What is a facial essence and why is it more important than a moisturiser?
WHAT IS A FACIAL ESSENCE AND WHY IS IT MORE IMPORTANT THAN A MOISTURISER?
The first recipes for facial essence were discovered in a beauty handbook for geishas in 1813. It was a concentrate rich in plant ingredients obtained by distillation or using a method similar to brewing traditional Japanese tea. Eighty-four years later, essence reached the wider Asian market. Women there immediately embraced its philosophy, instant effects and easy application. Essence became part of Asian women's daily skincare routines, and they still call it “miracle water” today. Essences only began to flourish in Europe after 2014, when a renowned French brand launched an activating facial lotion.
ESSENCE VERSUS TONER AND SERUM
Many women find the light, liquid texture and effects of an essence confusing. They often mistake it for a facial toner or serum.
Toner has a cleansing role. It removes make-up, impurities, toxins and excess sebum from the pores. It is the final step in cleansing your skin.
Serum is more concentrated than toner and essence. It targets a specific concern, such as firmness, radiance or smoothness.
Essence has a lower molecular weight than serum. The highly concentrated active ingredients it contains penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Essence therefore acts as micronutrition at a cellular level. Its active ingredients immediately address the concern and provide much more intensive hydration. They also prepare the skin to absorb serum or other products more effectively.
Essence combines all the benefits of other products, with immediate effects.
Our tip
Brightening Day Facial Essence
Its unique formula leaves skin looking radiant and healthy. It gives skin natural elasticity and firmness. It protects against UV radiation and oxidative stress and helps reduce inflammation. It stimulates the skin's own collagen production, slowing the ageing process. An effective combination of active ingredients reduces the appearance of pigmentation spots and evens out skin tone.
The essence's properties are enhanced by vitamin C and antioxidants. These firm and brighten the skin while significantly reducing the signs of photoageing.
The formula is based on an antioxidant complex with the exceptionally precious ingredients ectoin and raykami.
Find out more: 12% Vitamin C Concentrate
THE GENTLE POWER OF NATURE
Essence works like an infusion. It absorbs quickly, delivers targeted action and is the first step in your skincare routine. Its main role is hydration. That is why it contains hyaluronic acid and glycerine, which soften and plump the skin. Other active ingredients include plant extracts. Their composition depends on the essence's intended effect. For example, a formula containing vitamin C evens out skin tone, niacinamide and peptides slow the ageing process, while AHA and BHA acids remove dead skin cells.
Unlike other skincare rituals, which can often be harsh on the skin, essence offers the gentlest, most natural and fastest route to overall skin revitalisation. Its light, watery texture, full of micronutrients, reaches the deepest layers very quickly, where cells begin to transform immediately.
One of the main roles of an essence is to protect the skin microbiome. This is responsible for the skin's natural balance and supports its overall health.
WHY ADD AN ESSENCE TO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?
* Immediate skin hydration and regeneration
* Smoothing of wrinkles and fine lines
* Mattifying the skin
* Evening out skin tone
* Soothing and brightening the skin
* Improving skin texture
* Balancing skin pH
* Supporting the skin's natural functions
* Easy application – immediate results
* Regular use of an essence restores a youthful, healthy appearance to the skin
Essences are suitable for all skin types. If you have acne, avoid formulas containing probiotics and fermented ingredients.
Our tip
Renewing Night Facial Essence
The concentrate penetrates deep into the skin, where it works overnight. It renews, revitalises and regenerates the skin and stops the signs of ageing. It evens out skin tone and leaves a matte finish. It regulates sebum production and visibly reduces the appearance of pores. It reduces hyperpigmentation and the appearance of dark spots. It has exfoliating properties, removing dead cells while stimulating the growth of new ones. It restores the skin's health, beauty and youthful appearance.
Find out more: Rejuvenating Night Exfoliant