A ‘first essence’ is one of the newer skincare trends, also known as toner essences or sometimes, treatment essences. The original is considered to be SKII’s Facial Treatment Essence which uses fermented yeast (they call it Pitera) but since then a number of dupes and similar products have been released, all based around the same idea of fermented products.

First essences, should be used as the first part of your skincare routine after cleansing (hence, the name 'first’) as the idea is that they help prep the skin for the next steps while also providing hydration and brightening. Some people will use it as a substitute for their hydrating toner, but it should not be used as a substitute for your serum-type essences.

Brand: Nature Republic

Product Type: First Essence / Toner Treatment

Skin Type: All

Capacity: 250ml

Retail Price: ₩32,000 (Purchased for $25) First Essence / Toner TreatmentAll250ml₩32,000 (Purchased for $25)

About The Product

Formulated with 90% saccharomyches ferment, this undiluted essential essence makes the skin clear and transparent.

Here’s the promotional poster and from what I understand, this is a repackaging (including new improved formula) of their previous first essence, The First Number One Essence. The main difference - apart from the branding - seems to be the increase of saccharomyches ferment from 87% to 90%, and the inclusion of orange water from Italy and a few minor ingredient changes.

Ingredients

Saccharomyces ferment, Propanediol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/root/stem Extract, Pueraria Thunbergiana Root Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Lavender Extract, Althaea Officinalis Leaf/root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/leaf Extract, Linseed Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Seed Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Fennel Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Water, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Soluble collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Lime Oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, Black Currant Seed Oil, Rose, Illicium Verum Fruit/seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol

Potential Irritation/Acne Triggers

Olive Fruit Oil (Acne: 2)

Key Ingredients

Saccharomyces Ferment/Fermented Yeast

Niacinamide (skin smoother/brightening)

Centella Asiatica Extract (antioxidant/tonifying)

Click here for an image from the box and the COSDNA profile.

First Impressions

So I’ve tried a few first essences before including the two most popular options; SKII which had average results but you’d think with the price tag it could at least smell better, and Missha’s which I think broke me out (I was sad for days because I’d heard so many good things about it),. Other’s I’ve tried were the Hera Cell Essence and Primera Miracle Essence. Both of which were great but I wanted to find something more budget friendly. What attracted me to try this essence (ahead of the Secret Key and Goodal versions) is that it was featured on the Korean beauty show, 'Get it Beauty’. I should be forbidden to watch that show because every single time I seem to find something new to buy.

Onto the packaging, and I really like that they kept it simple. The bevelled effect (hard to photograph) comes off as sophisticated and the colour scheme helps boost their natural/organic image. An added bonus is that the ingredients and basic information can be found in English (whoo!).

Like all the other first essences I’ve come across, this comes in a frosted glass with a slight green-ish colour - the liquid itself is transparent. There’s a twist cap (even the font used for the hangul is pretty) and product is dispensed through a small hole.

The texture is just like water and I’m not good with scents, but there’s a very subtle smell, sort of floral-ish but it’s not overpowering or lingering at all. In fact, I quite like the freshness of it.

Usage & Performance

How To Use: For the first steps of skin care, dispense liberally on a cotton pad and apply it to the entire face.

If we have a look at the graphic explaining the steps, they should be as follows: Essence > Skin (Toner) > Emulsion > Ampoule > Cream > Eye Cream

As this is a first essence, it should be used right after cleansing, with the exception being 'actives’ - vitamin C/AHA/BHA/retinol. Those would need to go on bare skin first and after a 20 to 30 minute wait, the 'hydrating’ part of the routine will start with first essence.

Because the hole is quite small and the amount of product can be controlled, I empty a little onto my fingers and pat onto my face instead of wasting product on cotton pads. It’s quick to absorb, leaves no sticky residue and you can use your next product right after. For the first month, I followed it up with a hydrating toner, Secret Nature’s Moringa Seed Toner, and for the second month I skipped the toner to see if this could work as a replacement and help shorten down my routine. Comparing the two months, there wasn’t much of a difference so I was happy to remove the hydrating toner as this product has the same effects.

Does it live up to it’s claims? I think, yes. However, it requires patience. Within the first few uses, I could immediately tell there was reduced redness right after application but it would only last a short while. As the two weeks progressed, the longer the reduced redness stayed, and slowly my skin gained this radiance (otherwise know as the 'transparent’ skin).

Sometimes I’ll give up on products when I can’t see anything happening but it took me at least two weeks to see the gradual effect so don’t expect miracles but this product does work for hydrating the skin, making it feel softer upon touch, and an overall healthier glow and complexion.

However, for those who are looking for something that helps with acne scarring or pigmentation, I don’t this product will deliver those results. It also won’t help if you’re having an active breakout - well actually, it makes no difference at all - no accelerated healing but at the same time it won’t aggravate the breakout.

To Buy, Or Not To Buy

I love this product and will carry on repurchasing (I’m already near the end of my second bottle). It’s a reasonable price and though subtle, I can see the improvements. I’m a product junkie so I’ll be honest and say there are two similar products I would like to try first; Cremorlab’s Mineral Treatment Essence and the Innisfree Soybean Energy Essence (both more expensive) but until I get around to it, this will be a product that stays in my routine.

5/5 (new holy grail status!)

Where To Buy

I got mine from RoseRoseShop for just under $25 (currently sold out) but it’s also available at KoreaDepart ($25) and Jolse ($34 but has free delivery). Also, it can sometimes be found under the full name of: Nature Republic (Saccharomyces Ferment) The First Essence.