Korean skincare has literally taken the world by storm. K-beauty is the hottest trend, with influencers to regular individuals switching to Korean brands. But how did the Korean beauty industry receive such a buzz internationally? Its products are not only innovative and highly-efficient, but also use natural ingredients.
That said, Korean beauty products come in various types, from cleansers and toners to creams. If you have been doing some digging on Korean skincare, you have probably come across essence. Essence is a crucial component of the Korean skincare routine. It is usually used after cleansing and toning and penetrates deep into the skin to deliver active ingredients.
No doubt, an essence bottle is a must-have for healthy skin. But what exactly is contained in your typical Korean essence? While ingredients will vary with the brand, the most common ones you will find include:
Hyaluronic Acid
If you like the bright, plump look of hydrated skin, hyaluronic acid should be a top ingredient in your skincare products. Hyaluronic acid is a terrific hydrating ingredient that is actually produced naturally by your body. The slippery liquid can be found in many body areas, including skin, joints, and eyes.
For cosmetic use, and more so in Korean essence, this “magic goo” helps keep skin hydrated, smooth, and youthful. It also promotes healing and may even reduce scars.
Glycerin/ Glycol
Glycerin is another common ingredient in Korean skincare because of its humectant properties. Basically, a humectant is a water-absorbing substance that helps keep skin and even hair moist.
Glycerin, sourced from plant or animal sources, is added to essence products to help lock in moisture. Thus, it relieves dryness and refreshes the skin for a softer feel and smoother look.
Glycerin, together with hyaluronic acid, is the main component that makes essence so hydrating and rejuvenating.
Plant Extracts
Essence products are also infused with various botanical extracts. These plant extracts are known to have a host of benefits for the skin, acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Remember, you want to avoid prolonged oxidation as it speeds up the aging process by contributing to the loss of collagen.
That said, depending on the brand, these extracts can include:
- Soy: antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic
- Green tea: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- Chamomile: antimicrobial, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic, to name a few.
Vitamins, Minerals & Lipids
To complete the rich nourishing ingredients are usually vitamins and minerals. The most common vitamins in essence bottles include Vitamin C, E, D, and K. These are known to provide several benefits for the skin, including reducing dark spots, dryness, rough patches, redness, and even fine lines.
Minerals, otherwise known as electrolytes, help your skin retain water and stay hydrated. Some of the most common in skincare include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and chloride.
Water
Finally, the last key ingredient, in essence, is water. Water acts as the base for the essence, helping spread the active component on the skin’s surface. It is what gives the product its consistency.
Water also plays another critical role; hydrating the skin. For your skin to stay hydrated, you need water. And active ingredients like glycerin and minerals help retain that water for smooth, soft skin.
Korean Essence May Be the Game Changer in Your Skincare
Caring for your skin is the best way to keep a beautiful, youthful appearance. And it does not matter how old you are; good skincare is crucial for everyone. Now, if your skin has been feeling dry, rough, and dull, it is likely that you are providing it with enough hydration. What you need to see a difference is adding essence to your routine.