
About this product
A lightweight fermented yeast essence designed to hydrate and prep skin after cleansing, applied before serums and moisturisers to boost their absorption and efficacy.
Best for
Type
Key actives
Formula notes
Full ingredients
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid
Guru Score
Approved
11 experts · Strong agreementWhat the gurus are saying
This essence earns near-universal praise for visibly brightening skin and locking in hydration, making it an effective prep step that helps subsequent products absorb better. The star ingredient is a concentrated yeast ferment (galactomyces) rich in amino acids and vitamins that support skin renewal, particularly valued by those who cannot tolerate vitamin C or actives. The genuine split is on value: most gurus acknowledge the £80, £190 price is steep and that cheaper fermented yeast alternatives exist and work well, yet several note the SK-II formulation is more concentrated and delivers faster, more visible results, so the longevity of each bottle may justify the outlay for those with dry or sensitive skin. Apply by tapping or patting rather than splashing to get the full hydrating benefit.
Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.
A lightweight fermented yeast essence designed to hydrate and prep skin after cleansing, applied before serums and moisturisers to boost their absorption and efficacy.
Mostly yes. 8 of the 11 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 76%.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence holds a Guru Score of 76%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 11 independent expert reviewers we have collected. At least one expert has named it a Top Pick in its category.
Lower-priced mists and essences the gurus still rate highly, versus this luxury pick.
See how they stack up →Other products the same gurus have weighed in on, plus more from this brand and category.
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