A toner with a lot of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, and everybody will cry SK-II dupe. But is it?! And is it even a good toner?! Find out in my Scinic First Treatment Essence review!
The Brand
Scinic is a Korean brand whose name is a portmanteau of “Science”, “Natural” and “Clinic”. Like a lot of other Korean brands, it stresses both its “natural” ingredients and scientific approach.
I tried their Scinic Mild Sun Essence SPF50 and liked it.
Other toner reviews
- SK-II Treatment Essence
- Cosrx Propolis Toner / cosrx Pure Fit Cica / cosrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner
- Good Molecules Niacinamide Toner
- Allies of Skin Treatment Mist
- Eucerin Hyaluronic Acid Mist
- Paula’s Choice Earth Sourced / Calm Toner (old) & reformulated
- Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
Scinic First Treatment Essence review: Description
The Scinic First Treatment Essence is formulated with 90% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate to hydrate, tone, and brighten the skin after cleansing. Used at the first step of skincare, this first essence maximizes the absorption of the skincare products that follow!
Incidecoder
What it is
Whatever the name, this is a hydrating toner of the kind I love to use after cleansing.
Why toners and how are they different from essences & serums?
It might be a good idea to use a toner to bring back your pH after cleansing (especially if you’re using a cleansing product with a high pH). A toner might also be a good idea if you’re in an area with especially hard water, or if you’re in an area where your tab water is either polluted or overly laden with chlorine.
It’s great when you’re layering products: think of your skin as a sponge. A dry sponge can’t absorb as much liquid as a damp one can. Also, if you have dry skin, a lot of toners have hydrating ingredients, which makes the application feel so nice after cleansing.
If a product has a watery, toner-like in consistency, I usually call it a toner and also compare it to other toners, hydrating serums and essences. A First Treatment Essence is supposed to be used right after cleansing.
What are Galactomyces?
Galactomyces are a special class of yeast.
The fermented filtrate of Galactomyces are supposed to leave a glow on your face, make your skin more supple and smooth, should prevent spots and diminish wrinkles. Studies seem to suggest that Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate might help with brightening your skin, is good to strengthen the barrier function of your skin and also seems to have an antioxidant effect.
Ingredients
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Adenosine, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Water, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Rubus Coreanus Fruit Extract, Sea Water
Incidecoder
Nice and short: it’s supposedly 90% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, some antioxidants (the extracts), some soothing and some brightening ingredients – and some that do both, like Niacinamide.
Speaking of Niacinamide: that’s a really famous ingredient for doing a lot of great things for your skin – see here.
Application
The Scinic essence is a water-thin liquid that I splash into my face after cleansing. During my recent holidays I filled a tiny spray bottle with it, and that worked much better, in my opinion. I’m annoyed by the brand’s advice to use the toner with a cotton pad. First, that’s absolutely unnecessary and a waste of product. Second, don’t use single-use cotton pads! It’s wasteful.
Scinic FTE is a good base for my very glowy sunscreens, but usually, I need more – everything.
Effect
Eh. Here’s the thing: this doesn’t do much for me. It even skimps on basic hydration – my skin needs more of that than it can deliver, and I don’t even have dry skin. Under matte and alcohol-heavy sunscreens and foundations I need to apply another hydrating serum or toner for my skin to be happily hydrated: something more gel-like like Paula’s Choice’s reformulated Calm toner, or cosrx’s Galactomyces Essence.
If you have oily skin, this could be for you.
Comparison
I LOVED SK-II’s essence when I tried it a few years ago. (And would actually love to try it again, but then, the price…) Scincic’s First Treatment Essence is touted as a dupe, and no, it’s not. First, the effect on me is totally different, and then, while both products share Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, SK-II makes that magical, while here, Scinic adds some sneaky ingredients to ensure the brightening and soothing claims: mainly, Niacinamide. This is, imo, basically a not very hydrating Niacinamide toner.
I still prefer cosrx’s Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence, which has a similar ingredient combo, but is more hydrating. (Plus, I prefer the slightly thicker texture.) For a basic hydrating toner, I love Eucerin’s face mist.
Scinic First Treatment Essence review: Rating
Availability & Price
At all the regular K-Beauty webshops. My faves are YesStyle and Stylevana. I paid around 15-20€ for 150ml. Look for deals! (Here is the link to the product on YesStyle, here to Stylevana.) Be aware that there’s also a (new) First Treatment Essence Spray, and the Prestige First Treatment Essence.
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
1 Comment