What is a Korean pressed serum? This new beauty trend sees a serum & moisturizer hybrid that combines the concentration of a serum with the comforting hydration of a moisturizer, giving your skin optimal care in one step.
The secret is out that Koreans have the jump when it comes to beauty skin care innovations. From nutrient condensed masks to seven step beauty routines, these folks mean business when it comes to taking care of their skin.
But despite Koreans making multiple steps famous in their routines, they too want to minimize their time with multi-purpose products. Products, whether in makeup or skincare, that have multiple effects or do “double duty” are definitely on the rise. The Korean beauty enthusiasts also agree, which is why the newest innovation, pressed serums, is on the rise and making their way to this continent.
What exactly is a Korean pressed serum? This new form of skin care for the face combines the potency of serum with the comfort and protection and moisturizing effects of a cream. The idea is to maximize the infusion of nutrients into the skin that protects against ageing and day-to-day pollution. Pressed serums are therefore packed with active ingredients. And, with most of living busy lives having a powerful serum and cream in one step makes skincare easier to manage.
A pressed serum has a very different consistency than a regular cream or serum. It is more of a jelly-like, custard texture that spreads easily. Basically, a little goes a long way. In fact, you only need to use about a pea size amount.
To be considered a pressed serum, the product needs to have a very high percentage of active ingredients.
According to Korean Beauty experts, Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, from the blog Glow Recipe, “chemists use what is called ‘slow cooling’ over 36 hours, instead of flash heating, to preserve ingredient efficacy during processing. This is key to the formulation as ingredients in each formula are in concentrations of 60% or more. Pressed serums also utilize a blend of fermented natural oils with high skin affinity to leave skin comfortably hydrated without heaviness – fermentation helps to micronize ingredients and are especially great way to formulate oils that absorb quickly.”
—by Toni-Marie Ippolito
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