Yeah, so, obviously the thing to do

Yeah, so, obviously the thing to do with this product would be to open with a witty comment about its name, but I got nothin’. I’ve been using this stuff for months and still cringe a little whenever I look at the label.

With that being said, COSRX is a Korean company and understandably doesn’t take American cultural sensitivities into account when they name their products (though maybe they should), so let’s overlook the name and take a look at the product itself.



Honestly, wouldn’t you cringe, too?

Purpose: COSRX Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence is a first essence-type skincare product that promises to hydrate and brighten skin while protecting it from visible aging.

Do not use if: You are sensitive to galactomyces ferment products, niacinamide, or anything else in the ingredients list.

When and how to use: After cleansing, or after actives or toner if you use them, apply to face in a thin layer using the palms of your hands. Press gently to aid absorption. You can proceed immediately to the next step of your skincare routine after applying this product.

COSRX Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence ingredients: Galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, betaine, panthenol, glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, allantoin, butylene glycol, xanthan gum, ethyl hexanediol, adenosine





Notable ingredients: As the product name suggests, COSRX Galactomyces 95 White Power Essence contains a whopping 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate. A byproduct of the sake brewing process, galactomyces ferment filtrate–also the star of the way pricier SK-II Facial Treatment Essence–is intriguing. Fermentation breaks down the ingredient into smaller and potentially more bioavailable components. In the case of galactomyces yeast, these components may deliver antioxidants effectively to skin, protecting it from environmental and UV damage that lead to premature skin aging.

95% fermenty goodness means that the rest of the ingredients only comprise 5% of the formulation. Still, the small amounts of niacinamide and adenosine may contribute brightening and anti-aging effects, while the sodium hyaluronate and glycerin provide hydration.

The only ingredient flagged in CosDNA is the ubiquitous penetration enhancer butylene glycol, which receives a 1 as a potential acne trigger.

Performance

Not gonna lie, COSRX Galactomyces 95 Poorly Named Essence had a lot to live up to. I ordered this product in a fit of rage after hearing about the Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence reformulation. I had really loved original recipe FTE, which I credit with giving me my first taste of the famous K-beauty Glow™.

COSRX Galactomyces 95 Racism Essence comes in the same kind of simple, semi-transparent plastic pump bottle as the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid and BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. The pump dispenses a small amount of product at a time, so you may need more than one pump to cover your face, and definitely more than one for face, neck, and upper chest.

The product itself is a clear liquid. To me, it’s completely odorless, though others report a yeasty or even peachy smell. In contrast to most other first treatment essences, it’s noticeably thicker than water and has a lot of slip to it, making it easy to spread evenly across the face.

Did I mention that it’s odorless to me? Considering the fact that the smell of the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid occasionally still slaps me across the face like a whap from a half-melted burning tire, the fact that the White Power Essence doesn’t smell like anything is a distinct plus. And even if it does smell like yeast or peaches to you, that’s still pretty good.


After over two months, this is what I have left.

Despite its thickness, the WPE dries down very quickly and cleanly, leaving no sticky residue behind, and, like many prep products, seems to help subsequent layers absorb more quickly and effectively.

In my experience, the WPE definitely lives up to Missha’s First Treatment Essence and i