When you think of Korean skincare, essences come to mind. Essences form a crucial part of Korean skincare, and they are what makes Korean skincare unique. To understand what an essence is, it’s important to look at the distinct features. When should you use this product? Where in your Korean skin care routine does an essence fit in? We’ll lay it all out for you futher down the page.
Essence
![COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/178726973/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/178726973/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Mixsoon Bean Essence Mixsoon Bean Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/434074841/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Mixsoon Bean Essence Mixsoon Bean Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/434074841/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/355836109/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/355836109/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/425558973/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner Numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/425558973/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![I'm From Mugwort Essence I'm From Mugwort Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/311626790/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![I'm From Mugwort Essence I'm From Mugwort Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/311626790/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/222883562/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/222883562/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/447933174/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/447933174/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid COSRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/208006457/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid COSRX Two In One Poreless Power Liquid](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/208006457/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/320690717/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/320690717/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/434039805/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/434039805/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/341452319/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/341452319/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/448489304/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/448489304/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/444001316/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/444001316/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Isntree Clear Skin 8% Aha Essence Isntree Clear Skin 8% Aha Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/431844320/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Isntree Clear Skin 8% Aha Essence Isntree Clear Skin 8% Aha Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/431844320/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Purito Seoul Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence Purito Seoul Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/331912782/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Purito Seoul Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence Purito Seoul Galacto Niacin 97 Power Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/331912782/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Purito Seoul Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence Purito Seoul Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/331913614/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Purito Seoul Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence Purito Seoul Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/331913614/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/187735649/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/187735649/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/275866753/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/275866753/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/395863145/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/395863145/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/341537999/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/341537999/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-cica Essence Toner SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-cica Essence Toner](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/429668880/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-cica Essence Toner SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-cica Essence Toner](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/429668880/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Boosting Essence By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Boosting Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/435078021/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Boosting Essence By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Boosting Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/435078021/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/429158223/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/429158223/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/264432164/500x500x2/image.jpg)
![Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence](https://cdn.webshopapp.com/shops/243452/files/264432164/500x500x2/image.jpg)
Korean Skincare Essence
What is an essence?
Perhaps you already know a little about the Korean 10 steps. In that case, you’ve probably heard about essences before. They truly are the backbone of the Korean skincare tradition. Essences are meant to deeply hydrate the skin, ensuring that your skin has sufficient water levels. A healthy moisture barrier is key to maintaining healthy skin, making essences an important feature in any skincare routine. Whether your main skin concern is dryness, scaly skin, moderate acne or skin irritation: you’ll want to include an essence in your routine.
Some people have trouble distinguishing essences from toners. It’s true that toners, like essences, provide hydration to the skin as well. However, there are certainly distinct differences between these two skincare products. Read on if you want to know what makes essences unique, and you’ll understand why we love them so much!
Essences are concentrated
Look at the first ingredient of your favorite essence. This could be any skin beneficial ingredient, depending on your current formula of choice. Is it propolis? The ultra hydrating superstar hyaluronic acid? Mugwort perhaps? Whatever it is, the first ingredient on the list is probably not water, but a superstar ingredient with several benefits for your skin. This is because essences tend to be very concentrated, and they contain high amounts of active ingredients that nourish, brighten or soothe your skin.
Essences for acne and skin problems
This brings us to our next point. Essences are hard to beat when it comes down to addressing specific skin problems, like dry skin, sensitive skin or irritated skin. They contain high concentrations of skin beneficial ingredients geared towards soothing, brightening, or firming the skin. Moreover, they really amp up the hydration levels in your skin. And hydrated skin is healthy skin. Long term use of an essence suited to your needs will lead to supple skin with less wrinkles, a more even toned complexion, and a beautiful glow.
There is a difference in packaging, too. Essences usually come in sturdy glass bottles or luxurious ampoules. So you can be sure your precious liquid is protected from light and air. These external influences can diminish the effectiveness of the product over time. These sturdy bottles are a lot more hygienic, too. And they make your essence look very good on a shelfie!
When do I need an essence?
Now that you know what an essence is, you want to know when to use it. You’ll be glad to hear that that’s very easy: morning and night. And if you’re not sure where in your routine it goes, we’ll help you on your way too. Generally speaking, you should an essence after cleansing your face and after using a toner, but before the more moisturizing products such as moisturizers, gel-type moisturizers or emulsions. Cleanse your skin, preferably using the double cleansing method, and gently tap your skin dry. Apply your toner to cleansed skin, and wait for the product to be absorbed. Then you apply your essence. Spread some of the product over the palm of your hands and apply it on the dampened skin of your face and neck. We recommend that you apply your essence when your skin is still damp, to ensure maximal absorption of your product.
Buy essences at Little Wonderland
At Little Wonderland, we love essences. We have a big range of essences, so you’ll be sure to find your new holy grail. We have essences from Korean cult brands, and global best sellers like COSRX, Neogen and Secret Key. We’ve got everything you need when it comes to K-beauty and skincare.
Essences that are currently popular are the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence and the I’m From Mugwort Essence. If you order on a weekday before 22:00, we’ll send your package your way the same day. If you’ve got any questions about which essence fits your skin type, our customer service team is always happy to help.