The billion-dollar skin care industry is booming and it’s hard to tell which trends work and which are total myths. Do you have half-used charcoal products, packages of eye masks that don’t really do anything, and cleansers-of-the-moment under your bathroom sink? If you’re still looking for that reliable holy grail product you can turn to time and time again, you don’t have to wait until next season’s crop of fads to find a winner. Our editors searched high and low for the best in skin care and what they found was something that can only be compared to a true miracle: SK-II PITERA™ Essence.

SK-II’s essence formula has stood the test of time, remaining essentially unchanged for nearly 40 years. Here’s everything you need to know about SK-II Essence and their signature ingredient PITERA™:

What is PITERA™?

PITERA™ is a combination of minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and organic acids, and is the power behind SK-II‘s iconic essence. It was inspired by the discovery that elderly sake brewers had wrinkled faces, but extraordinarily soft hands due to them being in constant contact with the sake fermentation process. The reason it works so well to transform skin of all types is because it resembles your skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors. So it helps your skin be the best version of itself.

What Does it Do?

The essence tackles several of the most common skin concerns, so you can use just one product instead of four or five. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by hydrating and plumping the skin, helps prevent the formation of dark spots, and gives you that radiant glow by moderating the skin’s surface renewal cycle.

SK-II‘s formula contains a perfect balance of nutrients for your skin. Amino acids work to hydrate and maintain moisture, minerals help smooth out texture, organic acids exfoliate for a brightening effect, and vitamins condition the skin to keep it healthy. Basically, you’re going to get seriously glowing, radiant skin.

Does it really work?

Yes! It’s recommended for all skin types, and the proof is in users’ praise. One user, Dee O’Brien, called SK-II her “one true love” after a month of use. “My skin looks so radiant I feel comfortable even without makeup on!”

This cult favorite is the only essence with over 90% PITERA™ – the miracle ingredient that does all the heavy lifting to help achieve radiant skin. If you’re looking for one product that actually works and can help you pare down your skin routine, our editors recommend SK-II PITERA™ Essence.

Want to experience all these benefits for yourself? Check out the PITERA™ Essence Set, which includes the Facial Treatment Essence plus 2 complimentary freebies (a toner and mask)!