Get the best of Korean beauty brands from this list of must-have Korean beauty products!
These days Korean beauty products seem to dominate every category in the market. They are creative, new, and refreshing with some really unique ingredients.
Most importantly, they are pocket friendly and very effective. How effective? Check out our list of the must have Korean beauty products.
Korean skincare is probably the best in the world. What initially started as just one or two brands has now expanded to several brand names and a variety of skincare products, each one more interesting than the other.
Korean beauty industry places a lot of emphasis on hydration. Even the makeup products offered, provide a certain level of hydration to the skin.
Be it cleansers, toners or serums – all Korean skincare products are formulated to improve skin’s hydration and moisturization levels. This is how Korean women achieve that dewy, flawless skin.
Must-have Korean Beauty Products: At a Glance
| Must-Have Korean Beauty Products | Best For | Price |
| Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam – Must-Have Korean Beauty Products | Oily skin, Combination Skin | $19.27 |
| Mizon AHA & BHA Toner | Acne-prone skin | $16.89 |
| Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum | Skin Brightening | $22.00 |
| Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream | Damaged Skin, Mature Skin | $14.65 |
| Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk | All Skin Types | $12.90 |
| Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask | Oily skin | $21,86 |
| Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum | Dry Skin | $59.98 |
| Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches | Acne-prone skin | $12.10 |
| BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm | Sensitive Skin | $18.12 |
| Belif Aqua Bomb Mist | All Skin Types | $34.00 |
Must-Have Korean Beauty Products
Must Have Korean Makeup Products
Korean makeup has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. It boasts innovative formulas, unique textures, and vibrant colors that cater to a wide range of skin tones and preferences. Here are some must-have Korean makeup products that we absolutely swear by.
First on the list is the BB cushion. This little compact packs a punch with its all-in-one formula that primes, conceals, and provides light to medium coverage. It’s lightweight and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Next, is the Korean lip tint, which has become a cult favorite.
The long-lasting formula provides a natural flush of color that lasts all day, without feeling heavy or sticky. Perfect for a subtle everyday look or a night out.
Korean eyeliners are also a must-have. They offer precise application and superb pigment that won’t budge or smudge, making them a game-changer for achieving perfect cat-eye or winged liner looks.
An eyebrow pencil is another staple in Korean makeup. They come in a range of shades and undertones that cater to every hair color, and the waterproof formula ensures long-lasting wear. Last but not least is the highlighter. Korean highlighters provide a dewy glow that’s perfect for all skin types.
They’re buildable, so you can achieve a subtle or intense shine depending on your preference. These are just a few of the must-have Korean makeup products. They’re versatile, effective, and a game-changer in any makeup routine. Give them a try and see why Korean makeup is worth the hype.
/spac
Why Are Korean Beauty Products Better
Korean beauty products have taken the world by storm, and for good reason. They have managed to capture the hearts and faces of beauty enthusiasts everywhere. But, why are Korean beauty products better? Korean beauty products are known for their innovative and effective formulas.
Brands are constantly researching new ingredients, technologies, and techniques to give users the best possible results. They also focus on making sure that each product is customizable for individual skin types and concerns. Another factor that sets Korean beauty products apart is their focus on achieving a healthy and youthful look.
Many of their products contain natural and nourishing ingredients that help to brighten, smooth and improve overall skin texture. These ingredients include green tea, rice water, honey, aloe vera, and many others. Korean beauty products also employ a multi-step skincare routine to ensure that each aspect of skincare is properly taken care of.
This routine usually involves cleansing, toning, essence, serum, moisturizing, and sun protection. This extensive routine may seem overwhelming, but it ensures that each product is properly absorbed and provides maximum benefits.
Finally, Korean beauty products are also budget-friendly and widely accessible. This makes it easier for people to experiment and find the perfect products for their skin.
In conclusion, Korean beauty products are better because of their innovative formulas, focus on achieving healthy skin, multi-step skincare routine, affordability, and accessibility. These factors have contributed to the popularity of Korean beauty products, and they are here to stay.
What Is The Best Korean Skin Care Routine
If you’re venturing into the world of Korean beauty, it’s essential to know the best Korean skincare routine for your skin type. Korean beauty isn’t just about using a single product, but it’s all about following a routine that provides complete care for your skin.
The first step in a Korean skincare routine is to double cleanse. This means using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one. The oil-based cleansers remove makeup and dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils, while the water-based cleansers eliminate the residue leaving the skin feeling clean.
The second step is toning. Korean toners help rebalance the skin’s pH levels after cleansing and are full of active ingredients that can penetrate the skin more deeply. They also prepare the skin to absorb more nutrients when applying other products such as serums. The third step is to apply an essence.
Essences are packed with nutrients and provide intense hydration, leading to improved skin texture and tone. Next is the application of the serum. Korean skincare serums are highly concentrated and are packed with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. They are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy.
The fifth step is to use eye cream to nourish the delicate eye area and prevent wrinkles. The eye area is the most delicate, and using an eye cream can help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Finally, it’s time to moisturize. A good moisturizer helps keep skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day.
It also acts as a barrier against external environmental factors and slows down the aging process. Remember that Korean beauty products work best when used in a routine and should be customized to your skin type.
With a little patience, effort and some of the must-have Korean beauty products, you’ll be on your way to achieving flawless skin.
#1 — Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
Innisfree is a popular Korean brand that has established itself across the world. They deliver high-quality products that are extremely effective and really affordable It is one of the Must Have Korean Beauty Products 2020.
- While there are several cleansers and face washes by Innisfree, we highly recommend the Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing foam as it does an excellent job of deep cleaning the face.
- If you have dry skin, you can still use this and top it up with a good moisturising routine.
Your skin feels squeaky clean at the end of the routine. It is best suited for those with oily and combination skin as this ensures that it brings down the occurrence of acne.
Key Features:
- It has a pore cleansing foam that contains Jeju volcanic clusters which basically absorbs your excess sebum (oil and fat) and unclogs pores.
- You can achieve a really deep clean
- Although its best suited for those with oily skin, it also benefits those with dry skin.
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
Related: Top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin
#2 — Mizon AHA & BHA Toner
This is cult-favorite toner from the popular brand Peach and Lily. This gentle toner basically helps balance the Ph level of your skin with exfoliating agents (AHAs and BHAs).
It really does go above and beyond the average toner by effectively refining your skin to produce a clear and beautiful texture. It is definitely one of the best selling Korean skin care products.
- This toner has the addition of AHA and BHA acids which play an important role in ensuring that your skin is rid of dead cells, any residual dirt and sebum is removed. This, in turn, ensures that your skin is brighter, cleaner and is also oil-free.
- It closes the pores efficiently, so you don’t run the risk of developing pimples and acne due to open pores collecting grime.
- For best results, first cleanse your face and then use a cotton soaked with the toner and swipe the liquid over your face twice daily, morning and evening.
Using this after every wash preps your skin to accept a serum or moisturiser. You can see visibly brighter skin in a couple of weeks of using the Mizon AHA & BHA toner.
Key Features:
- Gentle AHA and BHA acids that help balance your Ph level.
- Closes pores efficiently. So you don’t develop pimples or acne easily.
- Helps reform skin
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
Related: Best Korean Anti aging products
#3 — Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum
Nutritionists and aestheticians go on and on about the benefits of Vitamin C for the skin. Klair Cosmetics took it to a different level by actually incorporating Vitamin C in their proprietary serum. It is one of the Must Have Korean Beauty Products 2020.
- This Vitamin C serum that has pure vitamin C combined with the goodness of the Centella Asiatica leaves, which are also known to give you bright skin.
- Both these ingredients work actively to remove dark spots, dull blemishes and brighten the skin.
- It’s recommended for those with dull and uneven skin tone. And those that want to brighten their skin tone but maintain the sensitivity of the skin.
- For best results, first, cleanse your face and then apply about half a drop to the entire face. Gently massage the serum into the skin.
- For those with sensitive skin: First, apply “after toner” and then apply 3-4 drops.
This serum moisturises deeply and keeps the skin hydrated for the whole day. Use this before applying a moisturiser or a face cream to get the best out of this.
Key Features:
- It contains 5% Vitamin C. This is gentle enough to not cause irritation for those with sensitive skin but strong enough to improve skin tone, tighten pores, brighten skin and help with pigmentation.
- Keeps skin hydrated for the whole day
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
- Related: Best Korean essences
- Related: Best Korean Emulsion
- Related: Best Korean Moisturiser
- Related: Best Korean Moisturiser for dewy look
#4 — Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
The Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream by Cosrx is an excellent Korean beauty product that you can use every day to keep your skin youthful and supple. It is one of the best selling Korean skin care products.
- This snail cream is designed for any type of skin, right from dry to oily or combination, to hydrate it well and give you good results.
- The cream is light and spreads evenly, getting absorbed into the skin very quickly. You need a very tiny quantity as it goes a long way.
The snail secretion extract works wonders on the skin, giving it a smooth texture, keeping it soft and dewy.
Key Features:
- Keeps skin soft and supple
- Designed for all types of skin
- Snail extract that does wonders for the skin
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
Related: Best Korean BB Creams
#5 — Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk – SPF 50
This is one of the best sunscreen lotions you can find as it is mild enough to not hurt the skin while providing it with double layer protection from the sun. It is one of the Must Have Korean Beauty Products 2020.
- The lotion is apt for any type of skin as it is light and is not oily. It is water and sweat resistant so you don’t have to worry when you wear it during your jog or swim.
Missha All Around Safe Block Sun Milk has ingredients that keep your skin silky soft plus calm it during the hot and humid months. You can wear this in any season to keep your skin protected from the harsh rays of the sun.
Key Features:
- Lightweight Sunscreen
- Doesn’t leave white cast
- Water and sweat resistant
- For all types of skin
- Keeps your skin soft and silky
- Perfect during hot an humid months
- Protect the skin from harsh sun rays
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
Related: Best Korean Foundation for oily acne skin
#6 — Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Innisfree features again on our list as this is certainly one of the best Korean brands around. It is also easily accessible either online or in stores. The Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is one of the most effective face packs you would have ever used on your skin.
- The volcanic clay does a good job of cleaning out your pores. You can literally see and feel that your skin is super clean once you wash this off your face.
- The clay helps cool down the skin, calm any bruises and blemishes caused due to harsh weather conditions and relaxes you.
This is best suited for oily and combination skin, but it does work quite well on dry skin as well. Do make sure you moisturize once you wash away the mask.
Key Features:
- Made from volcanic clay that deep cleanses the skin pores
- Helps reduce inflammation of skin
- Works wonders for oily skin
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
Related: Best Korean Sunscreen
#7 — Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Packed with skincare ingredients, Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is one of the must have Korean beauty products. This serum can help you achieve glass skin that is so hydrated, poreless, luminous and translucent.
The Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is formulated with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that makes skin plump and resilient. The skin refining serum also contains niacinamide, Asian mountain yam extract, and peptides. These ingredients hydrate, soothe, and brighten your skin.
The Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum is an intensely hydrating serum. If you have dry skin, this is a great addition to your skincare routine. If you’re looking to achieve that poreless, luminescent, translucent glass skin then this is definitely one of the must-have Korean beauty products in your skincare arsenal!
Key Features:
- Intensely hydrates the skin
- Packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids
- Also contains niacinamide, Asian mountain yam extract, and peptides
Related: Best Korean Toners for large pores
#8 — Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches
Here’s a life-saver! This is definitely one of the must-have Korean beauty products for acne-prone skin. With these pimple patches by Cosrx, it’s actually possible to heal your acne overnight! These pimple patches are hydrocolloid patches that work toward healing your acne by protecting it against bacteria and irritation.
It also extracts impurities from the acne so the acne can heal sooner. This is definitely one of the must have Korean beauty products so you never have to worry about getting another pimple!
These hydrocolloid patches benefit you in three ways. Firstly, it acts as a barrier against bacteria. Secondly, it avoids further irritation. And finally, it saves you from your own pimple-picking habit!
Key Features:
- Hydrocolloid patches
- Heals acne overnight
- Protects acne from bacteria
- Reduces irritation
- Recommended for acne-prone skin
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
#9 — BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
This Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm by BANILA Co turns into a smooth oil when applied to your skin. This is a hypoallergenic cleanser that claims to remove waterproof makeup along with other skin impurities.
The Zero cleansing balm is formulated with the brands patented Zero Balance Technology that works towards cleansing your skin without stripping the skin of its essential oils. It leaves your skin plump, hydrated, and fresh.
How To Use:
WIth the spatula, included in the pack, scoop a little balm onto your palm. Gently massage the balm onto your dry face in circular motions using your fingertips. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat skin dry.
The BANILA Co Clean It Zero Cleansing balm is a cul-favorite. It removes waterproof makeup, sunscreen and daily dirt and grime from your skin. Since it’s hypoallergenic, it’s suitable for sensitive skin as well. Formulated with Zero Balance Technology, it cleanses your skin without completely stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic cleansing balm
- Transforms into oil when applied
- Formulated Zero Balance Technology
- Removes waterproof makeup, sunscreen
- Keeps skin’s natural oils intact
- Leaves skin plump, hydrated, fresh
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
#10 — Belif Aqua Bomb Mist
The Belif Aqua Bomb Mist is definitely one of the must-have Korean beauty products.
Formulated with skin soothing anti inflammatory herbs like chickweed extracts and lady’s mantle, this face mist by Belif is ultra fine, soft and lightweight. It intensely hydrates the skin to give it a nice glow.
You can spray this face mist even over your makeup. Whenever you skin feels dry, simply mist this over your face lightly keeping the bottle at an arm’s length and your eyes closed.
This ultra fine face mist has particles that are smaller than water particles which makes it ultra lightweight. The face mist acts as a burst of hydration whenever your skin feels dry. You can carry it along with you and literally use it anywhere. Formulated with chickweed extract and lady’s mantle, it makes your skin radiant.
Key Features:
- Formulated with chickweed extracts and lady’s mantle
- Instantly hydrates the skin
- Can spray the mist over makeup without smudging
- Contains particles smaller than water particles
- Ultra fine mist that is lightweight and hydrating
- Can use it anytime, anywhere
Check out this must-have Korean beauty products below!
Related: Best Korean Eye Mask
Must-have Korean beauty products list:
- Best Cleanser: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
- Best Toner: Mizon AHA & BHA Toner
- Best Serum: Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum
- Best Face Cream: Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
- Best Sunscreen: Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk
- Best Cleansing Balm: BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
- Best Face Mist: Belif Aqua Bomb Mist
Are Korean beauty products good?
Korean Beauty products the best in the world. Yes, that’s a big statement but its true. Most of the Korean beauty products have unbelievable effectiveness. For example, the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam has a fantastic deep cleansing effect.
- If your skin is dull, unclean and not good, your beauty will not be able to shine through. The smartest people to have discovered a solution to this are the Koreans. Skin care is super important to them. So all their products are absolutely brilliant.
However, with so many products out there is can get quite confusing That’s why we decided to test out some very interesting beauty products and put together a list of must-have Korean beauty products for you. Do refer to the list and pick some or all for some deep nourishing of your skin.
What are the must-have Korean beauty product?
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam is one of the must-have Korean beauty products. This cleansing foam costs $19.27 and is best suitable for Oily skin to Combination Skin. It does a good job at absorbing excess serum and unclog pores.
Are Korean beauty products better?
Korean beauty products are better than other products as they use natural ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals. They make the skin clear, dewy, glowing and better since so many years now. Korean beauty products are also high quality and extremely affordable.
Is Korean skincare superior?
Korean culture values skincare a lot and their focus lies on prevention and making it effective. Skincare is taken very seriously and parents teach the kids about it at a very early age. Children tend to use SPF, cleansers and moisturizers very early in life.
What’s the Korean beauty 10 steps routine?
The Korean 10 steps skincare and beauty routine is quite elaborate but extremely effective. Here is your guide to the 10 step Korean skincare routine:
Step 1: Balm or oil cleanser
Step 2: Foaming cleanser
Step 3: Exfoliant
Step 4: Toner
Step 5: Essence
Step 6: Ampoule or serum
Step 7: Sheet mask
Step 8: Eye cream
Step 9: Moisturizer
Step 10: Thick night sleeping mask
Korean Beauty products have fantastic effects and are highly effective. that’s because most of the Korean Products are backed by amazing science and engineering. Here are some of the must-have Korean products that I swear by and something you should definitely get!
For example, the Mizon AHA & BHA toner is one of the most popular toners in the world that not only does the regular job of a toner but also balance the Ph value of the skin.
The must-have Korean cleanser
Let’s start with a cleanser. The one basic rule that Koreans follow diligently is to never compromise on the cleansing routine. And not just plain “cleansing”, but, “double cleansing”.
- Most skin problems stem from your skin being dirty. Of course, you wash your face every day, maybe even twice a day and superficially it looks clean, but what you see is just the makeup gone. You cannot see what’s deep under those pores.
- As obvious as it sounds double cleansing means washing the face twice. But specifically, they mean that the first time you wash away basic makeup and dust, and the second time you really get the grime and oil clogging the pores of your face.
The must-have Korean Toner
Once you are done cleansing your face, you have to apply a toner.
- The pores which are open are prone to absorb dirt and dust if you don’t close them and this is why a toner must be an essential part of your skincare routine.
- A toner can also have other benefits like doubling as a mild astringent, an exfoliant and a wonderful makeup remover, depending on the ingredients in it.
Related: Here’s all the skincare you need to take care of acne prone skin. Check it out!
The must-have Korean serum for face
Now that your skin is cleaned and prepped, its time to give it some much-needed nutrition in the form of a rich serum.
- Serums are like the elixir for dry, ageing skin. What a moisturiser does only externally, a serum manages to penetrate deeper and do from within.
- Regular application of a serum keeps your skin well hydrated, supple, smooth and soft. We tested out quite a few serums and narrowed it down to the best one here:
The must-have Korean face cream
After the serum, you need a good face cream that moisturises your skin and keeps it that way for the whole day.
- You certainly don’t want a cream that will dry out in a couple of hours and requires re-applying.
- A good moisturiser should also have added contents that will nourish your skin and be safe on it.
Related: Sensitive skin? Check out these Korean moisturizers specially formulated for your skin type!
The must-have Korean Sunscreen lotion
Sun exposure causes the worst damage ever. Nothing else can cause our skin to age as quickly as direct sun exposure every single day. Keeping our skin protected from the sun is important for so many reasons including preventing skin cancer.
- Using a good sunblock is necessary if you are going to be outdoors between 8 am and 4 pm.
- Even if you are travelling in a vehicle during this time, it is suggested that you use a sunblock to protect your skin and keep it young.
The must-have Korean face pack/face mask
Face packs and masks are an important part of taking care of your skin. They are like the added nourishment that can liven up dull skin, take care of certain issues and keep your skin soft and glowing.
- Use a face mask at least once a week, and if possible, more often. Apply a thin layer on cleansed and toned skin and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
- Never leave a face pack on longer than that as it could end up drying the skin too much. Wash it off with cool water to reveal your glowing skin underneath.
Why You Should Trust BestKoreanProducts?
All our editors including the author of this article, Jih Yun do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. BestKoreanproducts has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.
Also Read:
My goal is to showcase the creativity and awesomeness of Korea and Korean products. I’m the head writer at bestkoreanproducts.com!