Skincare · 8 first-hand tests · 8 brands
Hydrating essences
Tested by hand. Judged side by side. Every one of these hydrating essences was used by a tester, then scored on the same criteria written for this family, so the verdicts can be read side by side. 2 of them hold a current Beauty 100 rank.
- Judged on
- Hydration and feel
- Absorption and layering
- Value per ounce
- Price range
- $23.80 – $99.00
- In the Beauty 100
- 2
- Newest review
- Nov 5, 2026
All reviews8 reviews
Newest first
Mizon · Hydrating essencesSkin Power Original First EssenceRoom for hydration, without a heavy layer.“I liked the light, hydrated feel of this essence.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
Secret Key · Hydrating essencesStarting Treatment EssenceA light first layer that earns its place on texture“I liked the light feel of this essence under moisturizer.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
![Lumene Nordic Bloom [LUMO] Vegan Collagen Essence](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fu1knlcvgfbfeyshn.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fproducts%2Fillustrations%2Freview-art%2Flumene-nordic-bloom-lumo-vegan-collagen-essence-83755a2d54fc.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_5wxMeynzuQomzxCBhn77iVyJbrLb)
Lumene · Hydrating essencesNordic Bloom [LUMO] Vegan Collagen EssenceA jelly-textured essence for a little bounce before cream.“I liked the light gel layer under moisturizer.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
Benton · Hydrating essencesFermentation EssenceA pump makes this ferment essence an easy everyday layer.“I liked the light hydrating layer before cream.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
MISSHA · Hydrating essencesTime Revolution The First Essence 5XA watery first layer for skin that wants more than cream alone.“I liked the watery texture as the first layer after cleansing.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
Then I Met You · Hydrating essencesThe Giving EssenceA fluid layer for moisture and brightening in one step.“I like this essence as a hydrating and brightening step.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
Beauty 100 · #6COSRX · Hydrating essencesAdvanced Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceA light layer for thirsty skin.“The essence felt tacky at first, but the tack disappeared once it dried.”Insider Beauty tester
Reviewed by Sarah Chen · Aug 29, 2026Read 
Beauty 100 · #99SK-II · Hydrating essencesFacial Treatment EssenceA refined essence for a luxury routine.“I could layer my usual skincare over the essence without it feeling heavy.”Insider Beauty tester
Reviewed by Sarah ChenRead How a review is made
Tested first, then judged inside its family.
- 1A tester uses it. The quote on every card is from that first-hand test.
- 2Editors judge it on three criteria written for its family, plus evidence, distinctiveness and disclosure.
- 3The verdict comes first. The score out of 5 is the summary, not the point.
Judged on
- Hydration and feel
- Absorption and layering
- Value per ounce