What is an Essence and Do You Need One?

It’s fair to say that the post-cleanse, pre-moisturising step can be confusing to say the least. So do you need an essence, and why?

Advocates say their complexions are more radiant when they use one. Sceptics say they don’t know why they need one. Those with oilier skins love the additional lightweight hydration. Dry skins love that too, but also the soothing, refreshing sensation on the skin. But an additional skincare step will take a few extra precious seconds of your morning (and/or evening) routine. So is it worth the effort? Here’s what you need to know.

An essence isn’t always called an essence. It can be called a toner, or - depending on the format - a mist, lotion or water. Essentially, it’s the step that comes after your cleansing and before your treatment serums and moisturising steps. In the old days, it was called a toner and was very much about being astringent - cleaning, closing pores and balancing pH levels. That’s all changed now. The essence - really the modern incarnation of a toner, is a still usually a water or very lightweight lotion, but now the emphasis is on hydration. It can help to hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin, leading to a healthier and more radiant complexion - without stripping or compromising the skin’s barrier.

Essences were made popular by Asian skincare routines where the emphasis is on skincare regimens that incorporate multiple layers of hydration - but have now gained traction worldwide. Essences are not always just about adding an extra dose of moisture. The good ones are formulated with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamins, and botanical extracts. They penetrate deeper layers of the skin than traditional toners, helping to hydrate, brighten, and balance the skin's pH levels.

Here's why you might want to include an essence in your skincare routine:

• Hydration: Essences are packed with hydrating ingredients that help to replenish moisture in the skin. This is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing dryness.

• Improved Absorption: Essences help to enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products. By prepping the skin with hydration, essences allow serums and moisturisers to penetrate more effectively, maximising their benefits.

• Brightening and Soothing: Many essences contain brightening agents and soothing ingredients like niacinamide, Vitamin C, and green tea extract. These can help to even out skin tone and calm any irritation or redness.

• Anti-Ageing Benefits: Some essences contain anti-ageing ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. These help to fight free radicals, boost collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

• Balancing pH: Essences often have slightly acidic pH levels, which can help to balance the skin's natural pH after cleansing. This is important for maintaining healthy skin barrier function.

At BEAUTY PIE, we’re a fan of ‘essence’ type products that you mist on (so as not to waste any precious product). The Jeju Daily+ Rehydration Mist is a micro-fine, refreshing, energising and hydrating mist/toner that’s especially good for rehydrating dry skins - and it’s so fine, you can reapply it throughout the day, over makeup. With hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, revitalising Bamboo Grass and antioxidant Jeju Yoshino Blossom. 

The Japanfusion™ Energy Essence Mist is amazing at turbo-charging ingredients in your serums and moisturiser. It’s a high-tech, micro-molecular hydrating prep tonic is infused with antioxidant Jabara Citrus and Grape Extracts, and an innovative complexion de-stressing Pombo Yeast moisture fusion. 

But if oiliness/enlarged pores is more your ‘thing,’ and you’re looking for more of a traditional toner, try the Dr Glycolic Pore Purifying Glow Toner that exfoliates dead, dulling skin cells to reveal a smoother, healthier looking complexion. With 9.2% Glycolic Acid, 1.5% Multi-Fruit AHAs, effectiveness-boosting Niacinamide, plus soothing Polysaccharides to keep skin dewy and smooth. 

Give them a moment to sink in so skin is stil moist but not wet, then apply your serum and/or moisturiser - followed, of course, by SPF.