More than 30 years since its launch, the iconic Facial Treatment Essence still proves to be a favourite amongst beauty insiders. Here’s a look at why the affectionately termed ‘Miracle Water’ earned its name.

It’s been dubbed ‘Miracle Water’, loyal users swear by it and celebrities like Tang Wei, Ayase and Lee Yeon Hee call it their best friend. The very first product from SK-II created in 1980, Facial Treatment Essence remains an icon – and authority on crystal skin – till today.

Never quite bought into the hype? We take a closer look at the five facts that prove why this product is so enduring.

#1: SK-II Celebrities Come Up Tops

As a brand known for its promise of crystal clear skin, SK-II has a lineup of ambassadors with that ideal beauty look of flawless, translucent skin that glows – and it’s more than just talk.

A detailed skin study conducted by the brand in 2010 proves just that: SK-II’s ambassadors are ranked in the top 5% in terms of overall skin condition as compared to women of the same age group. Tests in the five key areas of skin tone, wrinkles, spots, texture and visco-elasticity showed the brand ambassadors coming out tops against women in their respective age groups.

In Japan, SK-II ambassadors Haruka Ayase and Kaori Momoi were voted by consumers as celebrities with the “most desired” beautiful skin in their respective age groups. Korea’s Ceci magazine’s 20’s beauty survey in February 2012 saw SK-II ambassadors Lim Soo Jung chosen as the skin role model and Lim Yeon Hee as the most admired cosmetic model. Tang Wei was also recently voted as one of China’s 50 most beautiful people in the 2011 Oriental Festival organised by Beijing News.

#2: A Proven Formula

The Pitera™-rich Facial Treatment Essence is proven to deliver benefits across multiple skin dimensions with regular use. Research proves that women who have been on a regimen of Facial Treatment Essence for at least five years have better skin quality compared to non-users. The 2008 study revealed that loyal users not only had clearer and more translucent skin, but also lighter skin tone, better moisturisation levels, better sebum control and skin firmness closer to that of younger women2.

#3. 14-Days Fast Fixer

SK-II’s 2007 study on the benefits on Facial Treatment Essence in the short term proved the iconic essence effects a transformation in skin’s dimensions within just 14 days. Amongst the 100 new users surveyed in Australia, at least 9 out 10 said their skin felt soft (92%) and smooth (90%) with Facial Treatment Essence, 89% agreed the product made their skin look hydrated, and 85% said using the essence gave them healthy-looking skin.

#4. Real Results… Across All 5 Dimensions

In a recent collaboration, SK-II partnered with Korea’s Ellead Skin Research Centre to conduct in-depth skin measurement studies and track visible consumer skin improvement along the five dimensions, with results attesting to the effectiveness of the formula:

• Texture Refinement: Research showed noticeable improvement in skin texture after just 14 days’ use. Tests also revealed the daily application of Facial Treatment Essence significantly boosted hydration levels and skin turnover
• Radiance Enhancement: Results from the skin measurement study showed a visible improvement in skin radiance in just 14 days
• Firmness Power: At the 7-day mark, results showed that the Facial Treatment Essence helped improve skin firmness
• Spot Control: Study findings reveal that after induced pigmentation, the use of the Essence led to significantly brightened skin tone in the treated area after 14 days
• Wrinkle Resilience: After 14 days, the study found significant wrinkle reduction

#5. Beauty Insiders Love It

Take it from the experts – they love Facial Treatment Essence too. A poll of 250 beauty editors across Asia had nearly 4 in 5 (76%) voting their preference for the product, and more than 100 beauty editors agreed the essence was their top beauty secret to uplifting all five dimensions of crystal clear skin. In fact, 79% would highly recommend a beauty product like Facial Treatment Essence that is proven to work on all five dimensions.