The 11 Best Essences for Oily Skin: Reviews & Guide
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Although it is one of the hottest new trends in skincare, essences have been around for a while. Essences are offer powerful hydration, excellent for giving your skin a clean, healthy glow. While essences were traditionally water-based, creams and gels are now emerging on the market. Hydration is essential for your skin, and essences can help you maintain a fresh and youthful glow throughout the day.
Different essences perform differently. First, determine your skin type. If you have oily skin, avoid products that stimulate excessive sebum (grease) production as these will exasperate issues you may already be facing with your complexion.
Are you looking for the best oil-free essence? Why not learn more from our recommendations?
Powered with 96% snail secretion filtrate
Our Top 11 Picks for the Best Essence for Oily Skin
Our team has compiled the top essences on the market that are suitable for oily skin. This article will help you examine the unique features that make these essences stand out as the best products available on the market.
1. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Our Pick
COSRX is one of our favorite brands in the skin-care market, which is why you can rest assured that this exceptional essence will improve your oily skin. As the name suggests the product is mainly focused is on eliminating blackheads, and comes with many high-powered ingredients that make it a worthy competitor on the market.
Betaine salicylate is one of the main ingredients, this is an alternative to traditional BHA salicylic acids which cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. White willow bark is another notable ingredient; the flavonoids and polyphenols found in the white willow bark are beneficial for preventing skin damage from free radicals.
This product can be used to treat dullness, skin problems, pigmentation, and other issues, making it a very versatile product that is not restricted to only treating blackheads.
Pros
- Great for oily, acne-prone skin.
- Matches the quality and performance of more expensive brands for a fraction of the cost.
- Gentle enough to use daily yet effective at preventing breakouts and blackheads.
- A highly concentrated serum that can be used as an alternative to traditional BHA salicylic acid products.
Cons
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The liquid consistency makes it harder to apply.
2. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Powered with 96% snail secretion filtrate
As we believe that COSRX is a brand that you will love and trust this is the second COSRX product we will be mentioning. If you don’t believe us, we encourage you to research their products online as we guarantee they have a product every need and budget that rivals any product on the market.
This essence is 96% snail secretion filtrate or mucin. Mucin has been used as a natural skin treatment since ancient times and is well-known for its ability to provide intense hydration and rectifying existing skin problems. It replenishes nutrients lost by the skin while increasing your skin’s elasticity, making it a great addition to your antiaging skin-care routine.
Pros
- 96% snail secretion filtrate.
- Natural ingredients.
- Hydrate your skin better than any other product on the market.
- Repair existing skin problems by replenishing nutrients lost throughout the day.
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
3. MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Intensive
Contains 80% fermented yeast concentrate
This product is a great stepping stone to healthier skin. The ingredients alone indicate that this is an excellent skin-care product.
It is popular because it contains 80% fermented yeast concentrate, which is absorbed immediately by the skin and leaves no oily residue.
Also, with a pH level of 5.5, it is evident this product is perfectly balanced for your body. It won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Pros
- It is 80% fermented yeast concentrate, which makes it easy for your skin to absorb the product.
- The pH level of 5.5 means it is balanced and won’t irritate sensitive skin.
- It won’t leave your skin oily or worsen your breakouts.
- Leaves no oily residue.
Cons
- Consistency could be improved.
4. Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence
Non-Comedogenic
This product is unique as it contains both animal and mineral oils. It works to reduce the oil in the T-zone of your face (across your forehead and down your nose and chin) while also working to moisturize the dryer areas of your face including your cheeks.
This product is effective because it uses Galactomyces which is the best yeast for skin care. It has seven major benefits: it adds moisture, controls sebum, soothes soreness and irritation, brightens complexion, improves elasticity, and fights wrinkles.
Glycerin (also known as a “humectant”) is another key ingredient in this product that acts as a magnet that attracts impurities to the surface of the skin, allowing them to be rinsed off and ensuring they don’t penetrate the skin.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic.
- Controls oiliness.
- Reduces blackheads and brightens skin.
- It’s made with Galactomyces yeast with the seven benefits mentioned above.
- Glycerin acts as a moisture magnet keeping impurities out of your pores.
Cons
-
May cause breakouts as it works to draw impurities to the surface of your skin.
5. Skin Food Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence
Contains Antioxidants
This essence is well-loved by many because of the extraordinary ingredients especially honey, which has been used for centuries to moisturize and heal the skin.
Honey is highly effective at hydrating skin without triggering oil and sebum production. This product contains 63% black bee propolis extract as its main ingredient. It also contains 10% royal jelly extract, and 10% black honey extract. These products create a protective barrier for external pollution of the skin, while also targeting dark spots, as well as dry and rough skin.
The product penetrates the skin more deeply than other essences that contain a lower concentration of key ingredients.
Pros
- Hydrates without creating excess sebum.
- Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which results in less skin irritation and a more radiant facial glow.
- Provides a protective barrier against external damage.
- Prevents acne and blackheads.
Cons
-
The packaging leaves room for improvement.
6. Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence
Lightweight Formula
This product is recommended for those with oily skin who lack hydration. It is common to believe that oily skin is already hydrated, however, this is not always true.
We love that this essence has a water-based formula making it light and easy for your skin to absorb without creating an oily texture. This gives the product a unique advantage in distinguishing itself from other oils-based essences.
It also contains three key ingredients that are excellent for skin hydration: hyaluronic, hydrolyzed colla, and glycerin, all of which also prevent pores from becoming clogged leading to breakouts.
Pros
- The lightweight water-based formula is easy for your skin to absorb.
- Hydrates skin while keeping it healthy, clean, and radiant.
- Doesn’t make your skin look oily.
- Includes key ingredients that hydrate, while preventing outbreaks.
Cons
-
This product is rather expensive.
7. Manyo Factory Galactomyces Niacin Special Treatment Essence
Powered with Vitamin B3
This extract is uniquely effective because it contains 97% Galactomyces fermented extract which has great benefits for your skin.
Vitamin B3 is the only way for your body to receive niacinamide, the coenzymes in this product play an important role in cell metabolism. These coenzymes are responsible for providing energy to skin cells and ensuring that they function correctly, ensuring a vibrant complexion free from impurities.
It is worth noting that this essence contains antioxidants in a variety of forms, which protect against damage caused by free radicals. This product can be used to address oiliness and other skin issues, such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
Pros
- Helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance.
- Improves the appearance of complexion, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
- Has boosting effects of other, simultaneous topical treatments.
- Reduces acne occurrence and inflamed and irritated skin.
Cons
-
Not appropriate for sensitive skin.
8. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Improves Skin Tone
This product is one that the brand name alone can make you want to try. Although it is more expensive than most of the other options on this list, however, we believe that it is well worth the extra cost.
This product’s effectiveness is due to the use of 90% piterra which is a bio active component with a powerful source of vitamins, minerals, and organic acids. These acids are useful in supporting natural cell renewal which keeps your skin glowing.
Many people compare it to miracle water due to its incredible benefits. These include firmer skin, brighter skin, and reduced wrinkles. It’s also easy to absorb and doesn’t leave an oily residue on your skin, helping you feel clean and refreshed.
Pros
- Corrects Uneven skin tone and texture.
- Removes deeply embedded impurities.
- Decreases the appearance of wrinkles.
- Provides firmer skin, brighter skin, and reduced wrinkles.
Cons
-
Some people find its smell unpleasant.
9. SeoulCeuticals Marine Mineral Plump & Glow Essence
Made With 98% Natural Ingredients
This Korean product is a great choice for the best essence for oily skin. This product is rich in nutrients, which are the key to its effectiveness.
98% of the ingredients in this product are natural, while others may contain harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin. These products include marine minerals, cucumber extract, green tea, aloe vera, and tamarind extract, all of which are designed to give you a healthy, all-natural glow perfect for sensitive skin.
The manufacturers are so sure that this product will work perfectly for you that you can receive a full refund if the product leaves you dissatisfied.
Pros
- Excellent penetration of active ingredients into the skin.
- Reduces enlarged pores and blackheads.
- Lightens dark spots, freckles, blemishes, and acne marks.
- Heals and prevents acne.
- Contains anti-aging properties.
- 98% natural ingredients.
Cons
-
It contains gluten and is not suitable for those with gluten allergies and intolerances.
10. TOSOWOONG Green Tea Natural Pure Essence
With The Power of Green Tea
This hydrating essence works for all skin types, including oily skin. This essence comes in a pump bottle and is easier to use than most other hydrating essences that come with a dropper-based system.
People who have used this essence before love it for the fact that it contains green tea (a very well-known, powerful antioxidant) as its main ingredient. This essence not only moisturizes and restores the skin but also protects against free radical damage.
This essence has a light texture which is great for oily skin. The skin absorbs it immediately after application and won’t cause any oiliness helping you feel vibrant and fresh all day.
Pros
- Works well on oily skin.
- It contains green tea as its main ingredient which is a potent antioxidant.
- Great for people who want an essence with a light texture and that doesn’t cause oiliness throughout the day.
- Moisturizes and restores your skin.
Cons
-
Not safe for sensitive skin.
11. Valo Vitamin C Glow Boost Essence with Hyaluronic Acid
Prevents Blackheads
Cloudberry is one of the most valuable ingredients in this essence. It can only be found in Arctic meadows and marshes and is believed to be beneficial in the restoration of skin health. The product also has high levels of Vitamin E which nourishes skin while preventing damage from free radicals.
Pure Arctic spring water is another key ingredient you will find in this product, this water comes from Finland and is considered some of the purest water sources in the world. This water works well for oily skin by decreasing the impact of heavy oils, which can cause the skin to become greasy.
Pros
- Prevents blackheads.
- Targets enlarged pores.
- Controls excess oil production.
- Keeps skin hydrated and radiant.
Cons
-
It has a strong fragrance and may not be appropriate for more scent sensitive-buyers.
How to Choose the Best Essence for Oily Skin
When there are so many choices how do you choose the right one? Below are the top considerations to help you fully assess all of the options.
Ingredients:
It is important to ensure that the ingredients of your essence do not cause oil production and that they target skin problems that may be caused by oil. Good essences may contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
Form:
Although most essences are water-based some are gel or cream-based. Personal preferences are the most important factor as you need to feel comfortable applying this to your face regularly.
Reviews:
Are you having trouble deciding which one to buy? To make your decision easier, read reviews and get advice from real people who have already invested their money into trying the product.
FAQs
This section will address the most frequently asked questions about essences.
What Do Essences Do for Your Skin?
At their most basic level, essences improve skin hydration. They do this by hydrating the layer that prepares the skin for applying creams or serums. The skin will be brightened and imperfections reduced if you use essences regularly.
Can Essense be used on Oily Skin?
Essences can be used even if your skin is oily. You should be careful when choosing an essence to ensure you don’t select one that worsens your current oil problems. You should also have AHAs or BHAs as they will target the most common causes of oiliness and reduce the likelihood that your skin will produce excessive sebum.
What’s the Difference Between Serum and Essence?
Although serums and essences contain the same powerful ingredients that your skin loves, they have different properties. The active ingredients found in serums are usually less plentiful than those in essence. A serum is more concentrated and lightweight than essence and used more sparingly.
Does Essence Remove Dead Skin Cells?
Yes, essences do remove dead skin cells. Products with AHA and BHA are designed to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, after which they’re easily washed away.
Can I use Essences if I Have Sensitive Skin?
Some essence can cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin. So, we recommend see the above list of products and take note of those which we labeled good for sensitive skin.
Will Essence Help Me if I Have Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin is one major sign of dehydration. It may be the result of hot weather, cold temperatures, or exposure to harsh elements like wind and sun.
A quick and easy way to moisturize your skin is by using a hydrating product. Skin essences are great for adding in an extra layer of hydration, especially when the weather outside is dry! So, the answer to the above question is yes, essences can help you combat dehydrated skin.
Conclusion
To take your skincare regime to the next level we recommend you add essences to increase the hydration and vibrancy of your skin. These products are made with carefully chosen ingredients that will be gentle on oily skin and offer the hydration you require without adding any shine or grease.
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Emma Smith
I love staying healthy by doing working out and yoga. I am mother of a beautiful baby girl, I spend most of my time caring for her while still managing work obligations.