Here are the best face essences to try for skin hydration
This story is brought to you by Olay
We all know what serums and moisturizers are, but essences are relatively new to the local beauty scene. So what is an essence? Popularized by the Korean 10-step skincare, an essence is the first step of the moisturizing part of your skincare routine. Its purpose is to prime the skin for other skincare products. Essences usually have a light texture but have concentrated formulas that target skin concerns. Curious? Here are some of the best face essences to try for glowing skin!
Olay Regenerist Essence Water (P1,124/150 ml)
Until this essence came along, I have never seen a product contain a whopping 99% niacinamide. Skin benefits of niacinamide include exfoliating the skin for a smoother texture and smoothing the appearance of wrinkles. It also hydrates the skin and makes it look plumper. Niacinamide is one of the most potent active ingredients in skincare. With added hyaluronic acid for even more moisture retention and amino-peptide complex to increase collagen production, Olay Regenerist Essence Water is one of the best face essences to try.
Product Photography by Perkin Gohio
Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion (starts at P3,700/75 ml at Lazada).
This needs no introduction as we’ve raved about this many times in here in PV. Its main active ingredient is fermented yeast, specifically Bifida Ferment Lysate. Fermented yeast increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture. It has a light texture and instantly refreshes the skin.
Product Image via Instagram/esteelauderph
Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence (P1,050/60 ml at theskincarecurator.com)
This is one of the best face essences to try for anti-aging because it is made of 90% snail extract. Snail extract has been proven to have anti-aging benefits. It is rich in hyaluronic acid and humectants to moisturize the skin. It can also help fade dark spots and help heal acne.
Product Image via bentoncosmetics.com
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner (P850/200 ml at theskincarecurator.com)
This is one of the best face essences for dry skin that we’ve tried here at PV. Water is not present in this toner. Instead, 91.3% consists of milk vecht root extract. It has a thicker texture than most essences, and provides intense hydration. It is also free of artificial fragrances and colors which makes it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Product Image via Facebook/pyunkangyul.ph
CosRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence (P1,000/100 ml at theskincarecurator.com)
It’s called 95 because it contains 95% galactomyces, another type of fermented yeast. Extracted from sake, galactomyces was made popular by the high-end Japanese brand SK-II. This CosRX essence is only a fraction of the price! It also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, for even more hydration and anti-aging benefits.
Product Image via cosrx.com
Some might feel that essences are unnecessary products but I don’t believe that to be the case at all. I have very oily skin but I noticed that when I layer my skincare with lightweight products, my skin produces less sebum. Olay essences are exactly that. They have a very thin consistency, almost like water so they are easily absorbed by the skin. To apply, I just pour a small amount into my hand, distribute it evenly on both palms and then tap-tap the essence on my face.
Instantly, my skin feels more glowing, hydrated and refreshed.
Product Photography by Perkin Gohio
It comes in two variants: Olay Regenerist Essence Water to plump the skin and smoothen wrinkles, and Olay White Radiance Essence Water (P1,049/150 ml) to brighten skin tone and reduce dark spots to help achieve glowing skin. After prepping your skin with essence, you can then apply your other skincare products. You may use a treatment serum like Olay White Radiance Essence then a moisturizer like Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. All these products are powered with niacinamide. However, only Olay essences have 99% niacinamide. And with a niacinamide content like no other, Olay essences are some of the best face essences in the market now!
Olay is available in leading supermarkets, drugstores, and department stores. It is also available online in Shopee and Lazada.
