Our glow essence is a new kind of cocokind product - it’s not a cleanser, toner, or a moisturizer, but rather a booster for your skin and for your skincare routine!
By definition, essences are lightweight, ultra-hydrating liquids that absorb deeply into the skin and prep it for whatever products you use next. We formulated ours with sea grape caviar, sea buckthorn, blue algae, and other active botanicals that help deeply hydrate and nourish.
Let’s get into it.
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first, a little science
Essences are known for their deeply hydrating properties, but aside from their active ingredients, what makes them so hydrating and effective?
The short answer is: their ability to penetrate the top layer of the skin.
The top layer of your skin is also known as the stratum corneum. Dr. Peter M. Elias, a specialist in skin barrier and epidermal biology, compared its structure to a brick wall. The “bricks” are made up of tightly packed skin cells. The “mortar” that holds the wall together is made of lipids.The dense structure of this top layer can make it extremely difficult for products to penetrate it.
so how do essences work?
Most moisturizers and facial oils are composed of larger molecules, which means that their absorption usually stops at the top layer of the skin. Our essence is composed of molecules that are small enough to penetrate the skin’s outer layer. These small molecules help deliver hydrating and nutritious ingredients deeper into the skin than most moisturizers or oils can.
When our essence penetrates the skin’s top layer, it also opens up a pathway for subsequent products to follow.
When used after our essence, serums, oils, and moisturizers are able to absorb more effectively into the skin than they would on their own.
In *essence*, you’re not only delivering powerful actives deeply into your skin, but you’re enhancing the function and delivery of your other skincare products! Your skin will thank you!
essences vs. toners vs. serums
Because of their similarly thin and light textures, people often confuse toners, serums, and essences; however there are definite differences in their functions.
Toners remove excess makeup and dirt while also helping balance the pH of your skin.
Essences help deeply hydrate the skin and simultaneously prepare it for the next steps in your routine.
Essences and serums both aim to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients, but essences are thinner, more hydration-focused, and less dense. This means that they are easy to fit into any skincare routine and they work for almost any skin type.
and what’s in our essence? see the complete breakdown below.
Sea grape caviar extract
The star ingredient of our glow essence! Our sea grape caviar is sustainably harvested from the Bohol Sea in the Philippines, through partners who support biodiversity and protect the environment’s natural fauna and flora.
Sea grape caviar draws in moisture from the air to protect your skin from dehydration. It also helps support your skin’s natural barrier, which helps skin feel bouncier, more supple, and more resilient.
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Water
Water is the liquid base of our essence, acting as a solvent and improving texture and spreadability.
Organic chamomile flower water
Contains antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation. It's also soothing and refreshing for skin, relieving dryness and irritation.
Glycerin
This mild, GMO-free humectant draws in moisture to help keep skin soft and hydrated. Glycerin has natural preservative capabilities that help carry the other ingredients in our essence without causing irritation.
Olive fruit oil
High in nourishing oleic acid, olive oil helps solubilize our formula, prevent ingredient separation, and keep it evenly mixed and uniform.
Radish root ferment filtrate
Made with the lactic acid bacteria traditionally used in Korean kimchi, this preservative offers both antimicrobial and skin-moisturizing benefits. Unlike harsh preservatives, it helps kill pathogens without disturbing your skin's microbiome.
Blue algae extract
Amino acid and mineral-packed, blue algae extract help smooth the skin’s appearance while also providing valuable antioxidant protection.
Organic sea buckthorn extract
Organic sea buckthorn extract contains high quantities of linoleic acids and vitamin E to help regenerate, firm, and soften skin.
Organic rose hip extract
Packed with a significant amount of vitamin C, rose hip (rosa canina fruit) extract helps to reduce visible skin imperfections and wrinkles, improving your complexion's overall appearance.
Organic rosemary leaf extract
This Ayurvedic oil protects skin from environmental stressors and helps to lock in moisture to the skin.
Organic bergamot oil
Great for oily skin in particular, bergamot oil helps to refresh and unclog pores, improving the overall balance and appearance of the skin.
Organic eucalyptus leaf oil
Highly regarded for it remedial properties, this gentle oil soothes skin and helps reduce irritation.
Sodium dehydroacetate
This baby-safe preservative prevents bacterial and fungal growth in our formula.
how to use
After toning, simply spray our glow essence directly onto your face and then pat it into the skin with your fingertips. Follow up with your favorite oil or moisturizer.
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