This essence is one of the bestselling products of the brand. It’s available in a few options, but I’d like to tell you about the Intensive, not Moist one (the latter has more negative reviews). After reading some positive reviews, I decided to give it a go, especially after reading the comparison with the SK II Essence. First Treatment Essence is the first step in skin care routine after cleansing. It has to be applied prior to all the other products. However, I sometimes apply it after the acid toner, because I think that the acids work better then. But it’s just my own opinion.
The ingredients are quite nice here. You can find ferments, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and other beneficial extracts. It’s free from silicones, fragrances, alcohol, essential oils and anything that can cause irritation of your skin:
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Polyquaternium-51, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Betaine, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Water, Trehalose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Phenoxyethanol, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Disodium Edta, Adenosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Raffinose, Tromethamine, Acetic Acid, Lactic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sorbate, Hexapeptide-9.
What the manufacturer promises:
Control the rhythm of your skin and experience daily improvement!
Use the highly concentrated essential essence at the first step of skin care for clear, glowing skin.
The mild formula was developed as a fluid type with low viscosity to increase the rate of absorption on the skin.
Soothes, hydrates, brightens, and reduces the signs of aging.
For the first step in your daily skincare routine
After washing your face, get appropriate amount onto cotton puff [Premium Silk-feel Cotton Puff] or hands.
Pat lightly onto skin until completely absorbed.
Follow with lotion, serum, eye cream, and cream.
*When using a cleansing toner, apply the toner first before the First Treatment Essence.
Sorry for the fingerprints on the bottle. It's due to the oil and cream on my hand :)
The product comes in a heavy bottle made of matte glass with 150 ml. The cap screws open very easily. The dispenser gives just the right amount required for a single use, but if you shake it and pour more, it gives more, surely.
The texture is watery and fragrance-free. Also, it’s transparent.
The consistency
The essence reminds me more of a toner due to its consistency, because the essence has to be viscous and reminiscent of a liquid serum in my book.
It absorbs quickly yet not as quickly as water.
It neither leaves any sticky film, nor makes me feel made up. It just leaves my skin slightly hydrated. I really mean slightly, which is not enough for me. Therefore I prefer applying it according to 7 skins method, which is the Korean way of applying the toners and essences. It means that you should apply a few coats of the product in tapping motions. After the third layer my skin feels hydrated and nourished already. After the fifth layer my skin doesn’t absorb it already and I don’t apply further coats, but use serums, lotions and creams after that.
So, my skin feels hydrated and moisturized only after at about 3 layers. The product behaves really well on my sensitive skin. It never caused any irritation on me. It may sometimes cause a slight tingling sensation after I use some acids, but it doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable.
The further skin care products do not crease and apply easy-breezy, even after applying a few coats of the essence.
After continuous usage, I can’t say much about the results. It made my skin maybe just a little bit more moisturized, but it didn’t live up to the other promises. My skin tone and texture haven’t changed. It didn’t make my skin more elastic. Moreover, it didn’t smooth out my wrinkles. This essence is nice to use, so I’m going to use it up, but never repurchase. I believe that some other affordable products and even toners can give the same effect.
Price: $49 for 150 ml.
Period of use: 9 months.
Made in Korea.
Repurchase? No.
