Korean Skincare products have become extremely popular in the last one á two years. Known for their innovative formulas, intelligent packaging designs, and gentle but highly effective ingredients, Korean beauty products are beloved by so many beauty lovers for achieving dewy and plump skin.
But if you’re like me, you may struggle with figuring out where to start, which products are right for your skin, and which brand you should try. I’ll be answering all your burning Asian Beauty questions, and at the end of this post, you’ll know…
Korean Skincare Top Picks
The 25 Best Korean Skincare Products
Korea is world-renowned for its amazing skincare products and South Korean beauty trends. So if you’re looking to achieve weight loss and a healthy glow at the same time, here are 25 of the best Korean skincare products that can help you do just that:
1
LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner
LANEIGE products combine modern technology and high-quality ingredients to reveal clear, youthful beauty. The Korean beauty brand emphasizes the importance of water, applying Water Science technology to create skin care products that give skin hydration.
- Best For: Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin
- Skin Concerns: Dryness
POSITIVES
- Very hydrating and leaves the skin looking glowy
- It’s non-irritating and didn’t cause any breakouts
- Easy to use and has no unpleasant smell
NEGATIVES
- Nothing
2
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50 PA++++
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ is a non-nano chemical sunscreen that blocks UV rays while simultaneously hydrating the skin. The serum-like texture glides on during application without leaving any white cast.
- Best For: Dry, Sensitive, and Normal Skin
- Skin Concerns: Dehydration, Dryness, Sensitivity
POSITIVES
- Doesn’t feel greasy or sticky
- Absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any white cast
- Feels very hydrating on the skin
NEGATIVES
- Nothing
3
PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil
Purito From Green is a gentle cleansing oil that removes all traces of sunscreen and heavy makeup thoroughly without irritating. Infused with five kinds of essential oil derived from nature to melt the makeup while moisturizing your delicate skin.
- Best For: All Skin Types
- Skin Concerns: All
POSITIVES
- A rich but not too heavy oil cleanser
- It emulsifies nicely and gets rid of sunscreen and makeup
- It doesn’t irritate or strip the skin
- Skin feels clean, healthy, and happy after using this
NEGATIVES
- Eye makeup was harder to remove
4
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This daily cleanser features a gentle yet effective pH-balanced formula that is safe to use day and night, with tea tree oil and BHA for luminous clear skin.
- Best For: All skin types
- Skin Concerns: Pores, Oil Control
POSITIVES
- Very gentle yet effective formula
- Skin feels clean and fresh afterward
- Removes stubborn makeup
NEGATIVES
- Slightly stripping for dry to normal skin types
5
MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream
Containing 80% snail mucin, this MIZON bestseller fortifies, nourishes, and moisturizes the delicate skin around the eyes. The formula helps diminish lines, wrinkles, sagging, dullness, dryness, and dark circles around the eye area to rejuvenate your look instantly.
- Best For: Dull, Dry, And/Or Sensitive Eye Area
- Skin Concerns: Dullness, Dryness, Wrinkles
POSITIVES
- Very hydrating and moisturizing
- It has a nice creamy consistency
- Brightened my dark circles
- Reduced my fine lines when smiling
NEGATIVES
- My dry eye area responded a little irritated to the eye cream
6
Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist
Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist is a versatile mist that functions as a toner, essence, and mist in one. It contains organic green plum water and natural plant extracts to provide hydration, nourishment, and a refreshing boost to the skin.
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Skin Concerns: Dryness, Dehydration
POSITIVES
- Multi-functional product
- Organic ingredients
- Hydrating
- Refreshing
NEGATIVES
- It may be a bit expensive for some
- The scent might not appeal to everyone
7
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
Power up lackluster skin with this potent serum infused with 60% propolis and 2% niacinamide to fight inflammation, control sebum production, and treat hyperpigmentation while keeping moisture levels high.
- Best For: Dull Skin
- Skin Concerns: Pores, Acne, Dryness
POSITIVES
- It has a quite thick formula but isn’t sticky
- Reduces the look of pores
- It leaves the skin looking glowy
NEGATIVES
- I wasn’t able to see a huge difference in my skin after ~3 weeks of use (I think it needs some more time)
8
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5X
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5x is a highly concentrated serum-like product that aims to improve skin elasticity, texture, and overall complexion. It contains a blend of fermented ingredients to nourish and revitalize the skin.
- Best For: Suitable for most skin types, especially mature or aging skin.
- Skin Concerns: Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Dullness, and Uneven Skin.
POSITIVES
- Anti-aging properties
- Improves skin texture
- Brightening effect
NEGATIVES
- It may feel heavy or sticky on some skin types
- It may not be suitable for sensitive skin
9
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Keep harmful UV rays at bay with this watery sun gel containing eight hyaluronic acids in different molecular weights to replenish moisture. Further enriched with astaxanthin to improve skin elasticity, and ceramide to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Best For: Dry Skin
- Skin Concerns: Sensitivity, Dryness
Read the full review of the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel.
POSITIVES
- Very watery and lightweight texture
- Feels hydrating and comfortable
- It doesn’t feel greasy or sticky
- Satin to glowy finish
NEGATIVES
- It may not be the best for oily skin due to the finish
10
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
The advanced snail mucin essence from Korean beauty favorite COSRX adds intense moisture to hydrate skin while helping to repair damaged skin, reduce redness, and improve skin texture and pigmentation.
- Best For: Dry, Damaged Skin
- Skin Concerns: Skin Damage
POSITIVES
- Very hydrating and leaves the skin glowy
- It’s non-irritating and didn’t cause any breakouts
- It reduced some of the redness I had
NEGATIVES
- Slimy (but you could expect this from snail mucin, lol)
- I haven’t seen significant results after one month of use
11
Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle, low-pH cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. It contains matcha and hemp seed oil to soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Skin Concerns: Dryness, Dehydration, Moisture Balance.
POSITIVES
- Gentle and hydrating
- Suitable for double cleansing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
NEGATIVES
- It may not effectively remove heavy makeup
- The scent might not appeal to everyone.
12
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
A hydrating daily toner infused with 80 percent fresh green tea from Jeju. Infused with 80% of green tea extract from Jeju Island to soothe and revitalize tired skin. Formulated with Anti Sebum P (HD) to absorb excess sebum for clear skin.
- Best For: Oily/Combination Skin
- Skin Concerns: Excess oil/sebum, Acne
POSITIVES
- It controls oil in my T-zone area
- It worked as some sort of spot treatment to keep pimples under control too
- I think this will work amazing for oily skin types
- Has soothing properties and didn’t irritate my skin
NEGATIVES
- At the moment my skin is dry-to-normal so I haven’t seen a huge difference (this is not the product’s fault)
13
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is a lightweight serum that helps to achieve a glass-like, radiant complexion. It contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, brighten, and improve skin texture.
- Best For: Dry to Normal Skin
- Skin Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, Anti-Aging
POSITIVES
- Gives a glass-like finish
- Lightweight
- Brightening effect
NEGATIVES
- It may not provide enough hydration for very dry skin
- It may be a bit pricey for some
14
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner contains 90% Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract instead of water and with the least ingredient to healthily replenish moisture in the skin. A hydrating toner formulated with hydroxyethyl cellulose, arginine, and astragalus root extract.
- Best For: Dry Skin, Dull Skin
- Skin Concerns: Dryness, Dullness, Damage, Tired Skin
POSITIVES
- Very watery and lightweight
- Absorbs quickly and hydrates the skin
- It’s non-irritating and didn’t cause any breakouts
- Leaves the skin looking moisturized and glowy
NEGATIVES
- Nothing, so far
15
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is a serum that helps to fade dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. It contains niacinamide, licorice root extract, and lotus extract to brighten the skin and even out the complexion.
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types, especially those with hyperpigmentation concerns.
- Skin Concerns: Dark Spots, Acne Scars, and Uneven Skin.
POSITIVES
- Fades dark spots
- Brightens the skin
- Lightweight texture
NEGATIVES
- Results may take time to show
- It may not be as effective on deep or stubborn dark spots.
16
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Calming Gel Cream
Calm sensitive skin and prevent breakouts with this soothing gel formulated with Centella Asiatica complex and 76% Centella Asiatica leaf extract. Comes with deep hydration as well as moisture retention properties.
- Best For: Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin
- Skin Concerns: Irritated Skin, Dryness,
POSITIVES
- Very calming to the skin, and even worked well on an irritated spot on my body
- Absorbs quickly, feels nice, and doesn’t sting on my irritated areas
- Very hydrating and soothing + reduces redness
NEGATIVES
- Nothing
17
MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Aqua Sun SPF50+ PA++++
MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Aqua Sun is a lightweight sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It has a high SPF of 50+ and PA++++ rating, ensuring optimal sun protection.
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Skin Concerns: Prevent sunburn, sun damage, and premature aging caused by UV rays.
POSITIVES
- High sun protection
- Lightweight texture
- Absorbs quickly, leaves no whitecast
NEGATIVES
- Nothing
18
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask helps dissolve dead skin cells while you slumber, making it look younger and plumper. Berry Mix Complex with Vitamin C and antioxidant-packed berry ingredients make lips firmer, while hyaluronic acid helps in moisture absorption overnight.
- Best For: Everyone
- Skin Concerns: Dry lips/lip treatment
POSITIVES
- Soft, smooth formula while not being sticky
- Very hydrating and softening the lips
- The smell is great (and available in several different scents)
- Comes with a handy spatula
NEGATIVES
- Nothing
19
PURITO Pure Vitamin C Serum
PURITO Pure Vitamin C Serum is a concentrated serum packed with vitamin C, centella asiatica extract, and hyaluronic acid. It aims to brighten the skin, improve skin tone, and provide antioxidant protection.
- Best For: Suitable for most skin types
- Skin Concerns: Dullness, Hyperpigmentation, and Uneven Skin
POSITIVES
- Brightening effect
- Lightweight texture
- Antioxidant protection
NEGATIVES
- May cause slight tingling or sensitivity on sensitive skin
- Needs to be stored properly to maintain effectiveness
20
Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
A powerful toner that repairs and firms up aging skin. Formulated with 95% naturally-derived ingredients. Also infused with hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan to provide intense hydration while promoting skin cell regeneration.
- Best For: Dry Skin
- Skin Concerns: Dryness, Flakiness, Tightness
POSITIVES
- Very watery and lightweight
- Absorbs very quickly and leaves the skin hydrated
- Feels very nice, like instant hydration and smoothing
- Doesn’t irritate my skin at all
NEGATIVES
- The scent is very intense
21
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is a soothing and calming ampoule that contains 100% centella asiatica extract. It helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier, reduce redness, and promote skin healing.
- Best For: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and irritated skin.
- Skin Concerns: Inflammation, redness, and skin sensitivity.
POSITIVES
- Soothing and calming
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Contains natural ingredients
NEGATIVES
- May not provide enough hydration for dry skin
- May take time to see noticeable results.
22
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
Rich moisturizer is infused with ceramides to help strengthen the skin’s natural acid mantle while boosting hydration. Fine lines and wrinkles are minimized with regular use, and skin looks fresher and younger. Made without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
- Best For: All Skin Types, also Sensitive Skin
- Skin Concerns: Wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, dullness
Read the full review of the Dr. Jart Ceramid Cream.
POSITIVES
- Thicker consistency but doesn’t feel like that when applied
- Non-greasy, non-sticky and comfortable
- Is very hydrating
- My grandma is obsessed with this cream
NEGATIVES
- Nothing
23
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is a popular oil-based cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities. It transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil upon contact with the skin, leaving it clean and nourished.
- Best For: All Skin Types
- Skin Concerns: Sensitivity
POSITIVES
- Effective makeup remover
- Gentle on the skin
- Leaves the skin feeling soft
NEGATIVES
- It may feel slightly greasy for some
- May cause blurred vision if it gets into the eyes
24
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask
One of LANEIGE’s bestselling overnight masks, the Water Sleeping Mask is designed for use while you sleep to hydrate your face overnight deeply. Laneige-exclusive Sleeptox™ restores skin’s optimal moisture levels overnight.
- Best For: All skin types
- Skin Concerns: Dryness, Stress, Dullness
POSITIVES
- A cult product for a reason!
- Thoroughly hydrates the skin overnight
- Wake up with smooth, moisturized, soft skin
- Lightweight, non-sticky and non-greasy
NEGATIVES
- Nothing
25
AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Treatment
AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Treatment is a targeted treatment for acne and blemishes. It contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and centella asiatica extract to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
- Best For: Acne-Prone Skin, Dry Skin
- Skin Concerns: Impurities, Pimples, Acne
POSITIVES
- Effective at reducing acne and blemishes
- Soothing and calming
- Lightweight texture
- Doesn’t irritate the skin
NEGATIVES
- It may be drying on dry or sensitive skin
Why Are Korean Skincare Products So Good?
Korean skincare products have gained popularity worldwide for their effectiveness and innovative formulations. Here are some reasons why they are considered so good:
- Innovative Ingredients: Korean skincare products often use innovative and unique ingredients that are not commonly found in Western skincare products. These ingredients can include snail mucin, bee venom, green tea extract, and more.
- Multi-Step Routine: Korean skincare typically involves a multi-step routine, which can include anywhere from 5 to 10 steps depending on the individual’s needs. The routine typically includes cleansing, toning, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, among others.
- Focus on Hydration: Korean skincare strongly emphasizes hydration, as well-hydrated skin is believed to be more resilient and less prone to damage. Many Korean skincare products contain humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, which can help to draw moisture into the skin.
- Attention to Detail: Korean skincare products are often formulated with great attention to detail, focusing on texture, fragrance, and packaging. This attention to detail can enhance the user’s overall experience and make skincare feel like a luxurious self-care ritual.
Overall, the combination of innovative ingredients, multi-step routines, focus on hydration, and attention to detail has contributed to the popularity and effectiveness of Korean skincare products.
Where To Buy Korean Skincare Products Online
- YesStyle offers the largest selection of Asian fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products online. They’re an authorized retailer of over 300 beauty brands from Korea, Japan, and more. They offer several clean beauty, cruelty-free, organic, vegan, and eco-friendly brands alongside internationally-known and popular big brands.
- Stylevana is your one-stop online shop for purchasing the trendiest Asian fashion and beauty products. Stylevana prides itself on offering quality Asian fashion and beauty products to its customers. Their wide range of unique products means that you can definitely find a style to represent your own.
- Sephora/Nordstrom/Target also offer some Korean brands in their shops. Brands like Laneige, Dr. Jart, and Peach & Lily are available at their stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
