GUIDE TO ESSENCES

 
If you’re building a skincare routine that works for sensitive skin, you’ve likely trialled and used a range of toners, serums, and moisturisers. But there’s one product - at the heart of Japanese skincare rituals - that deserves a spotlight of its own: the essence.

What is an essence?

In J-beauty, an essence (also known as a beauty water or lotion) is a vital priming step designed to instantly hydrate the skin and prepare it to better absorb subsequent moisturising products, enhancing the moisturiser’s benefits.

Unlike toners, which traditionally balance your skin’s pH, or serums, which often target specific concerns, essences are liquid hydrators that absorb quickly and soften the skin to help deliver moisture deep into the skin’s surface.

Each of our essences are carefully developed with sensitive skin in mind - formulated with our Biomimetic Ceramide Technology to replenish and hydrate your moisture barrier, leaving skin soft and supple.

What do essences do?

Essences serve as the first moisturising step in your double moisturising routine. They work to:

• Soothe and calm skin, and relieve tightness
• Prepare the skin to absorb serums and moisturisers more effectively
• Promote and replenish natural ceramides.
• Strengthen and repair the skin barrier

An easy way to understand how essences work is to imagine your skin like a sponge. A slightly-damp sponge absorbs moisture far more effectively than a dry sponge, so after double cleansing, this is where an essence comes into your skincare routine. Essences lightly quench your skin’s surface, making it easier for it to absorb and lock in moisture.

How to use essences

As a rule, essences are used after double cleansing and before you apply a serum or moisturiser. Here’s how to use them:

• Cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any impurities from the skin. If you’re trying an essence in the evening, follow our double cleansing method in your nightly skincare routine to remove makeup and invisible dirt and debris from the day. If you’re using an essence for the first time in the morning, you can start your routine with just a single cleanse, using our Foaming Facial Wash or Hydrating Makeup Cleanser
• Dispense 3–4 pumps of your chosen Curél essence into the palm of your hand
• Gently press the essence into your skin using your fingers or palms
• Allow the essence to fully absorb, then follow with your usual moisturiser

Essence for dry, sensitive skin: Hydrating Water Essence

Our Hydrating Water Essence is a lightweight, water-like essence that hydrates while replenishing and promoting ceramides.

Designed for dry, sensitive skin, this pre-moisturising liquid relieves tight skin and sets the foundation for your moisturiser to lock in hydration. Pair this essence with Curél Moisture Facial Milk or Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for optimal results.

Essence for oily, sensitive skin: Skin Balancing Hydrating Water Essence

Our non-comedogenic, water-based Skin Balancing Hydrating Water Essence is ideal for those with sensitive, oily or combination skin. It calms skin and offers lightweight hydration while helping to combat excess oil and sebum.

Use with our non-greasy, oil-free Skin Balancing Weightless Gel Moisturizer for overall balanced skin.

Essence for mature skin: Plumping Hydrating Gel Essence

More than just offering effective hydration, this ceramide-infused gel essence for mature, sensitive skin visibly plumps and smooths for firmer-looking skin. It not only replenishes ceramides, it locks in moisture to keep skin looking and feeling elastic, supple and firm. It’s ideal for skin showing the first signs of ageing, or mature skin that feels tight and uncomfortable after cleansing.

Follow with our Rejuvenating Day Cream or Replenishing Night Cream to unlock a youthful glow and give mature skin the moisture and care it needs.

What's the difference between toners, essences and serums?

These three skincare products work together to care for skin - here’s a top-level guide to what they do.

• Toners rebalance skin after cleansing. Some toners do have hydrating properties, but essences tend to have a thicker, more concentrated texture.
• Essences hydrate and prime the skin for improved absorption of moisturisers.
• Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients to target specific skin concerns like lines, pigmentation, or firmness.

 
Our essences are designed to be applied before a serum or moisturiser, giving you layered hydration and forming a bridge between cleansing and moisturising.

Can I just use an essence to moisturise my skin?

While essences can be used on their own, they’re designed to work harmoniously together with a moisturiser, preparing the skin to absorb a moisturiser more effectively, rather than replacing a moisturiser altogether.

For optimal results - especially if your skin is dry, sensitive or shows signs of dehydration - we recommend following your essence with a moisturiser to lock in hydration and replenish ceramide levels.

By using products with different consistencies, double moisturising helps maintain an optimal moisture balance. This helps prevent the skin from becoming too dry and sensitive.