The Korean beauty philosophy of “skin first” encourages people to get to the root of their skin problems and focus on creating a healthy, radiant complexion rather than covering it up with cosmetics. And with the current trend of turning everyday skin care into a self-care ritual, it's time to move on to the Korean beauty philosophy. Skin care treatments are now used as a moment of daily meditation and comfort, synonymous with the Korean beauty philosophy of “skin first”.
The popularity of Korean beauty can also be attributed to its affordability in terms of pricing and innovation when it comes to product packaging, ingredients, and formulations. Korean skincare is known for powerful natural ingredients such as snail mucin, centella asiatica, and fermented ingredients, just to name a few, that offer differentiated and effective solutions to many different skincare concerns. Multi-step skin care routines reinforce the notion that our skin, the largest organ of the body, should be treated with the same care and respect as our internal organs. Instead of looking for quick fixes, skin care provides the skin with a comprehensive set of elements it needs to thrive, and this element of advanced self-care resonates with people.
Some Korean skin care products, such as sleep mask and cleansing balm, have gained such popularity that they have become almost iconic. With the growing demand for Korean skin care products in the states, Korean cosmetics importers and marketplaces such as Soko Glam and Peach & Lily are bringing consumers the best of the best Korean beauty products while also making sure that what's in your basket, was 100 percent authentic.
Here are the top 15 Korean skin care products:
THE BEST GENTLE CLEANSER
Good (Skin) Days A New Leaf Cleansing Cream
This low pH facial cleansing cream is rich in antioxidants and infused with greens like green tea, spinach and broccoli for some serious nourishment and skin protection. The addition of wormwood, which is one of the trendiest beauty ingredients in Korea, also helps to gently exfoliate the skin. Wormwood is one of their favorite acne-fighting ingredients due to its mild anti-inflammatory properties. It fights redness, sensitivity and dryness and is also known as a medicinal herb due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
THE BEST MOISTURIZING SERUM
Skin Cleansing Serum with Peach and Lily
Suitable for all skin types, this light, refreshing gel serum will leave your skin looking smooth and fresh. A cocktail of ingredients such as peach extract, niacinamide, mountain yam and hyaluronic acid help hydrate and firm skin for a radiant complexion.
This cruelty-free vegan essence contains 80 percent naturally fermented ingredients (a K-beauty staple), niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich red algae and berries. In addition, the powerful galactomies, derived from sake, help to hydrate and brighten the skin while reducing inflammation. This essence is ideal for all skin types.
BEST MOISTURIZING ACNE CREAM
This moisturizer has been sold by the millions across Asia for its highly effective ingredients. The moisturizing formula is 92% snail extract (yes, I said snails). In addition to moisturizing the skin, All-in-One Snail Repair Cream also helps improve the appearance of fine lines and acne scars. This cream is ideal for oily, combination and acne-prone skin.
BEST EYE CREAM
Intensive eye cream
Water and licorice extract help lighten dark circles and hyperpigmentation, while ingredients such as green tea and blueberry extract have anti-aging properties. Another star ingredient, caffeine, eases and reduces inflammation and swelling. The eye cream is suitable for all skin types.
BEST SHEET MASK
Good Skin Day Drench + Nourish Sheet Mask
What would Korean cosmetics be like without masks? It provides deep hydration, vital vitamins and minerals, and a range of antioxidants and brightening elements for radiant and glowing skin. The interesting thing is that this mask does not need to be refrigerated for it to have a cooling effect as the mask naturally has a cooling effect due to some of the natural ingredients in it.
BEST ACNE TREATMENT
Acne spots on peach and lily
These sticker-like patches act as a protective coating to keep you from picking while reducing inflammation, so stains are noticeably smaller after just one use. They come in different sizes to hide anything from that annoying white dot to those big red hormone bumps that come right before your period. And because these pinpoint spots are translucent, they can be worn under makeup.
BEST MOISTURIZING CREAM WITH SPF
Sunscreen
It's a multi-functional moisturizer and sunscreen at the same time! It's formulated with SPF 50 to protect against harmful UV rays and reveal signs of aging without leaving a white cast. African walnut oil and bamboo extracts keep skin hydrated, while aloe leaf extract and mallow root soothe and protect your skin's natural water barrier.
This cruelty-free vegan oil-based balm is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E to nourish the skin during cleansing. Its bright orange hue with sorbet is due to seaberry oil rich in fatty acids, but don't worry, it won't look orange on your skin. Hints of rosemary, persimmon and grapefruit create a sweet fragrance that leaves the skin very soft.
THE BEST EXFOLIATING TONIC
I am obsessed with Good Acids Pore Toner because it combines the best of active ingredients in a very gentle dosage with a Korean focus on hydration. This pH-adjusting toner removes dead skin cells to reveal smoothness, leaving pores clear. Alpha Hydroxy Acids liquefy dead skin cells, while a blend of nourishing botanical extracts help soothe inflammation. It is gentle enough to use daily and is especially ideal for oily and combination skin.
BEST BRIGHTENING SERUM
This concentrated vitamin C serum is formulated with 10% pure vitamin C or ascorbic acid and licorice root extract for brighter skin. Niacinamide and Vitamin B3 also help reduce skin dullness by improving the overall appearance of pores and fine lines. This serum with antioxidant-rich camu camu - a fruit that contains 40 times more vitamin C than oranges - is really impressive. It is ideal for neutralizing sun damage or creating a more even skin tone.
BEST EYE PATCHES
This pack of disposable eye masks is great for brightening and moisturizing the skin under the eyes. Antioxidant-rich algae, spirulina and chondrus crispus help reduce signs of aging, while soothing herbal extracts and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hydrating hyaluronic acid) leave skin smooth and conditioned. Pro Tip: Put them in the fridge overnight for a boost in the morning.
BEST DAY CREAM
Peach & Lily Antioxidant Cream
To protect yourself from free radical damage from the sun and other stressors, double up on antioxidants. Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream is a lightweight, velvety cream rich in antioxidants that helps fight free radical damage from pollution, overexposure to the sun and lack of sleep. It is flavored with matcha, lilac extract, niacinamide and adenosine for brighter, firmer skin.
THE BEST LIP TREATMENT
This leave-in mask incredibly moisturizes the skin, relieving it of peeling and dryness. The lip mask, enriched with hyaluronic acid and minerals, forms a protective film on the lips, retaining moisture and active ingredients. The berry blend also makes this mask rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Get ready to pucker up!
THE BEST FOAM WASH
This oil and water based cleanser acts as an oil and water based cleanser. The oil helps dissolve makeup while the lather helps remove impurities and refresh the skin. Instead of sulfates, Eco Your Skin Oil To Foam Cleanser uses coconut fruit extract as a natural cleanser that is gentle on skin so it stays balanced and clean, not tight and exposed.
