The 11 Best Facial Essences of 2024

Best Overall

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

$99 at Sephora $99 at Dermstore $90 at Walmart

You’ve probably seen ads for this essence all over social media (shoutout to James Corden for that skin #selfcare!), but this essence has been a fan-favorite in the beauty world for some time now. Infused with Pitera, an ingredient derived from yeast fermentation, the formula contains over 50 micro-nutrients that do everything from nourish, condition, smooth, and hydrate your skin. What users love most is how quickly they see a difference—even after a few days of use.

Cruelty-Free: No

Best K-Beauty

Neogen Real Ferment Micro-Essence

$38 at Amazon $24 at Walmart $38 at sokoglam.com

Looking to achieve “honey skin” status? Here’s your ticket there. For the ultimate smooth, balanced, and even complexion, this fermented formula—with 17% hydrating birch juice and 9% brightening rice extracts—is exactly what you need. Because it’s packed with a ton of humectants, it draws in moisture and keeps it there.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

COSRX Advanced Snail 96% Mucin Power Essence

$13 at Amazon $25 at Ulta $25 at Dermstore

I know what you’re thinking—is she seriously suggesting snail secretion? Yes. I am. And with good reason. This essence is 96% snail secretion filtrate and what that means for your skin is a plethora of essentials vitamins that intensely replenishes and revitalizes your complexion. Snail mucin also moisturizes dry patches, treats acne breakouts, and decreases hyperpigmentation. It’s basically your all-in-one, especially if you tend to have blemishes that won’t quit. Because this formula is so potent, you only need a small amount to thoroughly treat your face.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Large Pores

Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment

$56 at Amazon $50 at Sephora

Refine your skin’s look and texture with this velvety concentrate infused with sodium hyaluronate and lipohydroxy acid. The formula helps to reduce the appearance of pores, combat dryness, and bring dull skin back to life. Reviewers were impressed with its skin-resurfacing ability.

Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Uneven Texture

Fresh Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence

$48 at Amazon $36 at Sephora $36 at Nordstrom

This power-packed essence has every skin-smoothing ingredient you could think of, like kombucha, Africana fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, and mandarin peel extract. These ingredients work together to improve skin’s bounce, fade fine lines, and encourage luminosity. Users not only love the glowy results, but also the small bottle, which is travel-friendly.

Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Dry Skin

Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence

$29 at Sephora

Think of this Laneige facial essence as a big drink of water for your skin. The star of its formula is the brand's proprietary green mineral water, which is infused with extracts from vitamin-rich vegetables (including kale, watercress, and beet) for a punch of hydration that lasts all day. Plus, it's super lightweight and absorbs easily.

Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

Pixi Rose Caviar Essence

$24 at Amazon $12 at pixibeauty.com $24 at Walgreens

We're big fans of Pixi by Petra's skincare collection here at Byrdie HQ, so it's no surprise that this facial essence is on our list. This gentle, antioxidant-rich formula features ingredients like rose oil, anise extract, and mulberry extract to soothe and brighten even the most sensitive skin.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Brightening Essence

$59 at Amazon $59 at Sephora $54 at Dermstore

If you have oily skin, reach for this natural, oil-free facial essence from French skincare brand Caudalie. Not only does it brighten and even out your skin (thanks to glycolic acid and white peony)—it includes organic grape water for a punch of hydration.

Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Dark Spots

Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Essence

View on Sephora

Hyperpigmentation, dark spots and discoloration…we’ll pass. Considered a brightness booster, this essence formula works to battle uneven skin. With an ingredient combo of fruit extracts and acids, it encourages cellular turnover and diminishes the look of dark spots and wrinkles. Reviewers report that the consistency is thicker than other essences, making it feel more luxurious on the skin.

Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Mature Skin

MISSHA The First Treatment Essence RX

$19 at Amazon $54 at sokoglam.com

Turning back time is more than just a song when it comes to this essence (cue Cher’s chorus). Another fermented formula, this concentrated essence improves the skin’s texture by exfoliating and brightening. Yeast fermentations deliver serious moisture while pearl reef extracts exfoliate the surface to remove dead skin cells. After swiping on the product with a cotton pad, gently massage any leftover essence into the skin with your fingers.

Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Dull Skin

Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening Essence

View on Amazon $38 at Walmart $19 at skinstore.com

Tired of dull skin? Thanks to green apple and malic acid, this essence improves skin’s texture and brings out your natural glow. It also features zanthoxylum fruit, which is an effective redness-reducer. After consistent use, you’ll find that discoloration and bumpy skin have decreased.

Cruelty-Free: Yes