A skincare booster is a highly concentrated product that targets specific skin problems like dryness, dullness, loss of firmness, and enlarged pores. Boosters are used at a higher concentration than other skin care products and have unique ingredients that treat specific problems. They can be used to add extra moisture to the skin or boost radiance.
There are a lot of similarities between Korean and Western skincare, but there are also some differences that can leave K-beauty newbies confused. Ampoules, essences, aqua peelers—what? Boosters is another term that can leave people scratching their heads. They are especially confusing because the definition isn’t as clear-cut as something like a splash mask or a pressed serum. Boosters cover a range of different product categories. Despite the fact that they can be perplexing at first, boosters are a term worth knowing.
In general, all boosters are about improving your skin and the efficacy of your other skin care products. Beyond that, boosters can be grouped into different categories. Alicia Yoon, the founder of the popular Korean beauty site Peach and Lily, explains that the term is used in a few different ways by brands. Some brands use the term interchangeably with toner. To make matters even more confusing, sometimes this category is also referred to as “skin.”
Other brands use the term “boosters” to describe essences that hydrate skin and prep it for the rest of the skin care regimen. This is probably the definition you would guess when you hear the term “booster” because these essences prep or boost the skin. They can also help brighten or combat wrinkles and fine lines.
Alicia states that the third way brands can use the term “boosters” is in reference to describing intensive serums or ampoules that work on a cellular level to improve skin. Think of these as supercharged products.
Because boosters cover ampoules, serums, essences, toners, and more, when you apply one, it depends on what kind of booster you are using. A toner would be applied after cleansing, while an essence would be applied after your cleanser and toner. Ampules vary depending on the type you are using. If you’re using a daily ampoule, you could use it during your serum step. If you use one of the concentrated versions, those are not meant for daily use. Alicia states that they are used for finite periods. Because they already have strong, active ingredients, they are usually used instead of serum at night.
If you have sensitive skin, boosters might sound intimidating to you. However, Alicia states that there are many that are fine to use on sensitive skin. It is just a matter of looking at the ingredient list and checking for formulas suited for your skin type.
If you’re looking to try a booster but aren’t sure where to start, Alicia suggests the Dr. Dream Dream Age Four-Pack Radiance Power Essence ($110, Peach and Lily). It is a powdered essence that melts into liquid form. It moisturizes the skin and fights hyperpigmentation. What’s more, you can blend it with almost any other product, including cushion compacts, toners, essences, and emulsions.
Another option is the Caolion Multi-Soothing Booster ($18, Peach and Lily). It is a cooling gel that soothes skin after it has been exposed to environmental irritants. It is formulated with aloe vera, snail filtrate, soybean extract, and organic lavender water.
If you’re still confused about what products fall into the booster category, don’t get too hung up on it. The important thing is to look for something that improves your skin while also increasing the efficacy of your other skin care products. If you find something like that, you have found yourself a great skin care booster. It doesn’t matter whether it is an essence or toner or when you apply it to your face.
FAQs
How is a skincare booster different from a serum?
While both boosters and serums are highly concentrated skincare products, they differ in their purpose and formulation.
Serums are more all-encompassing and contain a mix of active ingredients that target multiple skin concerns. They are usually applied after cleansing but before moisturizing to deliver active ingredients directly to the skin.
On the other hand, boosters are designed to treat specific skin concerns like dehydration, dullness, loss of firmness, and enlarged pores. They contain a higher concentration of a particular ingredient that targets a specific concern.
Can a booster be used as a substitute for a serum?
While boosters and serums can be a good addition to your skincare routine, in most cases, they are not substitutes for each other.
Boosters are made to help with specific problems with the skin, such as dryness, dullness, loss of firmness, and large pores. They contain a higher concentration of a particular ingredient that targets a specific concern.
On the other hand, serums are more all-encompassing and contain a mix of active ingredients that target multiple skin concerns.
However, some people with oily or combination skin may use boosters as a substitute for their nighttime moisturizer. Choosing the right product based on your skin type and concerns is important.
Can a booster completely replace a serum in a skincare routine?
While boosters can improve the benefits of your creams or replace your usual toner or serum, in most cases, they are not substitutes for serums.
Boosters are made to help with specific problems with the skin, such as dryness, dullness, loss of firmness, and large pores. They contain a higher concentration of a particular ingredient that targets a specific concern.
Can boosters be used alone, or do they need to be mixed with other products?
Boosters can be used alone or mixed with other skincare products like serums or moisturizers.
If you want to mix a booster with your serum or moisturizer, add one to two drops of the booster to your hand, add serum or moisturizer, then apply it to your face.
Boosters have a lightweight texture that makes them easy to combine with other products in your skincare routine. However, it is important not to mix boosters with sunscreen, as it can dilute the SPF.
What are some examples of skincare boosters?
There are various types of skin care boosters available on the market that target specific skin concerns. Some examples of skincare boosters include:
• C15 Super Booster Skin type: all skin types. Skin problems: signs of aging, brown spots, dull skin.
• 10% NIACINAMIDE BOOSTER Skin type: all skin types. Skin problems: enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, dullness.
• Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%: Best for brightening the skin.
• Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum – Best for dry skin
• Enhanced tissue regeneration; hydration; remineralization; a balanced skin moisture barrier; increased collagen and elastin production; smoother—a booster from Perris Swiss Laboratory.
• Vitamin C booster – can turn even the most basic skincare routine into a supercharged one.
What are the benefits of using skincare boosters?
Skincare boosters offer various benefits to the skin. They have a lot of active ingredients that help with skin problems like dryness, dullness, loss of firmness, and enlarged pores.
Boosters can hydrate the skin, fight wrinkles, reduce dark spots, and improve uneven skin tone and texture. They help prepare and stabilize the skin’s barrier, which keeps the skin moist and makes other products work better. Boosters can also reduce fine lines and leave the skin looking radiant.
Overall, skincare boosters are a great addition to any skincare routine because they treat specific skin problems in a targeted way.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website's content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra's expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
