Do you always have a hard time figuring out exactly what an essence does? TofuSecret understands that the confusing English translations on products from Korea with the sheer number of products in the category all added to the challenge. Don’t get caught up in whether it’s an ampoule, a serum or an essence, we are here to explain the features of each product in detail, and select the best products to highlight for you. Oh yes, there is an important tip for you that is no matter which or how many products you use, the general rule-of-thumb is to apply the most watery product first and the thickest, richest one last and the ampoule is always lighter than the serum / essence.
1
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum
Customize your own skincare regimen with COSRX Pure Fit Cica Serum. Pick your combination according to your personal needs. One serum intensively concentrates on one specific skin concern, more effective than products that help several problems at once. This soothing Serum contains Centella Asiatica Extract, an essential ingredient that provides concentrated care for sensitive skin. The highly concentrated 76% of Cica-7 Complex reduces redness while balancing the skin and restoring the moisture barrier. Its lightweight, non-sticky texture penetrates into the skin rapidly to calm irritated skin. It helps recover and strengthen weakened skin while breaking the vicious cycle of repeated damage Despite the modern packages, they are free from colorants and alcohol, and are dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
IT HELPS:
"Good price and effective! Centella Asiatica Extract, is very well known for soothing sensitive skin and this serum has it and is not expensive. So I tried it and it suits me very well. After using it for 1 week, my skin tone is less dull and less sensitive and it really helps reduce redness, and I believe it is because of this product. I feel my skin is now greatly strengthened with a radiant and glowing effect. It works better than all-round products. I'll follow this serum with other COSRX products next time. I really love this serum now!"
1.01oz / 30ml
Earn 2 points
2
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX
Finished off hundreds of toners, serums, or lotion and didn't get a pronounced improvement as expected? It's probably because the nutrients are not penetrating your skin. Stop wasting the nutrients by activating your skin with Sulwhasoo's First Care Activating Serum EX! Formulated with JAUM Balancing Complex™ of five Korean herbs, it boosts the absorption of subsequent skincare products applied afterward. Use it before toners or anything else right after cleansing, and enjoy the nourishing hydration and visible firmness. Awaken the natural power of your skin with just one bottle!
"I will definitely be repurchasing this product cuz there are no substitutes for this activator! I hesitated to buy this product at first because I believed in a skincare routine filled with only one single brand. I am using a WHOO range with this Sulwhasoo item and they work very well. The liquid is brown but it doesn't make your face brown. Absorb very well. If you want your skincare to be more productive then you should buy this!"
2.03oz / 3.04oz (60ml / 90ml)
Earn 7-9 points
3
SK-II PITERA™ ESSENTIALS Facial Treatment Essence
Miracle Water, the iconic item that embodies the quality of SK-II. Unchanged for 40 years, this formula contains 90% of PITERA™, a legendary ingredient containing 50 micro-nutrients from vitamins, amino acids, minerals to organic acids. It transforms your skin into smoother texture, brighter and suppler complexion, and less mottled and wrinkled skin within 28 days. Almost 10 years of visible skin damage and signs of aging get reversed after a year of PITERA™ usage. It's never too early to start on good skincare!
"Just started using this miracle water 2-3 weeks ago. Was very surprised to see a noticeable but not too exaggerated improvement on the skin texture and firmness when I have only used it within a short duration. Can't imagine what my skin'll be like if I keep the usage for more months. It's expensive but it's worth the price. Just dispense some on the palms and pat your face. Don't need to waste by soaking a cotton pad into it."
1.01oz / 2.54oz / 5.41oz / 7.78oz / 8.5oz (30ml / 75ml / 160ml / 230ml / 250ml)
Earn 3-20 points
4
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (Imu Generation)
Won 179 global beauty awards and sold every 7 seconds, this serum is the enhanced version with the introduction of new ImuGeneration Technology™, which features botanical extracts of Reishi Mushroom and Iris Root to activate the skin's defense mechanism. Reishi Mushrooms hydrate and visibly reduce aging with their antioxidative content. Iris Root is praised for its vitality and ability to keep skin moisturized. Together they make Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate a perfectly powerful age defender for smooth, supple, and deeply radiant skin. Made with soul, even when you're in a harsh environment, this best-selling serum keeps you generating inner skin defenses.
"Used this product for nearly 2 years. Get no wrinkles on my face at all. Wasn't the most beautiful in my office but I definitely looked the youngest despite 43. People think I'm getting a facelift and ask for recommendations. But I didn't have any facelift at all. Remembered I hesitated a lot before my first purchase, but when I got it in hands and finished the first bottle, I was very amazed by the huge difference this product had brought to my life. Plus the immediate hydrating feeling when I applied!"
2.54oz / 75ml
Earn 13 points
5
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence
No. 1 moisturizing essences from Moisture Expert Laneige! The essences' moisturizing power is boosted by the 'Green Mineral Water' extracted from a selection from six vegetables through the original Ocean Brew System. Garden cress produces an excellent antioxidant effect to purify and enhance the skin's defensive ability against damage from free radicals. The two types of essence are equipped with advanced Water Zipper Technology and "Hydro Fresh Matrix" to provide a dewy and refreshing barrier to lock in the moisture for 24 hours. Laneige offers Hydro Essence and Moisture Essence for oily, combination skin and dry skin respectively.
"The [Moisture] essence has a creamy texture, but not oily. It is very light and easy to spread. You really don't need to dispense a lot to make it work. You can feel refreshed and hydrated very immediately. So far it is their best product I have tried so I use it a whole year. I've never found an essence that worked so well on my skin like this one."
2.37oz / 70ml
Earn 4 points
6
SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence
Unseen effects of UV are the most terrible because you won’t be aware of and unable to take prompt remedies. They are hidden spots that block your skin’s natural aura and surface starting from your 20s, leaving a darker and less radiant look over time. SK-II’s GenOptics Aura Essence will enable you to act before it’s too late. GenOptics Aura Essence is powered by SK-II’s exclusive infusion of Pitera and Prunus extract packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They restore translucence and radiance back to the skin after 8 weeks of continuous use, in the form of visible improvement in skin tone and a significant reduction in age spots and cloudiness.
"I spotted an instant removal of redness and improvement in complexion when applying the essence. It makes me look like I've had a good beauty sleep. After using it for 2 months, my blemishes faded. It has a texture familiar with a moisturizer. Sometimes if you want to achieve a brightening result, you don't need to invest in a full brightening collection. You can simply add this essence to your existing regimen, and I recommend this!"
1.69oz / 50ml
Earn 21 points
7
Gold Energy Snail Synergy 24K Gold Snail Essence
Enriched with real 24K gold and snail secretion filtrate extract, this essence is a prestigious skincare solution for dull and wrinkled skin. Gold with antioxidative properties purifies your skin, and its exclusive color helps create a luminous radiance. Snail Mucin Extract repairs damaged skin and promotes skin's regeneration to restore the skin's elasticity and firmness to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The moisturizing power of the essence is provided by Hyaluronic Acid, which hydrates and locks in moisture provided by snail mucin for a smooth moisture barrier with bright and clear complexion.
"An essence with a filter effect! The liquid has gold flakes itself. While your skin doesn't absorb the gold flakes, it looks brighter and highlighted as if you have an Instagram cosmetic filter turned on! The texture is not sticky and stringy as I expected, so I go using it without remembering it has snail secretion inside. I have very high expectations in snail secretion and this essence didn't disappoint me because I do feel my skin is smoother!"
1.52oz / 45ml
Earn 6 points
8
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule
"My favorite YouTubers recommend the Full Fit line when I just used up my previous ampoule. I love recommendations that are affordable so I try this. I think this ampoule has the highest concentration of propolis among all propolis products. And it is of course very impressive. It is more or less the most affordable. When I first approach a new item, I like to use it alone first that I only apply it with no toner, no cream, no mask etc. The result is a plump morning skin!"
0.68oz / 1.01oz (20ml / 30ml)
9
SNP Peptaronic Serum
6 types of Peptides plus 5 types of Hyaluronic Acids form the SNP Peptaronic Serum. This is a gold combination that improves skin vitality and builds a strong moisture barrier against stress and external stimuli. The peptide complex strengthens your skin's protective barrier for firmness and less appearance of wrinkles, while the hyaluronic acids replenish, lock in moisture, which forms an enduring and concrete barrier for dehydrated skin. The serum leaves a powdery finish to create a silky skin texture.
"I with sensitive skin have to say this serum is great for sensitive skin (cuz I experience no side effects). The 220 mL volume seems to last long (Even if I apply it to my neck also. You can see the price is very great for the whopping amount. I'll give myself a good massage with this serum and the finish is not greasy (I'd had a smooth massage). FYI, it's pretty thick at first but it still spreads easily on skin and you need a little bit more patting and pressing to make it penetrate. And if you care, the serum is slightly pink!"
7.44oz / 220ml
10
Mediheal Masking Layering Ampoule Hydra Shot
Experience a sheetless yet 3-layer masking experience with this highly enriched ampoule. Just like layering thin clothes for extra warmth, the Hydra Shot delivers highly concentrated moisture to dry, rough skin by three lightweight layers. The first layer penetrates the stratum corneum, the second intensively moisturizes, and the third prolongs the effects of the first and second layers. The layers can be fully absorbed by the skin and create a protective barrier, revitalizing and brightening your skin. Key ingredients include a 55% concentration of grapefruit extract and a patented Hydra Cx complex for maximum hydration. It's recommended using ampoule every two to three days. The set supports three-week usage.
"A bit time-consuming bcuz you have to wait for a layer to be absorbed. The hydrating and moisturizing power is very good though. Can feel a lasting hydrated sensation, and thats comfortable. Use this if you have time for it. Be careful to control the amount you drip on your face otherwise the set doesn't survive within three weeks."
3 Pcs
Earn 1 points
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