It’s no secret that Korean skincare products are coming to the fore right now. With an emphasis on skin health and achieving that hydrated, ‘glass skin’ glow, the popularity of K-beauty products ultimately comes down to the fact they deliver undeniable results. The hydration-first formulations are simple, effective and usually far more ahead of the curve than those in the Western world. It’s less about exfoliating acids and retinoids, and more about adding essential nutrients to the skin for a clear and healthy complexion. The Women’s Journal round up the best Korean skincare products for every skin type, including cleansers, toners, serums and SPF – all tried, tested and worth the hype.
What is the K-Beauty Trend?
The Korean beauty mantra has long been skincare first, makeup second, so there’s a huge focus on understanding what your skin needs to look its plump, radiant and shiny best.
Inspired by the philosophy that layering multiple products allows the active ingredients to reach the cellular layers of the dermis, you’ll find that most K-beauty products are incredibly lightweight, and prioritise hydration and ingredients that boost and protect the skin barrier – think probiotics, centella asiatica (also known as cica), heartleaf and ginseng.
The K-beauty phenomenon has even introduced us to a range of forward-thinking (and science-backed) ingredients like bee venom and snail mucin, many of which have been a part of Korean beauty rituals for decades.
And while layering is key, it doesn’t necessarily mean having to follow the viral 10-step routine that’s long been grounded in Korean skincare culture (more on that below). Instead it’s about building and perfecting the right routine to fit with your own skin type and concerns.
That said, finding the right products is easier said than done. So, to help cut through the noise, I’ve shared some of the products I’ve tried as a beauty journalist – and would return to time and time again.
The Best Korean Skincare Products to Buy Now
Best Korean Cleanser – Anua Double Cleansing Duo
Cleansing your face with oil may feel counter-intuitive but (spoiler alert): like attracts like, so it’s actually one of the most effective ways to dissolve oil-based makeup and SPF without stripping moisture from your skin. The secret weapon in this cleansing oil from Anua is heartleaf, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. When you add water, the oil emulsifies into a milk to bind impurities and rinse them away. Follow up with the micro-foaming Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, which has gentle exfoliating properties, to refine pores and prep the skin for the rest of your routine. Together they do a great job at clarifying, so if you’re on the oilier side or suffer with acne, add this to your basket now.
Best Korean Moisturiser – Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
There’s a reason Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream is one of the most talked-about Korean skincare products right now. Seasonal changes have a huge impact on the hydration levels of our skin; central heating, cool winds and low humidity suck moisture away, resulting in a complexion that lacks radiance and can feel tight. This hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturiser gives your skin barrier the drink it deserves. The gentle formula truly is a slam dunk thanks to the inclusion of ceramides, squalane and concentrated Soja extract – all of which are perfect for improving skin’s moisture levels and calming inflammation. Plus, it comes in at an excellent price point for a handy 200ml tube.
Best Korean Toner Pads – Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pads
Few things work better at soothing angry skin than centella (a nutrient-rich herb also known as tiger grass or cica), and these toning pads are infused with three types to help calm a stressed complexion and strengthen the moisture barrier. They’re super gentle, too, which means they work for sensitive skin as well as complexions prone to acne and blemishes. Whether you’ve overdone it in the sun, the fumes on your commute have left you feeling grimy or you just want a quality toning solution to prep your complexion for your next skincare step, these work to calm and relieve in an instant.
Best Korean Toner for Sensitive Skin – TirTir Matcha Calming Toner
In lieu of getting your Blank Street fix, the latest skin launch from popular K-beauty brand TirTir (known for its TikTok viral Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation) is packed with benefits for sensitive skin types. Think of the Matcha Calming Skin Toner as the lightweight first step in treating the skin after cleansing, maximising the benefits of your serum or moisturiser. It’s infused with Matcha-PDRN (a regenerative compound that enhances tissue repair and collagen synthesis) and nourishing soy milk complex to support and mimic the skin’s pH, leaving it feeling calm, cooled and deeply hydrated.
Best K-Beauty Mask – Biodance Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Mask
For those who don’t know where to start with a Korean skincare routine, a face mask is the perfect way to dip your toe into the philosophy while righting the wrongs of everything from too little sleep to too much sun. The Biodance sheet masks have gone viral for good reason; like an espresso for the skin, the Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Mask breathes life into a sallow complexion using a blend of multi-layer ceramides, panthenol, probiotics and niacinamide. The results are instant, too. Apply after cleansing and toning, and relax…
Best One-Size-Fits-All Korean Serum – COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster
Clinically proven to tackle both oiliness and dryness, this silky, lightweight serum is suitable for a range of skin types – even those prone to acne, redness and sensitive skin. The six different peptides will target enlarged pores and sebum production as well as boost firmness and fine lines and overall skin texture. It’s basically the ultimate gym sesh for your complexion – just be sure to use AM and PM to maximise its efficacy. The results over time will be visibly healthier, happier and balanced-looking skin.
Best Korean SPF – Belif Super Drops Hydrating Sun Serum SPF50+
The Super Drops Hydrating Sun Serum is a new product for Korean skincare favourite Belif, but let it be a benchmark for all those that are set to follow. With a weightless texture that feels more like a serum than a lotion, it’s perfect for all skin tones and types, with no chance of a chalky cast or pilling under makeup. The innovative ingredients list includes three kinds of Korean seaweed, hyaluronic acid and panthenol (Provitamin B5), all of which are known to boost hydration, while chemical UV filters offer maximum UVA AND UVB protection.
Best Korean Colour-Correcting Treatment – Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops
The colour-correcting treatments from Dr Jart+ have been a staple in cosmetic bags across the globe since the brand’s launch in 2005, thanks to formulas that soothe, calm and moisturise the skin, and the Cicapair Tiger Grass Camo Drops are a continued bestseller. Don’t be put off by the green colour of the product – we promise you won’t end up looking like Princess Fiona from Shrek – the lightweight texture is easily absorbed and gently neutralises the look of redness for a natural, dewy finish. Wear alone for a sheer look or smooth under your foundation to create an even and calm tone.
Best Korean Vitamin C Serum – Haruharu Wonder Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum
If you’re struggling with dark spots and pigmentation, a healthy dose of antioxidants will help to build the skin’s strength and resilience against sun damage, while vitamin C will brighten and improve the evenness of the skin tone. This serum from Haruharu Wonder is one of the best vitamin C serums I’ve tried – not only are the brightening effects 10/10 but the cocktail of centella complex, tranexamic acid and niacinamide helps soothe and build the skin’s resistance to further damage. I highly rate Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice range for everyday skincare essentials, too.
Best Korean Lip Treatment – Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Just like our eyes, the skin on our lips is thin, meaning it’s even more important to a) apply sun protection (which we already do, right? RIGHT?) and b) keep moisturised as much as possible. The cult Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask comes in many mouth-watering iterations (Matcha Bubble Tea, anyone?), but the OG Berry will always be my pick. The vitamin C-rich formula – packed with coconut oil and the brand’s own berry-fruit complex – means you’ll wake up to soft, luscious lips and the silkiest canvas for your lip colour.
How to Choose the Best Korean Skincare Products for Your Skin Type
Every skin type has unique needs and therefore responds differently to different ingredients – the most important thing is to choose the Korean skincare ingredients that work in harmony with your skin type, rather than against it.
Skin Type: Oily
To balance the skin and regulate oil production, look for ingredients such as niacinamide – frequently found in cleansers, serums and moisturisers – while azelaic acid serums work brilliantly at reducing inflammation if you’re prone to acne breakouts. Remember, an oily complexion can still be dehydrated, so choose a lightweight moisturiser formulated with skin-healing centella asiatica and green tea extract to soothe irritation.
Skin Type: Dry
Dry complexions lack oil in the skin – not water (see dehydrated) so look for Korean skincare products that will lock in moisture and provide a soothing layer over the skin to enhance its resiliency. Squalane mimics the skin’s natural oils while offering a protective barrier, while polyglutamic acid – often derived from fermented soybeans – is another powerhouse that draws moisture into the skin. Beta-glucan and snow mushroom extract are also really hydrating, and look for products formulated with essential fatty acids such as sunflower seed, avocado and grapeseed oil.
Skin Type: Dehydrated
Dead skin cells will not absorb water, so it’s essential to remove them. Try a gentle AHA or enzyme-based treatment to eat away at the surface layer to reveal bright new skin. Cleansing religiously will keep your skin looking radiant – try a cleanser that contains squalane and centella asiatica and avoid using hot water or abrasive face cloths as this will strip the skin of its natural hydrating oils. Switch your moisturiser to a rich cream to cocoon the skin, too – one formulated with ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and algae to bind and seal in moisture and encourage plumpness.
Skin Type: Balanced
For those blessed with a balanced or typically ‘normal’ skin type, make the most of potent Korean skincare ingredients that will moisturise and encourage skin restoration. Peptides will support collagen, Tranexamic acid is great for targeting hyperpigmentation, while PDRN (or Polydeoxyribonucleotide) will boost the skin barrier, reduce inflammation and even promote skin elasticity. Often used in the form of injectables, PDRN is a regenerative compound that’s derived from salmon DNA, but you’ll now find it in a wealth of Korean skincare products too. Use in the form of a serum at night when the skin’s natural rejuvenation takes place and cells repair.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Sensitive skin types should work on building a protective barrier by using products that will cushion and strengthen the skin and focus on popular Korean skincare ingredients which are anti-inflammatory, such as beta-glucan, centella and vitamins B3 and B5 (or panthenol). If you know your skin can’t tolerate retinol, bakuchiol is a much gentler, plant-derived alternative that’s found in quite a few Korean skincare formulas, too.
What is the Korean 10-Step Routine?
There are no rules that state you need to follow an indulgent 10-step ritual daily to get results from your skincare, but – in case you were wondering – the classic Korean 10-step layering routine comprises the following:
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser. The first step in your double cleanse, this will remove makeup and SPF while drawing out impurities such as sebum and pollution.
Step 2: Water-based cleanser. Your chance to get deeper within the pores to remove the impurities that can cause breakouts, and any dirt and sweat that your oil cleanser may have missed.
Step 3: Exfoliator. Stick to exfoliating just once or twice a week to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Look out for ingredients such as glycolic and lactic acid combined with soothing botanicals such as centella and green tea.
Step 4: Toner. This prepares the skin for subsequent products while balancing moisture and pH levels.
Step 5: Face mist. Also known as ‘essences’, these lightweight mists are packed with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid.
Step 6: Serum or treatment. This is your chance to target any specific skin concerns such as acne and fine lines using highly concentrated ingredients. Use on the whole face or pat into areas of concern.
Step 7: Sheet mask. A great way to boost hydration, Korean skincare culture suggests that 15 to 20 minutes of masking allows your skin to effectively absorb all the ingredients in the mask as well as from your other products.
Step 8: Eye cream. They were once labelled as glorified moisturisers, but the right eye cream will depuff and hydrate, while addressing concerns such as dark circles.
Step 9: Moisturiser. Choose a formula based on your skin’s needs, whether that’s a rich cream, a gel or light lotion. This will seal in moisture and all the nutrients from your other skincare products to effectively plump the skin.
Step 10: SPF. Always start the day with sunscreen. Applying SPF is the best way to shield your skin from pollutants and harmful UV rays and prevent premature ageing.
