Collection: Serums and essences

Serums and essences are two of the most important products in a Korean skincare routine. Although often confused, each serves a unique and specific purpose for the skin. Both are designed to provide a high concentration of active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin, addressing specific concerns such as hydration, aging, hyperpigmentation, or acne.

Below, we explain what they are, how they work, and how to integrate them into your routine to achieve healthy, radiant skin.

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What are serums and essences?

1. Essences:

• Texture: Light and fluid, similar to water but with a higher concentration of active ingredients than a toner.
• Function: They prepare the skin to better absorb subsequent products, while providing benefits such as hydration, cell renewal or illumination.
• Use: Applied after toner and before serum. It's the first intensive treatment step in a Korean routine.

2. Serums:

• Texture: Denser and more concentrated than essences, although still light.
• Function: Address specific skin concerns such as fine lines, dark spots, dehydration, or uneven texture.
• Use: Apply after essence and before moisturizer. They're ideal for deeply treating specific problems.

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Key differences between essences and serums:

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Main benefits of serums and essences:

1. Deep hydration:

   • Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or beta-glucan attract and retain moisture in the skin.
   • Example: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence .
   
   

2. Anti-aging:

   • Peptides, retinol and collagen stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity.
   • Example: SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic or SNP Marine Collagen Serum .
   
   

3. Lighting and tone uniformity:

   • Niacinamide, vitamin C, and citrus fruit extracts combat hyperpigmentation and restore radiance to the skin.
   • Example: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence or Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum .
   
   

4. Acne control and purification:

   • Salicylic acid, green tea, and centella asiatica regulate sebum, reduce pore size, and prevent breakouts.
   • Example: Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel or Innisfree Bija Trouble Skin .
   
   

5. Cell renewal:

   • AHA, BHA and PHA gently exfoliate, remove dead cells and improve skin texture.
   • Example: Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop or Dr. Oracle A-Thera Tea Tree Peeling Serum .

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How to use:

Essences:

1. After cleansing and toning, pour a few drops of essence into your hands or directly onto your face.
2. Press gently with your palms to aid absorption.
3. Continue with the next step in your routine (serum or cream).

Serums:

1. Apply a few drops of the serum to your face after the essence.
2. Spread with gentle upward and outward movements until the product is completely absorbed.
3. Follow with a moisturizer to seal in the benefits.

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Additional tips:

• Light coat: Apply several light coats instead of one heavy coat to improve absorption.
• Application order: Always apply lighter textured products first (essence → serum → cream).
• Compatibility: Make sure the ingredients in your products are compatible. For example, don't mix vitamin C with exfoliating acids without consulting a dermatologist.

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With Korean serums and essences , you can customize your routine to address your skin's specific needs. Whether you're looking for hydration, cell renewal, or anti-aging, these products offer advanced solutions for achieving healthy, radiant skin.