Then I Met You The Giving Essence

A ferment-heavy essence toner packed with Galactomyces, Niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts designed to smooth texture and boost radiance.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula represents a top-tier facial essence focused on brightening, anti-aging, and hydration. The base is not water, but Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, a high-value ingredient known to refine texture and support the skin barrier. The addition of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) works synergistically with Ellagic Acid, Licorice Root, and Mulberry Root to effectively target hyperpigmentation and uneven tone. Hydration is exceptionally managed through Polyglutamic Acid—which retains more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid—alongside Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin.

Safety Rating: 4.4

The formulation is exceptionally clean and suitable for sensitive skin. It is free from drying alcohols, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and essential oils. It includes multiple soothing agents like Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis, and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) to reduce irritation. The only specific safety note is for individuals prone to Fungal Acne (Malassezia folliculitis), as the high concentration of fermented ingredients (Galactomyces, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus) can trigger breakouts in that specific skin condition.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is an outstanding product that combines the efficacy of concentrated ferments with a robust antioxidant complex (including Turmeric, Blackberry, and Acerola). It moves beyond basic hydration to actively treat texture and tone issues. The inclusion of Polyglutamic Acid indicates a modern, sophisticated formulation. It is highly recommended for those seeking the ‘glass skin’ look, provided they do not have a sensitivity to yeast ferments.

Verdict

This essence stands out as a fermentation powerhouse, primarily driven by a high concentration of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. This star ingredient is celebrated in skincare for its ability to significantly refine skin texture and boost natural radiance. By combining this with Saccharomyces and Aspergillus ferments, the formula creates a nutrient-dense environment that encourages skin turnover and clarity. The inclusion of Niacinamide works synergistically with these ferments to manage sebum production, strengthen the skin barrier, and brighten the overall complexion. It is a targeted solution for those battling the ‘orange peel’ texture or general dullness. Beyond its brightening capabilities, the hydration system in this product is sophisticated. It utilizes Polyglutamic Acid, a humectant often cited as being more powerful than Hyaluronic Acid, alongside Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin. This ensures that the skin is not only treated but also deeply plumped and moisturized without feeling heavy or sticky. The addition of Betaine further aids in maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. To counterbalance the potency of the actives, the formulation is grounded with soothing botanical extracts. Aloe Barbadensis, Allantoin, and Houttuynia Cordata provide immediate calming effects, reducing redness and irritation. Furthermore, a vast array of antioxidant-rich fruit extracts—ranging from Blueberry to Acerola—offers protection against environmental stressors. The lovely pink hue is naturally derived from Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), avoiding synthetic dyes. While this is an excellent product for achieving ‘glass skin,’ it is potent. The heavy reliance on ferments makes it a holy grail for some, but a potential trigger for others, specifically those with specific acne triggers. However, for most skin types dealing with texture and dehydration, this is a comprehensive, multi-tasking essence.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Fermented Ingredients / 发酵成分

🧪 GALACTOMYCES FERMENT FILTRATE / 半乳糖酵母样菌发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Brightening, Hydrating, Skin Barrier Support

Concerns: May trigger fungal acne in susceptible individuals

Notes: Rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals; famous for improving skin texture.

🧪 SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE / 酵母菌发酵产物溶胞物滤液

Purpose: Soothing, Hydrating, Skin Renewal

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps balance the skin microbiome.

🧪 ASPERGILLUS FERMENT / 曲霉发酵产物

Purpose: Brightening, Anti-aging

Concerns: Low

Notes: Often used to reduce hyperpigmentation.

📁 Brightening & Anti-Aging Actives / 美白与抗衰活性成分

🧪 NIACINAMIDE / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening, Pore Care, Barrier Repair

Concerns: Can cause flushing or irritation in high concentrations

Notes: Vitamin B3; a gold-standard versatile active.

🧪 ELLAGIC ACID / 鞣花酸

Purpose: Antioxidant, Brightening

Concerns: Low

Notes: A polyphenol found in fruits and berries that helps prevent collagen breakdown.

🧪 MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT / 桑根提取物

Purpose: Brightening, Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Known for inhibiting tyrosinase to prevent pigmentation.

🧪 GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT / 光果甘草根提取物

Purpose: Brightening, Soothing

Concerns: Low

Notes: Contains glabridin, a potent skin-brightening compound.

🧪 CURCUMA LONGA (TURMERIC) ROOT EXTRACT / 姜黄根提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Brightening

Concerns: Potential staining in pure form (unlikely in this formulation)

Notes: Excellent for calming skin and improving radiance.

🧪 CYANOCOBALAMIN / 氰钴胺

Purpose: Soothing, Skin Health

Concerns: Low

Notes: Vitamin B12; likely gives the product a pink hue and helps with inflammation.

📁 Hydrators & Moisturizers / 保湿剂

🧪 BUTYLENE GLYCOL / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent, Penetration Enhancer

Concerns: Very low; rarely clogging

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and keeps product spreadable.

🧪 PROPANEDIOL / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Often derived from corn sugar; a less sticky alternative to propylene glycol.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant, Skin Repair

Concerns: None

Notes: The most common and effective humectant.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Deep Hydration

Concerns: Low

Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

🧪 POLYGLUTAMIC ACID / 聚谷氨酸

Purpose: Hydration

Concerns: Low

Notes: Holds more moisture than Hyaluronic Acid and forms a film to prevent water loss.

🧪 BETAINE / 甜菜碱

Purpose: Humectant, Anti-irritant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Osmolyte that balances skin hydration.

🧪 CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT / 皱波角叉菜提取物

Purpose: Hydration, Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Red algae extract; known as ‘marine hyaluronic acid’.

🧪 PENTYLENE GLYCOL / 戊二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Multifunctional ingredient that binds water and has antimicrobial properties.

📁 Antioxidant Fruit & Plant Extracts / 抗氧化植物与水果提取物

🧪 ARONIA MELANOCARPA FRUIT EXTRACT / 黑果腺肋花楸果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Chokeberry; extremely high in anthocyanins.

🧪 MALPIGHIA PUNICIFOLIA (ACEROLA) FRUIT EXTRACT / 凹缘金虎尾果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Brightening

Concerns: Low

Notes: Very rich source of natural Vitamin C.

🧪 LYCIUM CHINENSE FRUIT EXTRACT / 枸杞果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Goji berry; protects against environmental stressors.

🧪 RUBUS FRUTICOSUS (BLACKBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT / 黑莓果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

🧪 VACCINIUM MACROCARPON (CRANBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT / 大果越桔果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Anti-aging

Concerns: Low

Notes: Contains resveratrol and polyphenols.

🧪 HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT EXTRACT / 沙棘果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Repairing

Concerns: Low

Notes: Sea Buckthorn; rich in rare Omega-7 fatty acids and vitamins.

🧪 VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM (BLUEBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT / 狭叶越桔果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Protects skin from collagen breakdown.

🧪 ROSA CANINA FRUIT EXTRACT / 狗牙蔷薇果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Rosehip extract; contains vitamins and fatty acids.

📁 Soothing & Calming Agents / 舒缓镇静成分

🧪 ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT / 库拉索芦荟叶提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Hydrating

Concerns: Low

Notes: Classic soothing ingredient for irritated skin.

🧪 ALLANTOIN / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothing, Skin Softening

Concerns: None

Notes: Extracted from comfrey; promotes healing.

🧪 HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT / 鱼腥草提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: Low

Notes: Popular K-beauty ingredient for calming redness and acne.

🧪 SOLANUM MELONGENA (EGGPLANT) FRUIT EXTRACT / 茄果提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Sebum Control

Concerns: Low

Notes: Contains lupeol, which helps calm acne.

🧪 JASMINUM OFFICINALE (JASMINE) EXTRACT / 素方花提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Fragrance

Concerns: Potential sensitizer if skin is sensitive to fragrant extracts

Notes: Provides calming properties and scent.

🧪 PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT / 马齿苋提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Antioxidant

Concerns: Low

Notes: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

📁 Solvents, Texture & Preservation / 溶剂、质地与防腐

🧪 WATER/AQUA/EAU / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 1,2-HEXANEDIOL / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Preservative, Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Low

Notes: A gentle alternative to parabens.

🧪 SODIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE / 聚丙烯酰基二甲基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Stabilizer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Synthetic polymer that creates a velvety texture.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Low

Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol or hexanediol.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, Stabilizer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.

🧪 SODIUM PHYTATE / 植酸钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Neutralizes metal ions in water to keep formula stable.

🧪 METHYLPROPANEDIOL / 甲基丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Penetration Enhancer

Concerns: Low

Notes: Helps ingredients absorb into the skin.

🧪 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: Low

Notes: Skin conditioning agent with antimicrobial properties.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Low

Notes: AHA used in small amounts to buffer pH.

🧪 SODIUM CITRATE / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Chelating Agent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Used with citric acid to maintain pH stability.