Korean skin care (K-beauty) has gained widespread international popularity over the past two decades, emerging prominently around 2012 with the rise of products like BB creams and multi-step routines.

Despite some fluctuations in global enthusiasm, it continues to experience resurgences, notably driven by social media platforms such as TikTok where trends like “Korean glass skin” have seen massive engagement, boosting sales of key products such as CosRx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, which has sold over 15 million bottles globally [b7183e72-d4b4-4084-b2d7-b1d4fc4d26d4_157656218; 62639bd8-2c2c-4236-8d9e-9e408ac4b23f_220330763].

The core philosophy of Korean skin care emphasizes prevention, nourishment, and maintenance rather than correction or aggressive treatment typical in many Western routines.

K-beauty prioritizes hydration, gentle exfoliation, and skin barrier health using ingredients like ceramides, centella asiatica (cica), niacinamide, snail mucin, fermented extracts, and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) that exfoliate without irritation.

This contrasts with Western trends focusing heavily on retinol and stronger acids, which may often cause dryness or skin barrier damage .

Korean routines, traditionally known for their multi-step, layered approach (sometimes up to 10 steps), allow customization and focus on lightweight, hydrating formulations, emphasizing consistent, gentle care.

However, the lengthy routines have recently evolved towards simplified regimens of 3-4 essential steps, catering especially to budget-conscious or sensitive skin consumers .

The product diversity is vast, ranging from cleansers, toners, essences, ampoules, to various masks and innovative formulations incorporating natural and herbal ingredients rooted in traditional Korean medicine (hanbang).

Recent trends include “clean beauty” and vegan formulations, reflecting global sustainability concerns .

Korean skin care (K-beauty) has gained widespread international popularity over the past two decades, emerging prominently around 2012 with the rise of products like BB creams and multi-step routines.

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How TikTok Brought Back K-Beauty

While the K-beauty craze of the 2010s has waned in recent years, brands and retailers are seeing renewed interest in the category thanks to TikTok.
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Key insights

  • After K-beauty’s international spike in popularity more than a decade ago, it entered a period of decline at the start of the 2020s.
  • TikTok is leading a K-beauty resurgence. Laneige, Innisfree, Beauty of Joseon and Cosrx are among brands going viral on the platform.
  • K-beauty-inspired trends are also taking off. “Korean glass skin” saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30.

When Laneige launched at Sephora US in 2017, its K-beauty identity was front and centre.

The Amorepacific-owned brand was featured in the retailer’s K-beauty endcap, a K-beauty menu bar section and multiple K-beauty campaigns. But half a decade later, hype around the category had faded, according to Julien Bouzitat, US brand general manager for Laneige and sister brand Innisfree.

“The first time, it was very successful,” he said. “The second time, not as great … [Sephora’s] takeaway was that the first wave of K-beauty had gone away.”

The K-beauty craze emerged in the US around 2012 with the rise of BB cream, and spurred countless subsequent beauty trends such as sheet masks, 10-step skin care routines and blemish patches. In the mid- to late 2010s, K-beauty fervour was so high that imported labels like Laneige and Tony Moly quickly faced competition from major US brands launching copycat products as well as from new K-beauty-inspired startups like Glow Recipe, Then I Met You and Peach & Lily.

But as K-beauty went mainstream, brands’ use of the term as a selling point died down — until now. Korean brands have TikTok to thank. The hashtag #kbeauty has 9.5 billion views on TikTok. The term “Korean glass skin,” a K-beauty trend that was popular in 2017, saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30, according to data science company Spate and market research firm Circana. Sales of products that help users achieve the Korean “glass skin” look have risen, too. The viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is now the number one best-selling beauty product on Amazon after taking off on TikTok. The brand said it has now sold 15 million bottles as of September.

While K-Beauty’s original heyday was driven in part by gimmick marketing and attention-grabbing packaging, its resurgence is due to a new “skintellectual” age group being drawn to product efficacy. Moreover, affordable price points are encouraging cost-conscious and dupe-obsessed shoppers to buy.

“There’s been a second generation which became more [focused on the] brand-building aspect of K-beauty and this Korean skincare expertise,” said Bouzitat.

The Wave Recedes

Since the 1990s, Hallyu — the “Korean wave” — has been growing outside South Korea’s borders, as the South Korean government encouraged international exports globally. The 2010s saw an influx of Korean culture and products, especially entertainment and beauty. US-based Sephora and Ulta Beauty stocked up on Korean beauty brands, while beauty conglomerates acquired them. In 2018, L’Oréal purchased K-beauty brand 3CE parent company Nanda, while the Estée Lauder Companies bought Dr. Jart+ in 2019.

“It took skin care to a whole other level. I don’t think it will ever be the same, thanks to the influence of K-beauty,” said Lindsay Ullman, co-founder of beauty consulting firm The View from 32 and a former merchandising executive at Sephora.

But its popularity kicked off an influx of K-beauty inspired brands stateside. Soko Glam and Peach & Lily both started as e-tailers selling imported K-beauty products before their founders, Charlotte Cho and Alicia Yoon, respectively, expanded with their own skin care brands. Quickly, legacy brands like Lancôme and Clinique began introducing their own versions of BB creams, sheet masks or cleansing oils.

Momentum slowed in the 2020s. Estée Lauder Companies reported in August that Dr. Jart+’s net sales declined during the 2023 fiscal year. In the US, Sephora stopped stocking at least 10 K-beauty brands that it sold in the late 2010s, including Too Cool for School, Neogen, Amorepacific and Son & Park, and no longer highlights its K-beauty section on its homepage. Amorepacific’s profits plunged by 28.5 percent in 2022. Even upstarts like Glow Recipe and Hero Cosmetics, that once traded on being K-beauty-inspired brands, stopped using the term in their marketing and communications.

An Influencer-Led Renaissance

It’s not the multi-step routine tutorials — which were the hallmark of 2010s K-beauty — driving the category’s comeback. Instead, it’s individual viral product crazes sparked by influencers and celebrities.

K-beauty sunscreens with formulas that don’t have a white cast, for example, have been a hit with influencers. Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense sunscreen, which went viral on TikTok, was explicitly cited as one of the top-selling products driving Amorepacific Group’s North America growth this year. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun sunscreen has received 587 million views on TikTok, driven by influencers like Ava Lee, who is working on a collaboration with the brand planned for release in 2024. While the product is not yet approved by the FDA for sale in the US, customers have tried to find workarounds, ordering from cross-border websites or unverified Amazon sellers.

Meanwhile, Laneige is seeing double-digit sales growth in the US, said Bouzitat. The brand has been a hit on TikTok for the past two years thanks in part to its ASMR product videos and high-profile brand ambassador, “Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney. The efforts the brand has made on TikTok are part of a broader North America marketing push on the part of Amorepacific Group, which also launched a rebrand campaign for luxury brand Sulwhasoo this year. The company also returned to profitability in the second quarter of 2023, reporting that overseas revenue grew 27 percent, boosted by 105 percent growth in North America.

Unlike prestige predecessors, affordable K-beauty brands have become a draw for TikTok’s dupe-obsessed young shoppers. Beauty influencer Stephanie Valentine, known on TikTok as Glamzilla, prompted a sell out of Innisfree’s Dewy Glow Moisturizer when she offered it as a dupe for Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer. Within 48 hours, the item sold out at Sephora US and Canada as well as on the brand’s website.

“Innovation, no matter what category you’re talking about, clients are going to always be excited about that,” said Ullman. “Korean skin care is such an innovative player, so as long as they keep coming out with new formats, new textures, new ways to talk about skin care, there’s opportunity.”

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Despite some fluctuations in global enthusiasm, it continues to experience resurgences, notably driven by social media platforms such as TikTok where trends like “Korean glass skin” have seen massive engagement, boosting sales of key products such as CosRx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, which has sold over 15 million bottles globally [b7183e72-d4b4-4084-b2d7-b1d4fc4d26d4_157656218; 62639bd8-2c2c-4236-8d9e-9e408ac4b23f_220330763].

The core philosophy of Korean skin care emphasizes prevention, nourishment, and maintenance rather than correction or aggressive treatment typical in many Western routines.

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Content: What's Hot

The Best Korean Skin Care Product Brands For 2024

K-beauty products have slowly risen to trend, becoming bestsellers on almost all e-commerce platforms. So what is all the hype about? Let us break it down for you along with the best Korean skin care brands below.

Best Skin Care Product Brands Photo: Amazon

Korean people are renowned for their sought-after "glass skin" appearance. With a growing emphasis on skin health, many consumers are turning to the best Korean skincare products for its use of natural ingredients such as ginseng and rice water, along with reliable staples like retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. From cleansers and moisturisers to face masks and serums, Korean skincare brands provide options for every budget and skin type.

Be it if you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, Korean brands offer a diverse range of products tailored to address specific issues like acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and hydration. This versatility has made Korean skincare a favourite among beauty enthusiasts seeking effective solutions at various price points.

To simplify your search for the ideal skincare regimen, we've curated a list of some of the best Korean skincare products and brands below.

Whether you prioritise gentle formulations, anti-aging benefits, or hydration, these recommendations will help you discover a brand that aligns perfectly with your skincare needs and goals. Explore the world of Korean skincare and achieve radiant, healthy-looking skin with products trusted by millions worldwide.

How to choose the best Korean skincare products

  • Identify Your Skin Type: Determine whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone. Korean skincare offers targeted products for each type.

  • Understand Your Skin Concerns: Whether it's acne, aging signs, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration, prioritise products designed to address your specific concerns.

  • Read Ingredient Lists: Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightening, and tea tree oil for acne-prone skin. Avoid products with potentially irritating ingredients if you have sensitive skin.

  • Consider Product Texture: Choose textures that suit your preferences and needs—whether lightweight gels for oily skin or rich creams for dry skin.

  • Check for Certifications: Look for certifications like K-Beauty or EWG Verified, ensuring products meet certain safety and quality standards.

  • Trial Sizes and Patch Tests: Start with trial sizes or samples when possible to test compatibility with your skin. Conduct patch tests to avoid adverse reactions.

  • Create a Routine: Build a comprehensive skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, treating (with serums or essences), moisturising, and sun protection, tailored to your skin's needs and concerns.

How we chose these brands for you

  • Effectiveness: Each brand was evaluated for the efficacy of its products in addressing various skin concerns such as acne, aging, hydration, and sensitivity.

  • Customer Reviews: Insights from real users helped gauge overall satisfaction, product performance, and consistency in delivering promised results.

  • Brand Reputation: We considered the reputation and trustworthiness of each brand within the skincare community, focusing on their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

  • Value for Money: We assessed the pricing relative to the quality and benefits offered by each brand, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

  • Ethical Standards: Brands that uphold ethical standards in sourcing ingredients, manufacturing processes, and sustainability practices were given preference.

Below is a comprehensive list of best Korean skin care brands

  1. Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe Photo: Amazon

Glow Recipe is a beloved Korean skincare brand known for its innovative and fruit-forward products. If you're wondering whether it's a good fit for your skin type, you're in luck—Glow Recipe caters to a variety of skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and combination.

Their product range is extensive, featuring everything from cleansers and toners to serums, moisturisers, and masks. Popular items include the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and the Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream. These products are formulated with gentle yet effective ingredients like watermelon, avocado, and hyaluronic acid, which are designed to nourish and hydrate the skin without irritation.

This brand has carved out a strong position in the market, often praised for its fun, colourful packaging and effective formulations. The brand enjoys a solid reputation, frequently highlighted in beauty magazines and loved by influencers.

Products from Glow Recipe worth the hype

2, ILLIYOON

ILLIYOON Photo: Amazon

ILLIYOON is a rising star in the Korean skincare scene, known for its focus on gentle yet effective formulations suitable for sensitive skin types. Their product range spans from basic skincare essentials to targeted treatments, making it a go-to brand for those seeking simplicity and effectiveness.

The brand emphasises natural ingredients known for their soothing and moisturising properties, such as ceramides, panthenol (provitamin B5), and madecassoside (derived from centella asiatica). These ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate deeply, and calm irritation—ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

While perhaps not as widely recognized as some major Korean beauty brands, ILLIYOON is dermatologically tested, ensuring safety and efficacy for various skin types, reflecting its commitment to quality and skin-friendly formulations. Feedback from users often highlights the brand’s ability to soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and provide long-lasting hydration.

Some of the best products from ILLIYOON range

3. COSRX

COSRX Photo: Amazon

Established in 2014, COSRX has quickly gained a strong reputation among skincare enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their products are often clinically evaluated and tested, ensuring safety and efficacy. They're particularly beneficial for acne-prone, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types, thanks to their gentle yet effective formulations.

They prioritise using minimal ingredients and focus on scientifically-backed actives that deliver results without unnecessary additives.

Their range includes essentials like cleansers, toners, exfoliants (like the popular BHA Blackhead Power Liquid), serums (such as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence), moisturisers, and acne treatments. COSRX products are formulated with key ingredients like snail mucin, Centella Asiatica, AHA/BHA acids, and propolis, targeting issues such as acne, aging, and uneven skin tone.

The brand's straightforward approach and affordable pricing make it a favourite among those looking for reliable skincare solutions backed by science.

Popular product from this fast forward rising brand

4. LANEIGE

LANEIGE Photo: Amazon

Users have continually praised LANEIGE for its ability to deliver noticeable improvements in skin hydration and texture. Since its inception it has built a solid reputation for combining scientific research with effective skincare solutions.

Their products feature ingredients like Water Science™ technology, which includes mineral water, hyaluronic acid, and proprietary blends like the Advanced Water Science™ technology found in their Water Bank line. Popular items include the Water Sleeping Mask, Lip Sleeping Mask, and the Cream Skin Refiner, all designed to provide intense hydration and nourishment.

Many appreciate the luxurious feel and effective results of their products, especially the overnight masks which leave skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

LANEIGE's commitment to hydration and skincare innovation continues to resonate with customers worldwide, making it a trusted name in the world of Korean beauty.

Their prominent product lineup include

5. belif

belif Photo: Amazon

Belif is a Korean skincare brand that’s revered for its effective solutions, especially for hydration and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. If you're dealing with dryness, dullness, or sensitivity, this brand offers promising remedies.

They cater  to a wide range of skin types, particularly benefiting those with dry, combination, and sensitive skin. Their formulations are free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, appealing to users seeking clean skincare options.

Their lineup includes moisturisers (like the True Cream Aqua Bomb and Moisturizing Bomb), cleansers, serums, masks, and toners. Key ingredients such as comfrey leaf, oats, and calendula help soothe and nourish the skin, while maintaining a gentle approach suitable for sensitive skin types.

The brand continues to be praised for its innovative approach to skincare, making it a favourite among skincare enthusiasts looking for gentle yet powerful solutions.

Standout products include that are under $40

6, innisfree

innisfree Photo: Amazon

Innisfree has cemented its place as a staple in many skincare routines, known for its extensive range of products and dedicated retail outlets worldwide. They offer a diverse array of skincare items including cleansers, toners, essences, serums (such as the Green Tea Seed Serum), moisturizers, masks, and sunscreens.

Their products are formulated with natural ingredients sourced from Korea's pristine Jeju Island, like green tea, volcanic clay, and orchid extracts, catering to a wide spectrum of skin types. The brand is particularly favoured for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, earning a positive reputation among environmentally conscious consumers.

Founded in 2000, Innisfree has grown into a globally recognized name in skincare, praised for its effective formulations rooted in natural ingredients. Reviews highlight Innisfree's ability to deliver noticeable results, from improved skin texture to enhanced hydration and a healthy glow.

Some staples you should include in your skincare routine

7. AESTURA

AESTURA Photo: Amazon

AESTURA has made a name for itself by focusing on products designed for sensitive and compromised skin. Their offerings cater to individuals who need gentle, soothing care, often including those with conditions like eczema or rosacea. The brand boasts a comprehensive range of products, including cleansers, toners, moisturisers, and specialised treatments.

This brand's products are formulated with dermatologically tested ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica, which help to strengthen the skin barrier, provide deep hydration, and soothe irritation.

Their key products, like the Atobarrier 365 Cream and the Theracne 365 Clear Deep Cleansing Foam, are highly regarded for their effectiveness and gentleness.

Feedback highlights the noticeable improvement in skin hydration and overall health, with many appreciating the brand's commitment to gentle yet effective skincare. If you're seeking reliable, dermatologist-approved skincare, AESTURA is definitely worth considering.

Products that may help you achieve that glass skin

AESTURA A-CICA365 Soft Calming Mask Pad

AESTURA A-CICA 365 Calming Cream with Blemish Calming Serum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Korean skincare different from Western skincare?

  • Korean skincare emphasises prevention, hydration, and achieving a luminous complexion through consistent and gentle care. It often incorporates innovative ingredients and practices rooted in traditional Korean beauty rituals.

How should I incorporate Korean skincare products into my routine?

  • Start with a basic routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, then gradually introduce additional products like serums or masks based on your skin concerns. Consistency and patience are important as your skin adjusts to new products.

Are Korean skincare products suitable for men?

  • Yes, Korean skincare brands often offer gender-neutral or specifically formulated products for men. These products focus on hydration, anti-aging, and soothing properties, catering to the unique needs of male skin.

How long does it take to see results from Korean skincare products?

  • Results from Korean skincare products can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns. Generally, users may notice improvements in hydration and skin texture within a few weeks of consistent use.

What does one mean when they say Korean glass skin?

  • Korean glass skin refers to a skincare trend aimed at achieving a smooth, flawless complexion with a reflective, dewy finish. It involves meticulous hydration, exfoliation, and use of lightweight, hydrating products to enhance skin radiance.

Wrapping up

Korean skincare brands offer a pathway to discovering effective and innovative skincare solutions. With a focus on quality ingredients, gentle formulations, and a rich heritage of skincare wisdom, these brands cater to diverse skin types and concerns. By choosing from our carefully curated list of recommendations, you can tap into a world of skincare known for its commitment to hydration, radiance, and overall skin health. Whether you're seeking to address specific skincare issues or enhance your daily routine, Korean skincare offers a holistic approach that blends tradition with modern science, promising visible results and a renewed sense of confidence in your skin.

Disclaimer: The above content is non-editorial and produced by a third party partner. Outlook India does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of the content*.

*The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change

K-beauty prioritizes hydration, gentle exfoliation, and skin barrier health using ingredients like ceramides, centella asiatica (cica), niacinamide, snail mucin, fermented extracts, and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) that exfoliate without irritation.

This contrasts with Western trends focusing heavily on retinol and stronger acids, which may often cause dryness or skin barrier damage .

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Content: Is Korean Skin Care Really Superior? An Investigation

Photographed by Hayleigh Longman
With its shelfie-worthy packaging and a focus on intriguing ingredients like snail mucin and fermented rice water, Korean skincare has been the subject of Western fascination for years. Brands like CosRx, Innisfree, and Laneige have assumed viral social-media status, while Glow Recipe and Dr. Jart+ are now practically household names, thanks to TikTok.
Besides whipping up curiosity, Korean skin care has established a name for itself as one of the most effective and trustworthy categories in beauty. And ahead of winter, it's seeing a serious revival. In the past few weeks, searches for 'Korean skin-care routine', '10-step Korean skin care', and 'best Korean skin-care products' have made up Google's skin-care trends. While on TikTok, the hashtag #koreanskincare has seen a handful of new videos, each raking in millions of views.
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In October, a tweet and TikTok video posted by skin-care blogger @Mul_OVO went viral for showcasing the benefits of switching to Korean skin care. But is Korean skin care really better? Or have we simply got caught up in the hype?
Cosmetic Chemist and Licensed Aesthetician Esther Olu believes our obsession with K-skincare started with 'glass skin' — skin so dewy, it's almost reflective. Olu says that glass skin was the ideal and promoted "healthy-looking" and "luminous" skin standards. "Everyone wanted to have healthy skin," says Olu, "and Korean [skin care] has played a critical role in this mindset."

The Korean approach to skin care is a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists compared to Western products, which can be harsh.

You could argue that the main intent of skin care everywhere is to promote healthy, happy skin. But there are some key differences. Many Western skin-care trends (such as skin cycling, peels, and rediscovering skin toners) tend to home in on ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids, for example glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. These are great when used properly and sensibly under the guidance of an expert but they can be notoriously irritating when overdone, as many of us tend to do.
Ask any dermatologist to pinpoint common skin gripes they regularly spot in clinic and they'll almost always reel off perioral dermatitis (a red rash that circles your mouth), burns, irritation, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier (redness, tightness, breakouts, rashes) — all a result of overdoing it on harsh ingredients.
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Of course, Korean skin care does feature the aforementioned ingredients. They do work, after all. But the Korean approach seems to be a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists, too, says Olu. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are a lot more popular in Korean skin care, for example. Take Dr. Jart+'s recently launched Pore Remedy range, in which PHAs are the star ingredient. Much like glycolic and salicylic acids, PHAs exfoliate the skin effectively, but what sets them apart from other exfoliators is their large molecule size. They exfoliate at surface level without going too deep and aggravating skin as other acids might. Glow Recipe and CosRx are just a few Korean brands championing them and subsequently promoting a kinder approach to the controversial exfoliation trend.
In fact, Korean skin care has been something of a savior for our irritated skin barriers of late. Much of Korean skin care shines a light on reducing inflammation rather than drying out skin. "Promoting hydration as well as soothing ingredients is a primary focus in Korean skin care," confirms Cosmetic Chemist Ramón Pagán. "This is a contrast to the products we tend to see in the west, which can be more astringent or irritating to the skin with higher percentages of active ingredients."
Pagán explains that thanks to skin-care marketing in the early '00s, the Western approach to skin care has been hooked on stripping skin: getting rid of the 'bad' stuff like excess oil and clogged pores. Conversely, Korean skin care is about nourishing the skin. Reddit's skin-care obsessives concur that Western skin care can be disagreeable, particularly for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
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@hkjennylee #greenscreen and not to mention the dupe has bifida as the FIRST ingredient while the original has it as the SECOND… tea 🙈 #koreanskincare #kbeautyblogger #kbeauty #koreanskincareproducts #kbeautyskincare ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Olu seconds this. "Western skin-care products tend to take a corrective approach," she tells R29. "Specifically, the formulas are dedicated to solving a skin-care concern, whether it is retinol, azelaic acid, or BHAs and AHAs," which are different kinds of exfoliating acids. "[Western skin care] is meant to help with anti-aging and things like redness," explains Olu, "while Korean skin care focuses more on maintenance and skin barrier health."
It's why you'll find excellent ingredients, like ceramides (very moisturizing and hold the skin barrier together), centella asiatica aka cica (a herb that decreases inflammation, redness, puffiness, and swelling) and niacinamide (vitamin B3, which keeps the skin barrier intact and reduces excess oil) in most Korean skin care. The color-correcting cream that recently went viral on TikTok? It includes cica — and of course it's Korean.

A reason why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands to better develop cosmetics.

Redditors also point out that Korean skin care includes 'special ingredients' and technologies that Western products don't. Snail mucin (excreted from snails) is a popular moisturizing ingredient among Korean brands, with influencers and experts extolling the virtues of products like CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel. "This is a great barrier-protecting ingredient," Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa told R29 recently, "but it also gives your skin a great shine."
Then there's allantoin, popular in Korean skin care for locking moisture into the skin, as well as rice extract (said to increase hydration, making skin plump), and bee propolis, a natural substance produced by honey bees that has been proven to smooth skin and protect it from environmental factors, such as pollution.
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Beyond the more skin-friendly and interesting approach to ingredients, it has been reported that Korean beauty and skin care is one of the country's biggest businesses and exports. As the world's third largest cosmetics exporter, South Korea's cosmetics exports outperformed home appliances, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones in 2020. Data also suggests that South Korea's skin-care market will reach $11.4 billion in value by 2026. Interestingly, one of the reasons why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands in order to better develop cosmetics.
"When K-beauty was introduced to the Western market through popular channels and social media, a phenomenon was awakened, creating demand and opportunity for business," says Nina Vargas, a global business strategist for beauty, fashion, and wellness brands. "This allowed Korean cosmetics companies to obtain help from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)." KITA is a nonprofit organization that helps small and medium enterprises enter markets abroad.
What's more, Dr. Jenelle Kim, Founder and Formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, says that Korean skin care uses the latest science to understand exactly what our skin needs. "It utilizes ingredients in new ways, while remaining committed to formulating with centuries-proven ingredients and, for some brands [like Erborian, Sulwhasoo, and Beauty of Joseon], the powers of herbal medicine." Ginseng and green tea are super popular, for example.
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Dr. Kim adds that our skin's needs change with the climate or environmental factors, like air quality, makeup trends, and hormones. Korean skin care has consistently switched things up in an effort to help us stay in balance. Pagán agrees that heritage surrounds Korean skin care. "Lots of brands use 'hanbang' ingredients, which are based around traditional Korean medicine," he says. "These are often herbal and naturally derived." Post-pandemic, when we're more interested than ever in keeping healthy, highlighting medicinal skin care makes Korean products appear trustworthy and effective, elevating them above others.
In short, skin care is an inherent part of Korean culture. Head to TikTok and you'll see that Koreans view beauty not as a luxury but as a necessity. Countless videos suggest that from a young age, people are taught to take care of their skin and to look at skin care as a preventative measure. Year-round sun protection is also a big trend among Korean skin-care lovers, with a high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen said to be one of the most important products in a routine.
Another reason Korean skin care is regarded so highly is because the majority of it is affordable. Head to Reddit and you'll spot skin-care lovers swapping reviews of Innisfree, Tonymoly, and Etude House. The promise of soothed, hydrated skin is their main pull, but so are the relatively low prices, with most cleansers, serums, and creams coming in under $25.
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Amid a cost of living crisis, it makes sense that we want to spend as little as possible on beauty products. When it comes to Korean skin care, though, tightening your purse strings doesn't mean compromising on quality. All the proven skin-care ingredients are there, from retinol to acids, just in gentler concentrations and sophisticated formulas. Some TikTokers even point out that Korean skincare often dupes brands and products that charge hundreds for very similar ingredients and results. "It doesn't matter if you spend $1 or $100. If it's K-Beauty, chances are it's great," thinks Vargas.
Over time, the 10-product routine has given way to routines with fewer steps. Excessive layering doesn't work for everyone, particularly if you have a strict budget or your skin is sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone. But Korean skin care is ever evolving and always adapting to consumer needs. Because of this, three- or four-step routines are now trending among Korean influencers. TikTokers are sharing their easy skin-care rituals, which always start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser followed by a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This is a quick and effective routine that dermatologists and skin-care experts often recommend for skin types across the board.
Pagán believes that Korean skin care stays fun and inventive. "It's simple but impactful and you get luxury experiences at affordable prices. You don't see Western brands readily introducing staple Korean concepts, like fermented ingredients or snail secretion." Add to that the serious investment and spotlight on nourishing the skin (rather than getting rid of the 'nasty' stuff) and it's clear to see why Korean skin care is regarded so highly. But is it better? Essentially, the very best skin care is the skin care that works for you. If it happens to be Korean, that's great. But if it's something else entirely, why switch it up?
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Korean routines, traditionally known for their multi-step, layered approach (sometimes up to 10 steps), allow customization and focus on lightweight, hydrating formulations, emphasizing consistent, gentle care.

However, the lengthy routines have recently evolved towards simplified regimens of 3-4 essential steps, catering especially to budget-conscious or sensitive skin consumers .

The product diversity is vast, ranging from cleansers, toners, essences, ampoules, to various masks and innovative formulations incorporating natural and herbal ingredients rooted in traditional Korean medicine (hanbang).

Recent trends include “clean beauty” and vegan formulations, reflecting global sustainability concerns .

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Content: Vegan Skincare ｜ The first lip balm selected by 5 Korean niche organic skincare brands is this
Author: WIW - Women in Work
Published: Updated:
In recent years, this trend of environmental protection, vegan and animal-free experiments has also hit Asia. In Korea, which has always mastered the Asian maintenance trend, natural organic care products have become popular in recent years. These natural brands are widely discussed among Korean girls.
To create flawless skin, you need to pay attention to diet, of course, many have to choose natural and harmless skin care products! Recommended 5 Korean niche organic skin care brands (click to enlarge read) ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
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One Thing
The brand insists on using Korean organic plant extracts, and each lotion launched has only one ingredient, and the pure ingredients allow the skin to get more targeted care.
Each of these plant ingredients will give the skin a different nourishment, and everyone can mix and use according to their own skin.
Because each product has no compound components, only one organic and natural ingredient, it can also be used with other One Thing products.
Melixir
Melixir is a brand focused on vegan ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging, and without any animal testing, all products are PETA certified for global animal protection, plus natural ingredients, even for pregnant women and sensitive skin.
One of the brand's most popular lip balm, once voted the first easy-to-use lip balm by Korean girls, it can also do its part for the earth while protecting the skin.
Abib Cosmetic
The brand name Abib means “cereal ”, which describes the product ’ s adherence to the use of natural, pure extraction ingredients.
There are not too many varieties, but each one is extremely popular, using only pure ingredients, excluding all ingredients that may make the skin affordable, everyone can definitely use peace of mind.
One of the most popular is the “Chewing Gum Mask ”, which contains no harmful ingredients, and is very attentive, which completely fits the skin and tightly locks the care ingredients.
Related articles: Inventory 12 types of pores, moisturizing, oil control, skin care products Kick off oil fields, acne, acne (click to enlarge to read) ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
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Round Lab
Although Round Lab is less well-known in Chinese areas, it has long had a reputation among Korean girls. Its star product, 1025 Dokdo Cosmetics, uses the deep ocean water of 1,500 meters below sea level in Wuling Island, South Korea, which is rich in various mineral ingredients, which can maintain the balance of water and oil in the skin.
Other skincare products also adhere to the use of Korean natural ingredients, the product is mild and also has the effect of calming the skin.
THE LAB by blanc doux
THE LAB blanc doux is the only skin care brand in the market with a patent for small molecule hyaluronic acid products, and has been ranked first in the sales volume of cosmetics on the Korean search engine NAVER.
Its products do not contain any fragrances and preservatives, and are certified by PETA without animal testing, and are certified by EWG green, which is natural and safe.
Its pure white packaging design is simple and elegant, and it is loved at a glance, and its name is actually both external and internal.
Related article ： Skincare ｜ 7 Moisturizing Sprays Powerful Makeup Remover Wearing Masks to Soothe Dry Skin (Click to enlarge) ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
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This article is reproduced under the license of "WIW - Women in Work".
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