As the endless fixation on skincare continues to spread across social platforms, a clear pattern emerges: Items with distinctive textures are the most share-worthy. In response, beauty companies have created hybrid mixtures, lotions, and even invented completely novel formulas, all aimed at achieving healthier skin. Yet not every jelly or gel performs the same. In fact, a product's texture can influence its effectiveness and proper usage, while also delivering a multi-sensory experience that benefits your skin, pleases the eye, and feels interesting to apply.
Given the influx of new terms in the beauty world (Essence-in-Oil! Gel-Cream!), it can be challenging to determine which playful formulations suit your skin type and what results they may bring. However, with insights from cosmetic chemist Ginger King, we have broken down the terminology to help you select skincare products that are both effective and enjoyable to use.
Water-Based Cleansers
More than plain water, this refreshing formula removes surface dirt and a day's makeup. It is gaining popularity in Asia among women who wear false eyelashes, according to King. "Standard makeup removers can weaken the glue," she explains. "Additionally, unlike toners, these include emulsifiers and surfactants," establishing a new category of facial cleanser that requires no rinsing. Shop It: Make P:rem Black Cleansing Water, $22; Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Water, $28
Oil-Based Cleansers
Oils serve various roles in skincare: they moisturize the skin and can also help control excess oil for acne-prone types. But a cleansing oil is distinct, so don't assume any oil will work to remove your makeup or overnight sleeping pack. "Some oil cleansers contain emulsifiers, so when rinsed off, they transform into a milky liquid," says King. Use one as your first step if you follow the 7-Step K-Beauty routine or if you have dry skin, as the oil helps retain more moisture than regular cleansers. Shop It: Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil, $38; Yuri Pibu Grante Cleansing Oil, $36
Essences
Essences, available in both creamier and thinner consistencies, are intended to boost the effectiveness of your other products while hydrating and smoothing the skin. Although the thinner versions might resemble a toner—and the richer ones a moisturizer—neither contains astringents or pore-blocking ingredients. Eye essences have also emerged, designed to hydrate the delicate under-eye area. Shop It: Leegeehaam Tea Tree 90 Essence, $45; Yuri Pibu Artichoke Extract Essence, $34; Whamisa Organic Flowers Eye Essence, $40
Gels and Jellies
Arguably the most enjoyable to use—King agrees—gels and jellies are lighter alternatives to cream-based products that hydrate and smooth the skin. They dry quickly, making them popular among those with oily skin, says King. Shop It: Primary Raw DoYou Azelene Gel-Cream, $46; J. One Jelly Cleanser, $18
Pressed Serums, Gel-Oils, and Other Hybrids
Hybrid or dual formulations are currently everywhere: pressed serums, essence face oils, essence serums, and numerous other combinations. While your essence cannot technically replace your face oil, your face oil can adopt some essence-like traits—specifically that lightweight feel and rapid absorption. A pressed serum, as King describes, is exactly what it sounds like: "A concentrated serum with a balm-like texture that delivers more active ingredients to the skin," she says. And if oil is involved, you gain additional benefits of deeper hydration and more substance, she adds. Shop It: Blossom Jeju Pink Camellia Soombi Blooming Essence Face Oil, $64; Make P:rem Micro Oil Serum, $44
So while all these transformative options might seem overwhelming, remember they are specifically designed to perform at a higher level—which is exactly what everyone wants from their skincare routine, right?
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