The Best Skin Essence For Your Skin Type

If you’ve been following the latest Korean beauty and skincare trends, you’ll no doubt have heard the word Skin Essence crop up on more than a few occasions. This skincare term has its origins in Asia. A facial essence has many names and may be called a facial mist, thermal spa water, thermal spring water, or a toner.

This article will discuss essences in skin care and what they do and how to find the best essence for your skin type.

What are essences in skin care products

What Is An Essence For Skin?

Touted as an essential step in the K-Beauty skincare routine, Korean Essence is similar to a toner and is used as a primer before applying a serum or moisturizer. Skin essences are much-loved among K-Beauty enthusiasts who say they are hydrating and allow your skin to better absorb key ingredients in the next product you use. In our opinion, essences are toners that are applied by misting the face or with a cotton pad. We use the words toner and essence interchangeably.

Here are some dermatologist-recommended essences that we love:

EltaMD Skin Recovery Essence Toner- has hydrating glycerin, biosaccharides, and the amino acid arginine that is a component of natural moisturizing factor. These help give skin a glass skin look.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence-

Skinceuticals phytocorrective mist has glycerin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and give it a glow, and antioxidants.

Bioderma Hydrabio Essence Lotion- has niacinamide to soothe skin, sodium PCA and mannitol to plump skin, and the antioxidant Vitamin E.

a-tocopherol, vitamin e

Is an Essence Necessary For Flawless Skin?

An essence is not right for every Baumann Skin Type. In fact, our personalized skin care routines tend to use serums more often than a toner or facial essence. To have flawless skin you need to use the best skin care products for your skin type. An essence may be essential for your skin type- or it may not be necessary. Read below to find out which essence to use for your skin type. But- your best bet is to take the skin type quiz to find out your skin type and get a personalized skin care regimen that will tell you if an essence is right for your skin type.

essence vs serum

What’s The Difference Between An Essence And A Serum?

Essences and serums are both pivotal steps in a comprehensive skincare routine, designed to be applied after eye creams as the third step in your regimen. Though they are both formulated with hydrophilic (water-attracting) ingredients that allow them to deeply hydrate the skin, there are distinct differences in their composition and texture. Essences, which often feel akin to a toner, are generally more lightweight and have a higher content of water and alcohol. This thinner, more fluid consistency allows them to evaporate or absorb, making essences excellent for providing a base layer and preparing the skin for subsequent products without making the skin feel sticky. They also can help hydration skin to improve absorption of ingredients that follow.

On the other hand, serums are typically more viscous, resembling a gel-like consistency. They are usually more concentrated than essences and are designed to deliver a potent dose of active ingredients directly into the skin. Serums are formulated to address specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, dark spots, or loss of elasticity. Despite the differences in formulation and texture, both essences and serums work best when they penetrate deeply into the skin, ensuring that the active ingredients they carry are effectively delivered to the targeted layers of the skin.

Difference between oils and essences

Essence vs an Oil

An essence has water soluble ingredients. These do not mix well with oils unless an emulsifier is used. If you have dry skin use an oil, if you have oily skin, use an essence.

You can learn more about oils in skin care at this link.

Note- an essential oil and an essence are two completely different things.

How To Use An Essence

A skin essence usually comes in a spray bottle and is often referred to as a ‘mist’, such as Element 47 Skin Fortifying Mist, or it is sometimes applied using a cotton ball, though some dermatologists recommend gently pressing into your skin using your fingertips.

Essence or Serum First?

You can use an essence and a serum together if they have compatible ingredients. If you use both a serum and an essence, the essence should be applied first, then the serum.

Essence or Moisturizer First?

If you use a moisturizer and an essence together, the essence is first and the face cream will go last. However, make sure your moisturizer goes well with ingredients in the essence because moisturizers can inactivate ingredients when you layer them.

This is why every product in your skin routine and which step you use them in matters.

Which essence is right for your skin type

What Skin Essence Should You Use For Your Skin Type?

The Best Moisturizing Essence For Dry Skin

Dry skin types should opt for an essence that will hydrate skin after cleansing, without injuring the skin barrier and drying the skin out further. Do not use skin essences with alcohols. (Fatty acid alcohols are ok). Denatured alcohols in toners and essences lead to dryness of the skin if they are found in a large concentration in products. Many facial essences have too much alcohol for dry skin types.

Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) helps to increase the moisture content of the skin for lightweight hydration. It is a component of natural moisturizing factor and wonderful for dry skin types when used under a moisturizer.

Ingredients in the best essence products for dry skin are:

Aloe Vera

Calendula (Marigold)

Chamomile

Cucumber Extract

Feverfew

Glycerin

Green Tea

Hyaluronic acid

Panthenol (Provitamin B5)

Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA)

Sodium PCA

Sorbitol

If you want to keep your skin care routine simple and affordable, skip the essence and focus on a good cleanser and moisturizer for your dry skin instead. These are more important for dry skin types than essences.

hyaluronic acid

The Best Skin Essence for Oily Skin

Oily skin types can benefit from using a skin essence in their skincare routine to help unclog pores, remove excess sebum, and lift traces of dirt and grime after cleansing.

If you have oily skin look for essences with witch hazel, alcohol, and silver. The antiseptic properties of witch hazel reduce pores, alcohol and silver kill skin bacteria.

The Best Essence For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin types should opt for an essence that has calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe the skin.

Look for ingredients like aloe vera that soothes inflammation.

Good soothing ingredients to look for in facial essences are:

green tea

best essence for sensitive skin

The Best Essence For Combination Skin

To achieve fresh skin, combination skin types need a gentle exfoliating face essence that will leave the skin feeling smooth and looking radiant.

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

$46.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Brighten It 10% Lactic Acid Solution

$62.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Restore It 7.5% Glycolic Exfoliator

$62.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner

$25.99

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

$46.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Brighten It 10% Lactic Acid Solution

$62.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Restore It 7.5% Glycolic Exfoliator

$62.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner

$25.99

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

$46.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Brighten It 10% Lactic Acid Solution

$62.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Restore It 7.5% Glycolic Exfoliator

$62.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner

$25.99

Add to Cart

The Best Essence for Acne Skin

If you have acne, look for a skin essence mist that contains silver to kill skin bacteria and keep skin fresh. Avoid any essences with comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil.

Aloe is also good for its anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin E to moisturize the skin and protect it from free radicals.

Acne treatment essence in a facial mist is popular since its spray application means it can be used in hard-to-reach places, such as on the back or buttocks.

Ingredients to look for in essences to treat acne:

salicylic acid

silver

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

Derma Made AHA+BHA Peel Pads

$45.00

Add to Cart

Medature Clarifying B Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

$30.00

Add to Cart

Murad Clarifying Toner

$30.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

Derma Made AHA+BHA Peel Pads

$45.00

Add to Cart

Medature Clarifying B Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

$30.00

Add to Cart

Murad Clarifying Toner

$30.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

Derma Made AHA+BHA Peel Pads

$45.00

Add to Cart

Medature Clarifying B Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

$30.00

Add to Cart

Murad Clarifying Toner

$30.00

Add to Cart

Exfoliating toners can also help prevent clogged pores.

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

$46.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Brighten It 10% Lactic Acid Solution

$62.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Restore It 7.5% Glycolic Exfoliator

$62.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner

$25.99

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

$46.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Brighten It 10% Lactic Acid Solution

$62.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Restore It 7.5% Glycolic Exfoliator

$62.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner

$25.99

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

$46.00

Add to Cart

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner

$48.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Conditioning Toner

$38.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Brighten It 10% Lactic Acid Solution

$62.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Restore It 7.5% Glycolic Exfoliator

$62.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Toner

$25.99

Add to Cart

essences for wrinkle prone skin

Essence for Aging Wrinkle-prone skin

Anti-aging essences should contain antioxidants. You cannot have too many antioxidants on your skin. Water soluble antioxidants like green tea and Vitamin C can be found in essences to treat wrinkles.

Murad Essential-C Toner

$42.00

Add to Cart

Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse

$45.00

Add to Cart

Replenix Soothing Antioxidant Mist

$22.00

Add to Cart

Hypoallergenic Facial Essences For Allergic Sensitive Skin Types

If you have allergic skin, avoid any essences that have the most common allergens. Look for hypoallergenic toners.

Bioderma Sensibio Tonic Lotion

$10.99

Add to Cart

Essence Water For the Face

An essence water is also called a thermal spring water, thermal spa water or a facial mist. (Micellar waters are not essences, they are cleansers.)

There are many types of water that may be in an essence water. The type of water determines the benefits that the essence will have.

Shea Terra Rose Hips Damask Rose Ester-C Collagen Regeneration Facial Mist

$18.00

Out of Stock

Osmosis Skincare Boost Peptide Activating Mist

$34.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Soothing Face Mist

$19.99

Add to Cart

Osmosis Skincare Mineral Hydration Mist

$26.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Take Your Vitamins Daily Mineral Spray for Thirsty Skin

$14.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

$13.99

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist

$70.00

Add to Cart

Vichy Mineralizing Volcanic Thermal Water

$5.50

Out of Stock

Vichy Volcanic Water

$10.00

Add to Cart

Nuxe Very Rose Refreshing Toning Mist

$21.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra Rose Hips Damask Rose Ester-C Collagen Regeneration Facial Mist

$18.00

Out of Stock

Osmosis Skincare Boost Peptide Activating Mist

$34.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Soothing Face Mist

$19.99

Add to Cart

Osmosis Skincare Mineral Hydration Mist

$26.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Take Your Vitamins Daily Mineral Spray for Thirsty Skin

$14.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

$13.99

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist

$70.00

Add to Cart

Vichy Mineralizing Volcanic Thermal Water

$5.50

Out of Stock

Vichy Volcanic Water

$10.00

Add to Cart

Nuxe Very Rose Refreshing Toning Mist

$21.00

Out of Stock

Shea Terra Rose Hips Damask Rose Ester-C Collagen Regeneration Facial Mist

$18.00

Out of Stock

Osmosis Skincare Boost Peptide Activating Mist

$34.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Soothing Face Mist

$19.99

Add to Cart

Osmosis Skincare Mineral Hydration Mist

$26.00

Add to Cart

ClarityRx Take Your Vitamins Daily Mineral Spray for Thirsty Skin

$14.00

Add to Cart

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

$13.99

Add to Cart

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist

$70.00

Add to Cart

Vichy Mineralizing Volcanic Thermal Water

$5.50

Out of Stock

Vichy Volcanic Water

$10.00

Add to Cart

Nuxe Very Rose Refreshing Toning Mist

$21.00

Out of Stock

Organic, natural and clean facial essences

There are many plant derives essences that are organic, natural and clean. First find out your skin type and then look for organic ingredients to treat the underlying skin concerns that your skin type has.

16 Bauman Skin Types

In summary

Hopefully this will help you to take your skincare routine to the next level, and if someone asks you “What is an essence in skincare?” you can tell them: “A trendy word for a fresh toner that is misted on the face.”

But before you shop for an essence, make sure you need one in your skin care routine. Take the quiz and we will tell you what products are best for your Baumann Skin Type.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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