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Infuse your skin with moisturizing, anti-aging, and illuminating ingredients.

a collage of facial essences on a tan background

Byrdie / Kristin Kempa

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly but effective product, we recommendBioderma Hydrabio Essence Lotion.

If youre a skincare 10-stepper or a fan ofKorean skincare products, youre likely familiar withfacial essences.

But if youre not, thats OK, too.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

PHOTO: Nordstrom

We askedCharlotte ChoofSoko Glam,Christine ChangandSarah LeeofGlow Recipeto break it down.

Using a facial essence might not currently be part of your skincare routine.

We then consulted skin experts to bring you the best in show.

Bioderma Hydrabio Essence Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

What users love most is how quickly they see a differenceeven after a few days of use.

Plus, some users reported seeing a youthful glow in their skin after using it.

The formula also eliminates dead skin cells, making your skin look fresh and glowing.

Neogen Real Ferment Micro-Essence

PHOTO: Amazon

Because its packed with a ton of humectants, it draws in moisture and keeps it there.

And with good reason.

Its basically your all-in-one, especially if you tend to have blemishes that wont quit.

Amazon COSRX Snail Mucin

PHOTO: Amazon

Because this formula is so potent, you only need a small amount to thoroughly treat your face.

Reviewers were impressed with its skin-resurfacing ability.

These ingredients work together to improve skins bounce, fade fine lines, and encourage luminosity.

Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence

PHOTO: Amazon

Users not only love the glowy results but also the small bottle, which is travel-friendly.

The effects are long-lasting, and youll have a dewy glow throughout the day.

Since the formula is alcohol-free, you wont have to worry about it drying your skin.

Fresh Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence

PHOTO: Amazon

Its cruelty-free and vegan.

Considered a brightness booster, this essence formula works to battle uneven skin.

Reviewers report that the consistency is thicker than other essences, making it feel more luxurious on the skin.

Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence

PHOTO: Ulta

Yeast fermentations deliver serious moisture and will help your skin glow.

Thanks to green apple andmalic acid, this essence improves skins texture and brings out your natural glow.

It also features zanthoxylum fruit, which is an effective redness-reducer.

Pixi Rose Caviar Essence

PHOTO: Amazon

After consistent use, youll find that discoloration and bumpy skin have decreased.

Plus, itll boost your skins hydration for up to 72 hours.

The formula is basically a huge green smoothie for your skin, leaving you looking and feeling great.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Brightening Essence

PHOTO: Amazon

Its also ideal for layering and allows other products to absorb deeper into your skin.

Youll want to use an essence after cleansing and applying toner, but before any serum or moisturizer.

“Toners are often dispensed onto a cotton pad, which helps to wipe away any residue after cleansing.

Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Essence

PHOTO: Courtesy of Tata Harper Cosmetics

She also creates content for large retail companies.

She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Montclair State University.

Cullen Ormondis a Byrdie writer and a longtime editor.

MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence RX

PHOTO: Amazon

She helped to ensure all the facial essence information was up to date for easy shopping.

She takes skincare seriously and is always up for learning more about products.

2013;12(4):453-457.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening Essence

PHOTO: Amazon

Zeichner JA.The use of lipohydroxy acid in skin care and acne treatment.

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.

2016;9(11):40-43.

Eve Lom Time Retreat Radiance Essence

PHOTO: Neiman Marcus

Chan C-F, Huang C-C, Lee M-Y, Lin Y-S.Fermented broth in tyrosinase- and melanogenesis inhibition.

2014;19(9):13122-13135. doi:10.3390/molecules190913122

Tatcha the Essence

PHOTO: Tatcha