Quick take: A silky, fast-absorbing essence that adds bounce, calm, and “drinks of water” between cleanse and serum. Best for normal–dry, dehydrated, or sensitised skin that needs more cushion and glow without heaviness.
Overall rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
What it is & who it’s for
Micro Essence is Estée Lauder’s “treatment lotion” — think of it as a Korean-style essence that sits between toner and serum. It’s designed to hydrate, soothe, and support the skin barrier so your serums (like ANR) perform better.
Great for:
- Normal, dry, or combination skin that feels tight or looks dull
- Dehydration lines; makeup clinging to dry patches
- Sensitised skin from retinoids, actives, or seasonal changes
Skip or sample first if: you’re extremely oily and dislike any extra layers, or you’re very fragrance-sensitive (there’s a light scent).
Texture, scent & application
- Texture: thin, silky, not watery — it clings slightly as you press it in, then disappears.
- Scent: very light, fresh cosmetic scent; fades quickly.
- How it layers: plays nicely under vitamin C, peptides, and ANR; doesn’t pill under sunscreen or makeup.
How to use (AM/PM):
- Cleanse
- Micro Essence — pour 4–6 drops into palms and press over face/neck (no cotton)
- Serum (e.g., Advanced Night Repair)
- Moisturiser
- SPF in the morning
Tip: On dry days, repeat a second pass (“7-skin” style) for extra bounce.
Key ingredients & what they do
- Ferments (e.g., lactobacillus/bifida types): help calm reactivity and support a resilient microbiome feel.
- Amino acids & sugars: short-term plumpness and improved moisture retention.
- Hyaluronic acid/glycerin: classic humectants for all-day hydration.
- Soothers (e.g., algae/yeast extracts): reduce the look of redness after cleansing.
(Estée Lauder updates INCI lists over time; check your bottle for the latest formula details.)
Performance & results (4–6 weeks)
Week 1–2: skin feels immediately softer; tight post-cleanse feeling vanishes; makeup sits smoother.
Week 3–4: dehydration lines soften, especially around the mouth and between the brows; less “late-day crepe.”
Week 5–6: tone looks steadier and skin behaves better with actives — fewer dry flakes with retinoids, less sting from vitamin C.
What it won’t do: It’s not an exfoliating toner and won’t replace targeted serums for pigmentation or firming. Think of it as a primer for healthy skin function.
Ease of use & maintenance
- No cotton pads, no mess — the press-and-pat method is quick and economical.
- Bottle lasts ~2–3 months with twice-daily use (100–150 ml size).
- Travels well; decant a week’s worth into a mini squeeze bottle.
Comparisons
- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence: iconic and brightening-leaning, but pricier and more polarising in scent; Micro Essence is softer, more hydrating and barrier-friendly.
- Lancôme Clarifique: includes gentle acids; brighter but can tingle. Micro Essence is the calmer, cushiony option.
- MISSHA Time Revolution: great value and brightening; Micro Essence feels plusher with a more “treatment lotion” sensibility that pairs beautifully with ANR.
Value & verdict
Not cheap, but you feel the upgrade immediately — especially if your moisturiser or serums haven’t been cutting it on hydration. If you’re investing in Advanced Night Repair, this is the best companion step to maximise slip, comfort, and glow.
Buy if: your skin is dehydrated, tight after cleansing, or easily irritated by actives.
Maybe skip if: you’re very oily and prefer a one-and-done lightweight gel.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Instant comfort and bounce without stickiness
- Calms the look of redness and reduces “sting” from actives
- Enhances performance of serums (notably ANR)
- No pilling under SPF/makeup; improves foundation glide
Cons
- Premium price
- Light fragrance won’t suit everyone
- Not a substitute for targeted brightening or firming treatments
FAQ
Is it a toner or a serum?
It’s an essence (treatment lotion) — more hydrating than most toners, lighter than a serum. Use after cleansing, before serums.
Can I use it with vitamin C or retinol?
Yes. Apply Micro Essence first to cushion the skin, then vitamin C in the morning or retinol at night.
Is it okay for sensitive skin?
Many sensitive users enjoy it, but always patch test — especially if you’re reactive to fragrance.
How often should I use it?
Twice daily is ideal, but once nightly still provides benefits if you prefer a shorter AM routine.
See also:
If you’re building a routine around it, our Ultimate Anti-Ageing Skincare Guide breaks down simple AM/PM stacks. For a treatment-serum pairing, see our Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review and How to Use Advanced Night Repair. If your main goal is wrinkle care at night, our Best Anti-Ageing Creams Face-Off compares leading options by feel and results.
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