10 Must-Have Korean Beauty Products You Cannot Miss Out On 2022!

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

• Related: Best Korean Emulsion
• Related: Best Korean Moisturiser
• Related: Best Korean Moisturiser for dewy look

Must-Have Korean Beauty Products

#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

#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.

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.

Related: Give your skin a gentle cleanse and hydrate it at the same time with this amazing Korean wash off mask. Check it out!

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.

Related: Keep dry skin soft and supple all day with this amazing Korean moisturization formulated for dry skin. Read reviews here!

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.

Also Read:

1. Best Korean exfoliators
2. Top Korean CC creams!
3. Best Korean Setting Sprays