10 Best Facial Essences, According to Skin Experts

Made with with 96.3% Snail Secretion Filtrate, this essence is designed to help rejuvenate dull and dry skin. It also absorbs quickly into the skin and provides long-lasting hydration. "Snail mucin moisturizes and improves the look of fine lines," Dr. Chang says. "[COSRX's essence] is lightweight and great for all skin types." Though, some Amazon reviewers noted that it has a sticky feel.

You don't have to break the bank to get all of the benefits that come with incorporating a facial essence into your routine. This toner/essence by Dickinson's delivers on hydrating and soothing skin just as well as options with a higher price tag."When I can't decide between a classic toner or essence, I reach for this product which does a great job of [combining] the two. The witch hazel acts as an astringent and rose water provides a bit of hydration," Wnek says. "The best part is that this is an alcohol-free astringent so it's great for sensitive skin."

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For seemingly instant hydration that soothes the skin, Tatcha's The Essence will become your go-to product. Dr. Chang explains that double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea and Okinawa algae in the formula work to "hydrate and prime the skin" as well as "support the skin's microbiome and boost the efficacy of your other skincare products."

If you want help improving the elasticity and plumpness of your skin, Dr. Chang says Pink Drink is a great option. The essence, which is dispensed as a mist, "contains peptides which stimulate collagenesis." It also hydrates, leaving you with supple, firmer skin. "I’m definitely seeing a significant change in the tone of my skin, the firmness; I have sunspots that are disappearing gradually after two weeks of use of this," an Amazon reviewer said.

With skin loving ingredients like glycolic acid, grape water and white peony, this essence works to tackle skin texture as well as hydration. The glycolic acid "gently exfoliates dull skin to brighten and even out skin tone," Dr. Chang says. She also noted that exfoliating the skin "allows for better penetration of later skincare products."

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GH staffers can't get enough of this product. They note that it provides the skin with ample hydration without feeling heavy or leaving any residue. “Aptly named, I apply the milky essence before putting on my makeup, and it makes my foundation go on super smoothly. My face feels really soothed when I use it,” says GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn.

Wnek had similar sentiments, sharing that "it almost feels like a moisturizer in liquid form," she says. "I have oily/combo sensitive skin and I find this product feels nice and soothing and with no unwanted residue. During the warmer months, I can get away with using this product without a moisturizer."

Tackle skin concerns like redness and acne with Peach & Lily's essence that the brand says delivers "long-lasting hydration, while visually calming inflammation and brightening the skin." After adding this essence to her routine, a GH staffer with acne-prone skin said she experienced "a noticeable difference in the texture of my skin. My breakouts reduced significantly and my skin felt moisturized all day long." Other reviewers said it left a sticky film on the skin.

With a milky consistency and hydrating ingredients, this toner-essence is purported by the brand to support the moisture barrier and visibly plump skin. And reviewers agree. "I have VERY sensitive skin and this works for me," one said. "It's keeping my skin hydrated, soft, not peely and happy." Some reviewers found that the packaging makes it hard to get the product out.

Though a bit on the pricey side, this essence by Tata Harper has garnered rave reviews for its ability to refresh the skin and its light fragrance. "I like this essence because it's an easy-to-apply spray (which also works to refresh skin during the day), feels revitalizing, and makes skin feel hydrated thanks to hyaluronic acid and plant extracts, plus no drying alcohol," GH beauty director April Franzino said.

Another reviewer added that the essence "smells amazing and makes my skin feel so hydrated." They also noted that it is "perfect for using before applying a serum or cream as it makes it go on way smoother."

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Over 4K positive reviews and a huge following may have put the SK-II essence on your radar, but its ability to improve skin texture will make you add it to your routine. "I've repurchased this at least five times now (thank God for Costco's prices), because no matter which 'dupe' I try, the affordable to the equally expensive, none deliver the same skin changing results as the OG," one reviewer said. "It's also one of the few, if not only, product in my vast collection that delivers brighter, smoother and more refined skin without the use of actives."