9 Best Korean Essences That Boost Hydration and Glow | Allure

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No matter what skin type you have, is essential—and the best Korean essences excel at driving moisture deep into your skin and preventing dryness (a.k.a. transepidermal water loss). Meanwhile, these also help prep your complexion for the rest of your —serums, moisturizers, and the like—and promote deeper absorption. Who doesn't want their pricey peptide or retinol serums to work more effectively? Absolutely no one.

What's more: These sometimes watery, sometimes milky formulas are incredibly lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed in powerhouse ingredients like discoloration-targeting snail mucin, calming cica (short for Centella asiastica), brightening ginseng, and even sebum-absorbing powders. Lastly, Korean essences are refreshing and satisfying to apply—just pat one in and you'll see and feel the immediate gratification (dewiness). Ahead, editors and dermatologists break down their all-time favorite essences they use daily.

Our Top Korean Essences

• Best Overall: , $25
• Best for Dullness: , $89
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: , $30
• Best for Dry Skin: , $33
• Best for Combination Skin: , $18
• Best Plumping: , $28
• Best for Mature Skin: , $37
• Best for Dehydrated Skin: , $29
• Best for Sensitive Skin: , $40

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Best Overall: Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

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Cosrx

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Why it's worth it: If you haven't heard of Cosrx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, sorry, but where have you been? This K-beauty staple has been around since 2014, has made countless rounds on the viral skin-care circuit, and, unsurprisingly, has gained many fans on the Allure team. Former editor Devon Abelman, all the way in 2017, she likes applying this gooey formula "to help lighten [her] acne scars and reduce underlying redness." , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, also approves of this formula, saying it "enriches the skin with panthenol and 96% snail mucin to repair and hydrate."

P.S. If you didn't know, animal testing is illegal in South Korea. As for how Cosrx obtains snail mucin, there's this statement via the : "Snails are placed over a mesh net in a dark and quiet room. As nocturnal creatures, this provides them with a comfortable space to freely roam about. After about an hour, the snails are transferred back to their homes while the mucin is collected and processed for use."

Han after applying the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor

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"This Cosrx essence is a total oldie but goodie. I've been using it on and off for years, but every time I come back to it, I wonder why I ever stopped. (Well, ok, it's because my job means constantly testing new products, and I only have one face!) The glow after a few pumps of this essence equals serious glow. Like, in-your-face glow. I love it. The fun, slimey texture, of course, can't be overlooked—and it's surprisingly not tacky after a few seconds. I can always count on this to revive my dull, tired morning skin before I head into the office." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: snail secretion filtrate, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin
• Who it's for: anyone addressing discoloration and/or dullness
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dullness: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum

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Sulwhasoo

First Care Activating Serum

Why it's worth it: Like most Korean skin-care products, has gone through quite a few reformulations, each one better than the previous, thanks to ongoing research. VI, pictured here, welcomed the addition of , a core Korean skin-care ingredient that helps boost circulation, brighten, and protect your skin against environmental nasties that trigger the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Despite being called a serum, it's meant to be applied right after your cleansing step(s). One or two pumps of this herbal- and plant-based goodness (featuring Solomon's seal, Japanese lily, and many others) leave your skin balanced and radiant.

Pai after applying Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor

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"My combination skin is prone to acne, so I don't always go full-throttle with moisturizing—and as a result, it doesn't always get the hydration it needs. That's where this comes in. It's billed as a serum but looks, feels, and functions like an essence. Even more importantly, though, it balances my skin, leaving it hydrated and dewy but never oily." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ginseng, Solomon's seal, lotus, white lily, honey, madecassoside, ascorbic acid
• Who it's for: everyone, especially those addressing dullness
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ma:nyo Factory Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence

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Ma:nyo

Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence

Why it's worth it: Galacytomyces ferment filtrate may not roll off the tongue or sound familiar, but if you've ever heard of a little-known (joking) brand called and its star ingredient, Pitera, you now know what the former is. While it's not exactly Pitera (a trademarked ingredient), GFF is derived from the same process of sake fermentation and has been shown through to increase skin hydration, boost barrier function, and reduce inflammation. Manyo Factory's Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence subs water as the first ingredient in favor of GFF, weighing in at 93.69% of the formula and includes 4% niacinamide to deliver a potent, one-two punch of discoloration-fighting ingredients.

Trakoshis after applying Manyo Factory Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence

Angela Trakoshis

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor

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"Meet my travel bestie, Manyo's Galactomy Niacin 2.0 Essence. I keep it in my on-the-go skin-care bag because it's loaded with niacinamide to even tone and panthenol to calm—two things my skin needs after a long day of travel.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: galactomyces ferment filtrate (93.69%), niacinamide (4%), panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, witch hazel water
• Who it's for: people who want to address hyperpigmentation and uneven texture
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Hydro Essence

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Aestura

Atobarrier 365 Hydro Essence

Why it's worth it: Sensitive friends, allow us to introduce you to this extra gentle, intensely soothing, and obviously fragrance-free hydrator. A sister product to the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion, Atobarrier 365 Hydro Essence is just as much of a winner. Allow Dr. Chang to break it down: It's “a hypoallergenic, lightweight essence enriched with a proprietary advanced BMF (barrier moisturizing factors) complex that quickly boosts skin’s hydration and strengthens the skin barrier,” she explains. Isn't it wonderful knowing a formula won't cause irritation? We wholeheartedly cosign.

Wu after applying Aestura Atobarrier Hydro Essence

Sarah Wu

Tester feedback from contributor

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"This is my favorite nighttime essence, especially in the winter when my midface starts drying out. It's one of the richest essences in my collection, like a cross between an ampoule and a milk toner. Because the texture's on the thicker side, I slightly squeeze the sides of my bottle to dispense—I learned that one through trial and error. My skin drinks this right up, looks so fresh and moisturized, and stays that way all through the night. I also like that it's gentle and fragrance-free, which means I can reach for it even when I'm having a rosacea flare-up or irritation." —Sarah Y. Wu, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Barrier Moisturizing Factors (BMF), triple lipid complex (ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol), squalane, glycerin, vitamin E
• Who it's for: everyone, especially those with sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

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Beauty of Joseon

Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

Why it's worth it: Beauty of Joseon has solidified itself as an Allure favorite but, if that wasn't enough to sell you, derms are also impressed. Board-certified dermatologist , DO, considers The Glow Replenishing Rice Milk his all-time favorite . (Toner and essence are often used interchangeably in K-beauty.) While he recommended it for in particular, this dual-layer essence is great for all skin types, especially combination skin—because it's formulated with sebum-controlling powders, most notably kaolin clay. A few drops of this, and consider your T-zone under control. The real stars of the show, however, are rice extract and rice amino acids, natural humectants that soften, hydrate, and brighten your complexion. Just be sure to shake the bottle in order for the moisture and powder layers to mingle and fuse together.

Wu after applying Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

Sarah Wu

Tester feedback from Wu

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"I think of this dual-layer formula like a hydrating essence and balancing toner in one bottle. The milky sebum-absorbing powder layer is under (not over) the translucent moisture layer, so I shake them up to combine before pouring the mixture on my palms and pressing it into my face. I have combination skin, so this is the ideal daytime essence step for me; it keeps my T-zone from getting overly greasy while still feeling so nice and hydrating on the rest of my face. Plus, I love the finish it leaves: a smooth, gentle glow that looks amazing under makeup." —Wu, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice extract, rice amino acids, kaolin clay
• Who it's for: everyone, especially those with combination or oily skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Plumping: VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100

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VT Cosmetics

PDRN Essence 100

Why it's worth it: If it feels like the internet can’t stop talking about lately, you’re not imagining it—and VT Cosmetics’ PDRN Essence 100 shows why the ingredient has gone so viral. The formula features 100,000 ppm (parts per million) of the brand’s proprietary Phyto PDRN derived from Korean wild ginseng, a plant-based alternative to traditional salmon-derived PDRN. Unlike animal-sourced PDRN, ginseng-derived PDRN delivers similar reparative and elasticity-supporting benefits while also bringing ginseng’s own antioxidant and revitalizing properties into the mix, making it especially appealing for sensitive or reactive skin types.

For instant plumpness, glycerin and polyglucuronic acid (which is a lesser-known but impressive humectant related to hyaluronic acid) help bind moisture for a fuller, cushioned feel. Niacinamide and adenosine support smoother, firmer-looking skin over time, while ceramides, panthenol, and squalane lock in hydration. The milky texture absorbs quickly, leaving your complexion bouncy, hydrated, and noticeably more like glass skin.

Han after applying the VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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I'm obsessed with the milky texture of this essence! Compared to runny/watery essences(nothing against those, though!), it absorbs way faster. I can also pump more in one go and move on, whereas I'll usually apply at least two layers for more fluid formulas. I love applying this day (first thing after rinsing my face) or night (after an exfoliating treatment) because it provides an immediate glass-skin-like glow that doesn't veer into greasy-looking territory—a common concern for my combo skin. PDRN is all the rage in K-beauty (though the trend is spilling over into stateside brands/launches) and I love that VT sources its PDRN from a traditional Korean (broadly Asian) ingredient: ginseng. It has so many benefits, from soothing inflammation to stimulating circulation and boosting elasticity. After I got a complete skin scan that specifically flagged my excess oiliness and large pores, I've been upping my exfoliating actives, so this essence is the ideal soother." —Han, commerce editor

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• Key ingredients: ginseng, glycerin, polyglucuronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol, squalane
• Who it's for: people with dry skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence

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Neogen

Real Ferment Micro Essence

Why it's worth it: It looks like water, feels like water—but Neogen’s Real Ferment Micro Essence delivers far more than a quick splash of hydration. Rooted in Korea’s long tradition of fermenting ingredients to enhance potency and skin compatibility, this ultra-light essence uses fermented actives that are especially beneficial for mature skin, when barrier strength, elasticity, and resilience naturally decline. The essence includes Bifida ferment lysate and Saccharomyces ferment filtrate to support skin’s suppleness, with birch juice and rice ferment adding antioxidant protection and hydration,” says , MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It absorbs fast, leaves no tacky residue, and makes skin feel refreshed.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Bifida ferment lysate, Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, birch juice, rice ferment
• Who it's for: people with mature or dry skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dehydrated Skin: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence

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Isntree

Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence

Why it's worth it: Isntree’s Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence is a go-to for skin that feels tight, dull, or “thirsty,” which is often a sign of dehydration. (Quick refresher: Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water.) Dehydrated skin responds best to humectants that draw water into the skin, and this essence delivers that in spades. “It’s a reliable, no-drama hydrating essence with a fresh texture that sinks in quickly,” says Dr. Yoo. The formula features eight types of hyaluronic acid, plus glycerin and panthenol, to hydrate at multiple levels and help skin hold onto moisture longer. In addition, opuntia ficus-indica seed oil (derived from prickly pear cactus and naturally rich in fatty acids and antioxidants) seals everything in. “You get that plumped, comfortable feel without any stickiness or heaviness,” adds Dr. Yoo.

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• Key ingredients: 8 types of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, panthenol, opuntia ficus-indica seed oil
• Who it's for: people with dehydrated skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: I’m From Mugwort Essence

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I'm From

Mugwort Essence

Why it's worth it: I’m From’s Mugwort Essence is a masterclass in doing more with less. With a short, pared-down ingredient list, “it is one of my favorite calming essences for reactive or over-treated skin,” says , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Carlos, California. The formula centers on mugwort extract, an herb long used in Korean skin care for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. “The watery texture has an immediate cooling effect that reduces discomfort and irritation,” she says. Beyond soothing, mugwort helps defend against environmental stressors and supports collagen production, which can help skin look plumper and smoother. Sodium hyaluronate adds lightweight hydration, making this essence especially “helpful during flare-ups, after exfoliation, or alongside retinoids when skin needs calm without complication,” adds Dr. Jhin.

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• Key ingredients: mugwort extract, sodium hyaluronate
• Who it's for: people with sensitive or reactive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of essences and who can benefit from using one?

While some toners and essences can be interchangeable (hi, marketing teams!), for the most part, essences are focused on boosting hydration. (There are also toner-essence hybrids that both hydrate and exfoliate!) Essences, in particular, "serve as a key step in many ," says , MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City. "They are designed to deeply hydrate, improve skin texture, and enhance the absorption of subsequent skin-care products." She notes that popular ingredients include niacinamide, fermented extracts, and licorice root, which help promote radiance and even the complexion. Since essences are, by nature, soothing formulas, anyone can benefit from using an essence, Dr. Chang confirms. However, those with —whether year-round or mostly in the —should especially consider adding an essence to their lineups.

What is special about Korean essences?

Korean skin care is famed for its gentle approach, and Korean essences are no different in that regard. "They stand out because they are effective yet gentle and can work for any skin type," Dr. Chang confirms, adding that there are options to target any and all skin concerns. Of course, essences are designed to promote hydration, but Korean formulas also offer brightening and firming benefits, Dr. Chang explains. We'll also note that most essences above cost less than $40, which proves how cost-effective Korean formulations are.

Meet the experts

• , MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
• Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of , adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University, and author of Asian Beauty Secrets and K-Beauty Secrets based in San Carlos, California
• , MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure , our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean essences, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete .

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

With these K-beauty essentials, the future of your skin is looking bright:

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is the commerce editor at Allure and has been covering beauty from a shopping and cultural lens for 10 years. She's the team expert on all things K-beauty, in particular, but especially loves all skin care and makeup (especially of the colorful variation). Previously, she served as an ... Commerce Editor

is a writer, editor, and copywriter specializing in beauty and wellness, parenting, and lifestyle. With deep roots in the magazine world, she’s developed editorial and branded content for print and digital outlets such as Lucky, Bustle, Teen Vogue, SELF, Woman’s Day, New York Magazine, and InStyle. Before ... Contributing Writer

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