Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of essences and who can benefit from using one?
While some toners and essences can be interchangeable (hi, marketing teams!), for the most part, essences are focused on boosting hydration. (There are also toner-essence hybrids that both hydrate and exfoliate!) Essences, in particular, “serve as a key step in many Korean skin-care routines,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City. “They are designed to deeply hydrate, improve skin texture, and enhance the absorption of subsequent skin-care products.” She notes that popular ingredients include niacinamide, fermented extracts, and licorice root, which help promote radiance and even the complexion. Since essences are, by nature, soothing formulas, anyone can benefit from using an essence, Dr. Chang confirms. However, those with dry skin—whether year-round or mostly in the winter months—should especially consider adding an essence to their lineups.
What is special about Korean essences?
Korean skin care is famed for its gentle approach, and Korean essences are no different in that regard. “They stand out because they are effective yet gentle and can work for any skin type,” Dr. Chang confirms, adding that there are options to target any and all skin concerns. Of course, essences are designed to promote hydration, but Korean formulas also offer brightening and firming benefits, Dr. Chang explains. We’ll also note that most essences above cost less than $40, which proves how cost-effective Korean formulations are.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Premier Dermatology, adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University, and author of Asian Beauty Secrets and K-Beauty Secrets based in San Carlos, California
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean essences, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.allure.com
