This treatment essence is a foundational step in many Japanese skincare routines, designed to enhance the absorption and efficacy of subsequent products. Its fermented ingredients work to hydrate, gently exfoliate, and plump the skin, creating a smoother, more radiant canvas.
Sephora price
$65.00
Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.
Sephora reviews
4.4 / 5
About 2,556 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.
Shoppers keep mentioning
These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.
Glass take
4.4 / 5 overall fit
A hydrating and plumping treatment that preps skin for the rest of your routine. Best for those looking to boost radiance and smooth texture.
Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026
Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.
View SephoraWhat Sephora says
A skincare-boosting treatment of 100 percent Hadasei-3™, a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods proven to hydrate, resurface, soften, and plump skin.
Use daily, after cleansing and before any other skin care.
Splash a palmful of The Essence into your hand and press gently into the skin on your face and neck.
Remove cap, recycle bottle.
What Glass adds
A solid choice for a hydrating and texture-smoothing toner. It fits well after cleansing and before serums, especially for those concerned with dryness, dullness, or fine lines. It’s not a treatment for active breakouts but rather for overall skin health and radiance.
The 'plump' factor
Many reviewers rave about the immediate plumping effect, making skin look more supple and youthful.
A necessary first step
Users appreciate how it preps their skin, making serums and moisturizers feel more effective.
Best for
Skip if
Routine fit
Apply this immediately after cleansing. Pour a small amount into your palms and gently press it into your face and neck. It’s designed to be the first liquid treatment before serums and moisturizers.
Why it works
The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.
What it actually does well
Where it starts to feel redundant
Routine fit
Morning and Night
This essence can be used both morning and night. In the morning, it helps to hydrate and prep skin for makeup. At night, it supports skin renewal and hydration while you sleep.
Glass rating
A hydrating and plumping treatment that preps skin for the rest of your routine. Best for those looking to boost radiance and smooth texture.
Hydration
4.5 / 5
Users report a noticeable boost in skin hydration after consistent use.
Texture Improvement
4.3 / 5
Many found it helped to smooth rough patches and improve overall skin texture.
Full ingredient breakdown
Active
Badness
1.0 / 10
A source of amino acids and AHAs from fermentation, helping to gently exfoliate and hydrate.
Usually helps with
Hydration, gentle exfoliation, radiance
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Claim
Badness
0.0 / 10
This is a desired outcome, not a specific ingredient.
Usually helps with
Overall skin appearance
Watch for
N/A
Compare before you buy
A good product page should push you into the next decision, not trap you inside one product page forever. These are the cleaner next clicks.
FAQ
The main benefits are deep hydration, improved skin texture, and enhanced absorption of subsequent skincare products, leading to a plumper, more radiant complexion.
Yes, The Essence is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, as it provides hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.
