The K-beauty market is projected to be worth $13.9 billion by 2027, so it’s safe to say that we’re big fans of Korean skincare. The best Korean skincare brands lead the charge in innovation, are sensitive skin-approved (K-beauty is focused on increasing hydration and reducing inflammation), and are sold at an accessible price point. “Korean beauty goes hand in hand with skincare knowledge and empowerment,” explains Alicia Yoon, the South Korea-born founder of Peach & Lily. “I love to see people engaging on the level of skin histology, skincare ingredients, and identifying personalized ways to care for their skin.”
While rituals like double cleansing and harnessing the calming powers of watermelon originated in East Asian cultures, they’ve made their way stateside. Brands like Laneige, Glow Recipe, and Sulwhasoo have become cult favorites—and quickly at that. From elite Korean sunscreen formulas to game-changing, glow-boosting essences and the use of ingredients like matcha, niacinamide, and ginger, the K-beauty contribution to skincare is unmatched. As such, we’ve taken the time to round up the best Korean skincare brands that deserve a spot in your routine.
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Aestura Atobarrier365 Ceramide Lotion <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=141596&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FAESTURA-Atobarrier-Lotion-Normal-Skin%2Fdp%2FB07S5K16W7%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$32 $23 | Amazon
This lightweight lotion provides substantial moisture without clogging pores, and creates a perfect canvas for makeup.<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=141596&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FAESTURA-Atobarrier-Lotion-Normal-Skin%2Fdp%2FB07S5K16W7%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">
Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=141596&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FAESTURA-ATOBARRIER-Cleansing-Low-Irritant-Hypoallergenic%2Fdp%2FB09BHQPYN4%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$21 $15 | Amazon
Ever since I incorporated this cleanser into my double cleansing routine, I've had clearer skin and a much easier time removing stubborn makeup from the day.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Flip-sleeping-mask-P420652&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="sephora.com"">$24 $18 | Sephora
These lip masks are made for restoring hydration overnight, but i also love using them as extra-strength chapsticks throughout the day.
Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fp%2Ftransparen-c-pro-spot-treatment-pimprod2022628&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="ulta.com"">$45 $30 | Ulta
Struggling with hyperpigmentation, dullness, or unevenness? Consider this potent, reviewer-beloved Vitamin C serum.
Peach & Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?sku=2532647&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fp%2Fwild-dew-treatment-essence-xlsImpprod18971021%3Fsku%3D2532647&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="ulta.com"">$39 $25 | Ulta
For the glass skin of your dreams, consider adding an essence—like this dewy one—to your daily skincare regimen.
Banila Co. Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fp%2Fclean-it-zero-3-in-1-cleansing-balm-pimprod2009043&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="ulta.com"">$19 $12 | Ulta
Count on this cleansing balm, which turns into an oil upon making contact with skin, for removing stubborn makeup, pollutants, and more.
Banila Co. Clean it Zero Brightening Peeling Gel Scrub <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?sku=2601148&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fp%2Fclean-it-zero-brightening-peeling-gel-scrub-pimprod2035511%3Fsku%3D2601148&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="ulta.com"">$19 $12 | Ulta
Struggling with hyperpigmentation or scarring?Consider this Vitamin C- based scrub, which gently works to reveal softer, more even skin after each use.
Innisfree Green Tea Caffeine Bright-Eye Serum <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=2698298&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fgreen-tea-caffeine-bright-eye-serum-P507478%3FskuId%3D2698298&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="sephora.com"">$22 $18 | Sephora
I personally swear by this green tea-infused eye cream. It not only lessens the appearance of eye bags and dark circles, but its cooling applicator also feel divine on my skin.
Son & Park Beauty Water <a href="https://www.gopjn.com/t/8-11882-101987-169107?variant=10281658245&sid=hawk-custom-tracking&website=194177&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsokoglam.com%2Fproducts%2Fson-and-park-beauty-water%3Fvariant%3D10281658245" data-link-merchant="sokoglam.com"">$25 $20 | Soko Glam
This cleansing beauty water is a bestseller, designed to gently exfoliate without irritating skin.
Son & Park Real Eyelash Serum <a href="https://www.gopjn.com/t/8-11882-101987-169107?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&website=194177&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsokoglam.com%2Fproducts%2Fson-and-park-real-eyelash-serum-clear" data-link-merchant="sokoglam.com"">$20 $13 | Soko Glam
If you're looking to grow the showstopping eyelashes of your dreams, look no further than this collagen- and biotin- infused serum, which promises to make eyelashes appear longer and fuller with consistent use.
Aestura was founded in 1983 with the goal of delivering skincare products whose efficacy is supported by dermatological science. A part of the skincare umbrella brand Amorepacific, they've gained a reputation for supporting healthy skin through products designed for all ages and skin types.
Aestura
This lightweight Korean moisturizer has become one of my go-to skincare products. It absorbs quickly, allowing me to apply my favorite sunscreen or facial oil immediately after, and it never clogs the pores on my combination skin. Though it provides quite a bit of hydration, it never makes my skin feel cakey or heavy, and because it’s free of artificial fragrances, it works great when my skin is feeling dry, irritated, or sensitive.
This is another product that I tend to keep in my skincare rotation. It’s a lightweight, foaming cleanser, making it great for combining with an oil or cream face wash during a double cleansing skincare routine. It’s been clinically tested and proven to be hypo-allergenic, and gently removes makeup and impurities without over-drying skin or disturbing your skin’s natural pH levels. And thanks to its key ingredients of green tea extract, Vitamin E, and glycerin, it’s moisturizing, too.
Laneige
The brand might have a French name, but LANEIGE (which translates to “snow”) was founded in Seoul, South Korea in 1994 by Amorepacific, the corporation behind several of the brands in this list. Known for their iconic sleeping lip mask, the brand has more recently branched into additional skincare items such as face moisturizers, toner, essences, and more.
The cult-favorite lip mask from LANEIGE is everything you could want in a lip balm, with all the sweet goodness of a lip gloss from the beauty supply store, but without the stickiness. Sweet fragrance aside, the antioxidant-rich mask can recover even the most dry and cracked lips, so you better stick up for winter now. The only struggle you'll have is deciding which flavor to buy.
Customer Review: "My lips are so hydrated and when I first put it on, I fell in love. Absolutely worth it and you don’t even need that much to cover both lips!" -Sephora
This award-winning formula doubles as both a toner and a moisturizer. Lightweight and hypoallergenic, it’s formulated with peptides and ceramides to moisturize skin and promote elasticity without causing blackheads or breakouts. Customers of all skin types—from dry to oily to combination—have seen positive results from consistently using the formula, writing that skin feels noticeably softer after just a few weeks. It’s particularly great for use during the winter months, when that dreaded dryness is likely to rear its ugly head.
Customer Review: "Whoa this is amazing! I will be buying the bigger bottle. I already live the brand for their lip care products. If they can do magic on your lips imagine what it can do for your face! It has helped me have less acne breakouts by keeping my face clean and moisturized. I’ve noticed a difference in my complexion and how much my face looks dewy. Run and get this!" -Sephora
Peach & Lily
Founded by Alicia Yoon in 2012, Peach & Lily not only offer their own selection of skincare items, but also sell iconic K-beauty brands like Lagom, Banila Co., and Miwaji. Yoon focuses on education, in particular, in her marketing, saying, “I wanted to pass on the joy that came with taking control of your skin.” To this end, you can find informational skincare guides on Peach & Lily's site, with one explaining the famous multiple-step Korean skincare routine.
Yoon’s current must-have item is this Vitamin C treatment. She explains, “I have persistent dark spots from being pregnant, and I love that this formula is 20 percent stabilized Vitamin C that's gentle on skin. It’s perfect for delivering the results I want to see for stubborn spots, while keeping it gentle for my sensitive skin.” Indeed, this clean, cruelty-free formula contains no alcohol or fragrance, so you can rest assured that it won’t irritate or dry out thirsty skin.
Customer Review: "I've had cystic acne for over ten years and I get hyperpigmentation after every single breakout. Tried lots of different brightening products but ultimately always feel like it's just time passing that help them fade. This product actually helps! I'm pretty familiar with how long it usually takes for my dark spots to fade, and after a few weeks of using this they are definitely fading faster. It's also really moisturizing and makes my skin super soft. Very light scent. This is an oil, so if you don't like oils, probably not for you. I use this as an all-over treatment, not a spot treatment, and my skin tolerates it fine." -Ulta
Incorporating an essence step into my daily skincare routine was a game-changer, and countless reviewers who’ve used this option from Peach & Lily feel the same way. It’s designed to provide a deep, lasting punch of hydration and probiotics that, with consistent use over time, improves skin’s brightness and resiliency. Best used before your moisturizer, it also helps enhance the efficacy of your other skincare products. In addition to its aforementioned probiotics, this standout formula also includes lotus extract, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
Customer Review: "I have terribly red, sensitive skin. I started using this and its like my rosacea just went away! Nothing has ever worked this good to calm and hydrate for me so I will definitely be repurchasing when I run out!" -Ulta
AMOREPACIFIC
Luxury Korean skincare brand, AMOREPACIFIC is the namesake brand of the Amore Pacific corporation, which operates well known Korean beauty brands LANEIGE, Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, and more. With a focus on ingredients enriched with green tea, AMOREPACIFIC seeks to provide skincare that penetrates skin with natural, moisturizing formulas.
This unbelievably soft, luxurious-feeling moisturizer is made to have a plumping effect, so it’s perfect for tired, sagging, or aging skin. It has a lightly dewy finish that’s made to prime skin perfectly for makeup application, and it promises to improve the appearance of skin both in the short- and long-term. Its amino acids and emollients are responsible for this, providing lightweight moisture that never clogs pores and that strengthens the skin barrier so that it can fight damaging factors like free radicals, pollution, and UV rays.
Customer Review: "I had a sample of the Nectar Cream so used it and immediately saw a difference. I have now decided this cream delivers! My skin is moist and healthier than it has been for some time." -Neiman Marcus
This eye essence promises to de-puff, lift, and brighten the under-eye area noticeably, and is especially potent because its key ingredient, green tea, is fermented for added efficacy. It also includes caffeine, which aids in anti-aging and lifting, as well as hyacinth extract, which promises to protect this delicate area from environmental pollutants and aggressors. Its antioxidants, patented as Bright T-Ferment, are formulated to significantly brighten the area over time and consistent use, and oat extract firms tired, sagging skin. Overall, it’s a powerful potion that looks to combat all primary points of concern for this
Customer Review: "I love this product. I love the calming fragrance, the immediate effect it has on my morning eyes as well as the coolness of the roller ball application. If I could choose only one item that I couldn’t live without, this would be it!" -Neiman. Marcus
Soon Skincare
Friends Lisa Ballstaedt and Kayla Bertagna founded Soon Skincare in order to create effective, high-quality sheet masks that smelled good, felt luxurious, and wouldn't slip off users' faces. Since their official 2018 launched, they've expanded into a myriad of other skincare products, including serums, foot masks, lip masks, moisturizers, and more.
Soon Skincare’s serum packs quite a punch, with 46 percent marine collagen that addresses and prevents wrinkles and deeply hydrates. The penetrative formula also enhances your skin’s natural collagen production, meaning that it can aid in the healing of scars, cuts, hyperpigmentation, and overall unevenness. The brand recommends using a dime sized amount every day, morning and night, in an even layer all over your face (I recommend covering your neck as well). After a few weeks of use, you’ll notice more supple, resilient skin.
You pamper the rest of your face, so why not your lips? Whether your lips are dry because the weather’s growing colder or because you’ve spent too much time in the sun, consider this hydrogel lip mask. Its key ingredient, strawberry, heals sun damage (which is a concern no matter the temperature or season!), while collagen decreases the appearance of lips lines. After wearing it for only 15 minutes, your lips should look plumper, fuller, and more hydrated. Plus, the masks are fully biodegradable.
Banila Co
Founded in 2006 in South Korea, Banila Co. isn’t new to the Korean skincare game. In fact, their ever-popular cleansing balm is purchased every 3.1 seconds. The brand champions a simplified, less-is-more routine in order to make premium skincare easier, faster, and more accessible to consumers worldwide. Plus, it's sold at an affordable price point, making it the dewy skin possible for people of all budgets.
This bestselling formula is made to simplify your cleansing routine. Not only does it take off even the most stubborn makeup (including eye makeup, lash glue, and glitter), but it’s also able to cleanse the skin of impurities, grease, and pollutants. It’s formulated with natural ingredients like hot spring water, and it contains soothing Vitamin E and brightening Vitamin C, making it suitable for even the most sensitive, tired skin. The formula has also been tested by dermatologists for safety, and is proven to hydrate skin.
A peel-off mask is a great way to inject a bit of pampering into your week, and this one from Banila Co. is infused with vitamins in order to brighten your complexion. It does this by exfoliating with mandarin orange extract (which is packed with Vitamin C), eradicating dead skin and revealing the fresher, smoother layer beneath. In doing so, it also fights damage from environmental factors and reduces visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Glow Recipe
Christine Chang and Sarah Lee founded Glow Recipe in 2017 after working together at L'Oréal. In crafting their own brand, they decided to focus on inclusive marketing and effective formulas based in antioxidant-rich fruits like watermelon, plum, and strawberry. All of their products are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, and they boast a variety of products that cater to every skin type and concern.
This watermelon-infused formula not only looks gorgeous, but also provides a powerful burst of nourishment that’s caused the product to go viral several times over. Watermelon is packed with Vitamins C and E, while niacinamide, another key ingredient in the drops, smooths uneven skin texture and reduces the appearance of large pores. Chang’s inspiration for the product came from her upbringing: She previously told Marie Claire, “Growing up, our grandmothers rubbed watermelon rinds on our heat rashes during hot summer months and we experienced first hand the healing power of watermelon and how soothing and hydrating it was for the skin.”
Customer Review: "This product is super nice on a sun burn. I used my other skin care in the summer and it burned my face but this just felt really refreshing." -Sephora
Reviewers love the lightweight, whipped texture of this cream, which happens to come in an environmentally-friendly refillable jar. Because of its consistency, it’s perfect for all skin types, whether oily, dry, or somewhere in between. The formula contains a blend of hyaluronic acids that keep skin looking and feeling plump and soft, as well as polyglutamic acid, which enhances the hyaluronic acid’s efficacy. It also contains plum and ice willowherb, which visibly brighten and hydrate while balancing its overall pH.
Customer Review: "After having used this product for a week or so, I am really happy with the way it leaves my skin feeling! Even throughout the entire day I am a good type of 'glowy' and I just wish I had purchased this sooner!! The texture of it is pretty decent, although nothing special, but the glow in itself is real!" -Sephora
Sulwhasoo
Pronounced “Suhl-ha-soo," this skincare brand was founded on the principles of balance and harmony. Founded in 1966, the brand is committed to melding natural ingredients with innovative skincare practices, resulting in dozens of best-selling products and a pristine reputation that's lasted through the generations.
If you have dry skin or if you’re into double cleansing, then you likely have a cleansing oil sitting at the front of your bathroom shelf. Cleansing oils are perfect for melting away even the most stubborn makeup without stripping skin of its natural (and necessary) oils, and this option from Sulwhasoo is the perfect example. It never fails to leave skin feeling and looking renewed, and has an easy-to-use gel consistency made up of nourishing ingredients like mulberry leaf, hydra capture complex, and mountain yam extracts.
Customer Review: "This is the best cleanser for me. My adult cystic acne prone skin can’t handle most cleaners, I break out. This leaves a nice moist base for my serums and moisturizer." -Sephora
This toner has been clinically proven to moisturize and soothe skin, and I can certainly tell. In my experience, it makes skin look and feel softer in just a few weeks, hydrating it without causing breakouts or producing excess oil, which is perfect for my combination skin. A little goes a long way with this formula, so the bottle lasts for ages—through the summer days of harsh UV rays, along with the cold, harsh winds of late autumn and fall.
Customer Review: "I have combination sensitive skin that gets inflamed very easily. I found this balancing water to be so soothing and calming! I wake up with brighter skin and the redness and inflammation on my cheeks is gone. It's expensive but it has made a huge difference in my skin care routine and I would likely purchase again." -Sephora
The Crème Shop
The Crème Shop is beloved for its adorable packaging, which often features popular characters like Hello Kitty, Trolls, and BT21, but they're products are more than just cute—they're also packed with nourishing ingredients handpicked to support long term skincare. With this brand, you can look after your health and have fun while you're at it.
Whether you have dark circles under your eyes because of genetics or simply because you’re short on sleep, it’s worth investing in gel under-eye pads for an emergency boost of brightening and hydration. These cow print ones are a delight to wear and to behold, and are packed with ingredients that are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark circles and under-eye sagging. Squalane, for instance, hydrates the area, while peptides heal damaged skin by promoting the production of collagen, which makes skin look younger and more elastic. Finally, Vitamin E nourishes and reinforces skin’s barrier against harmful environmental agents.
Customer Review: "This eye mask actually helps with my dark circles!! I always buy this. Use it two to three times a week." -Ulta
I go through cotton pads constantly, using them for taking off nail polish and eye makeup alike, or for applying my favorite toner. They look sad and disorganized in a plastic bag, though, so I’m obsessed with this Hello Kitty container from The Crème Shop as an alternative means of storage. Not only is it adorable, but it’s way more sustainable than single-use plastic. The jar can be refilled or repurposed easily, while the pads themselves promise to be gently exfoliating.
Mediheal
One of the best known steps in the Korean skincare routine is the sheet mask, which is infused with a nourishing essence meant to strengthen the skin barrier. For many Mediheal is the place to go for all things sheet masks, but since their 2009 inception, they've expanded into other skincare items, such as toner pads, haircare items, and skin patches. To produce these premium products, the brand actively works with scientists, dermatologists, and other skin experts to ensure that their ingredients are as safe and effective as possible.
No matter your skin concern, Mediheal is bound to offer a sheet mask for you, and this variety pack proves it. The combo pack includes a collagen, tea tree, vita, placenta, madecassoside, and watermide mask—perfect for keeping on hand so that you always have something to reach for as the needs of your skin change with the seasons, your lifestyle, or your hormones. Each of their masks promises to carry a particularly potent dose of its key ingredient.
Korean skincare doesn’t just focus on moisture— it also offers products that address acne, unclogging pores and diminishing the appearance of pimples and blackheads. This Madecassoside Blemish Pad, for instance, calms redness and reduces not only acne, but also uneven skin tone and post-blemish dark spots. The pads are hypoallergenic, too, making them suitable for damaged or sensitive skin. To make matters even better, they come in eco-friendly packaging and are composed entirely of vegan fibers.
Sweet Chef
Sweet Chef mixes up concoctions of natural herbs, vegetables, and vitamins that our skin loves. Founded by the creators of Glow Recipe, the goal of this Korean skincare brand is to create nutrient-enriched natural formulas with organic ingredients like celery, turmeric, beets, kale, and more.
If you’re experiencing dry or flaky skin, either because of the weather or simply because of genetics, you should incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine. The compound improves skin elasticity and diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. This serum takes all that power and combines it with cold-pressed celery, chlorophyll, and Vitamins C, A, and E, resulting in a super nourishing formula that soothes irritated skin, brightens one’s complexion, and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Ginger doesn’t just taste great—it’s also a superb source of Vitamin C, which brightens skin and evens tone after consistent use. This toner is packed with ginger, along with ascorbic acid (another great source of Vitamin C) and antioxidant-rich turmeric. With long-term use of this product, which should be applied before any other moisturizer or serum, you’ll find that your complexion is brighter, more even, and more resistant to damage from pollutants, dirt, and UV rays (but that doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen, people!).
innisfree
Inspired by the W.B. Yeats poem of the same name, innisfree is a Korean skincare brand that uses the natural ingredients found on the island of Jeju to enhance skin in the cleanest way possible. For every skincare need, the brand carries a Korean moisturizer, sheet mask, clay mask, or serum to come to your aid. Hero ingredients include green tea, pomegranate, volcanic cluster, and soybean.
I have combination skin, which means that even though moisturizing is paramount, I have to be careful my pores don’t get clogged with excess oil. As a result, I use this clay mask around once a week, and am delighted at how clean my face feels and how tight my pores look after each use. It even helps eradicate breakouts without any of the stinging or burning that other anti-acne masks cause. Since I discovered it, it’s taken up a permanent place in my medicine cabinet.
Customer Review: "Hands down my favorite clay mask ever! It clears away my pores and you only have to use a little product. One jar has lasted me months and months and I love that it's affordable." -Sephora
This is another Innisfree product that I swear by. I use it every single day, twice a day, and it’s made a tremendous difference on the dark circles under my eyes, which I’d just about given up on eradicating. I keep the product in the fridge so that it’s cool when I use it, and the green tea and caffeine- infused formula never fails to soothe irritation, plump sunken skin, and brighten dark bags. Plus, the applicator feels extra luxurious and helps in lifting the skin. Think about it as gua sha specifically for the eye area.
Customer Review: "I just started using this last week bc my previous Holy grail was out of stock, only a few days in and I'm already obsessed. My under eyes not only stay soft and moisturized all day but I feel like they minimize the appearance of my fine lines more than my previous eye cream. Highly recommend!!!" -Sephora
Cosrx
Cosrx's name stands for Cosmetics + Rx, highlighting its emphasis on creating thoughtful, effective, and scientifically backed-up products for skin. Officially launched in 2013 by Jun Sang Hun, the brand is known for its no-nonsense ingredients and packaging, as well as for its highly effective ingredients like cica, snail mucin, and propolis.
One of the worst parts about having acne is dealing with the scars or dark marks it leaves behind, so Cosrx’s clear pads seek to help with just that. The pads contain panthenol, which soothes and heals the area while encouraging the regeneration of skin so that those pesky marks can fade away. Meanwhile, willow bark cleanses pores in order to discourage any new blemishes from popping up, and betaine salicylate improves skin’s tone and texture so that you can move one major step closer to a smooth, even complexion.
Customer Review: "This is very convenient and great! It like a toner, essence, and serum in one pad form! You can also use this or any leftover to use on other parts of your body like your shoulders/back. The pads really do help with acne!" -Dermstore
This is one of Cosrx’s most famous products, in part because its debut was one of the first times many Americans had heard of snail mucin. The thick yet easily spreadable essence does wonders in moisturizing skin and evening one’s complexion—I know, because every time I use it in my rotation, my skin is visibly smoother and firmer, and I always get compliments on how I look without makeup. The essence’s effectiveness is due, in part, to its potency, as it contains a whopping 96 percent pure snail mucin.
Customer Review: "Holy Grail and now a staple in my skin care routine. In a short time after using, the hydration of my face has gone to another level. When I don't use it I do feel on the drier side." -Dermstore
Dr. Jart+
When you ask someone about their favorite Korean skincare brand, chances are they’ll probably mention Dr. Jart+. This brand bridges the gap between art and dermatological science, which is where its name comes from—it's an abbreviation of “Doctors Join Art." Now a part of the Estée Lauder umbrella, Dr. Jart+ sticks to its founders' goals of creating innovative products destined to become staples in anyone's skincare routine.
One of Dr. Jart+'s many cult-classic formulas, this product boasts the inflammatory ingredient centella asiatica (also known as cica). With over 200,000 glowing reviews on Sephora, this formula is a miracle worker for those who tend to suffer from redness and don’t want to worry about finding the right foundation shade to cover it up. Plus, it boasts SPF 30, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and preventing further redness, too.
Customer Review: "One jar lasts exactly one year. I pick up a new jar every fall. It blends so well, that you do not even need to put foundation over it. Soooo creamy!" -Sephora
This moisturizer has a lightweight, gel-like consistency that I personally love. It dries quickly and the finished product looks matte, making it perfect for makeup application or for adding more layers of skincare (like sunscreen during the day or facial oil at night). But just because it’s light, doesn’t mean it’s not hydrating: This formula is packed with hyaluronic acid and with Pentavitin, Dr. Jart+’s trademark ingredient that promises to fortify the skin barrier so that you can hold onto all of that hydration.
Customer Review: "I really like this product because it keeps me super moisturized when my skin is beyond dry. Last all night even through out the next day. As a stay at home mom I get really busy so I dont have a lot of time to do a whole 10 step routine. With this I just wash my face add my toner then go in with my moisturizer and it keeps my skin hydrated and glowing throughout the day. Honestly love it so much." -Sephora
LAPCOS
Chances are, you’ve seen these sheet masks all over social media. They’ve been around since 2017 and have a massive celebrity fan base, with fans from Emily Ratajkowski to Camila Mendes. The brand's “born in Korea, evolved in Los Angeles,” tagline perfectly encompasses the brand. LAPCOS leverages the holistic, Korean approach to beauty with California's laid-back lifestyle. While the brand started off exclusively selling sheet masks, they’ve since expanded into shampoo, skincare, and body masks.
This popular sheet mask is made from comfortable microfiber and packed with milk protein essence, which promises to replenish and hydrate tired, flaky winter skin. It’s also filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and calcium, which provide long-term support for skin health and elasticity. The essence also contains ceramides, which help slough off dead skin, and violent flower, which hydrates skin’s protective outer layer to prevent free radical damage. All you need to do is leave the mask on for 10 to 20 minutes, then leave the essence on to let the magic sink in.
For many of us, the worst part about shaving your bikini line is the row of razor bumps and ingrown hairs that result from each shave. This mask, however, seeks to eradicate those bumps, along with other post-shaving woes like redness and whiteheads. The sheet mask is designed to fit comfortably in the bikini area, and its essence is filled with soothing, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, rosemary, and grapefruit. The formula works in only 15 to 20 minutes, too, so it’s perfect for stowing away on vacation in case of a pre-pool emergency.
Venn
In less than 10 years, Venn has developed a devoted cult following. Their ethos revolves around balancing the skin’s microbiome so that, rather than applying skincare reactively, users can proactively stay on top of their skin health. The result is fewer breakouts, episodes of dryness, and instances of dullness—something that the brand achieves by creating formulas packed with skin-strengthening nutrients, prebiotics, and probiotics.
If you’re struggling with uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation (or both), consider this resurfacing mask, which is clinically proven to improve the appearance of one’s skin tone. It uses phyto-retinols to clarify and exfoliate skin, removing layers of dead cells that may be responsible for an uneven appearance. In addition, the mask’s formula features deeply nourishing ingredients like aloe leaf extract, squalene, cica leaf extract, and more. This way, you can enjoy all the benefits of a retinol without any of the irritation.
I’m a huge sucker for an anti-aging product—especially a highly concentrated, effective option like this one from Venn. It improves the appearance of sagging or dull skin and it reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Safe to use on both the face and neck, it uses peptides to deeply hydrate and Ginsenoside Compound K to firm and brighten. Participants in clinical trials overwhelming said it improved their skin’s elasticity. Plus, unlike other concentrates that cause irritation or peeling, this one is safe for use both morning and night.
Belif
Belif's skincare philosophy is based on traditional skincare methods that date back hundreds of years. Today, the brand incorporates the natural ingredients of ancient skincare with cutting edge contemporary science. The result? Deeply hydrating, toxin-free products meant to cater to all skin types—sensitive, oily, normal, combination, and dry.
This is another lightweight gel moisturizer that is perfect for all skin types, but is especially great for those with combination or oily skin who don’t enjoy a thick, creamy formula. It’s also great for layering—particularly if, like me, your moisturizer is one of many steps in your twice- daily skincare routine. And though this formula is light, it packs quite a punch of hydration, promising to increase hydration levels by 70 percent, resulting in a visible, dewy glow.
Customer Review: "I don’t often leave reviews, but this product will be a re-buy over and over again!! I have very oily, somewhat sensitive skin, so gel-like moisturizers are my favorite. This makes my skin feel soo smooth and plump and smells like a spa." -Sephora
If you like the gel texture of Belif's True Cream Aqua Bomb, you’ll absolutely love their Aqua Bomb Hydrating Jelly Cleanser, which has a similarly light, gel- like texture. It’s perfect for use by itself or as part of a double- cleansing routine, with a formula that lathers into a rich foam that removes stubborn makeup, dirt, sweat, and other impurities without stripping skin of its natural (and essential) oils. Dozens of reviewers rave about how clean yet soft and hydrated their faces feel after using this cleanser.
Customer Review: “Holy grail cleanser! I got it as a free sample years ago and have repurchased it as a full size multiple times since. Smells lovely but not strong, lathers beautifully, and leaves my skin feeling soft, clean, and plump.” -Sephora
Meebak
If redness is your primary skin concern, then Meebak, which launched in 2019, should be on your radar. One of the primary ingredients in their line is cica, which has unmatched soothing and skin-evening powers.
"We don’t add heavy premiums like many brands out there, and instead focus on delivering our brand promise of younger, brighter, happier skin,” brand founder Heeji Kim said in a press release shared with Marie Claire.
Sensitive skin? Dry skin? Irritated skin? Allow us to introduce you to this super rich, super soothing cica-powered moisturizer. It helps strengthen your skin barrier, reduce dryness, and leave your complexion with a gorgeous glow. It is on the thicker side, though, so you may want to save it for your nighttime skincare routine. While you sleep, it’ll work to lock in moisture and heal tired skin so that you can wake up with a soft, healthy complexion. The brand says it’s especially great for damaged, flaky, or dry skin.
Customer Review: "I just used the cica moisturizing cream for the first time today and already know this will be a staple in my skin care regime. It is moisturizing on my mature skin and feels wonderful. My skin does not feel tight or dry. Very high quality moisturizer for the price….and I love the large size jar." -Meebak
I absolutely love acne patches. They isolate and target blemishes, pulling puss and excess oil out from whiteheads without impacting surrounding skin or over-drying the blemishes in question. These affordable options by Meebak come in packs of three, with 18 patches per sheet—a fabulous value. Plus, they not only triage pimples but cover them up, so you can wear your patches all day and all night without anyone knowing you’re wearing them. They’re infused with cica and centellla asiatica, which go a long way in diminishing the appearance of zits while nourishing skin so it doesn’t scar.
Customer Review: "I love these patches. They are wonderful. I love the added benefit of cica to them. They stick great and work amazing. I noticed that my pimples healed faster than other patches I've used before. I will definitely be recommending to my friends!" -Meebak
Peach Slices
Chances are you’ve seen the brand’s “Snail Rescue” line go viral on TikTok. If you’re unfamiliar, allow us to give you a crash course: This brand is Peach & Lily’s little sister. It leverages Korean-loved skincare ingredients like snail mucin, along with honey and yuzu to gently exfoliate skin and control shine.
Formulated with 95 percent snail mucin, which is essentially glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid combined, this toner is perfect for treating acne without drying out your skin. Just put some of this liquid on a cotton pad and wipe it across your face after cleansing. It absorbs and dries quickly so that you can layer your favorite serum and moisturizer on top of it, and it contains cica, too, which is antibacterial and helps heal any damage to your complexion.
Customer Review: "I've got oily, acne prone, sensitive skin and since i switched to this toner my skin has been so so much better. Im getting less zits and when I do get them they're gone faster than before. Also my pores are visably smaller. AND it doesn't irritate my skin which is nuts because most things do." -Ulta
This is another option that contains my favorite skincare ingredient, snail mucin. It’s a perfect option for those who have uneven skin, as it promises to visibly even skin tone and calm issues like redness and hyperpigmentation. Its other ingredients, like birch juice and pine bark, also work to balance skin for an overall smooth, even appearance. Other ingredients in this formula include hyaluronic acid, which deeply moisturizes, and cica, which contains healing, antibacterial properties so that you can rid your face of blackheads and whiteheads faster.
Customer Review: "My skin has been extremely dry and flaky lately. I've tried some different products before finding this. It has helped quite a bit and I would buy this again. It's nice that it came in a smaller bottle so I could try it without feeling like I wasted a bunch if I didn't like it. Great product!" -Ulta
Son & Park
Son & Park was established by two celebrity makeup artists, Son Dae-Sik and Park Tae-Yun, who established their eponymous beauty brand because of their belief that flawless makeup starts with healthy skin. The brand is best known for its Beauty Water, but it also carries products that enhance the appearance of the eyes and lips.
This product is a cross between a cleanser and a toner, making it an essential for anyone looking to simplify their skincare routine. It’s wildly popular among beauty lovers because of its ability to gently exfoliate skin (thanks to its key ingredient, papaya extract) while effectively calming redness and irritation. This is because of its hydrating properties, which come from its luxe ingredients like lavender water, rose water, and orange fruit extract. Its meant to make your skin the perfect canvas for makeup application, but it can also be applied as a refresher throughout the day.
Customer Review: "This is such a nice cleanser/toner. My skin just loves it. I use it in the morning as a cleanser and as the second cleanse in the evenings and it leaves my skin feeling really clean and refreshed. I will repurchase!" -Soko Glam
If your lashes are brittle, thin, or even falling out due to regular usage or mascara or fake lashes, consider giving them some much needed TLC in the form of this eyelash serum. It has a pH level of around 7.0 (similar to that of tears), making it a comfortable, wearable option for even the most irritated eyes. A powerfully hydrating supplement, it contains biotin and collagen, which aid in thickening and promoting existent growth of lashes so that you can achieve your dream length without taking trips to the lash tech.
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Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, fashion, culture, and politics both at Marie Claire and for publications like The New York Times, Bustle, and HuffPost Personal. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, including two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy. As a film school graduate, she loves all things media and can be found making art when she's not busy writing.
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