Korean Skincare is Everywhere and Here’s What I’m Stocking Up On
When it comes to one trend in beauty that has invaded the world (as well as my bathroom shelf), then it was Korean skincare. The philosophy of science-meets-nature and the radiant outcome have fully transformed my approach towards skincare, making K-beauty. Rather than rough treatments and band-aid solutions, Korean skincare is based on long-term nutrition, hydration, and protection, and, frankly speaking, my skin has never been as good.
In the last one year, I have tried my hands on a large number of Korean products but those which are really outstanding and which I will never run out of are the ones I am currently buying. These are my own favorites among the most iconic K-beauty brands, which are likely to appear everywhere on Instagram, Tik Tok, and beauty blogs.
1. Sulhwasoo First Care Activating Serum
In case I could suggest only one luxurious serum that is a spa in a bottle, it would be this one. First Care Activating Serum by Sulwhasoo is a post cleansing booster that softens the skin to absorb all the other products. It contains the JAUM Balancing Complex that has five Korean herbs which aid in hydration, firmness, and radiance, and is the signature of the brand.
2. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
COSRX
$25
This soul is K-beauty royalty. The snail mucin 96 percent may be an unusual name, though it is magic pure hydration and healing. It assists in the clearing of acne scars, texture, and enhancing the skin barrier. I apply it immediately after toner, only a few drops rubbed into the skin, and it does provide that so-called glass skin glow everybody speaks about. The touch of my skin is bouncy and peaceful.
3. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
Dr. Jart+
$54
This is my savior product on lazy days. It is a green-beige corrective cream that cancels out the redness and safeguards the skin with an SPF of 30. I apply a little of this whenever I am skipping foundation and it instantly evens my tone, blurs all my pores and it is a natural healthy finish. It works particularly well with delicate or breaknecked skin.
4. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum
Innisfree
$30
I have been using the Green Tea line by Innisfree long enough, and this new Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum is a product that is a hydration hero. It is filled with a double squeeze of Jeju green tea and five varieties of hyaluronic acid, which makes my skin look dewy and refreshed.
5. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe
$36
The sheer happiness of this one in a bottle, and what I go to when I want my skin to shine. The Watermelon Glow Drops incorporate niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that provide an immediate radiance free of any glitter and oily feel. I apply it in the morning as a serum or over the makeup as a highlighter. It smells heavenly, it is light and my skin is as glowing as though I have had a full eight hours sleep.
6. Laneige Lip Sleeping mask (Berry)
Laneige
$24
There is a reason why this pink little jar is a cult favorite. The Laneige Lip Sleeping mask causes dry and chapped lips to fade away overnight. I use it at night, and in the morning my lips are extremely soft and round. I have used numerous lip balms, however, none have the same effects. It is not sticky, greasy, but it is luscious.
7. Klairs Supple Prep Toner Unscented
Klairs
$20
The unscented toner produced by Klairs is one of the gentlest and balancing toners that I have ever tried. It is non-alcoholic, fragrance-free and contains many calming ingredients such as centella and hyaluronic acid which are ideal for sensitive skin.
8. Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum
Mary & May
$19
A lightweight, plant-forward serum combining niacinamide with chaenomeles sinensis (flowering quince) for brightening, refining texture, and reducing discoloration. Gentle yet effective, it layers nicely under moisturizers and supports an even, glowing skin tone.
Final Thoughts
Korean skincare is more than a trend, it is a philosophy, which is kind to your skin and takes a holistic approach. My favorite is that all products are considered considerate and useful regardless of the skin type.
Hannah Farmer
In This Article
Sulhwasoo First Care Activating Serum
01COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
02Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
03Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum
04Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
05Laneige Lip Sleeping mask (Berry)
06Klairs Supple Prep Toner Unscented
07Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum
08Final Thoughts
09