Su m37 secret essence cushion review năm 2024

While su:m37˚ isn’t a brand that riles up a lot of fanfare, but those who have tried the products swear by them and stay loyal to the su:m37˚ regime. This is certainly a nod to the efficacy of the products.

The brand has opened its first counter in Singapore at Tangs VivoCity, and will be opening its second counter at Tangs Orchard from 21 July.

What you need to know about su:m37˚

The word “su:m” (pronounced “soom”) in su:m37˚means “breathe” in Korean – a tribute to the brand’s philosophy of letting nature take its own course, and savouring every part of your life.

This philosophy of letting nature takes its course is evident even in the way the products from su:m37˚ is produced.

Its products are manufactured in su:m37˚’s very own Natural Fermentation Research Institute (NFRI); it’s the only Korean skincare brand that has a dedicated facility like this.

The institute is located in Gangwon-do, a pristine mountainous and forested province located in north-eastern part of South Korea, that is free of commercial activities in its 10km radius. This is why the air, water, and soil in the area is clean and pure, and this is where all the products by su:m37˚ is produced.

What makes the su:m37˚ Secret Essence iconic?

While su:m37˚may offer many different products, the star product that is most raved about by all users is definitely the su:m37˚Secret Essence.

The essence is derived from extracts of more than 80 types of local plant varieties that have been fermented and aged in cedar barrels, under stringent conditions: an optimal temperature of 37˚C and humidity for at least 365 days. Yes, good things are worth waiting for.

Besides being derived from a proprietary and traditional natural fermentation process, the iconic su:m37˚ essence is also able to enhance the natural healing power of the skin without the use of preservatives, artificial colour, and fragrance.

The Secret Essence contains a high concentration of the exclusively patented ferulic acid that comes from su:m37˚’s unique fermentation process, and it activates the key ingredient in the essence, Cytosis®. Cytosis® is able to rebuild the foundation of good skin, and strengthen it against external pollutants and aggressors. These are benefits that women living in cities will definitely appreciate.

The Secret Essence promises to improve the skin’s tone, brilliance, firmness, texture, and hydration after just two weeks of use.

I decided to try the su:m37˚ Secret Essence for myself to see if it lives up to its claims.

I use the su:m37˚ Secret Essence day and night after toning and before moisturiser. Its usage is simple: Pour a few drops onto palms, and then gently press it onto every part of the face. I usually begin with my cheeks, followed by my forehead and chin, and then my nose area.

If you, like me, enjoy lightweight products that feels refreshing, this product will be a hit for you. The texture of the Secret Essence feels like water and has one of the best absorption I’ve seen among the products I’ve ever tried.

I also enjoy the subtle scent of lavender in the product, which helps calm me down in the morning before I begin a busy day, and soothe my senses in the evening before I head to bed. Think of it as a form of aromatherapy!

The result of the su:m37˚ Secret Essence may be gradual, but definitely obvious. The one change that stood out to me most was how hydrated my skin became. It feels firmer, more bouncy, and very smooth to touch. Most importantly, my complexion also looked more radiant over time.

My makeup routine can now afford to be simpler – I feel comfortable skipping foundation and concealer because my skin tone looks more even. You can say that I can definitely take more time to breathe, since morning preparation is less of a mad rush for me now.

Besides the Secret Essence, The Secret range of products also includes the Secret Programming Mask, and Secret Eye Cream.

Saturday is su:m37˚ Sampling Day, so remember to pick up samples and be gifted with exclusive gifts with any purchase at su:m37˚ counters, located at Tangs VivoCity and Tangs Orchard (after 21 July), or click here to redeem samples so you can try them for yourself!

The su:m37 Secret Essence is one of the most popular essences in Asia. It’s supposed to be the Korean answer to the famous Japanese SK-II Pitera! Let me introduce you to this “secret” product 😉

I have already written several articles about fermented essences which are very popular throughout Asia.

The most famous among them, is the essence SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Pitera, it has been a true bestseller on the Asian continent for almost 40 years. Allegedly, there’s one bottle of it sold every 30 seconds!

The other skincare brands, especially the Korean ones, were therefore quick to “find inspiration” from the SK-II concept in order to devise their own versions of this essence.

I’ve tried a few of them already, because my skin loves them! I really see a result in the brightness of my skin (and I love to use them, which is always a plus).

The su:m37 version is probably one of the most popular in Korea. Even if the brand was clearly inspired by SK-II’s Pitera essence, their Secret Essence is a rather unique product, with a very interesting formula and a fermentation technology of their own!

I tried the su:m37 Secret Essence, and you’ll find my thoughts on it below!

The brand su:m37:

The skincare brand su:m37 comes from South Korea and belongs to the South Korean group LG. Yes, LG, the same company that brings you phones and washing machines. In South Korea, this gigantic LG conglomerate has ramifications in numerous industries and products, including cosmetics.

Believing that “cosmetic fermentation” would be one of the next engines of growth in the cosmetics industry, LG launched su:m 37 in 2007, Korea’s first fermented cosmetics brand. Indeed, in recent years, there has been a real demand for more natural products in South Korea. While the competing group, Amore Pacific, introduced skincare products using traditional Asian medicine ingredients (as you can see in my article on Sulwhasoo), LG wanted to stand out by focusing on naturally fermented ingredients.

Indeed, su:m 37 differs from artificially fermented cosmetic products already on the market because the brand offers products based on pure, naturally fermented ingredients. su:m 37 uses about 50 organically grown plant species in Hokkaido, a region of Japan, and ferments them at a temperature of 37 °C for 1102 days, or more exactly “3 years + 7 days” (hence its name, su:m 37) (sum means breathing in Korean). su:m 37 uses a fermentation technique researched for over 80 years by the Japanese Otaka Research Center, a world-renowned establishment recognized for its research on fermentation. In the first stage of the process used by su:m 37, some undiluted solutions of pure plants are extracted and stored in a cedar, oak or earthen barrels for seven days. The extracted solution is then moved to a storage area in South Korea at Gangwon-do and left at a constant temperature of 37 °C. It’s left there to ferment for several months or even years (up to 3 years).

This slow fermentation process produces new naturally fermented substances, which contain various amino acids, natural organic acids, and antioxidants. These are naturally non-irritating and stimulate the renewal metabolism of the skin, to smooth out its texture and help purify it.

su: m37 is a huge success in South Korea and all over Asia. The Secret Essence is their best-selling product!

Product presentation: su:m37 Secret Essence

The su:m37 Secret Essence is an essence, this hybrid liquid skincare product typically found in Asian skincare routines. It is between a toner lotion and a serum. And this one belongs to the categories of “first” essences.

They’re also called various other names: “fermentation essence”, “facial treatment essence”, “first treatment essence”, “starting treatment essence”…

All these essences are quite common in Asia. They’re usually part of a more complex skincare routine with a layering process and that their main claimed action on the skin is their brightening/ whitening effect, and this is a very important concern for Asian customers.

The Secret Essence is a “first essence”, which is like a “pre-essence“, to apply before everything else (including other essences) in your skincare routine in order to optimize the results of the other products you apply on top. Obviously, if you don’t want to do a complex skincare routine with several steps, the Secret Essence can be your only essence.

According to the brand, the Secret Essence works on: – hydration, – evening out the skin texture (which it helps to smooth and soften), – toning/firming action, – wrinkles and fine lines (smoothing effect), – skin brightening, – reducing hyperpigmentation.

Usually, these “First” essences all have a rather similar composition, they’re often very rich in fermented ingredients such as Galactomyces or Saccharomyces (which are yeasts, I talked about them in my Focus article on fermented ingredients).

It is the case with this Secret Essence, but here, the fermented ingredient is composed of 80 different plant extracts, which the brand calls “Cytosis“.

This mixture of ingredients fermented for 365 days. It’s supposed to significantly improve the skin in all aspects and is in every su:m37 product.

Fermentation transforms the ingredients so that they can penetrate deeper into the skin. During fermentation, new additional substances are also created that are beneficial to the skin, such as minerals for example.

su:m37 products are extremely rich in fermented ingredients, and they are not diluted as much as in other brands, which also explains their rather high price.

The rest of the formula includes other interesting skincare ingredients such as ferulic acid (antioxidant), and niacinamide (one of my faves!).

My experience:

I have been using essences with fermented ingredients in my routine for more than 2 years now.

My skin loves them! I see the difference in the hydration of course, but also on the radiance of my complexion, and also on the texture of my skin. I also like the way you need to use them (by pressing directly on the skin), very pleasant!

When I went to Korea two years ago, I decided to invest in the Secret Essence and the advantage when you are there is that you can find some kits with other products from the range (I was also able to try the lighter Secret Essence Mist and the Double Concentrate essence, a more concentrated version that looks like a serum) (both are good, but clearly for me, the Secret Essence is the star of the show).

The bottle I bought was smaller than the classic version because it was in a kit (and I have since bought it in travel format, so on my picture, there is an empty bottle and a full bottle 😉). It lasted me 4 months (its size was 60ml).

Result:

The su:m37 Secret Essence is one of the best fermented ingredients-based essences I have ever tried.

I find it very hydrating, as soon as I apply it. It also smells very good, which is always great (a rather fresh and lemony scent). The application is therefore very pleasant, which motivates me to use it!

I also saw good results on my skin with this essence.

It gives me a lot of radiance, my skin is more even, less prone to imperfections and my pores are tightened. For the firming, anti-wrinkle claims, well, I’m less convinced but I know it shows in the very long term!

Value for money:

It’s definitely not the cheapest fermented ingredient-based essence on the market!

Depending on its size, it prices varies between $70 and $95. If you want to try it, I strongly recommend you to look at the offers with kits, they are often more interesting than the product alone. And of course, if you happen to be in an airport in Asia, take a look at the duty-free shops, the su:m37 brand is usually there, and they have great offers!

When I use it, I can definitely feel that the fermented ingredients are present in a high concentration and this is one of the brand’s selling points.

For me, it’s an extra product, clearly a luxurious one. I wouldn’t call it an essential step but I ‘m pleased to have it in my routine and to use it every day! And I find it effective on my skin, so for me, it’s worth the price!

How do you use su:m37 secret essence?

Direction of use: 1. Avoid areas around eyes and lips to apply the mask for around 15 minutes, and then remove the mask and gently tap the face for easier absorption. 2. Take an appropriate amount of Secret Double Concentrate on palm, and apply on face with gentle massage.

Is sum37 good?

su:m37 products are extremely rich in fermented ingredients, and they are not diluted as much as in other brands, which also explains their rather high price. The rest of the formula includes other interesting skincare ingredients such as ferulic acid (antioxidant), and niacinamide (one of my faves!).

What is secret essence?

Description: Advanced 3rd generation of su:m37° iconic hero product, well known as “Korean Miracle Essence“. Combines high-concentrated anti-aging Cyto-Extract and patented Cytosis ® to form Cyto-ferm TM, an exclusive oxygen-care ingredient.