Korean Essence: Differences with the Western Essences of the Step Principle of light hydration.

Korean essence is a fundamental beauty product in the skincare routine made in Korea, but is often confused with Western serums or tonics. In reality, Korean essences have unique characteristics that distinguish them from similar products on the Western market. Let’s look at the main differences in detail.

What is a Korean Essence?

As written in our Blog Post K Beauty 101 dedicated to this essential step, the Korean essence is the fifth fundamental step in the Korean beauty routine, made up of 10 essential steps.

In summary, a Korean essence is an essential product for a complete and effective skincare routine, thanks to its light consistency which promotes the deep penetration of natural and technological active ingredients, intensely hydrating the skin and counteracting the signs of aging.

It is a product rich in extracts and active ingredients, often natural and high-tech, which promote cell renewal and the well-being of the skin.

READ MORE: FACIAL ESSENCE IN THE K BEAUTY ROUTINE

The light and watery consistency of the essence is specifically designed to promote the deep penetration of these precious active ingredients. Thanks to its formulation, the Korean facial essence manages to reach the deepest layers of the epidermis, maximizing the absorption and effectiveness of the ingredients.

Another distinctive feature of the Korean essence is its high hydrating power, which also helps to counteract the signs of skin aging.

The deep hydration provided by the Korean facial essence gives immediate softness and brightness to the skin, giving a feeling of well-being and comfort.

Origin and Philosophy.

Historically, Korean cosmetics has its roots in nature and traditional pharmacopoeia, favoring botanical and natural ingredients such as snail slime, licorice and ginseng. On the contrary, Western cosmetics was born as an application of laboratory chemistry.

This different origin is also reflected in the underlying philosophy: Korean skincare is an integral part of a healthy and regular lifestyle, while Western skincare can have a more utilitarian and less holistic approach.

Structure and Use.

Korean essences are a fundamental step in a multi-step beauty routine, which can consist of up to 10-12 phases. This routine is followed regularly, morning and evening, to prevent skin problems.

READ MORE: KOREAN ESSENCE IN THE SPRING K BEAUTY ROUTINE

In contrast, Western essences are often an optional step, used less systematically and with more focused purposes.

Consistency and Formulation.

Korean essences have a watery consistency, halfway between a toner and a serum, with highly concentrated ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide. They are absorbed quickly without leaving sticky residue.

Korean essences may also contain fermented ingredients, such as yeast and galactomycete, which make the active ingredients more bioavailable and facilitate absorption by the skin. These ingredients, together with hyaluronic acid, contribute to deep and long-lasting hydration.

Western essences can have more varied formulations, sometimes oilier or creamier, and not always as concentrated.

Approach to Skincare.

Korean cosmetics focuses on the individual, intervening on lifestyle and trying to explore the causes of skin problems to solve them at the root. The goal is flawless, luminous and ageless skin.

Western cosmetics can have a more targeted approach to symptoms, with products that target specific imperfections.

In summary, Korean essences stand out for:

– Natural origin and holistic philosophy

– Central role in a structured routine

– Aqueous consistency and concentrated formulations

– Preventive and personalized approach

These characteristics make Korean essences a unique and versatile product, suitable for all skin types and all needs.

The Main Differences between Korean and Western Essences.

Korean essences are distinguished by their natural origin and the holistic philosophy that characterizes them.

These products are an integral part of a skincare routine structured in different steps, which aims to prevent skin problems and promote healthy, glowing skin.

The aqueous consistency and concentrated formulations of Korean essences, enriched with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ginseng, snail slime and fermented ingredients, contribute to deep hydration, skin toning and protection from external agents.

On the other hand, Western essences can present more varied, less concentrated and sometimes oilier formulations. The Western skincare approach tends to be more symptom-focused, with products used less systematically and for more specific purposes.

Western cosmetics, despite offering high quality products, often focuses on less structured skincare and less linked to a holistic philosophy.

How to Choose and Use a Korean Essence.

To choose a Korean essence suited to your needs, it is important to carefully read the ingredients on the label. Some key ingredients to look for are:

– Hyaluronic acid: for deep hydration;

– Vitamin C: to illuminate and even out the complexion;

– Niacinamide: to reduce imperfections and wrinkles;

– Fermented plant extracts: to enhance absorption;

– Snail mucin: for its regenerating and soothing properties;

– Licorice: to lighten stains and even out the tone;

– Ginseng: to stimulate microcirculation and oxygenate the skin;

In general, it is best to avoid products containing alcohol or strong perfumes, as they can irritate delicate skin.

To use a Korean essence, apply it after cleansing and before the other products in your routine. Pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and gently dab onto your face until completely absorbed.

Finally, don’t forget to hydrate and protect your skin with adequate cream and sunscreen.

SHOP THE STORY

To better explain the contribution of the ingredients mentioned, we can analyze them in detail:

• Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic Acid is essential for the health of the body’s connective tissues, including the skin. This ingredient is known for its hydrating properties and ability to retain water in the skin, helping to keep it hydrated, elastic and youthful over time.

SHOP NOW: THE BEST KOREAN ESSENCES BASED ON HYALURONIC ACID BAROM

• Snail Mucin

Snail slime is an ingredient rich in substances beneficial to the skin, such as allantoin, collagen, elastin and vitamins. This ingredient is known for its regenerating, soothing and hydrating properties, which can help improve skin texture, reduce blemishes and promote cell regeneration.

SHOP NOW: THE BEST KOREAN ESSENCES BASED ON SNAIL SLUM

• Ginseng

Ginseng is an ingredient known for its toning, energizing and antioxidant properties. This root is rich in active substances that can promote skin microcirculation, improve skin elasticity and counteract the signs of aging, helping to keep skin glowing and toned.

SHOP NOW: THE BEST KOREAN ESSENCES BASED ON GINSENG INGREDIENTS

• Fermented Ingredients

Fermented ingredients, such as yeasts and galactomyces, are used to enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients present in Korean essences. The fermentation process makes the active ingredients more bioavailable and facilitates their absorption by the skin, helping to improve hydration, brightness and firmness.

SHOP NOW: THE BEST KOREAN ESSENCES BASED ON FERMENTED INGREDIENTS

• Licorice

Licorice is an ingredient known for its lightening and smoothing properties. This root contains active substances that can combat skin blemishes, even out skin tone and protect the skin from the damage of pollution and aging, contributing to glowing, even-toned skin.

Make sure to browse and shop K Beauty’s best selling liquorice-base essence by Acwell to get the spotless skin of your dreams.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, Korean essence is an essential product for a complete and effective skincare routine, especially during seasonal changes.

Korean and Western essences have significant differences that go beyond the simple distinction between a toner and a serum.

In conclusion, Korean essences stand out for their effectiveness, concentrated formulations and preventative approach to skincare, while Western essences tend to be more varied in formulations and approach to skincare. Choosing between a Korean and a Western essence depends on your personal preferences and skin needs, but it’s important to consider the substantial differences between these two approaches to get the best results for your skin.

Make sure you take into consideration the differences between the essences Made in Korea and the others in our section to find the best essential essences to find your perfect skin.