As a veteran beauty editor, I can tell you a few things about the best Korean skin-care products. I first got into K-beauty when it gained popularity stateside in 2011, testing all the snail mucin creams, sunscreens, moisturizers, you name it, and last year, I spent three months in Seoul researching all the latest launches.
To help you build the best Korean skin-care routine, I talked to dermatologists, toured beauty research labs, and met with product developers and brand founders. Here’s what stood out most, from a marshmallow cleanser, to a TikTok-viral exfoliating bean essence, to a pillow-proof face mask you can sleep in. And, so you can get a better idea of how they feel and who they work best for, they’re backed by real reviews from dermatologists, fellow K-beauty experts, and Glamour editors.
The best Korean skin care products, at a glance
- Best Cleanser: Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder, $16
- Best Toner: TirTir Milk Skin Toner, $20
- Best Essence: Mixsoon Bean Essence, $28
- Best for Oily Skin: Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream, $22
- Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream, $22
- Best Eye Cream: Superegg Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution, $50
- Best Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $21
- Best Face Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, $19
- Best for Anti-Aging: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum, $50
- Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, $52
All your K-beauty questions answered here
Best Cleanser: Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Rice powder, rice bran water, ceramide NP
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Water-activated powder cleanser; gently exfoliates; brightening and hydrating effects; can also be used as a rinse-off mask
Most powder cleansers activate with water to form a clay-like paste. This one’s different. Wet a small amount of the Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder and it’ll turn into a stretchy texture that looks like melted marshmallows. The travel-friendly powder is formulated with gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients like rice powder, rice bran water, and ceramide NP. It also has a (very) mild exfoliating effect that helps subtly brighten and smooth your skin. And you can use it as a wash-off mask, too; just leave it on for 10 minutes before you rinse it off.
I first tried this cleanser when I visited the Anua offices in Seoul last year. I couldn’t get enough of the marshmallow texture and have been using it ever since. I add more water when I use it as a daily cleanser and a little less to turn it into a weekly face mask. Whichever way I use it, it leaves my skin soft, smooth, and radiant.
Best Cleansing Oil: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean
Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Grape seed, lavender, and sunflower seed oils
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Lightweight texture, great for removing waterproof makeup, doesn’t sting eyes, formulated with non-comedogenic oils
Ma:nyo’s Pure Cleansing Oil is a cult classic in South Korea, where it’s known as the #1 cleansing oil at Olive Young ((South Korea’s most popular beauty retailer). The Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean edition, inspired by the success of the original, is arguably even better. It’s formulated with a mix of plant oils including grape seed, lavender, and sunflower seed to rinse off waterproof makeup without feeling heavy or greasy on your face. Dermatologists love the skin-friendly ingredients and comfortable texture. “It’s formulated with non-comedogenic oils to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” explains Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “It feels incredibly lightweight and silky on my skin,” she says of the texture. “It spreads and rinses off easily too, breaking down my makeup and sunscreen without feeling too heavy. When rinsed off, it leaves my skin feeling more hydrated.”
This lives permanently in my shower. The texture is lightweight, watery, and easy to work with. It gets even my most stubborn waterproof mascaras off without stinging my eyes.
Best Cleansing Balm: House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm
House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm
Walmart
- Key ingredients: Wild strawberry extract, cherry fruit extract, vitamin tree fruit extract
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Easy-to-use grinding dispenser; formulated with nourishing fruit extracts; moisturizing feel; removes waterproof makeup; doesn’t sting eyes
Cleansing balms are essentially cleansing oils in solid, travel-friendly form. House of Hur’s Purifying Cleansing Balm features a smart grinding dispenser that pushes out pasta-like ribbons of balm so you can easily spread it over your face. It starts melting once it comes into contact with your skin, transforming from a smooth sherbert texture into a moisturizing oil. Add water, and it’ll change again into a milky cleanser that melts off makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Cleansing balms leave my skin feeling softer than any other type of cleanser, and this one feels especially silky and nourishing. I’m used to traditional cleansing balms where you use a spatula or your fingers to scoop out the product, but ever since I tried these grinding-type dispensers, I can’t go back. Because the layers of cleansing balm come out thin and even, they’re much easier to spread over my skin. The formula gets all my makeup off, doesn’t irritate my eyes, and preps my skin for the next step of my double cleanse.
Best Toner: TirTir Milk Skin Toner
TirTir Milk Skin Toner
Amazon
Soko Glam
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cica, licorice root extract, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Nourishing milk toner; good for dry and sensitive skin; long-lasting intense hydration
Korean milk toners took over TikTok with their creamy color that makes them look—well, like a glass of milk. Among them, the TirTir Milk Skin Toner is one of the most popular. While it’s made for all skin types, its mix of hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol) make it an especially good pick for dry, normal, and sensitive skin. If you’re used to traditional toners, this will feel more nourishing and a little thicker than formulas you’ve used before. “The milky texture feels like a soft hug for my skin, instantly soothing and plumping it up with hydration,” says Cho. “I love how it preps my skin for the rest of my routine without feeling heavy or sticky. It’s perfect for days when my skin feels tight or needs extra nourishment, and it layers beautifully under serums and moisturizers.”
I have the mini size here—the full version looks like a much bigger glass of milk. My favorite thing about this formula is how it leaves my skin looking instantly plumper and dewier. I like to pat an extra layer over my midface where I get the most dry.
Best Toner Pads: Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads
Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Collagen water, hyaluronic acid, galactomyces ferment filtrate
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Intensely hydrating toner pads; lightweight gel material sticks easily to skin; good for makeup prep and targeted masking
K-beauty popularized the toner pad—pre-soaked cotton rounds or squares that can be swiped over your face or left on like mini sheet masks. These Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads are an upgraded version, swapping out the usual thin cotton fabric for hydrogel inspired by the brand’s TikTok-viral overnight face mask. While the Internet-famous face mask goes from white to clear as it dries, these gel pads start off clear and then turn white as the essence absorbs into your skin. They’re formulated with proven hydrators like collagen water and hyaluronic acid for a 10-minute deep moisture treatment.
I’ve tried so many of the popular toner pads at Olive Young, and these are definitely in my top five. The hydrogel clings to my skin without slipping and feels more refreshing than other toner pads I’ve tried. I apply these on my cheeks while I do my makeup and everything—foundation, blush, highlighter—just goes on so much smoother and dewier afterward.
Best Essence: Mixsoon Bean Essence
Mixsoon Bean Essence
Amazon
Soko Glam
- Key ingredients: Lactobacillus/soybean ferment extract, pomegranate fruit ferment extract, pear juice ferment filtrate
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Exfoliating essence with a thick texture; hydrates while exfoliating; instant smoothing effect; gentle on sensitive skin
You’ve probably seen this smoothing essence all over #KBeautyTok, where fans show how the formula makes your skin naturally slough off as you rub it in. It’s made with fermented soybean and fruit extracts that combine for gentle chemical exfoliation. “This essence is unlike anything I’ve tried before—the fermented bean extracts give it a naturally thick yet silky texture that melts into my skin,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You. “I love how it delivers deep hydration while gently exfoliating at the same time. It’s one of those products that makes my skin feel smoother and more refined after just a few uses. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin.”
For those new to the formula, you’ll have to gently work it in for at least a few minutes before the exfoliation starts. My friends in Seoul told me to try applying this before makeup for an extra-smooth base. You have to be a little patient when using this; depending on how much dead skin you have to exfoliate off, it can take awhile before your dead skin cells start clumping up. I focus on my nose area where I get clogged pores, rub until I see tiny clumps of skin, then rinse it all off. If you don’t want the exfoliating effect, you can also apply this as you would a normal essence and get the same hydrating benefits.
Best Ampoule: CNP Laboratory Propolis Rescue Ampoule
CNP Laboratory Propolis Rescue Ampoule
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Jeju propolis extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, madecassoside
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Non-sticky lightweight texture; dermatologist-loved soothing ingredients; good for sensitive and acne-prone skin
A cross between a hydrating essence and skin-boosting serum, ampoules are another popular step in Korean skin-care routines. The CNP Laboratory Propolis Rescue Ampoule is a great choice for all skin types—and dermatologists love it, too. “This ampoule is formulated with propolis, a natural antioxidant and antibacterial ingredient known for soothing and healing properties, as well as skin soothing niacinamide and madecassoside,” says Dr. Chang. “It also contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol to provide deep hydration. It’s great for those with dry, sensitive, red, or acne-prone skin.”
I love the non-sticky texture and calming properties of this ampoule. It’s a watery ampoule that I use whenever my skin’s inflamed or breaking out. It has a refreshing sensation on application and instantly tones down any redness from blemishes without causing dryness or tightness.
Best Peptide Serum: CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster
CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Six types of peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Fast-absorbing watery texture; affordable peptide serum; dermatologist-recommended for all skin types; plumping and hydrating effect
You probably know CosRx for popularizing snail mucin skin care (the CosRx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence remains a steady seller on Amazon, selling more than 80,000 bottles in the last month alone). The brand also makes a seriously good peptide serum, which has a weightless texture that’s easy to layer. Cho loves the mix of six peptides in the formula “to target fine lines and elasticity,” as well as “how lightweight and fast-absorbing it is—there’s no sticky or heavy feeling, just a smooth, hydrated finish.” Dr. Chang recommends it as an affordable peptide serum “for all skin types and for all seasons” to “help plump and hydrate the skin.”
I love peptides as a skin-plumping ingredient, but a lot of peptide serums can be expensive. This is one of my favorite affordable options. It makes my skin look instantly hydrated and bouncy, which is exactly what you want peptides to do.
Best Vitamin C Serum: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, Centella asiatica leaf water, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Non-sticky non-greasy texture; visible brightening effect over time; lightweight and comfortable; no strong scent
If your vitamin C serums feel sticky or smells like hot dog water, swap them out for this K-beauty favorite. Dr. Althea’s Vitamin C Boosting Serum is formulated with hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, also known as sea buckthorn berries, which studies show contain high levels of vitamin C. It’s blended with cica, or Centella asiatica, a popular ingredient in Korean skin care with proven soothing properties. Together, they create a powerful vitamin C serum that’s watery, lightweight, and effective.
I’m absolutely obsessed with every vitamin C serum I’ve tried from this brand, including the now-discontinued original and the green vitamin C serum for sensitive skin. I got my hands on the newest version when it launched in South Korea last year. It contains the brand’s highest concentration of hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract yet (63%), doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, absorbs in seconds, and visibly brightens dark spots from old breakouts with regular use. I apply this every single day and am already on my third bottle.
Best for Anti-Aging: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Amazon
Soko Glam
- Key ingredients: Retinol, encapsulated retinol, retinoids, lactobacillus ferment lysate, peptides
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Multiple forms of retinol; didn’t cause irritation in testing; visibly smooths and firms skin with regular use
Retinol is one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients in skin care, but you don’t often see it used in K-beauty. Of the few retinol options on offer, the Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum is a frequent expert pick. Cho says it’s her favorite formula. “I’ve tried many retinol serums, but this is one of the most gentle yet effective ones out there,” she says. “It has a beautiful lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without irritation, which is key for me since I have sensitive skin. I love that it contains peptides and hydrating ingredients to cushion the retinol, making it a great option for those looking to introduce retinol without compromising their skin barrier.”
I tested the formula extensively and now keep a bottle on my nightstand. My skin doesn’t react very well to retinol. I’ve tried a lot of different versions, but I always end up having to layer it over another face moisturizer so I don’t start flaking, peeling, and turning red. When Charlotte [Cho] recommended this to me, I was skeptical at first—I figured if it was gentle enough not to cause retinol burn, it wouldn’t give me the results I was looking for. But not only does this serum stay gentle on my skin, it also makes my skin look smoother, plumper, and more even with continued use. It’s easily my favorite retinol product on the market, K-beauty or otherwise.
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Then I Met You Bong² Bounce Cream
Then I Met You Bong² Bounce Cream
Sephora
Soko Glam
- Key ingredients: Hallabong extract, ceramides squalane, omega fatty acids
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Lightweight barrier-supporting gel cream; rich in vitamin C; radiant dewy finish; gentle citrus scent (from fruit extracts, not from fragrance)
This gel cream was formulated as a lightweight alternative to thicker barrier creams. Then I Met You’s Bong² Bounce Cream perfect if you want rich, lasting hydration that still layers well under makeup. “Its key ingredients include hallabong extract, which is abundant in vitamin C, sea buckthorn oil, ceramides, squalane, and honey to hydrate and repair the skin,” says Dr. Chang, who personally uses and loves the formula. “As soon as I touched this moisturizer, I knew where it got its name,” she says. “It feels lightweight and bouncy while leaving my skin with a radiant finish. It also has a fruity, fresh scent that is not at all overbearing but rather calming.”
I emptied two pots of the vitamin C-spiked formula. It’s one of those K-beauty products that makes skin care feel like a special ritual. I love the sunny color of the formula, how cushiony it feels on my skin, and the way it makes my face look brighter and intensely hydrated.
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream
Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, madecassoside, squalane, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Fast-absorbing lightweight texture; good for combination and oily skin; soothing and glow-boosting ingredients
If you have oily or combination skin, we recommend this ultra-lightweight Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream. It comes in a squeeze tube so you can easily control the amount and absorbs into skin almost instantly. “This is formulated with skin-soothing niacinamide and madecassoside as well as hydrating squalane and panthenol to nourish,” says Dr. Chang. Although it contains popular hydrators, it doesn’t have a heavy feel or leave a noticeably dewy finish.
I have combination skin, so I’m always careful not to apply too much moisturizer to my T-zone or it starts looking greasy by midday. This gel cream is perfect for shiny T-zones—or if you just have oily skin in general. It doesn’t leave a matte finish, but it’s definitely not dewy. I’d say it leaves a very subtle glow behind, but not that drenched-in-moisture look. I also love the soothing ingredients and gentle formula.
Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng RenewingCream
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng RenewingCream
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Enzyme treated ginseng saponins, ginseng peptide, squalane
- Fragrance-free: No
- Fast facts: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich moisturizer; very moisturizing; recommended for mature and dry skin
If CosRx popularized snail mucin skin care, then Sulwhasoo did the same for ginseng creams and serums. This popular luxury Korean skin-care brand is known for its use of ginseng extracts, which dermatologists say have powerful antioxidant benefits. The Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream pairs ginseng saponins (plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties) with its proprietary ginseng peptide to help rejuvenate skin.
“I’m a strong believer in the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginseng root,” says Christina Chung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania. “This formula is fabulous for sensitive skin types. My sister can’t tolerate most moisturizers and has never had a problem with this one. I particularly like this product because it’s super moisturizing, which is perfect for cold, dry winters like this one. The price point may shock you, but a little goes a long way.”
Best Eye Cream: Superegg Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution
Superegg Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution
Amazon
Soko Glam
- Key ingredients: Tremella mushroom, peptides, caffeine, adenosine, niacinamide, amino acids, diamond powder
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Clear gel; immediately brightens; gentle on sensitive skin; layers well under concealer
Superegg’s Phyto Bounce Eye Contour Solution was a Glamour editor pick for best Korean eye creams. Loved by celebrity makeup artists, K-beauty experts, and editors alike, it’s formulated with powerful hydrators like hyaluronic acid and tremella mushroom, along with caffeine and niacinamide (a popular brightening ingredient). Because it’s so lightweight and smoothing, it layers well under makeup. “This eye cream is all about hydration and bounce,” says Cho. “The gel-cream texture is lightweight yet deeply nourishing, and I’ve noticed my under-eye area looking fresher and more awake since I started using it. It absorbs quickly, so it works well under makeup, but it also has lasting hydration that keeps fine lines looking smoother throughout the day.”
Wu loves layering the subtly brightening formula under makeup. “There’s a sprinkle of diamond powder in this formula, which you won’t detect just by looking at it,” she says. “It’s so subtle that the gel still goes on clear, but it makes my concealer look extra dewy and lit-from-within.”
Best Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 with Hyaluronic Acid Color
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 with Hyaluronic Acid Color
Amazon
Sephora
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, cica
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: SPF 45 UV protection; FDA-approved mineral sunscreen filters; color-corrects redness with a subtle green tint
Korean sunscreens are known for being more lightweight and comfortable than most of what’s on offer Stateside. That’s due to their use of sunscreen filters that aren’t on the short list approved by the FDA. The Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen is a rare example of a Korean sunscreen that uses FDA-approved filters and still wears comfortably. “This is a popular eco-friendly brand that I saw everywhere when I was in South Korea last summer,” says Dr. Chung. “I love this product because of how it goes on and the finish it leaves on the skin. What makes this really special is there is a slightly green tint which helps to offset any redness. This is my go-to product for my patients with mild rosacea.”
This formula also won a spot on our list of best Korean sunscreens. “I have combination skin and sometimes get red around my cheeks. The green (though it’s more like jade color) diminishes any redness. But, you do have to rub it in pretty well to avoid any white cast since it’s a thick consistency. Apart from the color correcting sunscreen I also use Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen (seen in this video)” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour’s senior commerce editor. Calle ranks this among her favorite sunscreens because of its “glowy finish.”
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, olive lipids, artemisia capillaris extract
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: SPF 40 broad spectrum UV protection; 12 tinted shades from light to deep; FDA-approved mineral sunscreen filters; fluid comfortable texture; natural radiant finish
Beauty of Joseon’s famous Relief Sun might be TikTok’s most viral Korean sunscreen. While that formula is no longer available in the US, the brand recently launched the FDA-compliant Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, which uses zinc oxide for its SPF 40 broad-spectrum protection. It feels surprisingly lightweight and fast-absorbing for a mineral sunscreen and comes in 12 sheer tints made to double as your daily tinted base.
Going off the texture alone, I would never guess that this is a zinc oxide formula. It feels so fluid and weightless, and I’m obsessed with the natural finish it leaves. The tinted sunscreen is sheer and forgiving—more like an IRL filter for your skin than a full-on foundation. On days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup but still want to even out my skin tone and give it a beautiful glow, I always reach for it. It makes my skin look amazing.
Best Face Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, vitamin E, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Goes on as clear gel and dries down in 15 minutes; meant to be worn overnight and peeled off the next morning; visible brightening and hydrating; nourishing effects
If you want to know how popular Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is, the brand says it’s been counterfeited so many times, they’ve recently updated the packaging from translucent to opaque to avoid fakes. (If you have an old version, don’t panic: Just check that it matches the brand’s official product images.) It made our list of best Korean face masks thanks to its innovative peel-off format and glass-skin effect.
Dr. Chang says the formula is great for hydration with its lineup of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide. This overnight mask goes on as a clear gel and dries down in 15 minutes, “wrapping” your skin in moisture as you sleep. “It should be applied with a brush or spatula,” she says. “You can peel it off in the morning and rinse your face. It’s comfortable to sleep in and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.”
TikTok got me again with this one. It balls up as I peel it off so I don’t feel like I’m taking a layer of my skin with it, and makes my skin look more hydrated and glowy the next morning. Sometimes I leave it on overnight—you really can sleep with this one without noticing it since it dries down—and sometimes I peel it off after half an hour. It’s definitely the most fun face mask I own.
Best Lip Treatment: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Amazon
Sephora
- Key ingredients: Berry mix complex, coconut oil, shea butter, murumuru seed butter, vitamin C
- Fragrance-free: No
- Fast facts: Celebrity favorite overnight lip mask; can be applied throughout the day as lip balm; thick texture; intense lasting hydration; popular for its range of flavors (some only available in South Korea)
Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is an iconic celebrity favorite. Even Twice’s Nayeon, one of South Korea’s most popular K-pop stars, is obsessed with the thick, cushiony formula that stays on overnight and smooths chapped, peeling lips. “I tried many different ones but ultimately I always come back to this,” she previously told Glamour. “It takes me a while to finish one but I always get a new one so that I don’t run out of it.”
Dermatologists approve too. “The formula’s shea butter and berry complex formula applied with the tiny spatula is both luxurious and really hydrating,” says Dr. Chung. “I usually pair this at night with a humidifier on cold nights and I wake up with dewy lips!”
I have a pot of the vanilla flavor on my nightstand right now that I got in Seoul. I apply it nightly so my lips stay plush and smooth while I sleep, and it smells like cupcakes. It’s sadly not one of the flavors available in the US, so I highly recommend collecting all the exclusives if you visit South Korea. They also have a custom flavor-mixing service at their flagship store that everyone should add to their Seoul beauty itinerary.
Best Body Lotion: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel
Amazon
- Key ingredients: Tocopherol (vitamin E), squalane, ceramide NP
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Fast facts: Gentle formula; good for sensitive and easily irritated skin; fast-absorbing gel texture; soothing refreshing feel; lasting deep hydration; can be used on face and body
If you want to expand your Korean skin-care routine to body care, start with Illiyoon. The brand is known in South Korea for its gentle Ceramide Ato line, which you can find in every supermarket. Formulated with ceramide NP, a popular ingredient for hydrating and supporting your skin barrier, the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel can be used on both your face and body for nourishing moisture. The fragrance-free formula is designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it’s also a great choice for skin that’s irritated or inflamed.
I’ve tried all of the lotions from this line, and this would be my top recommendation if you prefer a body lotion with a lighter texture. Unlike some of the brand’s thicker creams, this one is a gel cream that sinks in fast and doesn’t leave any residue behind. You can also use it on your face, so it’s a true head-to-toe lotion. I get flaky patches on my legs sometimes and this formula smooths them out after just a couple of applications.
Your Korean skin care questions, answered
What is the best skin-care brand in Korea?
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If you’re curious about the most popular skin-care brands in South Korea, you’ll want to check the Olive Young Awards and Hwahae. The former is South Korea’s leading beauty retailer, which issues its coveted beauty awards every year. The latter is an online review platform that shows which best-selling Korean beauty products are trending in real time.
That said, popularity in South Korea is just one of many indicators that a product is worth trying. “While this can be a strong indicator of a product’s potential success, it’s not the only factor—I dig deeper to understand why something is trending,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam.
To curate the best Korean skin-care products to Soko Glam, an online K-beauty retailer, she also pays attention to “delivery systems, absorption technology, and the way a formula interacts with the skins.” She also looks beyond what’s popular in South Korea to what’s trending globally, which can differ. “With the embrace of Korean products by US consumers, we have now reached a point where its popularity in the US is actually more important now than the popularity or trend that originates in Korea,” she says.
What is the best Korean skin-care routine?
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Let’s clear one thing up: You don’t need every product on this list to build a Korean skin-care routine. Nor do you need 10 steps, as was once popular in the early days of K-beauty. “The 10-step routine introduced many people to the concept of layering skincare and the potential steps one could use to achieve their skin goals, but it was never meant to define a skincare ritual or force a set structure,” says Cho. “In 2025, we’re seeing a shift toward intentional skin care—fewer steps, but more effective, multi-functional formulas. Skin barrier support, hydrating layers, and targeted treatments are now key pillars.” That’s why our list includes plenty of products that target multiple needs, like a sunscreen that doubles as tint, a cleanser you can use as a face mask, and a serum that helps brighten and calm simultaneously.
Meet our experts
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- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
- Christina Chung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania.
- Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer
The post 19 Best Korean Skin Care Products 2025, K-Beauty Expert Tested appeared first on Glamour.
