SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: The Japanese Skincare Bottle That Should Be On Your Vanity Table
A cult-favorite since the 80’s
Taken on the fujifilm x100vi
Asians don’t raisin. Some stereotypes are wonderfully reflected from reality.
I’ve spent plenty of time around my Korean 이모들, all over the world, and the truth remains - there is a certain youthfulness that we carry. Part of this is genetics, part of this is beauty culture, (you can explore the rest of my blog to learn about the lessons I abide by), and the products that are widely used.
Enter SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.
It’s award-winning and a luxury product for many reasons. Primarily, because it does what it’s supposed to do.
Reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone
Reduce blotchiness
Improve surface cell renewal
Soften fine lines
The not-so-secret ingredient is their PITERA. Pulled from their website:
PITERA™ is SK-II’s proprietary, natural bio-ingredient derived from fermentation.
PITERA™ Origin: In the 1970s, scientists noticed the hands of elderly Japanese sake brewers looked younger than their age.
The scientists wondered if something in the fermentation process kept the skin looking younger. Further research into fermentation, led to the discovery of PITERA™.
What’s Makes PITERA™ Unique: PITERA™ contains over 50 micro-nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to nourish and improve your skin from multiple dimensions, reducing visible skin damage.
Like many things in life, a good story can sell it.
I have seen this beautiful glass bottle perched on the tables and dressers and bathroom sinks of many of the Korean women I’ve known in my life. As a child, I remember seeing it on my mom’s dresser. When I visited my friend in Uzbekistan, I remember seeing it on her mother’s bedroom table. My mother-in-law (who has gorgeous skin in her 70s) keeps a bottle in her bathroom. All these beautiful women in my life, and this small connecting thread. I happily join along and add this to my table, too.
How do I use it?
This is the order.
Oil cleanser. Foam cleanser. Toner. Essence. Serum. Moisturizer. Sunscreen.
(Depending on other needs, this may vary - spot treatment, exfoliation, sensitivities, etc. but this is the basics.)
The essence absorbs like water. It’s incredibly light. There is a faint fermented smell due to the PITERA but it will evaporate immediately. It’s excellent for dry skin, sensitive skin, dull skin, aging skin, all skin.
And Does It Work?
My beauty motto is your skin wants to take care of itself. You must create the environment for it to do so. I use products that work to that goal. The essence slips right into my routine, brightening and hydrating my skin, and looks very refined on my vanity table - that’s just a cherry on top.
As it promotes cell turnover, I do not layer it with retinols, such as tretinoin. I am always considerate of my skin barrier and avoid mixing products that might be too harsh. This is simply my choice; if it works for you, go for it. Some people find the SK-II essence does fine with their retinols.
Where To Buy It
There are a few options.
You can buy it directly here
You can also buy it from my ShopMy and explore other products I like while you’re at it.
There are no dupes that I can speak for; simply cheaper alternatives with different or lesser results. Try away! What works for one person doesn’t always work for another. The best way to find out is to try for yourself.
