Product Reviews Rated 4.32 out of 5 stars
53 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review I use this as a toning product I used to use Estée Lauder Soft Clean Silky Hydrating Lotion as my toner until I bought this essence and I used this as an essence in my multi-step skin routine until I realized it was not just comparable to estee lauder, but better. I have very dry skin that dehydrates easily so I am able to use this twice daily. I actually do use an essence from another brand and this elf product is much better as my toner vs an essence. I'm not going to make suggestions for other skin types and other skincare routines since we are all different. What I can say is this works great for me personally as a toner. It is super hydrating and heavier than actual toners. I'm in my 40's and need all the hydration I can get so I'm thrilled to pay less than estee lauder's toner and actually get a much better result.
Most Helpful Critical Review Serious breakouts I have always had oily skin, but for the past 6 months or so, my forehead has been dry to the point of flaking. I decided to try this product because it seemed lightweight and does not contain ingredients that I know make me breakout (dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane). This product worked very well at alleviating my dry skin - my forehead went from scaly and flaky to normal. But I also began having cystic acne on my forehead. I stopped using this product, and within two weeks the cystic went away and has not returned. I'm really disappointed! I liked the way this made my skin feel, but clearly something in it didn't agree with me.
Reviewed by 53 customers OMG LOVE 5
JAYLE from Muskegon, Michigan
I love this stuff so much. I use it in my am and PM skin care routine every single day. It has a texture like more viscous water. After I wash my face apply toner then I applied this essence and after I go in with my serums. You really have to try this at least once! You'll be hooked and at such an affordable price that's not such a bad thing! If you are on the fence, Just try it you will not be disappointed!
Love it 5
Lauren from Texas
I been using this alone and with a hydrating face cream and my skin have been improving and never looked healthier.
I approve 5
Sam from IL
smells so good and I think does something LOL... I am not sure what essence is supposed to do but it feels nice on the skin and it makes me skin soft (when I use it with serums and moisturizers)
Not loving it 3
m3g3lizabeth from Indianapolis,IN
I haven't seen any major changes to my skin using this product. The smell also reminds me of the cheapo detangling hair spray from wallyworld your mom used to spray in your hair. Will not purchase again.
Nice hydration, but very sticky 4
RaeTheProductJunkie from Los Angeles, CA
I've always wanted to incorporate an essence to my routine. I have dry, newly-acne prone skin and I wanted to start layering my hydration. An esthetician I follow on Twitter recommended this product and I was excited. I've been using it for about a month now and I like it, but it does leave a weird, sticky residue. It also turns white when I pat it in, but other than that I like it!
LOVE this stuff 5
Laura from Chicago
I can't say enough good things about this essence. The smell is great, it is super light weight, and totally affordable! You get a huge amount of product for the price. Feels slightly moisturizing, and is thin enough to layer with other things. So refreshing, especially after being in the sun.
Great addition to your skin routine 5
Nina from Philadelphia
I've added this in my routine over 2 mths ago and I'm so glad I did. I use it am/pm immediately after I wash my face while my skin is still wet. I pat it directly on my face and press it in. It has lighten dark spots and has kept my dry skin hydrated. I love this stuff only con is fragrance so elf plz make this with no fragrance.
Good essence, just feels a bit sticky afterwards 4
Evynn from Grignon
This is a nice essence and it smells really good but it feels a bit tacky/sticky afterwards
Amazing toner! 5
Michelle from Pennsylvania
I received this product as a GWP with an elf purchase. It isn't actually called a toner but it works in place of one (use after cleanser and before moisturizer). It feels so lightweight on the skin and removes dirt that cleanser cannot. It smells great, too!
I wish I would have known about this product sooner. 5
E.l.f lover from San Antonio, TX
This product would have been excellent for me during the winter if I knew I was going to experience bad dry patchy skin.
Good Hydration 5
TammyOK from Oklahoma
I have dry, sensitive skin. I was using a toner made for dry skin but it left my skin dry and flaky. I read an article by a dermatologist that recommended an essence for skin like mine. Also, the article mentioned Elf Water Hydrating Essence as being good and inexpensive. I've been using it for approximately three weeks and my skin looks, and feels, a lot better.
Hydrating and great smell 5
Panamanian girl from AR
I LOVE this essence. I was unsure because of how cheap it is, but it is amazing. I've been using it for over a week now, my skin is more hydrated, firm and glowing. Its fragrance is so good and not overwhelming. Quick absorption. I 100% recommend this product. oh, and it is cruelty free!
My favorite essence 5
Veronica from NJ
I started using Essence last summer when I used Time Revolution's (they don't sell it at Ulta sadly) and since I found Elf's I've been using it ever since!!! It's so hydrating and I use it every day!
Good product for the price 5
Ruth from Bellevue, NE
I love using this water before and after i moisturize. My mom who is queen of creams noticed how locked my moisturizers are and I gave her one of these so she can be the judge.
RESCUED MY SKIN 5
VANNE from Las Vegas, NV
I like how it's a lightweight fluid jelly texture. I know how this is supposed to be use but I absolutely love to use this as a diffuser for my serums. I love serums but I find them difficult to blend properly and get just the right amount. (I usually mix 1 drop serum 2/3 drops Hydrating Water). By itself it's not bad giving a very light layer that absorbs quickly. I love the very subtle fragrance and LOVE LOVE LOVE the amount of product you get for the price. Since adding this to my routine (mixed with serum) it has helped soften my face and the weird scaly patch that appeared suddenly on my cheek has been greatly softened (I no longer feel the need to scratch it to take of the layers away so I am very grateful for).
Surprised to fall in love 5
Madeline from Milwaukee
I bought this not expecting to think anything special of it, but the texture is PERFECT. Ultra moisturizing and lightweight and it goes on easy (a little goes a long way). I use this stuff morning and night and it adds glow and radiance.
GREAT PRODUCT 5
keila from ohio
!!!!
Great Essence 5
Amy from Vegas
This is a great product if you want an additional layer of moisture. It is based off the Korean skincare model- meaning that it is applying after cleansed skin but before serums and moisturizers. It will not provide a lot of moisture on its own, but works great with other products. This helps to hydrate and keep skin looking healthy. I will continue to repurchase unless I find a product that works better at this price point.
Also, ELF's website will have 50% off sales so I would recommend buying it off their website
Do it 5
A from Las Vegas
Great addition to my Korean skincare. Adds an additional layer of moisture to my face
Doesn't Do Much But Not Bad 3
DC Loves Makeup from New York, NY
I've been using this products for several weeks now after cleansing my face at night before putting on moisturizer. It leaves my face feeling slightly moisturized but is certainly not a replacement for a moisturizer. However it has not broken me out, and I have very sensitive skin. Overall I think it's probably not a necessary step in my skin care routine, but it hasn't done anything bad so I'll continue to use it up.
I would buy this again 4
Tree from Pahrump, nv
I use it before and after makeup application.
So far it's great! 5
Lena from Mississppi
So far this stuff is awesome!! I have only used a handful of times because I forgot I had it but it goes on great and feels very hydrating.
Good until consistency changed 3
Catherine from Providence, RI
I loved this essence! It smelled fine and made my skin feel very moist. However, when I had 1/3 of the bottle still to go the consistency of the liquid began to change. This happened while I was on a trip so I don't know if my bag got super hot or cold which led to the changes. Anyway, it became more gel than liquid at this point and I didn't feel comfortable using it anymore. If you plan on using it in less than 3 to 4 months you should be fine, any longer and watch for issues.
I use it to shave! 5
Coco Nutty from Tustin, CA
I used it on my face at first. Considering that it's a thin liquid and not creamy a little light bulb popped up over my head. I can't seem to get a close shave in the shower so I sat on my bed and used this with a razor instead. No bumps, no itchiness and my legs felt SOOO smooth afterward!!! I probably won't have another genius moment like that for awhile. I hope they don't discontinue this!
Amazing!!!! 5
Auty from New Mexico
It hydrated my skin perfectly without looking oily. It works amazing with the elf serum and my face wash. It doesn't say that it clears up acne but my skin has never looked this good! All 3 products work amazing together and would recommend. Keep in mind, I don't have super sensitive skin but some products do break me out. I do only use it 1 time per day (at night) and it works better for me. When I used it twice a day, it didn't do much.Love it would would repurchase.
