The 20 Best Korean Skincare Brands in 2024

Peach & Lily, Glow Recipe, and Dr. Jart+ are just a few of our faves.

best korean skincare brands collage including Dr Jart+, Peach & Lily, Laneige
(Image credit: Brittany Holloway-Brown/Future)

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. 

Deals on Korean Skincare

When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.

Aestura Atobarrier365 Ceramide Lotion $32 $23 | Amazon

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 $21 $15 | Amazon

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 $24 $18 | Sephora

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 &amp; Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment $45 $30 | Ulta

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 &amp; Lily Wild Dew Treatment Essence $39 $25 | Ulta

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 $19 $12 | Ulta

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 $19 $12 | Ulta

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 $22 $18 | Sephora

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 &amp; Park Beauty Water $25 $20 | Soko Glam

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 &amp; Park Real Eyelash Serum $20 $13 | Soko Glam

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

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gabrielle Ulubay
Beauty Writer

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.