Incorporating Korean products is my favorite way to level up my skincare game, which is why I’m continuing my Korean Beauty series with my picks for the best Korean essence.
I didn’t start using an essence in my skincare routine until a few years ago, but it made such a huge difference when I did.
If you’re looking to achieve that natural glow, you probably want to start including an essence in your daily routine. It’s important not to confuse essences with toners—don’t worry, I did at first!
Essences help prep and target the skin at a cellular level before applying your serums and moisturizer so that these products absorb your skin better.
You should invest in Korean essence since they have a lower molecular weight than your typical moisturizer to penetrate the skin.
Using one of my picks for the best Korean essence will keep your skin ultra-hydrated to maintain a youthful and strong skin barrier.
To make things easy for you, you can shop these Korean essence products by clicking directly on the images, the shopping buttons, and of course, the text links.
These are my affiliate links, which means that I receive a small commission when you purchase using my links (at no additional cost to you!), and I greatly appreciate you shopping with my links!
Shop my picks for the best Korean essence below:
9 Best Korean Essence Products
1. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
I had to start this list of the best Korean essence with the viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. I’ve seen this all over social and knew I had to try it out myself to see if it was worth the hype—and I can confirm it is! 😆
This essence is like a multivitamin for your skin and helps to hydrate, repair, and plump your face.
This Cosrx Power Essence was formulated with 96.3% snail secretion filtrate (I know it sounds gross, but trust me, it’s magical) and works amazingly on all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
I was so impressed that my fine lines became less prominent and noticeable after only a handful of uses.
If you’re trying to target hydration, anti-aging, and achieve an overall glow, this snail mucin serum is perfect for everyday use.
2. Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence
The Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence is another popular option for targeting dry skin and brightening your complexion.
This essence contains 93% fermented ingredients to deliver instant moisture that leaves your skin feeling extra plump.
I love that the Micro Essence formula is fragrance-free, so I don’t have to worry about breakouts. It also has 17% birch juice and 9% rice extracts to give that glow-from-within look.
After about two weeks of consistent use, I noticed my skin was a lot brighter and more hydrated.
I’ve also heard that this Neogen Micro Essence works amazingly under makeup to give a super fresh and dewy look.
Shop my picks for the best Korean essence products by clicking the images below!
3. Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5x
This is the fifth generation of the cult-favorite Missha Time Revolution The First Essence.
This essence has eight key skincare benefits: moisture, clarity, skin tone, texture, soothing, smoothing, hyperpigmentation, and protection—it’s a classic for a reason!
This essence is formulated with 97% Desert Cica Yeast Ferment that helps maintain your skin’s pH levels, strengthens your skin barrier, and provides a lot of hydration.
After using this essence for a few weeks, you’ll notice your skin looks less dull, and your pores will appear much smaller.
4. Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence
I’m obsessed with anything hyaluronic acid, and this Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence is formulated with an advanced form that holds 1000 times more moisture than water.
This essence will absorb quickly into the skin and deeply infuse it with hydration. After a few uses, you’ll begin to notice how insanely moisturized and plump your skin is.
If you’re sensitive to fragrances, this skin essence is also fragrance-free!
A little of this product goes a long way, so all you need is a few drops, which is part of the reason I consider this one of the best Korean essence products.
5. SkinRx Lab MadeCera Cream Double Essence Toner
The SkinRx Lab MadeCera Cream Double Essence Toner is another viral product that has been on my wishlist for some time now!
This essence toner is known as “strawberry milk” because of its cute pink color and milky consistency.
I love that this essence doubles as a toner to soothe, calm, and condition skin.
This essence is packed with ceramides and madecassoside that help protect your skin’s barrier from any pollutants or UV rays.
The milk protein also has natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to help turn over dead skin cells.
Your skin will be thanking you after using this Double Essence Toner!
7. Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence
I’ve been obsessed with Peach & Lily for a while now, and I’m surprised I haven’t tried this Wild Dew Treatment Essence yet. 🤩
This hydrating essence targets breakouts and improves the overall radiance of your skin.
It’s made with ingredients like lotus extract, niacinamide, yeast ferment, adenosine, bamboo extract, and radish leaf extract that make your skin look dewy.
I love that this essence has a water-like consistency that quickly absorbs into the skin and a very subtle floral scent—as a bonus, it works on all skin types.
Click the images below to shop my picks for the best Korean essence:
7. Missha Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence
The Artemisia Treatment Essence is another popular pick from Missha that helps nourish skin and calm redness.
This essence is formulated with 100% artemisia extract (aka mugwort), an anti-inflammatory ingredient loaded with antioxidants.
The Missha essence goes through a double fermentation process to extract the most active and effective form of all its nourishing ingredients.
If you have combination skin, you’re going to love this Artemisia Treatment Essence.
8. Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist
A list of the best Korean essence products would be incomplete without this Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist.
I love mist essences, and this is one of my holy grail products.
This essence mist has a milky texture that helps balance and soothe skin, and it’s packed with nourishing ingredients.
I’m obsessed with spraying this Balancing Essence Mist on my skin a few times a day for a quick refresher, and I highly recommend giving it a try!
9. Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence
Last but not least, I had to include the Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence, which contains 63% propolis extract and 10% royal jelly.
I’m obsessed with the ingredients in this essence because they’re packed with antioxidants that help strengthen your skin barrier.
This Skinfood essence also contains fermented yeast to provide extra hydration and even out your complexion.
There you have my favorite Korean essence products that work amazing on all skin types. If you haven’t been using essences in your routine yet, this is your sign to start. ✨
If you decide to invest in any of these amazing Korean essence products, tag me on Insta (@wtfab) so I can see what your skin care lineup looks like.
Shop the best Korean essence picks by clicking the images below:
Looking for more Beauty content? Get inspo here.
Best Korean Toners to Add to Your 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
Top 10 Best Korean Cleansing Oils
Niacinamide and Retinol: 10 Best Products to Try
Top 10 Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Skincare Products
Best Korean Eye Cream: Top 10 Eye Creams to Add to Your Skincare
The 10 Best Korean Moisturizers You Need to Try
FAQs
Some of the best Korean essence products include:
– Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
– Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5x
– Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence
Essences help prep and target the skin at a cellular level before you apply serums and moisturizers.
Yes, you can use essence every single day.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
