When it comes to our 2021 skincare resolutions, we’re promising ourselves bright, healthy skin by sweeping away any possible reminders of 2020 (maskne, anyone?). And to do this, we’re reaching for what many consider the pinnacle of products: The cult classic SK-II PITERA™ Essence (a.k.a. Facial Treatment Essence). Make way for a fresh, plump complexion. Dull, uneven skin tone? Say no more—here comes the glow.
This Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, SK-II’s signature and most-awarded bestseller comes reimagined in a new, auspicious look, exchanging its iconic frosted-glass exterior for ‘XOXO’ motifs that clothe the bottle in regal gold brush strokes—a fitting attire to celebrate a time of warm hugs, kisses and long-awaited reunions. After what has been a challenging year for most, this bottle comes in timely fashion, as a great gift choice to show family and friends some love in the new year. The bottle also features a collaboration with artist André Saraiva and his graffiti alter egos Mr. & Mrs. A, which playfully share hugs and kisses with SK-II brand ambassadors as they express their love for PITERA™.
Bestowing the ultimate experience of clear, radiant skin, the SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition is this holiday’s beauty drop to have, hold and gift—whether you’re indulging, or shall we say, investing in self-care or perhaps hoping to score brownie points with the women in your life.
Why we’re obsessed
Lovingly hailed as a “miracle water”, this clarifying, time-suspending holy-grail is one of the best kept secrets to crystal-clear skin among skincare enthusiasts and beauty editors (guilty as charged). Why that is, you ask?
Not a lotion and neither a toner, this water-like, lightweight essence features over 90% of SK-II’s proprietary PITERA™, an ingredient derived from a natural fermentation process. Containing a chock-full of over 50 micro-nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, this essence addresses multiple skin concerns at once—such as the formation of dull skin, fine lines due to dryness, and dehydration.
How does this work? Well, PITERA™ mimics skin, in particular the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor (NMFs), allowing the essence to be absorbed even quicker than water. This gives way to a myriad of skin-plumping and brightening properties as the product seeps into skin, replenishing and revitalising complexions.
The result is skin that instantly looks dewy and hydrated right after use, and clearer, more luminous and tauter over time—just ask the millions of women who swear by its skin-transforming properties. And if you’re still probing, our near-empty bottle of SK-II PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence is due for a restock.
Years of research and 350 screens of yeast strains later
A miracle worker, its story of origin is no less enchanting—inspired by a chance observation made some 40 years ago by scientists who noticed the soft, youthful-looking hands of elderly Japanese sake brewers. After many years of rigorous research and arduously studying more than 350 species of yeast to isolate the special strain that produces what is now SK-II’s proprietary ingredient PITERA™, one of nature’s best gifts to us was finally birthed.
And the best things in life are meant to be shared, right?
How to use
After applying your toner, pour the essence directly onto your palms, rub your hands together to spread and warm up the Essence and gently pat the nutrient-rich formulation on your face, neck and décolletage for Crystal Clear Skin.
SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition, $289, available at official SK-II counters islandwide.
