Naruko La Creme Face Renewal Miracle Essence review
Written By Jenny Wu on
After I shared an intro to first essences, several of you showed interested in the Naruko La Creme Face Renewal Miracle Essence. I briefly mentioned that I enjoy using it, and now here’s the full post on why I really like this first essence.
- What is it
- A first essence that moisturizes, smoothes, and brightens the skin with 94.9% rice ferment extract and 60 different herbal extracts.
- How I use it
- Pour a quarter-sized amount onto a cotton pad and gently wipe my face after cleansing.
- Best suited for
- All skin types
- Ingredients
- CosDNA analysis
- Size & Price
- $75 for 150 ml
- Where to buy
- Naruko Boutique
The first thing I like about this essence is the ingredient list. First, 94.9% of the essence is rice ferment extract, which contains amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that can brighten + smooth your skin.
Of the remaining the 5.1%, you’ll find water + 60 different herbal extracts + preservatives, and no filler ingredients. So yes, you’re getting 100% of the advertised ingredients for this essence, not just 0.01% of it.
But really, the most important thing is how well the product actually works. The good news? The Naruko La Creme Face Renewal Miracle Essence really does help moisturize + smooth your skin in the long run. So no, you won’t see overnight results with this essence, but if you keep using it, you’ll definitely start noticing improvements in your skin.
For me, the biggest difference was actually smoother skin and finding that subsequent products absorbed better. I definitely like to think of this essence more of a booster to my entire routine, rather than the star. It’s still important, but I don’t expect it it to do the heavy lifting.
So while its effects aren’t mind blowing, the essence itself is a delight to use. It comes in a beautiful frosted glass bottle, it smells vaguely of rice wine, and it feels like water on the skin. No offense texture or scent whatsoever, and it leaves no residue behind. Honestly I can’t think of one bad thing about this essence!
Interested in other essences? I’ve reviewed 17 facial essences, and here are the best ones
Final Verdict
-
Packaging
10
-
Ingredients
9
-
Texture/Application
10
-
Performance
8
-
Price
8.5
I really enjoy this first essence, and it's definitely one of the best I've tried so far. But because I don't consider first essences themselves to be essential in skincare, it's hard to classify this as a holy grail product. However, if you're in the market for a new first essence or even a toner, I would highly recommend giving this a try!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Elisa
at what age do you think someone needs essence in their skincare routine? I've read somewhere that 20-year olds actually do not need eye creams because it's still such a young age to be dwelling with eye creams. it's like trying to use anti-aging products on a young skin aka it's not needed. not sure about what is true and what isn't when it comes to skincare though.
i like how this product says brighten and not whitening. sometimes, when products say "whitening", people misunderstand that it actually means brightening which is why i find "whitening" products to be a lie :P
i do want to try the hadalabo shirojyun essence later but essences aren't that cheap especially when they claim to be brightening / whitening lol. i wish i can try the naruko and get samples for it :P
Jenny Wu
Hmm, I don't think you need to be a certain age to start using essences, but I've heard from many people that they notice the effect more when they're older. I think if you're starting to find that your current toner/skincare routine doesn't work as well anymore, adding an essence can definitely help because it's made with more potent ingredients.
Eye creams to me are an exception, and is something you definitely should use once you turn 20. You don't need something really thick and rich, but it's about keep the delicate and drier eye area hydrated and thus preventing fine lines. I think that's the biggest misconception of anti-aging products, that you need to wait until you're old to start using them. Prevention is the key when it comes to anti-aging - it's a lot easier to prevent wrinkles then to wait for them to set in and then try to make them go away.
I think Naruko is sold where you are, and they're a pretty affordable brand, definitely worth checking out!
Nana Chu
Naruko skincare always reminds me to fuzkittie! Sorry for randomness, now back to the topic. I also think first essence isn't that important, however I agree that it helps the entire skincare routine to work better.
Jenny Wu
Thanks for stopping by Nana! Fuzkittie? I feel silly asking, but what's that? ?