Product Reviews Rated 4.42 out of 5 stars
33 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Very hydrating, and absorbs immediately!! I've used a couple of COSRX essences and they're all very hydrating and absorb well. I love this product and use it twice a day. This product works and I will buy again!
Most Helpful Critical Review Proceed with caution I used this for a few weeks without any issue, and without warning, it caused a massive breakout of tiny bumps that were itchy and wouldn't go away with the usual acne treatments. After doing some research and consulting with my dermatologist, it seems that this product caused an imbalance in the amount of yeast that's naturally present on skin. It looked like acne but didn't behave like acne and caused my skin to be very dry and sensitive. I had to use a combo of sulfur masks, antifungal shampoo, and azelaic acid to get my skin back to normal. Def patch test this for a few weeks before slathering it all over yourself!
Reviewed by 33 customers Learned how to use it and I LOVE IT 5
kells from Boston
I use this right after cleansing, not sure if tone essence is also known as a toner but once I started patting it into my skin after two pumps- I fell in love. I didn't like it at first when I would slather it on my face because then it gets soapy. I've never experienced the pilling effect in these reviews.. just a soapy type of feeling. You 100% have to pat this in. First time I patted it in, I waited 10 minutes to put anything else on. My skin felt different …. Like not tight but supple? And dewy. Pretty cool to notice the difference because when I would slather it on I don't think it absorbed and my skin felt weird. Now I LOVE this. after splashing your face with cold water when you're done cleaning, pat two pumps of this on and see what I'm talking about
No noticeable improvement 2
LP from Los Angeles, CA
I got this as a supposed dupe for Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence, but this product does not have the same effects as the Peach & Lily product. Doesn't do anything bad, but doesn't improve my skin either.
Good Dupe for SK-II & Yes it is an essence/toner 5
Rachel from Houston
Ok I have been doing the Korean 10 Step for more than 10 years now (from ages 19 to now 32) so to anyone who isn't sure or needs a bit more info this is for you.
Some reviewers complain about the consistency and say its not an essence/toner because you should go 'thinnest to thickest'. First of all, that is a general rule to help people who are unsure or just starting out, but that is not a die by the book rule. COSRX is a korean brand, if they say this is an essence its not a mistake it is in fact where it should go in your routine. The terms toner/essence indicate the concentration of active ingredients, these are higher concentration so they should come before serums and ampoules which are lower concentration. If you have another essence/toner that is more watery in texture that you also like to use put it on before this product. But put your serums and ampoules after this product.
Second, people appear to be complaining about pilling. This occurs when a product hasn't had time to absorb into your skin. If that is a problem for you wait 10-15 minutes before putting anything over this. I have never had a problem with pilling because I do allow my skincare to absorb into my skin well before I put on makeup. If that is still a problem another solution is to try derma-planing or just shaving your face. The peach fuzz on our faces often catches the product and so it sits on the hairs and evaporates rather than soaking into the skin.
This a good dupe for the SK-II, however don't expect the exact same results. The main hero of this is the fermented yeast which is great for hyperpigmentation, evening the skin tone, and anti-aging. This is a great budget option for those who can not afford the SK-II and want similar (but not the same) results. This is also a good introduction into fermented ingredients which sometimes the skin can react to. Because of the yeast this can cause 'purging', in which acne like bumps will appear. These will last a couple of weeks to a month
I will buy this for as long as I can! 5
Meagan from Illinois
Everyday when I wake up I immediately go clean my face because I just can't wait to sloth this all over my face! It really is beautiful ❤️
This is my new favorite essence 5
Chey Beauty from Litchfield IL
This stuff is amazing, I have acne prone skin....and it didn't break me out, it helps with fine lines, fights off aggressors so it's perfect for day time, you can use it with almost anything. It brightens your skin and has really helped with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and my skin is so dewy after using. It's better than ski II. This does every thing I need all the money is spent on actives and other things I could of just bought this. Some people are saying that it doesn't do anything but it takes time and it's not sticky from someone who breaks out over anything this didn't break me out or sting. It's amazing!
Slimy not a dupe for Tatcha at all 2
Fabulous at Fifty from Delaware
I usually never write reviews; however, this time, for this product, I cannot stay silent. This product feels absolutely gross on the skin. It feels like slime rather than the usual watery consistency of other essences (looking at you, Tatcha). Moreover, once on, the slime continues to permeate the skin and leaves an ever so slight residue.
I am soo disappointed with this product because it was hyped as a dupe for the much more expensive Tatcha essence. Ugh! I should have just waited for Tatcha to restock and gone without an essence until then.
Holy grail!! 5
temptressofnight from Brooklyn, NY
This product is my holy grail toner. I cannot rave enough about it. I have dry acne prone skin and it delivers hydration without breaking me out. I use it in the morning and night. Currently on my second bottle.
Love!! 5
Rachel from Face
I am writing this because I am here to buy my second bottle. Love this essence. I can definitely see improvements in my skin. It helps improve hyperpigmentation and my skin is so hydrated. I can tell if I have gone a couple days without using it. Totally wearable under makeup but I usually use it at night.
The most compliments 5
Nicole from Pensacola
I understand that this is a Pitera SK-II like product. Since using my skin has been more even and so soft. Makes all my other products seem to work better. I Use it before everything else. Apply with fingers. It's thicker than a toner. I bought my second bottle. This is my new product I will always use.
Great product! 5
Kjb22 from Oklahoma
Only been using for a week and I love this!! Feel like I can already notice a difference in redness and it is very moisturizing, my skin feels amazing! Great for sensitive skin!
Instant difference 5
Megan from Dallas, Texas
This product has a noticeable instant difference after application, you can see the redness lightening and it just feels great on the skin, also this product helps hydrate my dry skin. I will definitely purchase again.
A Must For Dry/Combo Skin! 5
TheGrimReader from TX
I love this product and it's become a staple in my day and nighttime skincare routine. I ha e dry/combo, sensitive and acne prone skin. I bought this because it's supposed to help with hyperpigmentation and deliver hydration as well. My skin has improved greatly since using this product. I'm going on 6 months of use now and I'm still on my first bottle! I've noticed an overall improvement with my skin feeling and looking hydrated and my hyperpigmentation has decreased although that could be attributed to several products, including this one. This product is great and can be used for all skin types because we all need hydration no matter if you have dry, normal, combo or oily skin (or a mix of all!) Either way, I highly recommend it. A little goes a long way. You only need one to two pumps max. This is an essence so it goes on after you've cleansed and toned. If you don't use a toner then you can go straight in with this essence. Someone in a previous review said that an essence should be more watery and not "gel like" and gave a negative review because the consistency was not to their liking. Essences can be anywhere from feeling like straight water to a gel consistency so please don't let that put you off. Try it for yourself. If it works then great! If not then you're only out around $20. Remember, just because something didn't (or did) work for someone else doesn't mean it will not work (or will work) for you so always try it yourself. CosRx is a great brand. They're cruelty free and fragrance free so it's perfect for those with sensitive skin as well.
Skin of color 5
Gab from NY
This is amazing for skin of color, one of the biggest skincare concerns that comes with skin of color is hyperpigmentation and this beautifully treats that without sensitizing the skin or irritating it in any way, I love this so much and I'm just so impressed with this and especially for the price point I think it's something everyone should try!
Brighter skin 5
Joli from Nyc
I've started a bunch of skin products recently, but I'm pretty sure this is what made my complexion look the brightest. It doesn't necessarily lighten up my acne scars, but I notice overall my face looks brighter and more even than it ever has. Looking forward to trying more of the brand.
Nice But No Noticeable Improvements 3
sunflower from Tampa, FL
This product is nice but had no lasting effects on my skin. At first use, for a few minutes, my skin looks hydrated but did not last. Also, there were no improvements over time in hydration, wrinkles, or tone. I used the product alone for a few days just to be sure - and there I didn't notice a change in my dry skin. Just stayed the same. I like the gel texture, its lightweight and easy to apply. Also I liked that there is no fragrance but other than that I would like buy this again.
Works but not under makeup 4
Leha from Seattle
I do feel like this keeps my t zone hydrated and less oily. However, It doesn't work well under my foundation. It causes pilling. I think it's because of its texture(between water and gel)
miracle hydrating product 5
sp from MN
This product is amazing. Exactly what I need to add moisture to my skin. (I have combo skin/oily t zone) it also miraculously lasts forever. This also layers well under moisturizer and makeup. No scent. I use 1-2 pumps for my whole face.
Feels sooo good on my skin.... 5
DDub from Orange County
I wash my face then apply one pump to my palm, and gently tap/pat into my face, neck and chest. It really hydrates without being sticky or thick. I then apply another CosRX Essence then I do my regular serum/moisturizer. I tailor my skincare to how my skin is doing that day. But always...moisture is so important. This product has really good ingredients, if it's in there there's a reason for it, no fillers!!!! Read the label for further information. I really like it❤️
Okay 3
Abbey from Florida
Pros:
- Cruelty free
- No noticable negative effects on skin
Cons:
- No noticable improvement in skin
I love this product 5
Product Junkie from Dallas,Tx
I use this product everyday and I LOVE IT! I will buy it again. It makes a nice smooth base for my other skincare. I have combo skin so this watery gel texture works amazing for my skin. My skin is always so soft and smooth after using this.
Essence is supposed to be water texture. 4
Kitty kat from Ohio
Essence is supposed to be water texture. This is a gel texture. Skincare should be applied thinnest to thickest meaning, toner, essence, ampoule, serum, (active), moisturizer, oil and so on.
It works 5
Ria from Birmingham Alabama
Yes. I love the formula and it is high quality. It works and does not cause no breakouts.
Effective Daytime Staple! 5
Anna from Orlando, FL
I have used this product for about 3 years now with the matching toner as part of my daytime routine. Whenever I stray away from these products, I always regret it and end up coming back to them. I love that it has galactomyces, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in it so its brightening and hydrating. I always get compliments on how even and glowy my skin is and am constantly asked what I use. I love the texture, its watery and gel-like, lightweight, and easily absorbs into the skin. It layers well under other skincare products and makeup with no issues.
Love my skin! 5
Jjizzy24 from Spring Hill, fl
A little goes a long way! One bottle lasted me 5 months! I used on my face, decolletage, and back of hands! Ordering a second bottle. Elle Leary, a YouTuber I follow and trust, says it's a close dupe to the Tatcha Essence.
Noticed a difference when I stopped using 5
Toned from Southern California
I had been using it on and off for the past 2 years. I am on my 3rd bottle so far. I hadn't used it for 2 weeks and I noticed my skin tone became more uneven on my face. It's really hydrating for a serum and I like that there's Niacinamide in it. It's best to wait 5-10 min before using another product.
Be aware that if you are prone to fungal acne, this product is NOT for you. It contains a popular yeast enzyme.
