HYGGEE Balance Essence

The HYGGEE One Step Facial Balance Essence is a multi-functional product that combines the effects of toner, essence and cream to help effectively hydrate, moisturise and protect skin.
 

 

Betula Platyphylla Japonica (Birch Sap) Juice, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) Nut Oil, Octyldodecanol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Seed Oil, Water, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phospholipids, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol, Arginine, Phytosterols, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol
 

 
CosDNA returns a favourable, all green rating for the HYGGEE essence.
 

 

The essence is set in a base of Birch Sap Juice. Multiple amino acids, sugars and minerals assure superior moisture delivery. Birch sap is very lightweight, layers well and has the ability to retain moisture and balance facial oils.
 
The oil content of the essence is represented by four main ingredients that collectively comprise 20% of the formula. Chosen for their compatibility with human sebum and quick absorption without greasy residue, Macadamian Nut, Sunflower Seed and Jojoba Seed Oils plus Squalane work together to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), enhance the moisture barrier, keep skin oil balanced and supple. Palmitoleic Acid and antioxidants help to slow the signs of aging plus promote repair and regenerate skin cells. A strong source of Polyphenolic antioxidants, Apple Seed Oil nullifies free radicals to prevent skin damage and slow the formation of wrinkles. And finally, Bergamot Fruit Oil is an essential oil which can prove sensitizing to some, but offers the rest of us an effective acne defense due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also imparts a pleasant, natural, fresh citrus scent.
 

Antioxidant properties are enhanced by the addition of 4 ferments, Lactobacillus Ferment (to soothe and strengthen the skin’s natural defenses), Lactococcus Ferment Lysate (to help maintain the skin’s microbiome and strengthen natural defenses against aging, acne and dehydration), Bifida Ferment Lysate (a probiotic that can help reduce skin sensitivity) and Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment (to boost moisture and hydration).
 
Among other notable ingredients are moisture barrier building Ceramide 3 and Cholesterol; hydrating Glycerin and emollient Phospholipids. Meanwhile, Glyceryl Caprylate is 100% plant derived and serves several purposes. It has excellent moisturising properties and displays antimicrobial activity to help preserve the product. Additionally, it operates as a co-emulsifer, helping the water and oil components of the essence to mix.
 

 

The HYGGEE Balance Essence is presented in a clear glass bottle with dropper opening and screw top lid. It comes in a cardboard box.
 

 

Use morning and evening after cleansing. Apply an appropriate amount evenly over face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Pat gently to aid absorption. May be used alone.
 

 

The Hyggee One Step Facial Balance Essence costs approximately AUD$53 for the 110ml bottle. (Correct at time of publishing).
 

The The HYGGEE One Step Facial Balance Essence is available at good Korean beauty boutiques include YesStyle and Style Korean.
 

The essence has a shelf life of two years. I couldn’t find a use duration after opening on the packaging.
 

 

Firstly, this sleek clear glass bottle ideally showcases the product’s beauty. The separation of the oil and water based ingredients is intoxicating to observe. The clear bottle suggests the product is not light sensitive, however, I always store my skincare in a cool place away from natural light. The dropper opening is ideal to dispense the product in an adequate, measured manner. It’s clear that the oil and water elements separate when the bottle remains idle. That separation is obvious even with a few drops as shown in the following image. A shake quickly fixes this, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout the bottle prior to application.
 

The bergamot oil adds a refreshing citrus scent to the essence, although this could prove sensitizing for some. Personally, essential oils in minute volumes, don’t tend to bother my skin so I actually enjoy the sensory benefits of this inclusion.
 
I cleanse my face and either go straight in with the essence, or apply a light and watery toner or first treatment prior. I then shake the bottle and dispense a good sized dollop of product into my hands, rub my palms together and spread it across my face, avoiding eyes and lips. Once placed evenly, I pat it into the skin to aid even absorption. For a bi-phase formula it’s quite lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy which you might anticipate. It’s actually very comfortable on the skin and dries down efficiently without any stickiness, oiliness or tackiness. It takes just a few minutes to fully dry, but I really enjoy the dewy surface it leaves when initially applied. Immediately I sense a significant burst of both hydration and supple moisturisation. It seriously feels like I’ve just layered toner, essence, serum, oil and cream in one step. It’s quite extraordinary. And further to that, the effects are long lasting! You could very easily and convincingly replace several steps of a regular routine with this single product.
 
For someone who loves lots of layers, it’s tricky to fit a multi-functional product into my routine and not overdo it. I don’t choose to forgo serum, oil and cream… so, I use this in one of two scenarios. Firstly, this is my one step routine when I’m rushed or exhausted and really can’t spare the time associated with my usual 10+ step routine. Secondly, I might apply this as a late afternoon treat. The first thing I like to do when I come home at the end of the working day is take off any makeup or layered sunscreen. But at this time, I’m not ready for a full double cleanse and PM routine. So, I’ll often use a cleansing water to remove surface gunk, rinse and then follow with something hydrating to keep my skin satisfied until bed. Usually it’s a mist and light, simple cream, however, this single step product is all I need to keep my skin feeling plump and soft for hours.
 

It’s probably too rich and unnecessary to use this in a 10-step method unless you have seriously dry or dehydrated skin. I would suggest a typical, suitable routine comprise cleanse-tone-balance essence-serum-cream. I’ll often switch the sequence of serum and balance essence depending on serum viscosity. The 20% oil composition of the essence hydrates and also creates a seal that helps to retain moisture and prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). However, in doing so, it might also prevent the deep penetration of layers that follow. Thus, serum might not be as effective. So although I absolutely agree with the classification of this product as an essence, my order of application follows the thin to thick rule of thumb rather than a strict Korean routine model.
 
My skin has changed from traditional combination to more-or-less normal, with just slight overproduction of oil around my nostrils and a touch of dryness on the jaw line. As such, I easily tolerate this hydrating and moisturising layer which is primarily designed to ease dry and dehydrated skin types. This would also be a wonderful oil substitute for those that can’t tolerate traditional oils at the end of their routine, giving nourishing benefits without heaviness or greasiness.
 

The HYGGEE One Step Facial Balance Essence is a unique product that has won me over in quick time. I love it! It’s quite incredible how supple and plump skin immediately becomes after application, a benefit with excellent lasting power. This is a wonderful choice for those that are time poor, or simply uninterested in a complex multi-step routine. All will love how effectively it plumps the skin and the resultant radiance it delivers. I think it would suit most skin types with the exception of those sensitive to bergamot oil.
 

Pros	Cons
Elegant presentation	Only available online for Australians
Safe, CosDNA approved formula	Contains bergamot essential oil which may irritate sensitive skin
Delivers excellent hydration and moisturisation
Benefits are long lasting
Glowing complexion, radiant skin
Suitable for most skin types
Perfect for those that want a minimal routine
Ideal substitute for the oil intolerant

 

Ingredients 101: Birch Juice for Glowing Skin! Nudie Glow
Sunflower Seed, the Skin Protector Annmarie Skin Care
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Benefits In Organic Cosmetics Naturelle Cosmetics
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Cosmetics Info
Simple Ways to Use Jojoba Oil for Hair, Face, and Body Wellness Mama
Benefits of Jojoba The Jojoba Company
Skin Care Benefits of Squalane Caroline Thompson
This One Oil May Be the Solution to Your Major Skin Struggles Erin Lukas
You Can Stop Looking For The Perfect Face Oil (We Found It) Allie White
Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Favorite Ferments: What the Pros are Using Maya Stanton
Bifida ferment lysate Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Lactobacillus ferment Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Glyceryl Caprylate INCI Decoder

 

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Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 

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