Bio-Conditioning First Step Essence | Fast Absorbing Korean Facial Toner for Sensitive Skin, Intensive Hydration & Smoothing, Anti-Oxidant and Purification, Daily Glow Skincare, 2.84 Fl Oz.

I’m 52 and post-menopause with mature, sometimes sensitive skin, and this IOPE Bio-Conditioning First Step Essence has become a non-negotiable part of my routine. If you’re familiar with Korean skincare, you know how important a true first-step essence is — and this one absolutely delivers. I use this immediately after cleansing (usually with the IOPE Bio-Conditioning Cleansing Foam, which I also love), and it instantly makes my skin feel balanced, hydrated, and ready for treatment products. The texture is lightweight and watery, but it doesn’t just disappear — my skin actually feels softer and more receptive right away. What I appreciate most is how calming and smoothing this feels. There’s no fragrance irritation, no tackiness, and no residue. It absorbs quickly and layers beautifully under serums and creams. Since adding this consistently, I’ve noticed my skin looks more even and hydrated overall, and my other products seem to perform better. I also use several products from the IOPE STEM III line, and this essence pairs perfectly with them. It feels like a true supporting step that enhances the entire routine rather than just being an extra layer. My skin looks fresher, more resilient, and has a healthier glow — especially important for mature skin that can easily look dull or dehydrated. This is definitely a step up from basic toners and feels more treatment-focused and refined. Like most IOPE products, it’s thoughtfully formulated, gentle, and very effective. If you already enjoy IOPE skincare or are building a more intentional routine, this is an excellent foundation step. Highly recommend — and I will absolutely continue repurchasing.

IOPE Bio-Conditioning First Step Essence is an absolutely amazing product. I purchased the IOPE Stem III gift set with the toner and lotion, as well as, the Stem III Skin Calming cream. They worked perfectly together. By using the Bio-Conditioning First Step Essence before applying other treatments it helped the other products to absorb easily. It left the skin hydrated and smooth. It has a watery texture and did not have a fragrance.

This is a re-purchase for me! Currently on my second bottle. I use this after my toner, and can feel it gently tightening my skin and preparing it for better absorption of my serums. Love how gentle it is, and how well it seals in moisture.

I love this essence. It’s my second purchase though 1st time purchased on Amazon. I find this essence so cooling and refreshing. It’s pricey, but recently I was persuaded by reviews to try layering three essences from Mixsoon, each less costly than Iope, but they add up! I enjoyed the hydrating effect, but I don’t think the sensitivity issues addressed by the Mixsoon approach are the same as mine. I think once I finish up my remaining Mixsoon, I’ll just stick with my beloved Iope, perhaps wiyh a little COSRX power essence on certain days, a unique essence that I think may help sesl in sone of that IOPE hydration. I'm even considering trying IOPE’s new essence-based cleanser and moisturizer. Each are pricey, but so is trying many products that don’t work for me. I believe in Iope. One part of Iope’s lines I have yet to experiment with are their products containing retinol. That’s the kind of sensitive skin I do have, but one day I will try.

I bought this because I watched the video Alice from Aliceintherabbithole's YouTube made. I've been using this for one month now, I usually apply in two thin layers. There is still about 1/4 of the bottle left but I only use it once a day at night, I like using the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence in the morning. I cannot believe the difference this made in how even and clear my skin looks, it just has such a healthy glow. It also helped reduce some texture, maybe because it helps the products after absorb better. I really love the texture and how nice it feels to apply. My skin really absorbs this well, it doesn't sit on my skin at all. For reference I am combination leaning more dry due to the winter. I really wish I could buy the larger bottle of this on Amazon, I already repurchased this product just in the larger size on Stylevana so I don't run out! Their shipping is significantly slower but worth it if you don't need it immediately.

Fast delivery! I got my years worth of supply during Black Friday

Bought this while it was on sale for Black Friday. Love this skin conditioning essence from Iope — has worked for me for years on my very sensitive skin in tandem with their other product lines (I use the Stem III line currently). My only gripe was that I wasn’t paying attention when I purchased and didn’t realize this was only “half” the size of their normal full sized essence bottle. I wanted to return and exchange to purchase the larger OG bottle, but saw that it wasn’t available for purchase on the Iope Amazon storefront, so I ended up keeping it. Wish Iope would offer the full sized bottle via Amazon!

Obviously it’s a different strain because there gosh hundreds of thousands of galactomyces strains out there now but the Bio-redux alpha in this is chefs kiss. I am a multiple times over repeat buyer. I’ll keep buying it too. Yes, I’ve bought the pitera products too. I like the results. I like the formulation. If you ever encounter the sheet mask that has this in it? Buy it.