What is an Essence?

Essences in skincare might feel a little like the new kid on the block, but did you know that this step has been popular in K-beauty routines for at least a couple of centuries? With this foundation, it’s no surprise that they’ve remained popular to this day – but what is an essence exactly? And, more importantly, how can a facial essence help you get soft, glowing skin?

We had the same questions. And, with the launch of our very own LiquidGlo Brightening Essence (more on that later), we simply had to explore this exciting new skincare staple…

What is an essence?

An essence, in skincare, is a lightweight water-based product containing valuable active ingredients to improve the hydration and health of your skin. Or that’s it in a nutshell anyway.

But let’s go a little deeper: what does any of that actually mean for essences as skincare?

Firstly, an essence is always water-based. This maximises the absorption and hydration factor, while also staying gentle on your skin. It’s one of the reasons that essences are suitable for any skin type, even sensitive skin.

Secondly, a facial essence has a wealth of active ingredients to promote skin health. These can include:

• Glycol and/or glycerins: glycols are humectants, which mean they attract water and lock in moisture.

• Niacinamide: this helps to reduce inflammation, brighten the skin, and regulate oil production.

• Hyaluronic acid: another key ingredient to lock in moisture, hyaluronic acid helps plump and smooth your skin.

• Fermented ingredients: the best essences use fermented ingredients because this process breaks the components down into smaller molecules, allowing for deeper absorption into your skin.

• Plant extracts: natural flora like witch hazel and willow bark extracts are rich in antioxidising tannins, catechins, and flavinoids, all of which contribute to soothing and reducing oxidative stress in your skin.

Thirdly, essences are lightweight. Their thinner texture is gentle on the skin, absorbs quickly, and means a little can go a long way. Perfect for looking after your skin when you’re on the go, or away from home.

What are the benefits of using an essence?

So we now know what an essence is, and what it contains. But, what about the benefits? If facial essences have been super popular in the Korean beauty scene for this long, there’s got to be some mega advantages to using them…

1. Maximum hydration

The best facial essences are uber-hydrating. Between the water-based formula and humectant-rich ingredients, essences are a brilliant way to introduce moisture on a deeper level – especially before you use a thicker product like a moisturiser.

2. Deeper absorption

As we mentioned above, the best essences contain fermented ingredients. The process of fermentation breaks larger chains into smaller molecules; in skincare, this means your body can absorb the products easily, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin.

This improves their potency, allowing you to benefit more from the moisturising and protective properties of an essence. An essence also helps to prepare your skin to absorb successive skincare products, bringing more value to your whole routine.

3. Brighter skin

The active ingredients in a facial essence, like niacinamide, help to nourish your skin and reduce dullness. Since they’re ultra-hydrating too, this helps you to achieve a more natural, healthy looking glow.

4. Soothes irritation

Essences contain ceramides, which are fatty acids that support a healthy skin barrier and help to lock in moisture. These, and the gentle, lightweight formulation, mean that essences can reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.

Introducing the Sculpted By Aimee LiquidGlo Brightening Essence

Interested in adding a new essence to your skincare routine? Well then, say hello to our wonderful new LiquidGlo Brightening Essence, straight from the brilliant minds of the Sculpted by Aimee team (if we do say so ourselves). Drawing on decades of cultural knowledge and expertly crafted in South Korea, this is a super facial essence for glowing skin.

Your shortcut to smoother, brighter skin, our LiquidGlo Brightening Essence is supercharged with niacinamide and a unique fermented ingredient blend to maximise absorption, refine your pores, and promote your natural radiance.

Our lightweight, fast-absorbing formula adds a gentle layer of your skincare routine, slotting sweetly between toner and serum to maximise hydration and prepare your skin for better product absorption overall.

And don’t just take our word for it! 100% agreed their skin no longer looked dull* with LiquidGlo Brightening Essence.

*Based on a blind panel test of 66 people ranging from 18-65 years of all skin tones and types over a four-week period.

Facial essence FAQs

Still got some questions for us? Find some answers to other commonly asked facial essence questions below…

When should you use a facial essence?

For maximum impact, use your essence after using a cleanser and toner, but before you apply serums or moisturiser. Essences are lightweight, and help rehydrate your skin after cleansing. They also get your skin ready to absorb other products.

Keen to complete the Sculpted routine? The order goes like this:

• Cleanse: With DuoCleanse.

• Prep: With LiquidGlo.

• Target: With Brighten Up Eye Cream, Brighten with HydraBright and/or Hydrate with HydraGlo.

• Moisturise: Lock it all in with CloudCream.

• Protect: With BeautyBase SPF.

How should you apply an essence?

We’ve already said this a lot, but essences are a lot thinner than other types of skincare. That means you’ll need to ditch the cotton pads – you’ll waste a lot of product simply through absorption into the pad otherwise.

Instead, dab 2-3 drops of our facial essence onto your palms and gently pat onto your face for better absorption.

Top tip: be gentle, and don’t rub an essence into your skin as this can overstimulate your skin.

What is the difference between an essence and a serum?

There is a lot of cross over between facial essences and serums, but they are distinct products. The key differences are:

• Essences: they are watery and designed to offer a general hydration and absorption boost for subsequent products.

• Serums: serums can be thicker or gel-like, are more concentrated, and target a specific skincare need like aging, uneven pigmentation or acne-prone skin.

Looking for a serum to suit your skin? Explore our collection of Sculpted by Aimee HydroGlo Serums.

What skin types can use a facial essence?

Due to the gentle formula and lack of exfoliants, essences are great for any skin type – even sensitive skin. 

Want to know more? Hit us with your questions using our online form, or DM us on Instagram on @sculptedbyaimee for a chat.

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