Then I Met You The Giving Essence

This ferment-rich facial essence combines a potent blend of probiotics, brightening niacinamide, and a vast array of antioxidant-dense fruit extracts to revitalize and hydrate the skin.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This essence features an impressive concentration of Galactomyces, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillus Ferment Filtrates, which are renowned for improving skin texture, radiance, and barrier function. The formula is further bolstered by Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract for potent brightening effects. The inclusion of Polyglutamic Acid, which holds significantly more moisture than hyaluronic acid, alongside Sodium Hyaluronate, ensures deep and lasting hydration. Furthermore, a vast array of antioxidant-rich botanical extracts like Aronia, Sea Buckthorn, and Blueberry provides excellent protection against oxidative stress.

Safety Rating: 4.7

The ingredient list is exceptionally clean, avoiding synthetic fragrances, essential oils, and harsh alcohols that often cause irritation. It contains multiple soothing agents such as Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis, and Houttuynia Cordata, making it highly compatible with sensitive skin. The only caveat is for users prone to fungal acne (Malassezia), as fermented ingredients can occasionally trigger flares in those specific individuals; otherwise, the safety profile is superb.

Final Rating: 4.7

This is a top-tier facial essence that expertly combines traditional Korean fermentation technology with high-performance actives. It addresses multiple skin concerns including dullness, dehydration, and environmental damage simultaneously. The formula is sophisticated, nutrient-dense, and maintains a minimalist approach to additives, resulting in a product that is both effective and gentle for daily use in a comprehensive skincare routine.

Verdict

This facial essence is a sophisticated powerhouse of fermentation technology and botanical antioxidants, designed to target multiple skin concerns simultaneously. At the heart of the formula is a trifecta of ferments: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, and Aspergillus Ferment. These ingredients are celebrated for their ability to enhance skin cell turnover, refine skin texture, and provide a subtle, lit-from-within glow. By utilizing yeast and mold fermentation, the product delivers bioavailable nutrients that strengthen the skin barrier while gently smoothing out irregularities. Complementing the ferments is a significant concentration of Niacinamide, a versatile ingredient that regulates oil production and minimizes pores. The inclusion of Ellagic Acid, Licorice Root, and Mulberry Root Extract further bolsters its brightening efficacy, making it an excellent choice for those battling hyperpigmentation. The antioxidant profile is remarkably dense, featuring a superfruit cocktail of Aronia, Acerola, Goji Berry, Blackberry, and Cranberry. These extracts provide a robust defense against oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and pollution, effectively slowing the visible signs of aging. Hydration is handled with precision through a blend of Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, and Polyglutamic Acid. The latter is particularly noteworthy as it can hold significantly more moisture than hyaluronic acid, ensuring deep, long-lasting hydration. For those with sensitive skin, the formula includes Aloe Barbadensis, Allantoin, and Houttuynia Cordata, which provide immediate soothing benefits. The presence of Turmeric and Sea Buckthorn adds another layer of healing. The texture is lightweight and fast-absorbing, typical of a high-quality essence. It is formulated without synthetic fragrances or harsh alcohols, which is a major plus for maintaining long-term skin health. However, users should be aware that the high concentration of fermented ingredients can occasionally trigger Fungal Acne in susceptible individuals. If your skin thrives on probiotics, this essence is a comprehensive solution for achieving a balanced, radiant, and resilient complexion. It bridges the gap between a toner and a serum, delivering a concentrated dose of actives that prep the skin for subsequent steps.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Fermented Actives / 发酵活性成分

🧪 GALACTOMYCES FERMENT FILTRATE / 半乳糖霉菌发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Skin conditioning and brightening

Concerns: May trigger fungal acne in sensitive individuals

Notes: Rich in vitamins and amino acids

🧪 SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE / 酿酒酵母发酵产物溶胞物滤液

Purpose: Moisturizing and skin repair

Concerns: None for most skin types

Notes: Helps improve skin barrier function

🧪 ASPERGILLUS FERMENT / 曲霉发酵产物

Purpose: Skin brightening and smoothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps even out skin tone

📁 Brightening and Antioxidants / 提亮与抗氧化成分

🧪 NIACINAMIDE / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening and pore care

Concerns: High concentrations may cause flushing in sensitive skin

Notes: Also known as Vitamin B3

🧪 ELLAGIC ACID / 鞣花酸

Purpose: Antioxidant and brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: Polyphenol found in many fruits

🧪 ARONIA MELANOCARPA FRUIT EXTRACT / 黑果腺肋蓝莓果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: High in anthocyanins

🧪 MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT / 桑根提取物

Purpose: Skin brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to treat hyperpigmentation

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

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich source of Vitamin C

🧪 LYCIUM CHINENSE FRUIT EXTRACT / 宁夏枸杞果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant and skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Commonly known as Goji berry

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

Purpose: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: May help with skin calming

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

Purpose: Soothing and brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains glabridin

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

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects against oxidative stress

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

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains skin-nourishing vitamins

🧪 HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT EXTRACT / 沙棘果提取物

Purpose: Skin nutrition and repair

Concerns: None

Notes: Known for high fatty acid content

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

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Supports skin health

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

Purpose: Skin conditioning and antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Commonly known as Rosehip

🧪 CYANOCOBALAMIN / 氰钴胺

Purpose: Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Vitamin B12, gives formula a pink hue

📁 Hydrators and Humectants / 补水与保湿成分

🧪 BUTYLENE GLYCOL / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant and solvent

Concerns: Low

Notes: Commonly used cosmetic base

🧪 PROPANEDIOL / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from corn or sugar

🧪 POLYGLUTAMIC ACID / 聚谷氨酸

Purpose: Intense hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Holds 4x more moisture than hyaluronic acid

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Moisturizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Skin-identical ingredient

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Deep hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid

🧪 BETAINE / 甜菜碱

Purpose: Osmolyte and hydration

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains skin water balance

🧪 METHYLPROPANEDIOL / 甲基丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Enhances penetration of actives

🧪 PENTYLENE GLYCOL / 戊二醇

Purpose: Skin conditioning and solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves formula feel

🧪 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant and preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides emollient properties

📁 Soothing Botanical Extracts / 舒缓植物提取物

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

Purpose: Soothing and calming

Concerns: None

Notes: Reduces skin irritation

🧪 CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT / 皱波角叉菜提取物

Purpose: Skin smoothing and film forming

Concerns: Low comedogenic potential

Notes: Red Algae extract

🧪 ALLANTOIN / 尿囊素

Purpose: Skin soothing and healing

Concerns: None

Notes: Promotes cell regeneration

🧪 HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT / 蕺菜提取物

Purpose: Antibacterial and soothing

Concerns: None

Notes: Popular in K-beauty for acne-prone skin

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

Purpose: Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains Lupeol

🧪 JASMINUM OFFICINALE (JASMINE) EXTRACT / 素馨花提取物

Purpose: Fragrance and conditioning

Concerns: Potential allergen for fragrance-sensitive skin

Notes: Natural botanical extract

🧪 PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT / 马齿苋提取物

Purpose: Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids

📁 Stability and Texture Agents / 稳定与质地调节剂

🧪 1,2-HEXANEDIOL / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Preservative and solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Modern mild preservative

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

Purpose: Viscosity controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the product its spreadable texture

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Common skin conditioning agent

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural thickening agent

🧪 WATER/AQUA/EAU / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Base for the product

🧪 SODIUM PHYTATE / 植酸钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the formula

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Can be sensitizing if pH is too low

Notes: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid

🧪 SODIUM CITRATE / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: pH buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains formula stability