Missha Time Revolution The First Essence vs SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence has long reigned as the most iconic skin-transforming skincare essence among well-established Asian cosmetic brands, for its ability to help attain "glass skin" which exudes as youthful, natural-looking radiance. The only point which deters many of us from adopting this youth-preserving step into our skincare regimes is the hefty price tag that comes with the luxury brand name.

Despite many of us seeking to experience the anti-aging benefits of the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which regularly undergoes reformulation for an inproved experience, the MISSHA Time Revolution The First Essence has gained attention for its near-identical characteristics as the pricer essence from rival SK-II. 

MISSHA VS SK-II

Aside from the obvious similarities in packaging design, there are notably several similarities in formulation and functions by comparision. Both the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and the cheaper Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5x claim to boost skin moisture retention levels, soothe and reduce irritation, soften and refine skin texture, reduce the prominence of dark spots as well as fine lines and wrinkles, enhance skin radiance by evening out uneven skin tone, and the list of benefits goes on.

Due to the wide range of benefits these two essences provide, countless brands aim to formulate essences closely inspired by Missha and SK-II, which isn't a bold statement to make considering SK-II sells one of its essences as often as every 2 seconds Worldwide, and the Missha essence holds an impressive record of over 11 million sales and counting!

WHAT MAKES THESE ESSENCES STANDOUT?

With the large amount of attention that these essences have gained, we're sure you're questioning what makes these essences so special.

This product comparison wouldn't do justice, or end your curiosity, if we overlooked the fact that these vastly sold essences contain a simple yet profound core ingredient. The success revolving around these essences is Fermented Yeast Extract (yes, it really is as simple as that). But why yeast ferment in particular?

Fermented yeast is abundant in skin-loving mirco-nutrients, nutrients which are key to maintaining healthy skin which functions naturally and healthily. Yeast ferment holds vitamins and minerals, in addition to amino acids and organic acids which when used in skincare products pave the way to improving skin condition by supporting skin's natural functions. The combination of these vitamins, amino acids, and so on, closely resemble your skin's Natural Moisturising Factors (N.M.F. for short); these components are welcomed by our skin and are therefore more easily absorbed than by comparision to some thicker formulations, such as emulsions which generally contain ingredients which aren't akin to the natural make up of the skin mantle.

Here's where it gets a bit 'sciencey'. There are countless different strains of yeast ferment to choose from, although SK-II are known for their selection of Galactomyces, which they have renamed as PITERA to be identifyable with the brand itself. Whereas Missha select two strains of yeast ferment known as Saccharomyces and Bifida, both of which are increasingly favoured among Korean Skincare brands who aim to create cosmetics which strengthen the skin barrier and tackle signs of premature skin aging. These yeast extracts make up 97% of the latest version of the Missha essence.

Despite the differences in yeast strains, there are claims that suggest that one yeast strain isn't necessarily better than the other, and present the same benefits when the essences are used regularly and consistently.

NOTABLE DIFFERENCES

So far we have only identified differences in price and the type of yeast strain which they contain. However, besides the high concentration of yeast ferement in which these essences hold the remaining contents of these formulations make them slightly unique from one another.

SK-II's ingredient list is fairly minimal considering it contains 90% yeast ferment extract, and includes only includes a handful of humectants and preservatives such as Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, and Sorbic Acid. As you can see, PITERA is the only active ingredient in SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence, and some people are not satisfied with the inclusion of parabens.

The remaining 3% Missha's ingredient list is much more interesting for skincare nerds like us who adore skin-nourishing and radiance-boosting ingredients. Among conditioning ingredients and essential preservatives to extend shelf-life of the product, the Missha essence includes Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ceramides, Lactic Acid, and Sodium PCA - all of which host a multitude of hydrating, skin-brightening, and skin-conditioning benefits.

SUMMARY

Taking into account all the points we have covered here, there's no doubt that the Missha essence and SK-II essence boast impeccable benefits achieved by an interesting key ingredient which is both simple, yet astonishing. Although, it just goes to show that you don't need to pay a fortune in order to recieve the skin benefits of yeast ferment extract, nor is it a challenge to incorporate this essence into your skincare routine.