The Korean approach to treating anything, from acne to fine lines, always focuses on hydrating, calming ingredients, and respecting the skin barrier. For that reason, you can often find active ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) in Korean beauty products, Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City’s Union Square Dermatology, previously told Allure.
If this all sounds appealing to you, you’re not alone. Korean skin-care brands have long upped the standards for the global beauty industry—and if we’re being honest, our standards as well. Double-cleansing has forever changed our skin (and the state of our pores), and Korean sunscreen formulas are second to none. Get comfortable because we gathered the most innovative, price-efficient, and all-around best Korean skin-care products to incorporate into your routine. Ready for glass-like skin? Dive right in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Cleansing Oil: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: The Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil is a must-try for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective cleanse with naturally derived ingredients. Made with 14 nourishing plant oils (including soybean, jojoba, argan, and sunflower), it delivers a boost of hydration while effortlessly dissolving stubborn waterproof makeup. The lightweight formula emulsifies beautifully, gliding across your skin and gently removing makeup, even around delicate areas like the eyes.
“Oil cleansing for a few minutes every single night has taken my skin from good to great. When my pores are particularly clogged, I can physically feel the sebum and dirt coming out after rubbing a couple pumps of this gentle formula into my skin. It’s the only reason my facialists are always telling me there’s no need for extractions.”
Key ingredients: argan oil, jojoba oil, soybean oil
Who it’s for: people with sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Cleansing Balm: Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Why it’s worth it: Why dip your fingers into a pot of product when you can buy Dr.Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, which features one of our favorite dispensers, possibly ever? It twists up, “shaving” the balm into petal-like sheets, so you can easily keep track of how much you’re actually using. Design aside, our editors love that this sensitive-skin-friendly formula is soothing, thanks to madecassoside and Centella asiatica extract (cica).
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“My main metric for cleansing balms are how easily they remove makeup (specifically eye makeup) and how soft my skin feels afterwards Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm checks both of those boxes. The formula emulsifies so well and melts mascara, eyeliner, and the rest off like a total dream. My skin feels baby smooth and perfectly soft every time I use it. Plus, the grinder dispensing method means no searching for an applicator spoon and no dipping my hands into a pot of product (something I’ve always found semi-gross). Genius.”
Key ingredients: madecassoside, Centella asiatica (cica) extract
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Foaming Cleanser: Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Once you’ve used an oil-based cleanser to break down oil-based products, follow with a water-based formula, such as Etude House’s ultra-gentle SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser. The entire Soon Jung line is formulated to have a pH of 6.5, a touch more basic than our skin’s natural pH of 5.5. This prevents skin from feeling tight, stripped, or otherwise uncomfortable. Bonus: This fragrance-free, hypoallergenic foam also contains madecassoside (derived from cica) to repair skin damage and panthenol for deep hydration.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“This airy foam is so satisfying to use and I love how gentle it is—it is, after all, fragrance-free—especially after I’ve gone to town breaking down my makeup with a cleansing balm or oil. It’s a safe cleansing bet for anyone, especially sensitive skin.”
Key ingredients: madecassoside, panthenol, green tea extract
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Gel Cleanser: Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: For a cleanser that suits the needs of combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, you can’t go wrong with Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser. Tea tree oil and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) dive into pores, sweeping away pollutants, dirt, and oil for a deeper cleanse—ultimately, your skin will feel softer and smoother. Primrose oil balances exfoliation with hydration, so your skin is prepped for your subsequent products. And fear not about stripping your skin because this cleanser’s pH hovers around 5.3 to 6.3.
“I love using this cleanser on days when I’m wearing an all-out makeup look. My combination skin acculumates a lot of gunk in my T-zone so I appreciate something like this that will make sure every last inkling of makeup is gone and refresh my pores. I’m not the biggest fan of the medicinal-leaning scent but I can forgive that for something that’s being promptly washed off. It’s a long-standing favorite for a reason, a.k.a. a clean-as-heck face.”
Key ingredients: tea tree oil, BHA, primrose
Who it’s for: people with oily, acne-prone, and combination skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Hydrating Toner: I’m From Rice Toner
Why we love it: Sourced from the brown outer layer of rice, the star ingredient in I’m From Rice Toner (rice extract) provides long-lasting hydration and softens skin to pillowy-soft levels. Antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid protect against environmental damage and stabilize other ingredients, while adenosine supports skin repair and barrier health, and niacinamide perks up your complexion. All skin types can benefit from this ultra-lightweight toner, day and night.
“A hydrating toner or essence is a non-negotiable step of my daytime and nighttime routines. I’m From Rice Toner instantly plumps my skin, giving it a brighter, refreshed look and prepping it for the serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to follow. Now that we’re in the office four days a week, I can’t be bothered to wear makeup every day—but at least my skin looks nice and glowy.”
Key ingredients: rice extract, adenosine, niacinamide
Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with sensitive skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Exfoliating Toner: Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Toner
Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon has solidified itself as an Allure favorite, but if that wasn’t enough to sell you, derms are also impressed. Board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, DO, considers The Glow Replenishing Rice Milk his all-time favorite K-beauty toner. (Toner and essence are often used interchangeably in K-beauty.) While he recommended it for mature skin in particular, this dual-layer essence is great for all skin types, especially combination skin—because it’s formulated with sebum-controlling powders, most notably kaolin clay. A few drops of this, and consider your T-zone under control. The real stars of the show, however, are rice extract and rice amino acids, natural humectants that soften, hydrate, and brighten your complexion. Just be sure to shake the bottle for the moisture and powder layers to mingle and fuse.
Tester feedback from contributor Sarah Y. Wu
“I think of this dual-layer formula like a hydrating essence and balancing toner in one bottle. The milky sebum-absorbing powder layer is under (not over) the translucent moisture layer so I shake them up to combine before pouring the mixture on my palms and pressing it into my face. I have combination skin so this is the ideal daytime essence step for me; it keeps my T-zone from getting overly greasy but still feels so nice and hydrating on the rest of my face. Plus, I love the finish it leaves: a smooth, gentle glow that looks amazing under makeup.”
Key ingredients: rice extract, rice amino acids, kaolin clay
Who it’s for: people with combination or oily skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Essence: Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Why it’s worth it: A Korean beauty best-seller that’s all over your FYP and actually worth the hype it’s garnered? That’s Cosrx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This mega-hydrator is chock-full of, you guessed it, snail mucin to soothe blemishes, brighten acne scars, and even out hyperpigmentation. While the gooey stuff accounts for 96% of the formula, you’ll also find hyaluronic acid and allantoin to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, making it a great option if you’re after the glass-skin look.
“This is one of the first viral K-beauty products I tried all those (8ish?) years ago. While it fell off my radar for a while, I’ve been recently reminded how lovely and hydrating this formula is. The texture is so fun (and surprisingly not tacky seconds after applying) and it gives my skin lots of glow and bounce. I don’t deal with a lot of blemishes and acne scars (knock on wood) but this is a really a star in that realm, especially when coupled with acne-targeting serums.”
Key ingredients: snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-Free: yes
Best Vitamin C Serum: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum
Why it’s worth it: K-beauty has perfected one of our favorite brightening ingredients, vitamin C. Goodal’s Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum contains a powerhouse blend of cold-pressed green tangerine extract (a whopping 70%, to be exact), niacinamide, and arbutin. But what makes this formula really stand out? This soothing gel also contains cica, green tea extract, and sodium hyaluronate to minimize any chance of irritation. Even better? The bottle is clear, but it’s coated to protect the serum from UV light and has an airless pump, since both light and oxygen can break down vitamin C (notorious for its instability).
The tangerines in question are harvested by hand only in July, when the levels of vitamin C in the fruits are at their peak.
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, green tangerine extract, green tea extract
Who it’s for: those with dullness or hyperpigmentation
Fragrance-free: yes, but it contains lemon and orange peels oil, which are potential irritants
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why it’s worth it: Nothing makes a splash quite like Torriden’s popular Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is as refreshing and hydrating as its name implies. It goes all-out with not one, not two, but five molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid—each of which can reach a different layer of skin to plump and smooth it from the inside out. Its watery texture doesn’t leave any residue, making it a seamless step ahead of moisturizer, not to mention great for layering with other serums.
“This isn’t any run-of-the-mill HA serum. No, it has a 5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex, which translates to five types of HA molecules that penetrate your skin at different levels for instant and long-lasting hydration. It’s a serum I’d recommend to just about anyone—the silky textures dries down almost immediately and my skin always feels bouncier with each application.”
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, madecassoside
Who it’s for: dry and dehydrated skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol Serum: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking to start retinol, the gold-standard ingredient for speeding skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production, but are worried about irritating side effects, we’ve got you. Despite the stacked retinoid lineup, Iope’s Retinol Super Bounce Serum—which is inspired by radio frequency treatments—is extremely gentle because it incorporates encapsulated, time-released retinol as well as granactive retinoid, which doesn’t need to undergo conversions, thus reducing irritation. Additionally, squalane, shea butter, cypress leaf, and lactobacillus ferment lysate act as buffers against irritation and flaking, helping to strengthen your barrier. The result is a dream for people who want to guard their skin against signs of aging.
This serum has been through 10 iterations since its conception almost three decades ago, so you know it’s been thoroughly tested and perfected. (Korean brands, if you didn’t already know, are always reformulating and improving formulas based on the latest technologies.)
Key ingredients: pure retinol, encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, bio-selentoid, lacobacillus ferment lysate, shea butter, squalane, cypress leaf
Who it’s for: anyone (in their late 20s or higher) concerned with signs of aging
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Post-Procedure Serum: Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule
Why it’s worth it: Forget plant stem cells. The primary active ingredient in Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule is a growth factor derived from wild salmon, says Julie Chung, MD, cofounder of T3 Micro and board-certified ophthalmologist at Advanced Vision Care in Los Angeles, California, who notes that it’s all the rage in Korea right now. “It can be injected into the skin, but is also thought to be effective topically. It increases skin elasticity, decreases wrinkles, and improves hydration,” Dr. Chung says. “I’ve been using this product for about three weeks now and do feel that my skin is now quite supple—but time will tell if it actually makes my face look more lifted!”
It can be used after laser resurfacing and chemical peels to speed up your recovery and reduce scarring.
Key ingredients: blackberry leaf extract, licorice extract, adenosine
Who it’s for: anyone who wants to address multiple concerns.
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Soothing Serum: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
Why it’s worth it: Skin1004 brings the powers of Centella asiatica straight from the island of Madagascar to your skin-care routine. The Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule is packed with soothing cica to calm and repair your skin, plus probiotics to strengthen your barrier, ceramides to drench your skin in hydration, and peptides to keep things firm and bouncy. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and perfect for tackling redness, dryness, dullness, and acne, as contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai attests below.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
Cica’s anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful for inflammatory conditions like, oh, acne—which is what’s made Pai a fan. “This soothed my breakout-prone skin and even seemed to take down the redness of an active zit. After applying this before bed, I woke up to brighter, clearer skin,” she says.
Key ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, ceramides
Who it’s for: people with sensitive or acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Lotion: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Why it’s worth it: If Illiyon isn’t already on your radar, allow this all-purpose formula to be your introduction to one of Korea’s top body-care brands. The Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream provides even the most sensitive skin with moisture and irritation relief. The decadent nourishing cream contains barrier-repairing ceramides to help keep your skin feeling hydrated all day long, says board-certified dermatologist Yunyoung Claire Chang, MD. “As we mature, our skin’s ceramide level decreases, so it’s important to replace this [loss] with ceramide-containing skin-care products,” she adds. We also love how you can choose from several sizes, including a travel-friendly tube and a hefty tub.
Tester feedback from former digital beauty editor Devon Abelman
“My legs are a hot spot for eczema, so I have to be extremely careful about the body-care products I use or I will be up all night scratching at my skin. Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream is a no-brainer with its fragrance-free formula that blankets skin in comforting moisture and never annoyingly transfers onto clothes.”
Key ingredients: ceramides, ginseng root water, soybean oil
Who it’s for: everyone, even those with sensitive and reactive skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Innisfree Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream
Why it’s worth it: Inspired by the idyllic Korean vacation spot Jeju Island, Innisfree brings you the Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream—a bouncy, gel-textured moisturizer that’s as refreshing as spending a three-day weekend there. Infused with Jeju cherry blossom leaf extract, it brightens your skin for that lit-from-within glow, while betaine, sourced from sugar beets, delivers long-lasting hydration without any heaviness. Perfect for all skin types, this lightweight formula absorbs like a dream, leaving your skin soft, dewy, and as glass-like as it gets.
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay
“I love how hydrating yet deeply moisturizing Innisfree’s Dewy Glow Jelly Cream is. The clear gel doesn’t evaporate on the skin but hydrates with a cooling lightweight feel that lasts all day.”
Key ingredients: cherry blossom flavonoids, niacinamide, sugar beet-derived betaine
Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with dehydrated skin
Fragrance-free: no
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Why it’s worth it: An intensely soothing formula that’s perfect for sensitive skin, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb is powered by a blend of inflammation-fighting tiger grass, oat kernel extract, and comfrey leaf. It provides an instant burst of coolness upon application, but the benefits of skin-plumping glycerin and squalane last for the entire day. This gel-like cream feels like a refreshing drink that skin slurps up, making it great for year-round use, but especially during warmer weather. “During the summer, The True Cream Aqua Bomb’s consistency is a hydrating, lightweight dream come true,” reports one tester. “The gel-like formula absorbs in seconds, leaving skin feeling instantly refreshed.”
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman
“It feels so comforting to rub on, and I know the hyaluronic acid is doing me favors I can’t even understand yet. It’s also fragrance-free, and it still smells really light and pleasant.”
Key ingredients: plantin, ceramides, shea butter
Who it’s for: Those with combination or oily skin
Fragrance-free: no
Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream
Why it’s worth it: Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream contains a proprietary Ginsenomics blend, which features ginseng in the form of saponin, peptides, roots, and flowers to visibly hydrate and lift skin. For the unfamiliar, ginseng is a do-it-all ingredient that addresses fine lines and wrinkles by boosting circulation, which then ramps up collagen synthesis, leading to firmer, plumper skin. Ginseng also guards your skin against environmental stressors like free radicals that could lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dark spot-causing pollutants, as explained by New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD.
Ginseng’s gentle profile makes it a great option for beneath the eyes. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, says that Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream is ideal for anyone who needs extra hydration around their eye area.
Key ingredients: ginseng peptides, squalane, Korean ginseng actives, vitamin C derivative
Who it’s for: mature or very dry skin
Fragrance-free: no
Best Retinol Eye Cream: Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
Why it’s worth it: One of the buzziest K-beauty products, full-stop, is Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal, whose fans include board-certified dermatologist Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, and cosmetic chemist Ramón Pagán. “I love the ultra-nourishing and soothing formula with the added (gentle) kick of retinal,” Pagán tells Allure. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginseng help minimize puffiness while liposome-encapsulated (and therefore stabilized) retinal brightens and smooths. According to Dr. Koh, retinal “only requires a one-step conversion to the active form of retinoic acid, unlike retinol, which requires a two-step conversion.” In other words, it’s more effective and less irritating than your traditional retinol.
Plus, at $17, it’s way more affordable than many retinol eye creams out there. Don’t just take it from me. It also has a stamp of approval from our sister publication, Allure Korea, as a 2023 Best of Beauty editor’s pick.
“To use eye cream or not? I think eye creams are a ‘nice-to-have’ skin-care step—and if I reach for an eye cream at all, it’ll be a retinol to reap those fine-line-minimizing and tightening benefits. Again, I’m 32 and haven’t experienced fine lines around the eyes or generally sagging undereyes, but skin care is, with a lot of emphasis, all about consistent use and prevention. Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal has a lightweight, custardy-gel texture that absorbs almost immediately and makes my undereyes look a tad brighter and less puffy the next morning. Formula-wise, stabilized retinal is super gentle and minimizes irritation, while ginseng brightens and boosts circulation, and glycerin supports the skin barrier.”
Key ingredients: ginseng, retinal, niacinamide
Who it’s for: all skin types, so long as you can tolerate retinoids
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol-Free Eye Cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Why it’s worth it: If retinol is too harsh for your skin, dial it back with HaruHaru Wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, which replaces the active with bakuchiol. As a refresher, “Bakuchiol functions similarly to a retinol, increasing cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photodamage,” Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained. This gentle, quick-absorbing formula is spiked with fermented black rice and bamboo shoot bark extract to promote a brighter and even skin tone, while madecassoside works to soothe and prevent irritation. Cho is a fan of this Korean eye cream and told us that it helps treat her milia.
Key ingredients: black rice, bamboo shoot extract, bakuchiol
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Chemical Sunscreen: Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
Why it’s worth it: If you’re in the market for a hydrating sunscreen with a capital H, we’re about to make your day. Then I Met You’s Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ feels airy going on as it does after absorbing into the skin. Thanks to ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and provitamin B5, this chemical SPF leaves behind a dewy, radiant finish. Even if you don’t have dry skin, it’s worth a try, as our editors will attest.
“Technically, I have combination skin, but catch me mid-day and you’ll see me shine from across the room. While the Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ doesn’t sop up oil or even prevent it, it does play into my daily gleam in the best, most helpful way by giving my skin dehydrated much-needed moisture (in the form of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol) as it protects it. I’ve gone through two, maybe three of these tubes already—it’s the best!”
Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (5%), ceramides, fermented sake, hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5
Who it’s for: people with dry skin (or anyone who doesn’t mind looking glowy!)
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Why it’s worth it: Whatever your preference, there’s a Korean sunscreen for you. For those who prefer mineral sunscreens, whether that’s because they have sensitive skin or are pregnant/nursing, Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 meets all of the marks—including, surprisingly, leaving a glowy finish. Let us explain: This hydrating, serum-like formula is packed to the brim with nourishing ingredients such as cica, snow mushroom, aloe, niacinamide, and panthenol. Be sure to give the container a hearty shake before application, and you’re golden.
“I’m so impressed by how glowy and fast-absorbing this is. I always hesitate when it comes to mineral sunscreens but Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a total green flag. It feels and wears almost identically compared my favorite chemical sunscreens (Korean or not!). Translation: I don’t need to spend 30-45 seconds fully blending it in.”
Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10%), cica, snow mushroom, aloe, niacinamide, panthenol
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Sunscreen Patch: Franz Naked Sunshield Peptide Patch
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Chung has used lasers, retinol, hydroquinone, niacinamide, or some combination of the above to manage her melasma, a condition exacerbated by sun exposure. That’s why she turns to the Franz Naked Sunshield Peptide Patch when she’s outdoors. “In addition to sunscreen, I’ll wear UV peptide patches when I play tennis to protect my upper cheeks from further UV exposure,” she says. “It’s a clear patch that more effectively blocks UV rays—and although I look a bit crazy on the tennis courts, it saves me from laser treatments in the future!” It’s thin, breathable, and has a cooling effect on skin.
Since it has to be applied to clean skin to adhere, stick this on first and then follow up with moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.
Key ingredients: peptides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
Who it’s for: people looking to target sun protection
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Sunscreen Stick: Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++
Why it’s worth it: Koreans are obsessed with sun protection, says Dr. Chung, which is why she’s tried just about every formula on the market. Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++ is her go-to for reapplication. “It glides on easily and has a clear, matte finish,” she says. “Also, it has oil-absorbing properties, which is nicer for oily or combination skin. It’s the only sunscreen that my children will apply by themselves since it’s easy [to use], doesn’t leave a sticky feel, and is unscented.” It pairs sun protection with vitamin E and turmeric, which helps brighten your complexion.
Sunscreen sticks are convenient to travel with and apply, but since you can’t tell how much you’ve applied, they shouldn’t be your first-line sunscreen—instead, save them for touch-ups only and make sure you swipe back and forth four times on each area for adequate coverage.
Key ingredients: aloe extract, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil
Who it’s for: people who need to reapply SPF
Fragrance-free: no
Best Sheet Mask: Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask
Why it’s worth it: Whether you leave it on all night or call it quits around the 3 to 4-hour mark (hello, work-from-home days!), Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is one tall glass of water for your skin. Using ultra-low molecular weight collagen and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (otherwise known as oligo HA) means deeper penetration of hydrating, plumping goodness. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, confirms this mask’s popularity, adding “It leaves the skin more glowy and hydrated for hours after application.”
“When I wake up, my skin is so hydrated and smooth that it literally looks like glass. And that’s just one night. After using this mask for a week, my skin feels firmer, looks brighter, and is so hydrated—like my face went on a retreat and came back dewy, healthy, and refreshed.”
Key ingredients: ultra-low molecular weight collagen, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, allantoin
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Night Cream: Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask
Why it’s worth it: For centuries, Koreans have loved yuja (a.k.a. yuzu) for its health and vitality-boosting powers, and now Hanyul’s Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask is here to give your skin the same TLC. Packed with vitamin C-rich yuja extract, this overnight mask works overtime while you sleep, brightening dull skin and evening out tone. The lightweight gel texture melts right in, so you’ll wake up with hydrated, glowy skin—no greasy feeling in sight. And the fresh, citrusy scent is such a mood booster.
“In the clip above, you can see me mouthing the words, ‘It smells so good.’ Bbecause there are six yuja fruits (rich in vitamins B, C, E, and P, whew) in a single jar. Aromatherapy aside, this jelly leave-on mask immediately plumps my skin and I wake up looking a little more fresh-faced and less dull.”
Key ingredients: yuja, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
Who it’s for: people with dry, dehydrating skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lip Treatment: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Why it’s worth it: Parched lips are no match for Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask, which has racked up three Allure Readers’ Choice Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023. It coats cracked lips in moisturizing and protective ingredients, including shea butter, vitamin C, and glycerin. After one use, our tester’s lips were “soft, supple, (kissable, if you will), and plump,” she said. “What’s more: Those tiny lip lines I don’t love on myself appeared visibly diminished.” In case you weren’t already sold, it smells like fresh berries. Laneige has tons of scrumptious flavors—both permanent and limited-edition—such as Gummy Bear, Vanilla, and Watermelon Pop.
Tester feedback from Trakoshis
“There’s a reason it’s a top-seller on Amazon. It moisturizes lips for hours on end—no reapplication needed. I apply the smallest amount of this stuff on my dry lips at night and am guaranteed to wake up with soft, hydrated lips in the morning.”
Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, vitamin C
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-free: no
Best Body Lotion: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Lotion
Why it’s worth it: If you’re not feeling a rich cream, reach for Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 Lotion. Lightweight and quick to sink in, the formula hydrates like a dream and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. At the heart of the lotion are squalane, niacinamide, and a patented capsule containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, which give skin ample moisture without a heavy feel.
Tester feedback from Abelman
“This silky, milky formula absorbs at lightning speed and leaves my skin cashmere-soft. I love a pump for body-care products and appreciate that Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion has one for quick, mess-free application.”
Key ingredients: squalane, niacinamide, ceramides
Who it’s for: everyone
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Splurge: Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence
Why it’s worth it: This 2018 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence, comes with a heftier price tag, but it makes sense given the work that goes into it: The hand-picked leaves from South Korea’s Jeju Island are fermented for 50 days, aged in traditional Korean earthenware for another 50 days, and then extracted for 24 hours to create a concentrated skin superfood. Green tea leaves are rich in antioxidants, which means they’ll defend your skin against free-radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution—while allowing your skin-care products to soak in better.
“I’ve been using this essence for years and my skin feels so refreshed every. Single. Time. All you need are a few shakes/drops (okay, I may be a little heavy-handed) for your entire face and your face will look noticeably glowier and more hydrated. It’s so lightweight, as an essence should be, and layers perfectly underneath my serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen (in the daytime).”
Key ingredients: green tea extract, glycerin
Who it’s for: anyone targeting signs of aging
Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Korean skin-care routine?
There’s no one (or right!) way to use Korean skin care. Despite the popularity of the 10-step Korean skin-care routine, you don’t need to go all-out every night to reap the benefits.
“While some still adhere to [the 10-step routine], many prefer a more streamlined approach with three to five products, focusing on functionality and efficacy,” Cho explains. The three basic steps remain the same: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF (during the day). If you’re unsure how to build your skin-care routine—using Korean products or otherwise—start with the fundamentals before adding the good-to-have steps, like toner and serum.
A huge benefit of Korean skin care is that many products are formulated to be multifunctional, combining steps while saving you time and money. Laneige’s Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, is one such example. This milky formula soothes and softens skin post-cleanse while locking in moisture, thanks to peptides and ceramides.
What are some trending ingredients and treatments in Korean skin care?
The landscape of the Korean skin-care industry changes by what feels like the day—which is to say, the list of trending ingredients and treatments changes rapidly. However, Cho calls out PDRN (short for polydeoxyribonucleotide), a DNA chain extracted from salmon “that is a 95% match to that of humans,” as we previously reported. “PDRN has captured attention across pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries in South Korea,” Cho notes. While she says it’s “lauded for its tissue regeneration properties and is a popular cosmeceutical injection,” you can find it in some topical products such as Iope PDRN Caffeine Shot Serum. What’s more: “The emergence of vegan PDRN, extracted from wild ginseng, caters to the growing demand for plant-based and cruelty-free skin-care options,” Cho adds.
Microneedling treatments, which utilize fine needles to puncture the skin, are also big in South Korea because they “stimulate natural healing and collagen production,” Cho explains. Don’t be surprised as you start seeing more topicals like VT Cosmetics’ Cica Reedle Shot and Medicube’s One Day Exosome Shot 2000 popping up on your TikTok FYP that incorporate a much milder form of microneedling into your everyday routine.
Can I trust buying Korean skin-care products online?
Korean skin-care brands are most readily available on Amazon so, as with anything else you buy on the site, you need to do your due diligence surrounding retailers and sellers. Amazon stock, pricing, and listed sellers can be volatile, so at Allure, we don’t include any products that are not sold by either Amazon or the brand itself at the time of writing. (Bear in mind: The “seller” is sometimes listed as the parent company. For example, Dear Klairs products are sold by Wishtrend.) There are other options, of course. Soko Glam is a stateside e-retailer that meticulously curates its selection, and then there are Asia-based retailers such as Yesstyle and Olive Young that will most likely take longer to ship.
Amazon or not, one big exception to this online shopping discourse is Korean sunscreens. “The reality is that [many sunscreens from popular brands such as] Beauty of Joseon and Round Lab are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is why they’re not sold on Soko Glam—since we import [our products] into the U.S. and have to go through FDA checks,” Cho explains. “I caution people buying off of Amazon, as it is rife with counterfeit products since Amazon U.S. would not be able to sell these either (it’s a matter of import).” Take heed!
Meet the experts
- Charlotte Cho, cofounder of Soko Glam and Then I Met You
- Julie Chung, MD, cofounder of T3 Micro and board-certified ophthalmologist at Advanced Vision Care in Los Angeles, California
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City’s Union Square Dermatology
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City and founder of Lightsaver
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean skin-care products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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