7 Korean Skincare Products That Actually Work
There’s a reason why South Koreans are known for their glowy skin — and it’s these Korean skincare products.
The rise of K-Drama and K-pop has put South Korean artists in the international spotlight.
But, their talented artists aren’t the only ones from South Korea that are trending — Korean skincare products are the most in-demand in terms of having healthy and naturally glowing skin.
In Korean culture, they value natural beauty over layers of makeup and that usually starts with their skin.
There is a high standard for beauty in Korea. Some may even deem that standard to be “flawless”.
Korean beauty R&D labs are being pushed to their limits as Korean women continue to push the definition of the best products and beauty.
The best Korean skincare brands are the leaders in incorporating innovative ingredients such as rice water, centella asiatica, mugwort, liquorice root, ginseng, and birch juice.
The right skincare routine order
Sticking to a good skincare routine is important — your older self will thank you for it.
Even the best Korean skincare products will take time to work. Taking care of your skin shouldn’t be a temporary change.
Be in the habit of having a skincare routine, even on the nights when you’re just so tired. After all, it is a lifestyle change for people who are not used to it.
If you’re new to a nightly skincare routine, then this right skincare routine order can help you:
- Makeup remover
- Cleanser
- Exfoliate
- Toner
- Essence
- Serum
- Face masks
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Night cream
You can do all of these in your nighttime skincare routine or just some of them. You know your skin, you know what’s best for you.
Even the best Korean skincare products work differently for different people.
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Best reviewed Korean skincare products
- Monster Micellar Cleansing Water by Etude House
This cleansing water might have a monster on its bottle, but it’s definitely going to leave you with a gentle and soft feeling after every use.
Just like its adorable branding, this Korean micellar cleansing water is made up of the big 3 green ingredients — aloe, bamboo, and green tea extract to help soothe and moisturize your skin.
Monster Micellar Cleansing Water is also a ‘no wash’ micellar cleanser, making it easy to use and remove your makeup with just it and a cotton pad.
2. Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Tissue by SKIN FOOD
Sometimes you just want your face clean by the end of a long night without putting in too much effort — that’s where Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Tissue comes in.
Let your skin breathe and cleanse all the dirt and leftover makeup with this Korean skincare product full of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Originating from Gangwon Province, Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Tissue has been making its name in the international arena of skincare products.
3. Floria Brightening Peeling Gel by Tonymoly
Floria Brightening Peeling Gel is great for all skin types. This Korean skincare product has a gel-like texture and extracts from fruits and florals, making it easy on any skin type without small granules getting stuck in your pores.
Not only does Floria Brightening Peeling Gel make sure you get rid of all your dead skin cell build-up and dirt, but it also leaves you looking bright and fresh.
Since this is also a hydrating skincare product, you can use it in any dry area of your body, not just your face.
4. Intensive Hydrating Toner with Green Tea Seed by Innisfree
A popular Korean toner —Intensive Hydrating Toner with Green Tea Seed is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used morning and night according to your skincare routine.
Innisfree’s Intensive Hydrating Toner with Green Tea is a moisturizing and watery toner infused with Jeju green tea and green tea seed oil extract that helps to nourish and soften skin.
According to Innisfree, it’s best to layer the product 2 or 3 times before your serum or moisturizer.
5. Water Bank Hydro Essence by Laneige
Also on the list of best Korean skincare products is Water Bank Hydro Essence. It is an essence that helps your skin have the essential moisture to help with hydration and retain natural oil.
Reviews have been nice with this Laneige essence, with good reviews when used on dry and oily skin. The only negative remark is the fragrance. It can be a little overwhelming if you have a sensitive sense of smell.
6. Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask by Mediheal
With promotion with BTS members, Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask sales have been off the charts.
Each set of this Korean skincare product includes 5 single-use sheet masks.
Infused with herbal extracts to strip away all the dirt, the Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask will leave your skin refreshed and prevent future build-up in your pores.
7. Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
The versatility of this moisturizing cream is what makes it on our list of the best Korean skincare products. Not to mention its affordability.
Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream helps to calm irritated skin, making it great for people who are prone to breakouts.
It’s also very gentle on your skin and works well with both dry and oily skin.
Why Korean skincare products are on trend
Korean artists are popping up in the mainstream industry, and along with them are their almost glass-like skin.
In 2017, a market research firm called Mintel estimated that Korea’s beauty industry was worth $13 billion.
Naturally, with its great reviews, Korean skincare products are currently among the top 10 global beauty products in the markets.
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