6. Essence

[ Pat onto face in the morning or evening after toner, before serum ]

Essences contain a milder concentration of active ingredients compared to serums and ampoules. Originally developed in Asia for consumers with thinner skin barriers prone to dehydration, essences focus primarily on deep hydration. While visible changes take a little longer (around 2 weeks), they excel at restoring essential moisture layers.

7. Serum

[ Gently press onto face in the morning or evening after toner/essence ]

More concentrated and slightly thicker than essences, serums deliver faster results for targeted skin concerns. Available in both water- and oil-based formulations, they are commonly packaged in dark or tinted glass bottles with pipettes to protect light- and oxygen-sensitive ingredients from oxidation.

7. Ampoule

[ Gently press onto face in the morning or evening after toner/essence ]

Ampoules feature the highest concentration of active ingredients in the treatment category. Functioning as an intensive booster shot, they produce visible improvements quickly. Due to their high potency, they are often packaged in smaller dropper bottles.

8. Sheet Masks

[ Apply after cleansing & toner, instead of or on top of your serum ]

Sheet masks are fabric sheets (made of cotton, hydrogel, biocellulose, or microfiber) soaked in rich serum or essence. The mask creates an occlusive seal over the skin, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeply without evaporation. Your skin feels instantly softer and plumped with moisture. Use them 1–3 times a week, or even daily for an intense boost.

Note on the "1 Day 1 Mask" trend: Many K-beauty enthusiasts adopt the daily sheet mask ritual. If you want to try this, opt for simple, budget-friendly hydrating masks. This protects your wallet and prevents skin congestion from over-nourishment.