While many of the best Korean skincare products are available in the U.S. through retailers like Amazon and Soko Glam, I still couldn’t wait to visit stores in person to try things I’d been eyeing myself. Perhaps because I’m a beauty editor, I’m not one to wander around a beauty store casually—but my local Olive Young had my full attention. On three separate occasions, I spent over an hour going shelf by shelf to study what products Koreans actually reach for.
As you’ve likely noticed, K-beauty has steadily grown from a niche category to the global mainstream over the last few years, thanks in large part to social media. “While Amazon and TikTok are leading K-beauty sales, the category is sure to see major growth this year as American consumers discover new products via social media, Korean culture (think: K-Pop and K-Drama), and in-store launches,” Sarah Chung Park, founder and CEO of Landing International, tells Vogue.
Vogue’s Favorite Korean Skin-Care Products
Best Daily Moisturizer: Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Lotion, $30
Best Wrinkle Cream: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, $160
Best PDRN Serum: Rejuran Turnover Ampoule c-PDRN, $52
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Torriden Dive In Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $24
Best Oil Cleanser: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, $22
Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, $13
Best Toner Pads: Medicube Zero Pore Pads, $19
K-beauty recommendations are plentiful, but while Americans are just catching up to its sensorial, fun formulas, we’ve seemingly grown quite hip to the serums and creams that keep flying off Seoul’s shelves. I noticed that many of the things I can purchase right from my couch (or perhaps, now, at my local Sephora) were the same things popular there, too.
Ahead, a compilation of the best K-beauty products based on my findings. No matter your skin concern, there’s a K-beauty formula designed to target it—often with ingredients and textures you won’t find anywhere else. Ahead, shop the best Korean skin-care products for every step of your routine.
In This Story
Why use Korean beauty products?
The Ideal Korean Skin-Care Routine
How We Tested
Meet The Korean Skincare Experts
Best PDRN Serum: Rejuran Turnover Ampoule c-PDRN
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Rejuran
Turnover Ampoule c-PDRN
$52
AMAZON
Why We Love It: PDRN is so popular because it’s effective at stimulating collagen and skin renewal. While you may not be able to make it in for an in-office PDRN treatment, you can give a topical serum a try. Here, Rejuran (the company that produces the aforementioned in-office treatment) infuses this ampoule with 0.5% c-PDRN, alongside niacinamide, licorice root extract, and aloe vera to smooth, soothe, and brighten. Of the formula, board-certified plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, MD, said: “The results tend to appear gradually with consistent use—expect improved moisture, smoother texture, and a healthier glow rather than dramatic tightening or instant wrinkle elimination.”
Key Ingredients: Salmon-derived PDRN, adenosine, licorice root extract, niacinamide, aloe vera
Best For: Boosting skin elasticity, hydrating
Size: 1.01 fl. oz
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Lightweight texture that layers easily
May take a while to notice results
Adds instant hydration to parched skin
Best Collagen Mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
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Biodance
Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
$62
AMAZON
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden uses Biodance’s Bio-collagen Real Deep Mask.
Vogue’s Kiana Murden uses the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask.
Why We Love It: Integral to glass skin are products that not only hydrate but also visibly diminish the look of pores. One such product is Biodance’s Bio-Collagen mask, which applies like your average milky white sheet mask but turns clear after a few hours; the opacity change signifies that the ingredients have been absorbed by the skin. The formula draws on a low-molecular weight collagen peptide, galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, and hyaluroniacid to keep skin soft, supple, bouncy, and glowing. We recommend wearing it overnight, or—like your favorite TikTokers—on your next long-haul flight.
Editor’s Note: “I fell in love with this mask the first time I used it. The application process is cool, but what stands out most is how the combination of low molecular weight collagen, galactomyces, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide delivers deep hydration while reducing enlarged pores and brightening the skin after just one use. Yes, I’m still obsessed with it a year later.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: Low-molecular weight collagen peptides, galactomyces, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Best For: Hydration, reducing pore size, boosting skin elasticity, glass skin
Size: 4 sheet masks per pack
Love It
– Brightening and plumping formula
– Bio-cellulose sheet mask adheres excellently for comfortable wear
Leave It
– Not meant to be worn for short periods of time
Best Retinal Serum: Celimax The Vita A Retinol Shot
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Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
$24 $18 (25% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: As Whitney Bowe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains, retinal is the most potent vitamin A derivative you can get without a prescription—and it often works faster than traditional retinol. Celimax pairs 0.1% retinal with its A-Shot Technology and peptides to address wrinkles and enlarged pores.
Editor’s Experience: After reading Beatrice Zocchi’s Vogue Italia review of this retinal, I decided to give it a try, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the results. While it’s been called a kind of topical wrinkle filler, I use it to stimulate collagen production and gently exfoliate. My skin always looks incredible the morning after I apply it. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
Key Ingredients: Retinal, Matrixyl (peptide complex), panthenol, liposome delivery system
Best For: Fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, uneven texture, loss of elasticity
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Love It
– Cream is gentler than your average retinoid
– Can address concerns ranging from wrinkles to acne
Leave It
– No major cons to note
Best Night Cream: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
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Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
$260 NORDSTROM
$260 $221 (15% off) AMAZON
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tests the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.
Why We Love It: When we think of Korean approaches to firming face creams, this Sulwhasoo option rises to the top. The brand whips a concentrated ginseng (think: ginseng saponin, peptides, and flower, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Claire Chang previously said “has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin brightening benefits”) into a rich, silky cream that sinks right into the skin and is formulated to promote firmer, plumper skin over time. It’s been a longtime staple of mine, ensuring my skin remains bouncy and glowing after each use. I’m most fond of its gentleness and the fact that it layers perfectly with whatever active ingredients or retinoids I pair it with.
Key Ingredients: Sulwhasoo’s concentrated ginseng saponin, glycerin, squalane, licorice root extract, mango seed butter, sunflower seed oil
Best For: Mature skin, wrinkles, fine lines, hydration
Size: 30 mL / 1.01 oz
Love It
– Ideal for plumping and brightening mature skin types
– Luxurious, rich texture
Leave It
– Might be too heavy for oily to acne-prone skin types
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Torriden Dive In Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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Torriden Dive In Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Deep Hydration
$24 $22 (8% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: Korea, as we know, goes all-in on hydration, so it’s no surprise the market has one of the best hyaluronic acid serums. Behold: Torriden’s Dive In. With multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and allantoin, this replenishes the skin’s hydration—protecting moisture levels for 48 hours.
Key Ingredients: 5D hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin
Best For: Dry, dehydrated skin
Size:50 mL / 1.7 oz
Love It Leave It
Great price for a product worth keeping in your regular skincare routine
No major downsides
Provides instant, long-lasting hydration
Best Oil Cleanser: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
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Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
$22 ANUA $20 $17 (15% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: Any double cleansing fans here? Board-certified Mohs surgeon and dermatologist Dr. Whitney Hovenic recommends this oil cleanser for patients with sensitive skin. The formula contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial ingredients like turmeric and heartleaf extract. “It contains heartleaf extract to calm inflammation and a blend of lightweight oils that help clear out excess sebum and buildup,” she previously told Vogue. Conditioning jojoba, grapeseed, and olive oils give the formula its hydrating feel.
Editor’s Note: “This was my first K-Beauty cleansing oil, which I found on Amazon during Prime Day. No, it didn’t melt away my blackheads like TikTok claimed it would after determined massaging. It does, however, remove makeup and SPF with total ease. Plus, I like that the texture is more liquidy and slippery than thick.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: Heartleaf extract, sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, turmeric root extract, moringa seed oil
Best For: Blackheads, removing makeup, double cleansing
Size: 200 mL / 6.76 fl. oz
Love It Leave It
Packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients
Olive oil can potentially clog pores
Easily breaks down makeup, SPF, and impurities
Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
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Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
$13 AMAZON
Why We Love It: A common theme in Korean skincare products is an emphasis on fermented ingredients, black rice, and retinoids. This one offers a twist on retinol with bakuchiol—a plant-based option loved for its ability to stimulate collagen production without irritation. “Given the lower risk of irritation compared to retinol, bakuchiol may be a better choice for people with sensitive skin, including those with rosacea and eczema, who want the skincare benefits of retinol but can’t tolerate it,” dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin previously shared. And when paired with fermented black rice extract and bamboo shoot extract, you get an eye cream that’s great for fighting crow’s feet and dark circles with consistent use.
Editor’s Experience: I’ve really been loving this eye cream. I was hesitant to try retinol eye creams because I have some sensitivity in this area, but fortunately, Haruharu Wonder’s is gentle. Powered by bakuchiol, it helps smooth and brighten my under-eye area. —K.M.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, fermented bamboo extract, fermented black rice, niacinamide
Best For: Evening skin tone, reducing fine lines
Size: 0.67 oz
Love It Leave It
A gentle yet effective alternative to retinol
Some experience a slight white cast after application
The plant-powered formula is safe for sensitive skin
Best Daily Moisturizer: Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Lotion
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Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion
$30 $24 (20% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: A classic Korean face cream, this is an excellent starting point if you want a no-fuss moisturizer that prioritizes skin comfort above all else. The formula is powered by ceramides that reinforce the skin barrier. The texture is lightweight yet nourishing—making it a great choice for all skin types year-round.
Editor’s Experience: It seems like everyone in my circle has sensitive skin, so I’m often testing formulas on their behalf. The last thing I want is to make a recommendation that gets me cut off for burning someone’s face off. Thankfully, this one passes the test. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but still leaves my skin noticeably more hydrated and supple. And with such a generous amount of product for the price, there’s very little not to like. —Iman Balagam, contributorKey Ingredients: Ceramides, madecassoside, squalane
Best For: Lightweight moisture
Size: 528 mL / 17.9 oz
Pros:
– Great price point for a staple in your skincare routine
– Provides weightless, long-lasting moisture
– Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types
Cons:
– No major downsides
Best Serum for Sensitive Skin: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Why We Love It: Think of an ampoule as a more concentrated serum. Skin1004’s ampoule is made with pure centella asiatica extract with one goal in mind: calming sensitive skin. Whether you’re dealing with redness or need soothing moisture, this product has you covered.
Editor’s Experience: I couldn’t find this ampoule in the US, so when I spotted it in Seoul, I was thrilled. It’s become my go-to for gentle hydration, especially when I’m planning to wear makeup. It leaves a beautiful, non-sticky glow. —K.M.
Key Ingredients: 100% pure centella asiatica extract
Best For: Sensitive skin, redness, dryness
Size: 100 mL
Pros:
– Excellent hydrating, radiance-boosting formula for sensitive skin
– No major downsides
Best Sheet Masks: Mediheal Essential Face Sheet Mask
Why We Love It: These Korean sheet masks offer great value, and with options for nearly every skin concern, there’s no reason not to try one. For example, you might choose the Ceramide mask to strengthen your skin barrier, or the Tea Tree mask to control surface oils. The ingredients soak into the bamboo sheet, which hugs the skin nicely once applied.
Editor’s Experience: I noticed many people checking out and buying these sheet masks at Olive Young, so I decided to try them myself. The chic packaging might draw in design lovers, but the mask itself is efficient and effective. I like the madecassoside for fighting breakouts and the Collagen for plumping. —K.M.
Key Ingredients: Varies by mask
Best For: Quick treatments
Size: 10 masks
Pros:
– Available in five formulas to address different skin concerns
– In-store, you can buy individual masks for immediate needs
Cons:
– Bamboo mask material may not feel as cooling as a hydrogel mask
Best Foam Cleanser: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Why We Love It: If you’re worried about foam cleansers being stripping or irritating, try the Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser. Formulated for sensitive skin, it contains panthenol and madecassoside to help with dryness and support the skin barrier.
Editor’s Experience: Foam cleansers made a comeback this year, and after seeing all the new launches, I decided to test Etude’s formula. Of all the foams I’ve tried, this one is the most classic. It creates an ultra-light lather that’s gentle on skin while removing surface oils and impurities. —K.M.
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, madecassoside
Best For: Cleansing, all skin types
Size: 5.07 oz / 150 mL
Pros:
– Lightweight, soft foam texture that cleanses without stripping
Cons:
– Requires a double cleanse to remove makeup (use it as your second step, after an oil or balm)
Best Snail Mucin: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Why We Love It: “An essence is super helpful at kick-starting hydration in the skin,” notes Yoon, who considers this step essential to any K-beauty routine, best applied after cleansing and toning. One of CosRx’s most popular products, this lightweight essence is powered by 96.3% snail mucin—a buzzy K-beauty ingredient known for its resurfacing and hydrating properties—to fade dark spots, boost hydration, calm inflammation, and smooth skin texture, leaving skin soft and dewy. Not only is it incredibly nourishing, but it also has a slimy texture thatIt’s a sensory experience in itself. A seemingly ever-trending TikTok pick, it’s become a Vogue editor favorite for a weightless glow for normal, oily, and combination skin types.
Key Ingredients: 96.3% snail secretion filtrate, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
Best For: Hydration, enlarged pores, dark spots, inflammation
Size: 100 mL / 3.38 fl. oz
Love It
Leave It
Lightweight, fast-acting serum
While the brand is cruelty-free, it’s not vegan
Soothing formula
Best Spicule Serum: VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot 100
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VT Cosmetics
Cica Reedle Shot 100
$26 $20 (23% off)
AMAZON
Why We Love It: Dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Eunice Park and cosmetic chemist Victoria Fu both endorse this serum—they previously told Vogue it’s the product that made spicule serums go viral in the States. Need a quick refresher on what spicules are? Think of it as microneedling in a bottle. This serum, which promotes the skin’s cellular turnover, comes in multiple intensity levels, and unless you have hyper-sensitive skin, Reedle Shot 100 is an ideal starting point (it’s a microneedle intensity of 100 out of 1,000), so you’ll get a subtle prickly feeling rather than a full-on spicy sensation. The spicules in the formula help active ingredients penetrate more deeply: Cica, or centella asiatica, works together with propolis extract to soothe and heal skin, while sodium hyaluronate and glycerin provide deep hydration.
Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, propolis extract, sodium hyaluronate
Best For: Uneven texture and tone, dryness, and those who want to customize their treatment
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Love It
Leave It
Enhanced product absorption
Might be irritating for sensitive skin types
Reduces skin texture and enlarged pores
Best Sunscreen: Round Labs Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50
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Round Lab
Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
$28 $22 (21% off)
AMAZON
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tests the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen.
Vogue’s beauty editor Kiana Murden uses Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen.
Why We Love It: Both board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Catherine Chang and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eunice Park count this chemical sunscreen among their favorites, partly because of its silky, lightweight texture. “[Round Lab’s SPF] has a smooth moisturizing texture that feels very neutral on the skin,” Dr. Park previously told Vogue. It’s also loaded with botanicals, including allantoin and the star ingredient, birch tree sap, which is packed with natural moisturizing factors like amino acids and lactic acid to support skin barrier health.
Editor’s Experience: “This is one of the two SPFs I rotate between most often. The texture feels like a lotion, and dries down dewy but non-greasy (essential, as I despise the feeling of heavy products on my face). Another perk? It doesn’t make my makeup pill. All that, plus its formula is entirely acne-safe.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl triazone, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, diethylhexyl butamido triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol
Best For: Dry, combination, or acne-prone skin
Size: 50 mL
Love It
Leave It
Hydrating, lightweight feel
Might be a bit too dewy for those with oily skin
No white cast left behind
Best Brightening Toner: Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
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Some By Mi
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
$22 $16 (27% off)
SOKO GLAM
Why We Love It: Some By Mi’s viral toner is a potent, acid-packed chemical exfoliant. It combines alpha, beta, and polyhydroxy acids (that’s three times the power) to refine skin and slough away dead skin cells. Plus, the addition of niacinamide “boosts skin cell turnover, brightens the skin, and reduces hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Chang, who’s a fan. Meanwhile, tea tree extract keeps excess sebum at bay, fighting against an oily T-zone, leaving skin clean and balanced but notToo dry.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree extract
Best For: A powerful exfoliating toner that tackles skin texture and enlarged pores
Size: 150 ml
Love It
– An effective treatment for hyperpigmentation or congested skin
– Has a pH of 5.5, which is ideal for skin health
Leave It
– Too strong for sensitive skin
Best Toner Pad: Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Medicube Zero Pore Pads
$19 on Amazon
Why We Love It: Medicube’s pore pads went viral on TikTok for making skin texture seem to disappear. The formula uses plant extracts like cypress leaf and skullcap to reduce oil production, while willow bark extract and lactic acid clear out impurities, making pores look visibly smaller. Drawing on traditional Korean rituals to gently exfoliate skin, Glow Recipe cofounder Christine Chang notes that “a common bathhouse tradition is to splash spoiled milk onto faces after cleansing, as milk contains lactic acid, which helps smooth skin texture and brighten.” Plus, the dual-sided pads (one smooth, one slightly gritty) let you customize your application.
Editor’s Note: “I’ve been loving the Medicube Zero Pore Pads! My skin tends to get textured, but these pads have made a noticeable difference. Honestly, if I skip them for even a few nights, I can see it right away—my skin just doesn’t feel as smooth. They’ve quickly become a staple in my routine.” —Molly Barstein, audience development associate manager
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, willow bark extract, hyaluronic acid, panthenol
Best For: Enlarged pores, blackheads, oily skin
Size: 70 pads
Love It
– Dual-textured pads
– Works well to reduce congestion and excess oil
Leave It
– Some find this pick a bit sticky after application
Best Lip Treatment: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
$24 on Amazon
Vogue’s beauty shopping writer Concetta Ciarlo tests the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Why We Love It: Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask has earned its reputation for good reason. It’s beloved by over 52,000 happy shoppers on Amazon, and plenty of celebrities are fans too. From Brooke Shields to Kate Moss, this ultra-smooth balm is praised for its ability to deeply hydrate and soften lips. Its nourishing formula includes vitamin C, an antioxidant-rich berry complex, coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter. Though originally designed for overnight use, plenty of fans swear by it as an all-day lip savior.
Editor’s Note: “Who says you only have to use this as an overnight mask? In addition to slathering it on while I get my beauty sleep, I also love to use it during the day as a lip combo with my favorite liner. The texture is rich and cushiony, while still being non-sticky. Normally, fragrance in lip products is a pet peeve of mine, but this has a nostalgic, faint candy-like aroma.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru butter, vitamin C, coconut oil
Best For: Lip nourishment
Size: 0.7 oz / 20g
Love It
– Concentrated formula packed with moisturizing ingredients
– Occlusive layer dissolves slowly, maximizing hydration
Leave It
– Slightly sticky
Best Rich Cream: Aestura ATOBarrier365 Cream
Aestura ATOBarrier365 Cream
$32 on Amazon
Why We Love It: A gentle, fragrance-free, rich face cream designed to improve skin’s moisture levels, Aestura’s AtoBarrier365 is as good as moisturizers get. Its conditioning blend of sensitive skin-friendly ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and allantoin helps restore the skin barrier and stave off dryness all day long. It’s a crucial part of Dr. Chang’s personal nightly skin-care routine, too, and she calls it a safety net for her skin. “The formula is rich in barrier-boosting ceramide capsules that penetrate deep into the skin and stay within the skin barrier longer,” she says. “It is also formulated wiwith squalane, allantoin, and niacinamide to hydrate and calm the skin.” Editor’s Note: “I love the little ceramide beads that ‘burst’ when you rub them in for extra hydration.” —Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, squalene, glycerin, allantoin
Best For: Sensitive skin, skin barrier repair, hydration
Size: 80 mL / 2.70 fl. oz
Pros and Cons
Pros: Rich in ceramides for intensive hydration; safe for eczema and rosacea
Cons: Not completely non-comedogenic
Best Collagen Cream: Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tests the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream.
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Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
$20 AMAZON
Why We Love It: When you want a weightless moisturizer—whether for oil-prone skin or as a base for flawless makeup—Medicube’s cream is the answer. Its bouncy, jelly-like texture absorbs instantly, leaving skin glowing and soft. Below the surface, a blend of hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide, squalane, and elastin works to strengthen the skin barrier, improve firmness, and provide long-lasting hydration. “This is great for dry or aging skin, as it helps improve elasticity and promotes long-lasting hydration,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman previously said about the formula, calling it one of our favorite jelly collagen face masks.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hydrolyzed collagen, squalane, hydrolyzed elastin
Best For: Hydrating, firming, boosting skin elasticity
Size: 1.69 fl. oz / 50 mL
Pros and Cons
Pros: Plumps skin while providing weightless hydration; layers well with other products and under makeup
Cons: Not an entirely acne-safe formula
Best Glow Serum: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
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Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
$29 $24 (17% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: If you want a brightening serum that feels ultra-light yet gives you the “glass skin” effect, Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Deep Serum is a strong choice. With 68% rice bran water, alpha-arbutin (a natural antioxidant), and niacinamide, this trio helps fade dark spots and improve clarity without harsh exfoliation. The texture is watery and absorbs quickly, making it comfortable on the skin and ideal for layering under moisturizer.
Key Ingredients: Rice bran extract, alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, panthenol, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, soybean extract
Best For: Brightening uneven or dull complexions
Size: 1 fl oz
Pros and Cons
Pros: Brightening and fast-absorbing; gentle active ingredients; affordable
Cons: Not suitable for significant hyperpigmentation; soybean extract isn’t suitable for acne-prone skin
Best Essence: Mixsoon Bean Essence
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Mixsoon Bean Essence
$37 $22 (41% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: Mixsoon’s essence is more multi-tasking than most. When you apply it, you’ll notice a veil-like film that provides instant hydration. Over time, you’ll find that the botanical ferments also gently exfoliate skin texture and even out tone. The viscous formula is powered by four plant ferments (soybean, barley, pomegranate, and Korean pear, among others) and works wonders to rejuvenate skin in a single use.
Editor’s Note: “Mixsoon’s Bean Essence embodies K-beauty’s ‘gentle exfoliation’ ethos. The formula’s lead ingredient, soybean ferment extract, is an exceptional resurfacing agent—improving skin’s texture, tone, and radiance without harsh side effects. Combined with other fermented extracts, glycerin, and propanediol, you get a deeply nourishing, sticky essence that your skin will drink up. I don’t go a single week without using it!” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
Key Ingredients: Fermented soybean, barley, pomegranate, and Korean pear
Best For: Exfoliating, enlarged pores, dry skin
Size: 50 mL / 1.69 fl. oz
Pros and Cons
Pros: [text cuts off]It provides incredibly gentle exfoliation, though some people dislike the sticky feel. It adds instant hydration to dry skin, but soybean can clog pores for those with acne-prone skin.
Best Retinol: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
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Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
$49 on Amazon
Why we love it: Anyone looking for a Korean take on retinol will quickly fall in love with Iope’s Super Bounce Serum—a formula that Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Kim both praise. Powered by the brand’s Quadruple Retinoid Complex—a blend of encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, and bio-seletinoid—it stays exceptionally gentle despite its strength. Cho said it is “highly effective, smoothing fine lines while keeping skin plump and hydrated” without irritation.
Key ingredients: Retinol, encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, Bio-Seletinoid, shea butter
Best for: Wrinkles, fine lines
Size: 30 mL
Love it: A beginner-friendly retinol; improves skin tone, clarity, and fine lines
Leave it: A pricier pick per mL
Why use Korean beauty products?
Cho notes that many ingredients we now associate with K-beauty come from hanbang, or traditional Korean medicine, such as ginseng, green tea, and lotus. These traditions are combined with innovative technology to create products that help treat a wide range of concerns. The result? New ingredients like snail mucin and new categories like essences.
Beyond ingredients, Glow Recipe co-founder Sarah Lee explains that K-beauty also emphasizes addressing your specific skin concerns day by day. “Skin is different every day, and instead of boxing yourself into a set skin type, it’s so important to listen to our skin and treat that day’s concerns with the right products,” she says. “Your skin will tell you how it feels each day and is influenced by many factors—how much sleep you had the night before, the climate, stress, and environmental aggressors can all affect your skin in a different way each day.”
This versatile, customized approach to treating skin can help anyone’s routine. With that in mind, I’ve drawn on our industry experts and Vogue editors’ experiences to curate this list of the best Korean skincare brands to add to your routine.
The ideal Korean skincare routine
Now that you know the best K-beauty products, the next step is building your ultimate Korean skincare routine. To do this, we asked Yoon for guidance. Her approach? Overall skin health and long-term results centered on gentle formulas, plenty of hydration, and, of course, a personalized regimen.
Step one: Oil-based cleanser. “Oil and water repel each other, so an oil-based cleanser is used to effectively dissolve and remove oil-based impurities from skin, like excess sebum, makeup, and SPF,” she says. Another pro tip? “Massage onto dry skin for about a minute to thoroughly dissolve and remove impurities for sparkly clear pores.”
Step two: Water-based cleanser. Next, use a gentle, water-based cleanser to remove impurities like sweat and dirt. “Opt for a sulfate-free, pH-balanced cleanser to keep your skin barrier in tip-top shape,” she says.
Step three: Exfoliator. Yoon explains that exfoliators come after cleansing. While she loves an enzyme powder, peels and liquids work well too. Just avoid over-exfoliating and keep it to once or twice a week at most.
Step four: Toner. Step four, toner, and step five, essence, can be combined or used separately. “A toner’s main job is to help balance the skin’s pH to keep the skin barrier happy and also to help prep for next steps,” she says. “Meanwhile, an essence is meant to super-drench skin with hydration to optimize health and also to increase absorption of the products that follow.”
Step five: Essence. “In my experience as an esthetician, deep hydration is hard to achieve given external stressors and variouYoon says, “There are micro-climates that can dry out your skin—air conditioning, heat, and travel. When hydration is lost, many other skin issues can appear. I see essences as a hydration insurance policy. They also give skin a plumped-up glow.”
Step Six: Serums and ampoules. According to Yoon, this is where highly targeted treatments come in. “Serums and ampoules are concentrated treatments with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns,” she says. “Depending on the formula, you can mix them together or use just one.” But remember: less is more.
Step Seven: Eye Cream. “The eye area is delicate and thin and can have its own issues—dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and dryness,” she says. Choose an eye cream with ingredients that target your specific concern. If you don’t already have a favorite, our guide to eye creams is worth reading.
Step Eight: Moisturizer. When choosing a face moisturizer, dry skin types should pick something more emollient, while oily skin types should look for lightweight, oil-free formulas.
Step Nine: SPF. “This is an essential last step. Korean sunscreens can use more diverse filters than U.S. sunscreens, and there are plenty of great options that look and feel good on the skin, making them easier to wear,” she says.
Weekly Bonus: Masks. While you don’t need to use them every day, face masks can make it easier to reach all your skin goals—especially if you use them once a week. “Make your masking moment perfect for you, whether that means creating a relaxing atmosphere or having fun while giving your skin an extra boost of TLC to lift your skin and your mood,” Yoon says.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to give well-rounded recommendations. First, we rely on Vogue’s vast network of experts—including board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and K-beauty founders—to gain professional insight into the industry’s standout products, the ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We combine their expertise with our editorial best practices to create the thoughtful selections you read on our site.
For Korean skin-care products, we selected the best based on the following: ingredients, texture, finish, and the skin concerns they address. To do this, we combined our own personal testing of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to decide which ones to recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
Dr. Catherine Chang, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Beverly Hills.
Christine Chang is the cofounder of K-beauty brand Glow Recipe.
Charlotte Cho is the cofounder of the marketplace Soko Glam.
Dr. Christina Chung, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Pennsylvania.
Victoria Fu is a cosmetic chemist and cofounder of the podcast Chemist Confessions.
Sarah Lee is the cofounder of K-beauty brand Glow Recipe.
Eunice Park, MD, is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of AIREM in New York.
Alicia Yoon is a Korean skin care expert and founder of Peach & Lily.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs The Best Korean SkinCare Products People Really Buy
1 What is Kbeauty in simple terms
Korean beauty or Kbeauty refers to skincare products and routines from South Korea Its known for gentle formulas hydrationfocused ingredients and multistep routines
2 Why is Korean skin care so popular
It focuses on prevention and hydration rather than harsh treatments Products are often affordable innovative and packed with ingredients like snail mucin centella and fermented extracts
3 What are the most popular Korean skincare products people actually buy
Some consistent bestsellers
Cleansers COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser Banila Co Clean It Zero
Toners Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner Im From Rice Toner
Essences COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Serums Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
Moisturizers Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Cream
Sunscreen Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen
Treatments COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch Some By Mi AHABHAPHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
4 What is the Korean 10step routine
Its a layered routine oil cleanser water cleanser exfoliator toner essence serum sheet mask eye cream moisturizer and sunscreen You dont need all 10 stepsmost people use 46
5 Do I really need 10 steps
No Start with the basics cleanser moisturizer and sunscreen Add steps only if your skin needs them
6 Whats the difference between an essence and a serum
Essences are lightweight and hydrating applied after toner Serums are more concentrated and target specific concerns like acne or brightening
7 What is double cleansing and do I need it
It means using an oilbased cleanser first then a waterbased one Its great for removing makeup and sunscreen but people with dry or sensitive skin can do it just at night