Seoul Guide
After toning, pump 2-3 pumps onto the palm of your hands and then spread generously on face, press your hands on your face to encourage absorption. Put a few drops under the eye area and gently pat in with ring finger.
The essence can also be used to moisturise dry areas where makeup cakes: soak cotton pad and leave on rough or irritated areas, proceed with eye makeup/leave on for a few minutes, remove cotton pads and continue with makeup.
Why we like it
This essence is 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate: this fermented ingredient is great for skin, it hydrates, brightens, repairs and smooths.
This essence has been referred to as a dupe for Missha’s first treatment essence and SKII’s pitera essence, because they all contain a high percentage of yeast ferment. It also comes in a generous 100ml bottle and is much cheaper than the other 2 cult favourites so you can afford to use generously!
Free from: parabens, ethanol, synthetic surfactant, artificial coloring, synthetic perfume, triethanolamine and phthalate.
Star Ingredients
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate – this is 95% of the essence and is a K-Beauty favourite ingredient. It’s rich in vitamins and amino acids, helps promote oil & moisture balance. The ingredient is also intensely hydrating and can assist to brighten and repair damaged skin.
Niacinamide – Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a very effective skin-restoring ingredient that offers multiple benefits for ageing skin. Among these benefits is the ability to visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and a weakened skin barrier.
Sodium Hyaluronate – A form of hyaluronic acid that is great for hydration.
Ingredient List – Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine
safiya.s08 (verified owner) –
I have noticed a visible difference in my skin tone over time, ive been using it for about 3 months now and i see all the scars fading away, slowly but surely, this product is doing its job! Its runny and fragrance free, a decent amount in one bottle and a trusty brand! Will definitely repurchase!
marshaan.brink (verified owner) –
Non irritating, hydrating and brighting essence that can be used with any skincare regime. Already helping to shrink pore size and reduce the line on my forehead caused by dehydrated skin. Only reason it doesnt get a 5 is becuase the Snail Power Essence they make works even better, and is fungal acne safe!
Colleen Murray (verified owner) –
This is a great essence. Does exactly what it promises!
gia.wilson (verified owner) –
Great essence! not too runny like others and definitely gives skin a hit of hydration. A couple of days ago I experienced some sensitivity due to healing zits and this essence has helped so much. cannot wait for further results:)
4 stars because its only been a couple of weeks since using this product.
thandibb9 (verified owner) –
Definitely brightened and hydrated. Has a nice viscous texture. I do think the snail mucin essence is a better bet though.
thandibb9 (verified owner) –
Normal/sensitive skin
I was new to skincare when I bought this, but I noticed a lovely subtle glow over time when using this. It isnt as dramatic an effect as the snail mucin in terms of hydration and glow, but I think it does improve skin’s glow in the long run. It has a viscous texture which is quite pleasant to apply. It has a slight musky smell but that just illustrates that it contains the fermented products it says it does! I don’t think I would repurchase but it is a lovely product.