Secret Key vs Su:m37° — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Secret Essence
8.8/10 · Su:m37°
| Starting Treatment Essence Rose Edition | Secret Essence | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Secret Key | Su:m37° |
| Category | essence | essence |
| Editor Rating | 8/10 | 8.8/10 ★ |
| Category | essence | essence |
| Texture | Watery, lightly scented | Clear watery essence |
| Finish | Hydrated, glowing | Luminous absorbed |
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| Verdict | Secret Key's Starting Treatment Essence is the budget alternative to SK-II Facial Treatment Essence — galactomyces ferment filtrate (the same yeast-derived essence that made SK-II famous) with Damascena rose water for additional antioxidants and scent. Under $16 for a fermented first treatment essence that delivers the same yeast-ferment benefits at 1/10th of SK-II's price. The K-beauty product that democratised fermented essences. | LG's answer to SK-II Pitera — a naturally fermented essence that takes 50+ days in controlled fermentation tanks. The glow is real, the texture is water-thin, and the ferment is genuinely different from galactomyces. If SK-II is the J-beauty first treatment essence, Su:m37° is the K-beauty equivalent. |
