Essence 101

TATCHA The Essence

Japanese brand Tatcha’s prized essence is infused with a Hadasei-3 complex made from three fermented superfoods (rice, seaweed and green tea) that promote the production of amino acids, as well as hyaluronic acids—such as lactic acid—that hydrate, plump and smooth the skin while removing dead cells.

TATCHA The Essence, $138, sephora.ca.

LANCÔME Clarifique Dual Facial Essence

This two-phase lotion contains 97 percent clear essence with beech bud extract, vitamin Cg, and glycolic and salicylic acids, which amount to smoother skin and tightened pores. The formulation is completed with three percent high lipid essence, which helps to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.

LANCÔME Clarifique Dual Facial Essence, $115, lancome.ca.

FRESH Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence,

Kombucha, hyaluronic acid and mandarin peel extract work in this essence to moisturize, smooth and brighten the skin. The ingredients also offer protection from pollution, free radicals and blue light.

FRESH Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, $94, sephora.ca.
 

AMOREPACIFIC Vintage Single Extract Essence

The secret of this six-ingredient antiaging formula is fermented green tea leaves picked by hand on South Korea’s Jeju Island. They’re particularly rich in catechin, a powerful antioxidant that fights the signs of aging while boosting elasticity.

AMOREPACIFIC Vintage Single Extract Essence, $230, sephora.ca.

YSL BEAUTY Pure Shots Hydra Bounce Essence-in-Lotion

The velvety texture of this essence is thanks to water and oil microdroplets that deliver the perfect amount of vitamins E and B3 to the face, along with orange blossom extract sourced from YSL Beauty’s sustainable Ourika Gardens in Morocco. The mix hydrates and soothes the skin, while acting as a shield against external pollutants.

YSL BEAUTY Pure Shots Hydra Bounce Essence-in-Lotion, $70, yslbeauty.ca.

BEAUTYCOUNTER Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence

The proprietary Retinatural Complex of this product merges the benefits of bakuchiol (a plant-derived ingredient that delivers similar results to retinol, minus potential side effects) with antioxidant Swiss Alpine rose. This treatment also contains nutrient- and mineral-rich seawater, as well as fermented sugars for hydrated, soothed and healthy-looking skin.

BEAUTYCOUNTER Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence, $84, beautycounter.com.