The SK-II Facial Essence contains Pitera which is an ingredient that contains over 50 micronutrients.
A watery essence packed with an 80% fermented yeast solution to target imbalanced skin.
If you know anything about Korean beauty, you have probably heard of facial essence. Facial essences help to hydrate and re-balance the skin for a healthy-looking glow. These products are usually a lightweight liquid formula, so it feels refreshing on the skin. Also, facial essences typically work wonders for mature skin, as they target wrinkles and fine lines.
One of the most popular facial essences on the market right now is the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. It is a very powerful essence that helps even out the skin’s complexion while leaving a youthful glow. The beauty community has said so many amazing things about this product and how it works on the skin.
The issue that consumers have with this product is the price. It is highly expensive and out of most people’s budgets. That’s why we have created a list of the best dupes that provide the same transformational results without the high cost. Our favorite is the Missha Time Revolution Essence, as it leaves your skin looking and feeling flawless.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Review
The SK-II Facial Essence contains Pitera which is an ingredient that contains over 50 micronutrients.
Derived from Korean Beauty, facial essence has recently gained lots of praise. Specifically, the SK-II Facial Essence is a prestigious product in the beauty and skincare community. It is said to have transformational results that enhance the skin’s natural complexion.
The SK-II Facial Essence contains Pitera which is an ingredient that contains over 50 micronutrients. These vitamins and minerals are supposed to help hydrate and nourish the skin. This treatment can be used on both dry and oily skin types. Also, since it is a lightweight liquid, it feels extremely refreshing on the skin. This product has less than 1% of fragrances in it. A lot of the time, fragrances can be damaging to the skin. So, this is great for sensitive skin and it likely will not cause any breakouts. It specifically targets dark spots and pores. If you have acne scarring, this product will help with that.
Like we mentioned before, the biggest con this product has is its price. It is just way too highly-priced for most people. Also, a lot of reviewers say this product had an awful smell. Most likely, this is due to the Pitera.
Pros:
- Includes Pitera which has over 50 micronutrients
- Can be used on both dry and oily skin types
- Great for sensitive skin
- Targets dark spots
Cons:
- Expensive
- Has an offputting scent
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Dupes
The SK-II Facial Treatment Essense is an extraordinary product. But, it is just way too expensive for most people to justify purchasing. Here are our 6 favorite dupes that’ll give you almost identical results for a much lower cost.
1. Missha Time Revolution Essence
A watery essence packed with an 80% fermented yeast solution to target imbalanced skin.
In our opinion, the Missha Time Revolution Essence most closely matches the SK-II Essence. The only major difference is the price.
One of the best things about the Missha Time Revolution Essence is that it provides amazing results in a short period of time. This is due to the yeast fermentation in the treatment. Specifically, this product is great for people with dry skin. It is very hydrating, and it leaves a healthy, radiant glow on the skin. This is also an excellent product for those with sensitive skin. The ingredient list is fairly simple, and it doesn’t have any super harmful ingredients. The main thing that this treatment does is leave you with brighter, smoother skin.
Although this is a great product for brightening and smoothing your complexion, it does have its downfalls. Unfortunately, many users did not see an improvement in their acne or acne scarring. Also, some reviewers found this it burns their skin for a few seconds when they first apply it to their face.
Pros:
- Provides fast results
- Great for dry skin
- Great for sensitive skin
- Helps to brighten and smooth complexion
Cons:
- Many did not experience an improvement in their acne or acne scarring
- Some found it burned their skin for a few seconds when they apply it
Where to buy it: Amazon
2. Revolution Skin Care Hyaluronic Essence Spray
Revolution Skin Care Hyaluronic Essence Spray contains grapefruit extract which has tons of nutrients in it that help nourish your skin.
Revolution Skin Care isn’t an extremely popular skincare brand, but they do have some noteworthy products. One of their best is the Hyaluronic Essence Spray.
The Hyaluronic Essence Spray is probably the most inexpensive product we have listed. Hence the name, one of its featured ingredients is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps to moisture the skin for a long period of time. This makes it a great product for those with dry skin. Also, this product contains grapefruit extract which has tons of nutrients in it that help nourish your skin. Unlike other treatments, this won’t make your skin feel super tight. Instead, it instantly softens and smooths the feeling of your skin. Also, Revolution Skincare is both cruelty-free and vegan.
Some reviewers say that this product’s scent is way too strong. This is most likely due to the grapefruit extract. Also, it takes a while to soak into the skin. So, it can look “wet” on the skin when you first apply it before finally drying down.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Includes hyaluronic acid
- Great for those with dry skin
- Instantly softens and smooths the skin
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Heavily fragranced
- Can take a while to completely soak into the skin
Where to buy it: ULTA
3. CosRX Galactomyces 95% Tone Balancing Essence
CosRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence is formulated with 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate that helps to give your skin a radiant glow.
CosRX is more of a lesser-known skincare brand. But, their Tone Balancing Essence is one of their best products. Also, it happens to be an excellent dupe for the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.
The CosRX Galactomyces 95% Tone Balancing Essence provides very similar results to the SK-II treatment. It is formulated with 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate. This helps to give the skin a radiant glow while keeping it both hydrated and nourished. It also boosts the over clarity in the skin’s complexion. Also, it targets wrinkles and fine lines, so it is great for mature skin. Galactomyces filtrate is a moisturizing ingredient that is actually not found in the SK-II Treatment. Another thing going for this product is, obviously, its affordable price.
Some reviewers did find that this treatment caused them to breakout. We recommend that when you try a new treatment on your skin, do a small patch first to see how your skin reacts. Also, we do not recommend that you apply this treatment under makeup. It isn’t as lightweight as other essences, so it can cause your makeup to cake up or become patchy.
Pros:
- Gives a natural, radiant glow to the skin
- Great for mature skin
- Highly moisturizing
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some reviewers experienced breakouts after using this product
- Not good to wear under makeup
Where to buy it: Amazon
4. Belif Hungarian Water Essence
Belif Hungarian Water Essence is a lightweight liquid formula that feels very comfortable and refreshing on your skin.
Belif is an excellent, dermatologist-tested skincare brand that has gotten a lot of praise for many years. One of their bestsellers is the Hungarian Water Essence.
The Hungarian Water Essence is a lightweight liquid formula, so it feels very comfortable and refreshing on the skin. It almost instantly hydrates and moisturizes the skin completely, so it is great for those with extremely dry skin. It includes both rosemary and lavender which not only smell good but are also hydrating antioxidants. This treatment leaves the skin feeling and looking soft and supple. Also, it is free from any harmful oils, dyes, and fragrances.
One of the main complaints about this product is that some people did not notice any transformational differences in their skin. Users claim that even though it feels refreshing, it doesn’t provide lasting results. Also, if you don’t wash it off good enough, it can leave a sticky residue.
Pros:
- Feels lightweight and refreshing
- Great for those with dry skin
- Includes rosemary and lavender
- Leaves the skin feeling soft and supple
- Free from oils, dyes, and fragrances
Cons:
- Some did not notice any changes in their skin
- Can leave a sticky residue
Where to buy it:
5. Lancome Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Beauty Facial Essence
Lancome Hydra Zen works for all skin types, ranging from super dry to super oily.
Although Lancome is just a general beauty brand that sells a variety of makeup and skincare products, its facial essence excels.
The Lancome Hydra Sen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Beauty Facial Essence is a hydrating treatment. It works for all skin types, ranging from super dry to super oily. It targets signs of stress like wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness. This makes it great for those with mature skin. The formula feels refreshing and cooling on the skin. Overall, this product does an amazing job of giving you a more even, brighter complexion.
Some users find that this treatment is way too heavily fragrances. Also, Lancome is not a cruelty-free nor vegan beauty company.
Pros:
- Works for all skin types
- Great for mature skin
- Feels refreshing and cooling on the skin
- Improves the skin’s overall complexion
Cons:
- Heavily fragranced
- Not cruelty-free or vegan
Where to buy it:
6. Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence
Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence is extremely moisturizing, so it is great for dry skin.
The last dupe that we have for you on this list is the Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence.
The Hyaluron Skin Essence stands out from the rest of these dupes because it is supposed to act as an essence, a toner, and a moisturizer all in one product. We do recommend you purchase a separate moisturizer and toner. But, we cannot deny the amazing results this treatment produces. This product is extremely moisturizing, so it is great for dry skin. Hence the name, this product has hyaluronic acid in it which also aids in hydration. After using this product, you’ll notice that your skin has an overall healthier, more radiant-looking glow. Also, it is free from parabens, dyes, and fragrances.
Some reviewers state that this product didn’t give them any noticeable results. This could be due to their previous skin concerns or how often they apply the product. Also, if you use too much of this product, it can feel slightly sticky on the skin instead of hydrating.
Pros:
- An essence, toner, and moisturizer all in one
- Includes hyaluronic acid
- Great for dry skin
- Free from parabens, dyes, and fragrances
Cons:
- Some users didn’t notice any changes in their skin
- Can feel sticky if you apply too much
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is one of the best high-end skincare products on the market today. Unfortunately, the price for it is out of most people’s budget. By choosing one of the dupes on our list, you’ll get the same results as the SK-II treatment for a fraction of the cost. Out of all the dupes on our list, our favorite would have to be the Missha Time Revolution Essence. It feels lightweight and refreshing on the skin. Also, it hydrates the skin while quickly evening out and brightening the skin’s complexion.
A watery essence packed with an 80% fermented yeast solution to target imbalanced skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is facial essence?
Facial essence treatments are derived from Korean beauty. They are similar to a toner, but they are geared more towards hydrating the skin and brightening the complexion. Facial essences are great for mature skin, as they tend to target fine lines and wrinkles. Also, they are great for dry skin because they hydrate and refresh the skin.
How should I apply a facial essence?
Facial essences come in multiple formula types. If you have a liquid formula, use a cotton pad. If you have a serum formula, simply use your fingertips to apply the product to your skin. It is important that you do not use too much at once. If you do this, you risk the product feeling sticky or tacky on the skin. Also, be very gentle when applying any skincare product to your face.
Should I use both toner and facial essence?
Neither toner nor essence is necessary in your skincare routine, but they both have amazing benefits. They both even out the complexion of your skin. If you are experiencing dryness in your skin, feel free to switch out your toner for an essence. We don’t think it is needed to use both a toner and essence in your skincare routine. But, do whatever works for you and your skin!