The First Treatment Essence 5X

If I’m being honest, essence marketing has always felt like skincare’s version of the luxury tax — the beautiful glass bottle, the “heritage fermentation story,” the soft-focus ads of models cupping water in their hands like they’re baptizing themselves. Meanwhile, the product inside is basically: water + fermented yeast. SK-II built an empire on this. They trademarked “Pitera™,” wrapped it in mystique, and priced it like a boutique MBA program. But here’s the part they don’t want you to know: Missha uses the same class of fermented actives — and in some cases, more of them. Let’s start at the beginning. ⸻ The “Pitera” Myth and the Moment Missha Shattered It Years ago, SK-II aggressively defended their secret sauce: Galactomyces ferment filtrate. They framed it like this sacred, once-in-a-generation discovery, a skincare miracle found floating in a vat of sake. Missha took one look at that, shrugged, and said, “Cool, we can do that too — but we’re not going to charge rent prices for it.” They made their own ferment-based essence, SK-II tried to sue them, and not only did Missha not lose — the case basically forced people to realize how similar these formulas actually were. Missha didn’t just challenge the throne; they exposed the throne. ⸻ The Formula: Fermentation Without the Fairytale This 5th-generation version (5X) isn’t just a “dupe.” It’s a scientifically modernized, barrier-focused evolution of the original concept. 97% Desert Cica Yeast Ferment — an ultra-low-weight ferment meant to mimic Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). This is what gives that “glass skin” look without using occlusives or heavy hydrators. Bifida Ferment Lysate — the same molecule class used in Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. Supports barrier repair, reduces irritation, increases skin resilience. Galactomyces & Saccharomyces — similar yeast strains to SK-II’s Pitera, rich in amino acids, vitamins, and peptides. Niacinamide (low dose) — quiet tone evening and brightening. No fragrance. No essential oils. No citrus extracts pretending to be antioxidants. Just the active fermented molecules that matter — without the romance-novel storytelling slapped on top. ⸻ The Texture: Water That Behaves Like Skincare, Not Like… Water It looks like water. It pours like water. But it doesn’t act like water. When you pat it in, it clings — not in a sticky way, but in that “thin slip” that disappears into your skin within seconds. There’s a subtle cooling, almost like your skin is drinking instead of wearing. This is the moment every SK-II user describes as the “Pitera effect.” Missha replicates it perfectly. Your skin doesn’t feel wet. It feels reset. ⸻ How It Performs in Real Life (Not in the K-Beauty Fantasy Land) After cleansing, especially if you double-cleanse, your skin is slightly vulnerable — pH-shifted, moisture-reduced, barrier a little too open. This essence steps in like a pre-serum shock absorber. Here’s what it consistently did for me: Within 1–3 uses • Skin feels smoother — literally smoother to the touch • That “tight after cleansing” feeling disappears • Makeup and sunscreen go on more evenly After 7–10 uses • Tone looks more even • Dullness improves • Tiny texture patches soften • Skin starts reflecting light instead of absorbing it After 2–3 weeks • The “glass skin” finish becomes baseline • Barrier feels stronger — less random redness • Hydration products absorb faster (and actually work better) • Skin tone looks consistent across the face instead of patchy And this is with a formula that looks like plain water in a bottle. That’s the magic of fermentation — the molecules are tiny, direct, absorbable. ⸻ The Science (Explained Like a Real Human, Not a Patent Lawyer) Fermentation does two things: 1. It breaks down nutrients into smaller molecules. Smaller = more bioavailable = easier for your skin to use. This includes amino acids, peptides, minerals, B vitamins. 2. It mimics your skin’s NMF. NMF is your built-in moisturizing system — the reason youthful skin looks so plump and reflective. Missha basically gives your skin a direct supply of NMF-like fragments so your barrier repairs faster and inflammation drops. And unlike retinol, acids, or vitamin C, this has… **No purging. No irritation. No adjustment period. No drama.** Unless you have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), you’re safe. Ferments can feed that condition — but everyone else? Completely fine. ⸻ Where It Fits in Your Routine (and Why It Matters) This is a first essence, not a toner, not a serum. It goes FIRST — right after cleansing, on bare skin. Why? Because it opens the door for everything else: • Hydrators absorb deeper • Retinol irritates less • Moisturizers spread easier • Antioxidants sink instead of sitting • Sunscreen applies more evenly It’s the difference between painting on dry wall vs. primed wall. ⸻ Who Will Benefit the Most • Dehydrated skin • Dull or uneven tone • Textured skin • People on tretinoin • People dealing with mild redness • Anyone wanting “glass skin” without chasing glow oils • People who refuse to pay $200 for Pitera water ⸻ Pros • SK-II level performance at 1/8 the price • High ferment concentration (97%) • No filler ingredients • No fragrance or essential oils • Helps barrier strength • Brighter, smoother skin within days • Improves absorption of your entire routine • Works AM and PM ⸻ Cons • If you have fungal acne, ferments can trigger it • Looks like water, so people underestimate it • Results are subtle at first — not a “shock” product • Bottle isn’t travel friendly ⸻ Final Verdict: The Essence That Proves Luxury Skincare Is Mostly Marketing Missha Time Revolution The First Essence 5X is the perfect example of what happens when you strip skincare down to the actual molecules that work and stop paying for the glass bottle, the prestige name, and the brand legacy. This is SK-II’s Pitera without the fairy tale. Advanced Night Repair’s fermented actives without the price. The “glass skin” effect without the gloss oils. If you want brighter, smoother, calmer, more even skin — and you want to skip the luxury tax — this is the bottle that does the job quietly, consistently, and better than anything in its price range. 5/5. A legitimate Holy Grail without the $200 guilt.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Missha Time Revolution The First Essence Face Serum (5th Gen), and I must say, it has certainly made a positive impression on me. This face serum has become a staple in my skincare routine, and for good reason. First off, I love how lightweight and non-greasy this serum feels on my skin. It easily absorbs without leaving any residue, which is a huge plus for me. The scent is subtle and pleasant, not overpowering or artificial. One of the standout qualities of this serum is its moisturizing power. It truly quenches my skin's thirst, leaving it feeling hydrated and plump. I've noticed that my skin looks more radiant and healthy since incorporating this serum into my routine. Another fantastic benefit is how it helps to even out my skin tone. It has gradually improved the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving me a more balanced complexion. It also acts as a great base for makeup application, creating a smooth canvas for a flawless finish. The packaging is also worth mentioning. The 150ml bottle is generously sized, and a little goes a long way, making it a cost-effective option. Overall, I highly recommend the Missha Time Revolution The First Essence Face Serum (5th Gen) to anyone in search of a moisturizing and complexion-enhancing serum. It has become a beloved part of my skincare routine and has delivered noticeable results. Give it a try, and I'm confident you won't be disappointed.

This is very nice and I use it daily. I notice a difference in absorption of serums and the general look of my skin when I don’t use it

This essence is fantastic for layering under serums and moisturizers. The texture is lightweight and watery, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue. After using it consistently, my skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and more hydrated. It has a subtle, pleasant scent that isn’t overpowering, and the packaging is convenient and sturdy. Overall, it’s a high-quality essence that lives up to the reputation of the Time Revolution line and is perfect for daily use.

This is ALWAYS my first layer of skincare, both day and night. It’s good, nourishing base for anything else you want to add. Best to use it immediately after washing and drying your face, bc it can hold in the moisture without being heavy. Some people say it’s a dupe for SKII; I wouldn’t go that far, though it has some similarities, for a tiny fraction of the price of SKII.

Very similar to SK11

It works wonders for me.

Recommended by my esthetician and works great

Top , je recommande

Me encanta

Buon prodotto, lascia la pelle idratata e viene ben assorbito

Amazing product! After cleaning my face ,I like to use it and its hydrating my face immediately! Feel soft and clean! I reordered/use it already as my third bottle ever morning and evening!

Super tolldes Produkt. Ich habe alles von Missha und kann es nur empfehlen es spendet feuchtigkeit und die haut wird es euch danken,. Nur empfehle ich die Creme dazu und es wirklt keine Wunder das dauert etwas aber geniale Pflege.