Why Pressed Serums are the Next ‘It’ Product

The newest K-beauty trend? Pressed serums. (Photo: Glow Recipe)

While Koreans are famous for their 10-step skincare routine, they still understand the power of a multitasking product. (Who doesn’t love a way to simplify their beauty routine?) This is where pressed serums come in. The newest K-beauty trend promises to be just as impactful on our lives as BB cream and the cushion compact.

Pressed serums combine the nourishing power of a serum and the hydration of a moisturizer into one treatment. “Pressed serums, contrary to the traditional serum or moisturizer, are made through a cooling process that helps preserve the original benefits of the product’s ingredients, increasing its potency and efficacy,” says Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, founders of Glow Recipe, the online destination for natural Korean beauty and skin care products.

Blithe, a brand that is exclusive to Glow Recipe, offers three pressed serums in their range of multitasking and anti-aging products. Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum is best for improving fine lines and skin texture and uses 60% Chaga mushroom extra, which is packed with antioxidants, and has a custard-like texture that is lightweight and travel-friendly. The Crystal Iceplant Pressed Serum uses Iceplant extract to calm and cool skin while acting as a magnet for moisture, and the Velvet Yam Pressed Serum boosts hydration and elasticity using 68.5% yam extract.

In addition to replacing your serum and moisturizing steps, pressed serums can also be used for an extra hydration boost — especially in the middle of winter. I’ve got combination skin that dries out quickly in my radiator-heated apartment, so I’ve been adding the Crystal Iceplant Pressed Serum, which has a gel-like texture, to my bedtime routine to help lock in moisture. I apply a layer of my number one beauty splurge, Crème de La Mer, on top and wake up every morning with supple, hydrated skin.

Related:

Charlotte Cho’s Guide to Korean Beauty

Why K-Beauty is the Holy Grail of Skincare