Is essence even necessary in a skincare routine? What is the difference between an essence and a toner? Do we need both a toner and an essence in a skincare routine? How different is an essence from a serum? Toner, essence, serum..they all may sound very similar and yet they are quite different. Read along to find out why and how essences play a good role in a skincare routine.
Trust me, like most of you, I haven’t been paying much attention to essences and their functions. My skincare consists of a toner and a cocktail of many serums. For the longest time, I have been content with my skincare routine consisting of toners, potent serums, and moisturizers. When By Wishtrend launched their new product – Quad Active Boosting Essence, it got me curious about essences and their benefits.
How different is an Essence from a Toner and a Serum?
We all know that after cleansing the face, the first step in a skincare routine is the “Toner“. Toners are usually watery – like the I’m From Rice Toner or slightly viscous like the Klair’s Supple Preparation Facial Toner. Applying a toner on a bare clean face helps in balancing the pH level of the skin. It also hydrates, gently exfoliates, preps, and prepares the skin for the following steps.
An “Essence” too has a watery texture slightly more watery than toners. They are directly applied onto the face by gently tapping it in instead of using a cotton pad, unlike toners. The role of an “essence” is somewhat similar to the role of a toner. Meaning they both work as a supplementary step in preparing the skin for the better absorption of serums and moisturizers. While a toner hydrates the surface of the skin, an essence adds moisture to the skin from deep within.
“Serums” on the other hand is a combination of highly concentrated potent ingredients and acids. Such as Vit C, retinol, AHA, etc. They are targeted to treat specific skin concerns like brightening, anti-aging, something a facial toner or an essence cannot deliver.
About the Quad Active Boosting Essence
The Quad Active Boosting Essence is a newly launched product ‘By Wishtrend‘. This is supposed to be used as a serum booster, meaning this is to be applied after a toner and before applying serums. This is claimed to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects while also being a moisturizing essence.
Like its name, it is formulated with “quad active” ingredients:
- Combination of 3 complex ingredients {26.4%}:
- White Mulberry Bark Extract (Morus Alba Bark Extract – 8.7%)
- Indian Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract – 8.7%) and
- Magnolia Berry Extract (Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract – 9%)
- Willow Bark Extract (10%)
- Cornflower Extract (Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water – 9%)
- Propolis Extract (1%)
This also contains Honey, Black Tea ferment, and Citric Acid (which is a form of AHA). Thus making this a super packed rich essence.
Image Source Courtesy: www.wishtrend.com
My Thoughts
A watery essence with almost no scent. As suggested, I am using this after my toner (I’m From Rice toner/ Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Toner). This soaks in well without any tacky finish. It feels super light and moisturizing and I have been using this in both my AM and PM routines. My skin feels radiant, bouncy and this gives me that nice glow. Knowing that this is also quietly doing its magic in boosting the effects of my serums, gives me a nice happy feeling.
My Final Thoughts
“By Wishtrend” has very selective products. Their every launch implies that each of their product has been thoroughly researched and carefully brought upon. I have thoroughly enjoyed and loved their Polyphenols in Propolis 15% Ampoule and Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream in the past. So, there was no doubt I would enjoy this one too.
At first, I was a bit skeptical about whether an essence is really necessary for a skincare regime. But since this is specially crafted to boost the effects of serums, and me being an avid serum user, I feel satisfied knowing that this will do its job. This also adds a nice layer of moisture. Do I think a skincare routine would be incomplete without an essence? Probably not! But also one cannot deny the role of an essence. As this is super watery with active ingredients, this will be ideal for oily as well as sensitive skin types. If one is tight on budget, skipping a “toner” and investing in an “essence” would probably be the deal-breaker.
Ingredients
Aqua(Water), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract(10%), Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water(9%), Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract(9%), Morus Alba Bark Extract(8.7%), Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract(8.7%), Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Saccharomyces/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, 1,2- Hexanediol, Propolis Extract(1%), Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin
About the Brand – By Wishtrend
“By Wishtrend” is a brand curated after the global beauty company – Wishcompany or Wishtrend. They have also created other cult-favorite brands like Dear Klair’s and Jungle Botanics. They are the official retailers for the brand I’m From.
Where to buy?
- www.wishtrend.com (Affiliate link – https://www.wishtrend.com?a_aid=SAMMY123)
- www.yesstyles.com (Coupon Code: SAMMY123 for additional 5% discount)
This product was kindly gifted by the brand Wishtrend for review purposes. All reviews are my honest opinion. This page contains affiliate links from Wishtrend & YesStyle (clearly disclosed) which will help in generating a small commission to maintain this blog.