best for On-the-Go
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist
Now 35% Off
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
If your dry skin feels tight and parched, as if you hadn’t applied a generous layer of moisturizer that morning, this mist is a welcome solution. In times like those, you can instantly restore order by spritzing on some of this essence, which hydrates skin, balances its pH, and brightens using licorice extract.
Key ingredients: Licorice root extract, bamboo water, algae extract, royal jelly extract , cenetella asiatica leaf water
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Soko Glam rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Soko Glam reviewer says: “This is a great multi-purpose product. It’s refreshing in the summer and provides an extra boost of hydration in the winter.”
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
Pyunkang Yul has sold millions of its Essence Toner worldwide, thanks to its simple yet highly effective formula. The essence, which only contains seven ingredients, is designed to provide hydration for up to 24 hours, reduce excess sebum, and help remove dead skin cells for more radiant skin.
Key ingredient: Astragalus membranaceus root extract
Size: 6.8 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love the viscous texture of this toner! Usually I use this after I wax my face by soaking it onto toner pads and leaving it on like a mask. I notice a significant difference in my skin’s redness and overall recovery time when I do and don’t use this toner afterwards. I also find it really hydrating, and it’s part of my recovery routine when my skin has visible dryness.”
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9
Best for Dehydrated Skin
Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Essence
Pros
- Free of artificial fragrances and dyes
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some report that packaging can be difficult to work with
Aestura’s essence focuses on supporting and strengthening the skin’s natural moisture barrier with ingredients like ceramides and amino acids. Because it’s quick-absorbing and lightweight, even those with oily skin can reap its benefits without dealing with any sticky residue. After all, oily skin can be a symptom of dehydration—if the skin isn’t moisturized enough, sometimes, it’ll overcompensate with excess sebum production.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, amino acids, minerals, lactic acid, PCA, urea
Size: 6.76 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Found this via Reddit and bought it on a whim. I have skin in the dryer side. I use this every morning, and my skin no longer gets dry. A little goes a long way (two shakes for the whole face), so this bottle will last quite a while. I highly recommend this product.”
Pros
- Fast results
- Adds a glow to the skin
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
This product hydrates like an essence and balances the skin like a toner. The addition of BHA also allows it to gently exfoliate the skin, while niacinamide brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of pores.
Key ingredients: Ginseng water, niacinamide, BHA
Size: 5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Honestly surprised by this product because it makes my skin glow so much. I ordered this not knowing what it would exactly do to my skin, but it actually hydrates my skin a lot. I used to only put moisturizer thinking it was enough for my dry skin, but I would wake up with dry skin. This toner regulates the moisture and keeps my skin hydrated 24/7. The texture is very light, so it does not feel heavy when you have a long skincare routine.”
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Meet the Expert
Charlotte Cho is the founder of Soko Glam and Then I Met You.
Sarah Chung Park is the CEO of Landing International.
What are some tips for applying essences?
According to our experts, you should always pat your essence into the skin with your hands—no rubbing allowed! “Patting ensures better absorption and allows the product to really sink into your skin. You can also layer essences if your skin feels extra dry or needs more hydration,” explains Cho. There is no need to wait for each layer to completely dry before going with another dose—“the dampness will help the ingredients absorb,” says Park.
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Can you use essences in the morning and at night?
Traditional essences are usually safe to use both morning and night. “In the morning, an essence helps to hydrate and prepare your skin for the rest of your routine, ensuring that your makeup applies smoothly and lasts longer. At night, it replenishes the skin after cleansing and helps the skin absorb more of the active ingredients from your serums and creams,” says Cho. Just be sure to apply sunscreen on top during the day, especially if your essence contains active ingredients like acids.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke to a Korean beauty expert about the best Korean essences. She also combed through reviews for top-rated options, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.
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Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
- The Best Korean Skin Care Brands in 2024
- The Best Korean Skin Care Products for Acne-Prone Skin
- The Best Korean Oil Cleansers for All Your Double-Cleansing Needs
- The Best Korean Toners for Healthy, Balanced Skin
- The Best Korean Moisturizers for Healthy, Hydrated Skin
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
