Face Oils vs Serums vs Essences: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each?
Overwhelmed by Skincare Layers? You're Not Alone.
If you're feeling lost in the world of essences, serums, and oils, don’t worry. You’re not the only one wondering “What do I actually need for glowing, healthy skin?”
At Solveit , we believe that self-care should be effective and empowering, not confusing. This guide will help you understand the purpose of each product and how to use them—plus show you exactly which of our bestselling K-beauty items fit where.
Step 1: What Is an Essence?
An essence is a lightweight liquid that hydrates your skin and preps it to absorb your serum and moisturizer more effectively. Think of it as the bridge between your toner and serum.
When to use: Right after cleansing or toner.
Best for: Dullness, dehydration, sensitive skin.
Top Picks from Solveit:
● Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner – Gentle and calming, ideal as a hydrating essence for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
● Mixsoon Bean Essence – A true K-beauty cult favorite that nourishes and balances skin before serums.
If you're new to essences, check out our post “What is Heartleaf?” to learn why this ingredient is trending for a reason
Step 2: What Is a Serum?
Serums are concentrated formulas packed with active ingredients—like niacinamide, snail mucin, or vitamin C—to target specific concerns such as acne, wrinkles, or dullness.
When to use: After essence, before moisturizer.
Best for: Targeted concerns (e.g., pigmentation, acne, fine lines).
Best-Selling Serums at Solveit:
● Anua Green Lemon VitaC Serum – A powerful 20% Vitamin C serum for brightening and reducing dark spots.
● Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum – Featuring ginseng and snail mucin to improve elasticity and calm irritation.
● COSRX Snail Mucin Serum – Hydrating, healing, and perfect for boosting barrier function.
● PURITO Centella Unscented Serum – Ideal for redness and sensitive skin.
● COSRX Niacinamide 15 Serum – Controls oil and clears pores—perfect for acne-prone skin.
Need help finding the right serum for your skin type? Start with our blog on Understanding Your Skin Type for personalized recommendations.
Step 3: What Is a Face Oil?
Face oils provide deep nourishment and help lock in all the goodness from your serums and moisturizers by forming a protective barrier on the skin.
When to use: The final step in your nighttime routine.
Best for: Dry, aging, or barrier-compromised skin.
Face Oil Favorites from Solveit:
● LAIKOU Cherry Blossom Oil – Lightweight yet hydrating, ideal for daily glow.
● Mixsoon Bean Essence Oil – Rich and soothing, helps prevent water loss and strengthens the skin’s protective layer.
● PURITO Deep Sea Cream – While not an oil, it mimics the deep hydration of one and seals in moisture like a dream.
How to Layer Them Properly
Here’s the golden rule of layering:
Thin to thick. Lightest to richest.
Your perfect order:
1. Essence (e.g., Anua Heartleaf 77)
2. Serum (e.g., COSRX Niacinamide or VitaC)
3. Face Oil or rich moisturizer (e.g., Mixsoon Bean Oil or Deep Sea Cream)
Do You Really Need All Three?
| Skin type | Use essence | Use serum | Use face oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry & Dehydrated | ✅ Daily | ✅ Hydrating serum | ✅ Nourishing oil |
| Oily & Acne-prone | ✅ Light | ✅ Niacinamide serum | ❌ Or use sparingly |
| Sensitive | ✅ Calming | Centella-based | ✅ Lightweight only |
| Mature Skin | ✅ Brightening | ✅ Anti-aging serum | ✅ Barrier-repair oil |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to use all three products in my skincare routine?
Not necessarily. While they complement each other well, especially for dry or mature skin, you can choose based on your skin’s current needs.
What does an essence do?
Essences hydrate and prep the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers better.
When should I apply a serum?
After essence, before moisturizer, serums target specific skin concerns.
Can I skip steps in my routine?
Yes. Choose based on your skin’s needs, glow doesn’t mean using everything daily.
Solveit’s Tip: Your Routine Should Fit You
We believe self-care isn’t about piling on more, it’s about choosing what works. That’s why our skincare shop is organized into solution-based categories, so you can browse by need:
● For stressed-out skin: Explore calming ingredients like Heartleaf and Centella.
● For dullness: Go for brighteners like Vitamin C, Propolis, and Niacinamide.
● For dryness: Embrace rich layers like snail mucin, bean essence, and deep sea cream.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between face oils, serums, and essences is the first step toward building a skincare routine that delivers real results.
