Setting the golden standard for clean and effective formulas, Korean Skincare has proven time and time again that coveted glass skin is in fact possible when equipped with the right skin-loving formulas.
From sheet masks that hold the secret to hydrated and bouncy skin, to ampoules strengthening the skin barrier, and snail mucin prepping the money-maker for days of bright and glowing skin, K-beauty really is as good as it gets.
With what seems like an endless list of Korean beauty popping up at every cosmetic and drug store nationwide, we have taken the time to curate the top 12 contenders guaranteed to bring your AM and PM routine a breath of fresh air.
In This Article
12 of the Best Korean Skincare Brands
Beauty of Joseon
Jumping on the less is more train, K-beauty brand, Beauty of Joseon was created with sensitive skin in mind. Ranging from cleansers, to exfoliators, toners, serums, moisturisers, sunscreens and more, Beauty of Joseon really is a one stop shop for effective and affordable formulas. However, taking the limelight is the Glow Serum, a miracle worker in brightening skin flaws and dark blemishes.
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iHerb
COSRX
Taking over the beauty side of TikTok, COSRX is the brand that put Korean skincare on the map. Famed for their involvement in slugging – taking snail secretion to hydrate the skin, COSRX products really are as good as they say.
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iHerb
Skin1004
Famous for harnessing the power of the purest Centella Asiatica, Skin1004 is all about calming, hydrating, and restoring the skin without the fluff. Whether it be a battle against a breakout, or just craving that coveted glass-skin glow, the range of best-selling basics will have your skin refreshed and relaxed with every use.
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iHerb
Dr.Jart+
Following years of oil stripping nose peels and drying clay masks, Dr. Jart opened the hydration floodgates, offering a hydro-boosting rubber mask that would shake the skincare world.
Innovating their formulas and “joining them with artful experiences”, today Dr. Jart has curated a collection of cosmetics each targeting various skin concerns by way of newly developed formulas.
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Belif
Strictly using true, honest ingredients and formulas, the unique range at Belief is inspired by 19th century apothecary herbal traditions. From Multi Vitamin Masks, to the cult-favourite True Cream Aqua Bomb, there is a product for every skin type to enjoy.
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Anua
Simple and pure, K-beauty brand Anua has become a fast-favourite of glass-skin adoring beauty lovers alike. Innovating their formulas to reach an “optimal ratio of natural and active ingredients”, Anua’s mission is to rid you of skin concerns with a formula as gentle as it is effective.
Our favourites at Beauty Space are the Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil and the Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum.
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iHerb
Mediheal
Toning pads have become a beauty essential in recent times, and it’s more often than not that Mediheal be the go-to brand for skincare lovers seeking convenience and efficiency. Known for their dermatologist-approved formulas, Mediheal’s toning pads are packed with powerful actives, including much-loved ingredient Centella Asiatica.
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iHerb
Banila Co
Compromising the skin barrier for the sake of removing makeup is so last year. Thankfully, Banilla Co have done their research, creating the creme de la creme of cleansing balms suited to every skin type and texture.
Made with plant powered ingredients, the Clean It Zero collection completely cleanses and hydrates the skin at once – that means no barrier disturbance and simply a healthy complexion.
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iHerb
Sulwhasoo
Founded on the philosophy of balance, Korean skincare brand, Sulwhasoo is a premium in the anti-ageing k-skincare department. Since the brands inception in 1966, there has been an unwavering devotion to ginseng and its involvement in recovering the skin’s rejuvenating system. It is this holistic approach to skincare that makes Silwhasoo rave-worthy to this day.
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I'm From
Harnessing the power of nature through an innovative fermentation process, I’m From Skincare delivers skin-renewing cosmetics that you have to try to believe. A fan-favourite worthy of mentioning is the I’m From Rice Toner. Made with 77.78% Rice Extract, this formula will have your skin appearing glassy and glazed with every use.
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iHerb
Innisfree
Inspired by nature, Innisfree’s eco-conscious approach proves that skincare can be as gentle on your skin as it can be on the environment. Taking ingredients like green tea, volcanic clusters, and bija seed oil, this K-beauty favourite brand delivers bright, hydrated and balanced skin for that refreshing detox you are oh-so craving.
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Laneige
Laneige and lip masks? A match made in skincare heaven if you ask us! This K-beauty powerhouse has cracked the code on hydration, and their Lip Sleeping Mask is proof. Crowned the number one lip treatment in the U.S., Laneige made formulas are as good as it gets.
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What is K-beauty?
If you have ever been left wondering just why Korean skin appears so impossibly smooth, dewy and flawless, then consider the answer within the world of K-beauty. From 10-step skincare routines that are all about hydration, layering and gentle care, to sheet masks locking in natural oils and moisture for that coveted glass skin look, K-beauty is the home of radiant and glowing complexions.
Drawing benefits from hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid for deep moisture, snail mucin for barrier repair, and niacinamide for that even, lit-from-within glow, it is this nutrient approach to skincare that sets Korean beauty ahead of the rest.
What does a Korean skin-care routine look like?
A Korean skincare routine focuses on layering hydrating and nourishing products for a healthy, radiant complexion. It typically starts with a double cleanse—an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and SPF, followed by a water-based cleanser for impurities.
Exfoliation (a few times a week) preps the skin, while toner restores balance and essence boosts hydration. Serums and ampoules target concerns like dullness or breakouts, followed by eye cream and a lightweight moisturiser to lock in moisture. In the morning, SPF is essential for protection, while at night, a richer moisturiser or sleeping mask seals in hydration for overnight renewal.
