Before you go though, hear me out. You don’t have to use all three! Pick your fave k-beauty serum and stick with that, it’s OK! But if you’ve ever wondered or have been confused by the different titles on skincare bottles (e.g., ‘why is it essence… is that different to skin? Or is an ampoule the same as a serum…?’), I’m here to break it down for you.
What is a K-Beauty Essence?
The first thing you’ll notice about a k-beauty product that has the word ‘essence’ in it is that it is quite watery in texture. They’re generally thicker than toners and thinner than most k-beauty serums, and feel usually feel like a watery lotion. Of course, like many products, they can vary in texture and consistency. But one thing is true for all: They pack a big punch of benefits.
Essences are concentrated formulas that can specifically target anything you want. Be it wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tones, hyper-pigmentation, acne, spots, pimples, dryness… If you’re thinking this sounds a lot like other k-beauty serums, you wouldn’t be wrong. The major difference , as mentioned, is that essences are usually thinner and traditionally less concentrated than serums. However, it is important to note that between getting lost in translation, the lines are increasingly blurry between what an essence vs a serum are, with more and more hybrid products becoming increasingly popular like DR. CEURACLE Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence. Read more about hybrids here.
Our skin is more absorbent when wet, and when you use essence to hydrate the skin, then every product you put on afterwards goes in deeper and is more effective. You’ll want to use an essence right after cleansing and toning, and before a k-beauty serum and ampoule. Tap, tap and tap the product all over your face and neck! Read more about the best application method here.
As we know by now, an essence’s main job is to hydrate, however there are tons of formulations that address a number of different skin problems or issues. If you’ve got oily skin, the waterier the texture, the better! Try this one for oily skin. If you’ve got super dry skin, feel free to try a thicker essence, like this one. Like all things K-Beauty, you can address any issues you have right from step 1 in your skincare routine and essences are no different.
What is a K-Beauty Serum?
Probably the most well-known product of the three, k-beauty serums are often more concentrated in its active ingredients, reaching and delivering goodies straight to where they’re needed. Serums are particularly suited to this task because it is made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. This makes them a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns, like wrinkles.
They’re thicker than most essences, but not as concentrated as ampoules, which we’ll get to in a little bit.
Formulated with potent active ingredients to tackle a variety of skin concerns at their core, K-Beauty serums are among the best in the beauty world and definitely worthy of a starring role in your skincare routine.
Face serums gives the collagen in your skin a boost, helping to keep it firm and plumping out fine lines and wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles are a normal part of skin maturation, but it is dullness and dryness which makes them seem ageing. By using a k-beauty serum, your skin will be more radiant and full of color.
Like basically every other step, serums can be used specifically for your skincare goals. Oily skin? Try this one: Dry skin? Try this one! Anti-ageing? Try this one!
What is a K-Beauty Ampoule?
An ampoule is a supercharged serum with higher concentrations of active ingredients that you’re meant to use for a finite amount of time as a booster or when you’re having a skin crisis of some sort. They are considered to be the most concentrated out of essences and serums.
Think of it as a boost to your skin. Because they contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, they may come in smaller vials or dropper bottles, as a little definitely goes a long way.
In Korea, they are not only used in place of a serum, but also as a 2–4-week special treatment course – to be layered on before your essence or k-beauty serum to boost your routine. If your skin is going through a rough patch, layering an ampoule on before your essence is an incredible way to refresh your regimen.
Due to their high concentration and active ingredients, ampoules should not be used consistently, they’re designed to be used for a small amount of time to help treat or correct skincare concerns. Ampoules should be applied to cleansed skin at night, followed by a light moisturiser.
The product often features one main active ingredient, and the ampoule form is designed to preserve the purity and potency of the product.
Because they’re so concentrated, you’ll both feel and see faster results when using these bad-boys as a skin-solution. Try these ampoules for some heavy-lifting anti-ageing, and this one for acne scarring or hyper-pigmentation.
In Conclusion
Quality essences, serums and ampoules (this can also include hybrid toners & facial oils) aid in cell turnover, leading to smoother texture over time, provide the skin with nourishing vitamins.
If you’ve wanted that glowy, glass-skin and you’ve been skipping on these steps, stop now! Try them now and see what a world of difference they can make to your new look.