by Jude Chao

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Reformulation

It has come to my attention, thanks to a post on Reddit’s Asian Beauty community, that Missha is reformulating its famous First Treatment Essence and rebranding it as First Treatment Essence Intensive.

Missha First Treatment Essence original
Will this nearly empty bottle and that unopened one be the last of my beloved FTE, forever?

The new formulation, per Reddit user /u/naoti, ditches the licorice root extract and changes the proportions and quantities of FTE’s plant extracts.

Boo.

Licorice root extract is an effective brightener that works to lighten hyperpigmentation and brighten skin tone. Many of the other plant extracts, on the other hand, are a little bit more questionable when it comes to effectiveness. Some users are guessing that the reformulation may be an attempt to lower manufacturing costs.

Missha’s FTE has been one of the star players of my skin care routine for quite a while–that almost-empty bottle you see is my second, and each bottle lasts a very long time (I’m estimating 6-7 months apiece, with twice-daily large splashes on my face). It’s a dupe of Shiseido’s exorbitantly expensive SK-II facial essence; respected bloggers like Kerry at Skin and Tonics and Sheryll at The Wanderlust Project have given it rave reviews, with Skin and Tonics declaring it the clear winner over SK-II and Sheryll calling it “miracle water, made out of angel tears.” Personally, I credit it with giving my skin an instant glow every time I use it and with improving the texture, elasticity, and evenness of my skin with long-term use. I’m really sad to see the formulation change.

Who knows? Maybe the new formulation will be a winner, too, even without the licorice root extract. I’m sure I’ll be loading up on samples and giving it a fair try once I’m completely out of what I’ve got. But I wish they hadn’t changed the formulation in the first place. There wasn’t anything wrong with it to begin with.

FTE fans, are you disappointed that Missha is reformulating the popular product? Or are you excited at the possibility that the new formulation might be even better?

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21 thoughts on “Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Reformulation”

  1. I just got my first bottle a few weeks ago through Amazon; I noticed it said “Intensive” and I didn’t know what to make of that. Anyway, I absolutely love the product, and can’t imagine being without it in future. I recently re-ordered from Soko glam and today got a bottle with the Zyosys label … so I guess for a while both formulations are going to be out there. I’m interested to see how they compare, but at least I know I’m pleased with the newer version!

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      2. Hey there! I’m late to report back, but I found the new version to be nearly indistinguishable from the old; if anything the new is maybe a tiny bit more effective at reducing redness, BUT that’s not a controlled side-by-side trial, could be some other variable that accounts for the difference, or it might be my imagination. Anyway, to me, the new version is at least as good as the old.

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      3. Oooh, that’s reassuring! I’ve got samples of the famous SK-II essence thanks to darling Tracy and wanted something to compare them to, so maybe I’ll give the FTE Intensive a chance.

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    2. Same here! I ordered on Amazon and noticed it said intensive even though I didn’t see it in the description. Although, now when I go back and look at the photo zoomed in, it does show. I got it about two weeks ago. So far so good!!

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  3. I tried samples from the old version in the past and I liked the scent of it. Now, I’m using the new version and although it has another scent /more scentless than before, I still love it because it smoothens my skin and leaves a moisturizing film. The It’s skin First essence didn’T feel so nice compared to the new FTE. Did you try the new version in the meantime?

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  4. i dont know whether to be disappoint or not. i’ve already using missha fte since this january 2015 and i feel a bit different with my current skin condition, its so much better than before. i used to have a tiny pimple at my forehead but now its completely gone… and i have just empty 1 bottle of missha fte…
    i wanted to order missha fte but my supplier said that to right now it change into missha fte intensive.. and right now i am waiting for my goods to be send from korea to my country..
    i really hope that it can give a good effect like the one i usually use…

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  5. Pingback: The Great Dupe: Missha’s The First Treatment Essence Intensive – Misc. Bliss

  6. I was wondering what you use now, assuming this is finished? I’m interested in trying it out, but honestly like the sound of the original ingredients more! It’d be lovely to hear if your thoughts have changed at all xx

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    1. I’m not using any particular FTE right now. For toner, I’ve been alternating between Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner and Dear by Enprani Moistfull Booskin, both of which have plenty of beneficial ingredients in them though they aren’t fermentation-focused, and right now I’m testing the new Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion (hydrating toner).

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  8. what is the difference between the intensive verision and the intensive moist ? please help 😦 which one should i buy i have dry skin

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    1. Between the two options, I would go with the moist as it’s targeted more for dry skin, but I have no personal experience with it to share, I’m sorry!

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  9. Hi can I ask can I use this missha first treatment with my acid toner? Which should I use first the acid toner or this Missha 1st treatment?

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