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These days, there’s no escaping the best Korean skin-care products.
Source images:Allureeditors and courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells
Once an up-and-coming trend, K-beauty gave rise to stateside mainstays like Cosrx, Innisfree, and Dr. Jart+.
So, what exactly is the draw here?
As a result, they’re incredibly savvy.
Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen washing with Man:yo’s Pure Cleansing Oil
Plus, the sheer breadth of products means that people can be discerning.
It’s the only reason my facialists are always telling me there’s no need for extractions.
This prevents skin from feeling tight, stripped, or otherwise uncomfortable.
No complaints, no notes, she says.
(After all, it won a2023 Best of Beauty Awardfor that very reason.)
It’s lightweight, too, a crucial factor for muggy New York City summer days.
Commerce editor Sarah Han washing her face with the Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
That’s Cosrx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.
Tester feedback:Han is a longtime fan of this hit brand.
This soothed my breakout-prone skin and even seemed to take down the redness of active zit.
Han misting her skin with the Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
After applying this before bed, I woke up to brighter, clearer skin, she says.
But what makes this formula really stand out?
Tester feedback:This isn’t any run-of-the-mill HA serum.
Han applying the Coxrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
(FYI: Once you’ve acclimated, you could graduate to aRetinol Expert 0.3%.)
“It can be injected into the skin but is also thought to be effective topically.
It increases skin elasticity, decreases wrinkles, and improves hydration,” Dr. Chung says.
Interim shopping director Deanna pai applying the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
“The gel-like formula absorbs in seconds, leaving skin feeling instantly refreshed.”
Cho is a fan of thisKorean eye creamand told us that it helps treather milia.
Is that too much to ask?
Not anymore, thanks to Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36.
It even took home a2023 Best of Beauty Awardfor its sheer, smooth finish.
It’s also infused with velvet powders, which have a subtle blurring effect.
Han applying the Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
That’s why she turns to the Franz Naked Sunshield Peptide Patch when she’s outdoors.
It’s thin, breathable, and has a cooling effect on skin.
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++ is her go-to for reapplication.
“It glides on easily and has a clear, matte finish,” she says.
“Also, it has oil-absorbing properties, which is nicer for oily or combination skin.
It pairs sun protection with vitamin E andturmeric, which helps brighten your complexion.
Associate beauty editor Annie Blay applying Innisfree’s Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream (in its previous packaging)
Tested feedback:Han uses this to deal with her consistent facial redness.
And the fresh, citrusy scent is such a mood booster.
It coats cracked lips in moisturizing and protective ingredients, including shea butter,vitamin C, and glycerin.
Associate beauty editor Annie Blay applying Innisfree’s Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream (in its previous packaging)
What’s more: Those tiny lip lines I don’t love on myself appeared visibly diminished.
In case you weren’t already sold, it smells like fresh berries.
Laneige has tons of scrumptious flavorsboth permanent and limited-editionsuch as Gummy Bear, Vanilla, and Watermelon Pop.
Contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb to her skin
Tester feedback:There’s a reason it’s a top-seller on Amazon, says shopping editorAngela Trakoshis.
It moisturizes lips for hours on endno reapplication needed.
There’s no one (or right!)
way to use Korean skin care.
The three basic steps remain the same: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF (during the day).
This milky formula soothes and softens skin post-cleanse while locking in moisture, thanks to peptides and ceramides.
What are some trending ingredients and treatments in Korean skin care?
Can I trust buying Korean skin-care products online?
(Bear in mind: The “seller” is sometimes listed as the parent company.
Blackman applying the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
For example,Dear Klairsproducts are sold by Wishtrend.)
Amazon or not, one big exception to this online shopping discourse isKorean sunscreens.
We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies.
Blackman applying the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?
More Korean skin care to delve into:
Done reading?
Han applying the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask to her skin
Han applying the Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask
Shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Contributor Devon Abelman applying the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion to her skin
