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skincare powerhouse

Bean essence: The Korean skincare secret that’s low-key magic

Think of it as a gentle exfoliator and deep hydrator rolled into one


Senior Writer
APRIL 18, 2025 4:06 PM EDT

Bean essence is a fermented skincare powerhouse that is straight from Korea’s beauty labs. It’s packed with fermented soybeans, barley, pomegranate, and Korean pear, ingredients that sound like a smoothie but work wonders on your face. 

The fermentation process supercharges these botanicals, making them more potent and easier for your skin to absorb. Think of it as a gentle exfoliator and deep hydrator rolled into one, giving your skin that coveted glassy glow.

One 68-year-old user reported that it made their skin appear decades younger.© Getty Images
One 68-year-old user reported that it made their skin appear decades younger.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed

Mixsoon’s Bean Essence has gained significant attention on social media. It is not only a top seller on Amazon but is also highly regarded by K-beauty enthusiasts. Users praise its gentle exfoliation, deep hydration, and ability to improve overall skin texture. In fact, one 68-year-old user reported that it made their skin appear decades younger.

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Soybean oil .

How to Use It (Without Overthinking)

For a Gentle Hydration Boost:

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Users praise its gentle exfoliation, deep hydration, and ability to improve overall skin texture.
  1. After thoroughly cleansing your face to remove dirt and impurities, dispense a few pumps of your chosen hydrating serum into the palm of your hand. 
  2. Carefully apply the serum to your skin, starting from the center of your face and working your way outwards. 
  3. Gently pat the product onto your skin using your fingertips, allowing it to absorb fully before moving on to the next step. 
  4. Once the serum is absorbed, follow up with your usual moisturizer to lock in hydration and ensure your skin stays supple and nourished throughout the day.

For Exfoliation Days (2–3 times a week):

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Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, soybean extract nourishes the skin, enhances hydration, and supports overall skin health.
  1. Begin by applying a generous amount of the essence to clean, dry skin. 
  2. Using your fingertips, gently massage the essence into your skin in circular motions. Focus on areas that typically accumulate dead skin or feel rougher to the touch, such as the forehead, nose, and chin.
  3. As you massage, pay attention to the subtle sensation of the product working; you may notice some resistance or a textured residue forming, which indicates that dead skin cells are being lifted away.
  4. After massaging for 2–3 minutes, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water or gently wipe the surface with a toner pad. This will help remove the residue and reveal a smoother, fresher layer of skin underneath.
  5.  Follow up with your regular skincare routine to nourish and hydrate your newly exfoliated skin.

If your skin appears lackluster or needs a refresh lately, incorporating skincare products infused with bean essence, specifically soybean extract, could be what you need. This ingredient is renowned for its gentle yet effective properties, helping to rejuvenate the skin while promoting a luminous, radiant complexion. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, soybean extract nourishes the skin, enhances hydration, and supports overall skin health.

© Getty Images/ImaZinS RF
Your complexion will undoubtedly thank you for the boost, leaving you with that enviable lit-from-within glow.

Additionally, these products are often formulated to be vegan and cruelty-free, ensuring they are suitable for your skin and kinder to the planet and its inhabitants. With no harmful chemicals or harsh additives, you can feel confident that you are treating your skin to a pure and restorative experience. Your complexion will undoubtedly thank you for the boost, leaving you with that enviable lit-from-within glow.

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