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By now, you've probably read or at least heard about K-beauty. And if not... are you familiar with the use of sheet masks? How about an essence? Or maybe BB cream rings a bell? What you might not realize is that several of these cult-favorite products that you've been relying on for years are actually associated with Korean skincare—so just imagine what other K-beauty goodies can do for your skin!
But what exactly makes K-Beauty so special? According to Michelle Kwak, Head of Integrated Communications at Amorepacific U.S., it's "the constant innovation and advanced technology" that sets K-beauty apart from the rest of the world. Julie Monti, Head of Education of Amorepacific U.S., also notes that the K-beauty industry puts a lot of thought into how products are formulated. Unlike many mainstream formulas, Seoul-based brands often use "unique ingredients not commonly found in the Western World," such as Red Korean Ginseng, snail mucin, and mugwort extract, which are all known for their glow-inducing benefits.
"Korean beauty products typically revolve around the premise of balance," adds Monti. "Hydration, in particular, needs to be in balance, no matter your skin type, so that your skin will have a positive result and your products will absorb efficiently."
That said, navigating the K-beauty world can be tricky, but we made the work easy for you with all the best Korean skincare products that deserve a spot in your 10-step skincare routine, below.
Pros
A little goes a long way
Lathers great
Cons
AmorePacific's gentle cleansing powder is a great two-in-one product that works double duty to cleanse and exfoliate the skin at the same time. It relies on two exfoliating green tea enzymes that lift debris and gunk from pores, but it also contains hyaluronic acid that helps lock in hydration for a smoother, suppler appearance.
"This enzyme peel is the closest thing to getting an actual peel without the pain and the healing time—and cost—that’s required," raves an Amazon reviewer. "I now use it 2-3 times a week. It really does have instant results. I sometimes even go without makeup now. And I am 58 years old. That’s impressive!"
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Green Tea Derived Probiotic Enzymes, Hyaluronic Acid, Cotton Extract |
Size | 55 g / 1.94 oz. |
Pros
Absorbs into skin quickly
Helps boost the efficacy of other skincare products
Cons
Is there anything this serum can't do? With the help of five precious Korean herbs, the lightweight elixir smooths and hydrates the driest of skin while firming and inducing a gorgeous radiance.
"I swear by this in my skincare routine," says one Sephora reviewer. "It seems like my serums work better after using this. I feel like my skin has brightened with it. Sulwhasoo is a game changer."
Best for | Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily Skin |
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Active Ingredients | JAUM Activator (Lotus, White, Lily, Solomon's seal, Peony, and Rehmannia |
Size | .5 oz/ 15 mL or Size: 2.02 oz / 60 mL |
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Pros
Instant visible anti-aging results
Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
A longtime , this cult-favorite all-in-one facial treatment addresses multiple signs of aging—from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation to loss of elasticity—while soothing irritation, brightening, and moisturizing skin. Just mix the ampoules with the solution, apply it to your face for 20 minutes, and watch the tightening magic unfold.
"Hanacure leaves my skin soft and supple, and feeling refreshed," writes a reviewer. "I am 75 years old, and happy to look as good as I do, with thanks to Hanacure. It is expensive, but worth every penny... I am a believer in its rejuvenating properties."
Best for | All Skin Types, Including Sensitive |
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Active Ingredients | Beta-Glucan, Lotus Flower, White, Peony, Sophora Root, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 |
Size | 4 Masks |
Pros
Dries invisible without white cast
Provides UV protection
Cons
According to Kwak, "Korean beauty brands offer some of the best sunscreens on the market!" She recommends this Innisfree option with SPF 36. "Infused with a blend of green tea and sunflower seed oil, this watery formula blends away seamlessly for a non-white cast finish and fresh glow," says Kwak. "It feels like a daily moisturizer rather than a heavy sunscreen."
Reviewers seem to agree, too: "This is hands down the best sunscreen on the market for your face," writes a shopper. "I have super sensitive skin and it doesn't break me out at all. And for the price, I will continue to keep buying it. On my second tube. I love how soft it makes my skin and has great protection for daily wear or under makeup. A must-buy product!"
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Green Tea, Cica, Sunflower Seed Oil |
Size | 1.69 oz/ 50 mL |
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Best Face Cream
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Pros
Lightweight, cushiony formula
Helps firm and tighten skin
Cons
While there's no denying Dr. Jart+'s sheet masks are top-notch, the brand's Ceramidin cream is worthy of a mention, too. The best-selling moisturizer was recently reformulated with five ceramides, plus panthenol to revive a dull, tired-looking complexion while delivering all-day moisture to the skin's barrier. What you can expect? Nourished skin with a bouncy feeling.
"This is my absolute favorite skincare product that I own," writes a reviewer. "It smells good, it instantly makes your skin hydrated and plump as well as leaving your skin with a beautiful, healthy glow. I will be buying this over and over again once I run out."
Best for | Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily Skin |
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Active Ingredients | Five Ceramids, Panthenol, Glycerin |
Size | 1.7 oz / 50 mL |
Pros
Contains antioxidants that protect against environmental aggressors
Comes in a variety of flavors
Cons
Kiss dry lips goodbye thanks to this little pot of nourishing goodness that provides intense moisture and restores dry, chapped lips as you catch some shuteye. Better yet, it can even be used during your day-to-day life when your pout is craving more hydration than usual.
"This has saved me during dry, cold, Canadian winters," says a reviewer. "I am prone to dry lips that could even crack when left untreated in the winter. This mask has helped keep my lips soft during the dry months of the year."
More: The Best Lip Masks for a Softer, Smoother, and Suppler Pout
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Size | 0.70 oz/ 20 g |
Active Ingredients | Berry Mix Complex, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Murumuru Seed Butter, Vitamin C |
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Pros
Leaves skin feeling fresh, moisturized, and clean
Great for removing makeup in one wash
Cons
Cleansing might be the least fun part of a skincare routine, but once you get your hands on this cleansing balm, it might actually turn out to be your No. 1. With sea buckthorn and persimmon extract, the luxurious formula packs a serious dose of hydration and makes it easy to remove stubborn makeup and wash away any impurities without stripping the skin.
"This cleansing balm taught me to love skincare as part of a self care ritual," writes a shopper. "It’s buttery, smells heavenly, and takes off my makeup flawlessly. I look forward to using this balm - using it is such a luxurious experience because of how it feels. Definitely a staple in my routine."
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Sea Buckthorn, Persimmon Extract, Olive Oil, Vitamin E |
Size | 3.17 fl. oz. / 90 g |
Pros
Brightens skin
Helps minimize signs of aging
Cons
Before you shrug off the idea of using a snail-derived product on your face, just hear us out: snail mucin is known to brighten, hydrate, and support healthy elasticity, and just the smallest amount of this weightless essence will do wonders on a dull and dehydrated complexion.
"Was looking for something to combat dryness from a new acne treatment and this is perfect," writes an Ulta shopper. "Absorbs easily, has no fragrance, and restored my moisture barrier. I apply at night under moisturizer and my skin has never felt better."
Best for | For All Skin Types, Especially for Aging Skin |
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Active Ingredients | Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine |
Size | 3.38 oz |
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Best Anti-Aging Treatment
Saro De Rúe Freeze-Dried Hyaluronic Acid Pure Actives Anti-Aging System in 60-Day Pack
Pros
Keeps skin hydrated and plumped for 72 hours
Helps smooth away fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
Want to take your skincare routine to the next level? Allow us to introduce you to these game-changing freeze-dried hyaluronic acid capsules that dissolve when mixed with the accompanying serum. Once applied, the treatment sinks in almost instantly and leaves skin feeling intensely moisturized and oh-so-dewy for days.
"The second I put it on, my skin looks like I just got a facial and drank a gallon of water!" raves a Nordstrom shopper. "It gives it such a nice glow and leaves it so soft and moisturized. It also absorbs into my skin so quickly which is great, because I hate when it sits on your skin and feels sticky. I've noticed overtime that some of my pores are looking smaller, which has always been a major insecurity of mine. Overall my skin just looks brighter and healthier."
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Hyaluronic Avid, Squalane, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Panthenol |
Size | 60-Day Supply |
Best Toner
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Pros
Lightweight formula
Brightens skin
Cons
These days, you can't scroll on TikTok without seeing a beauty enthusiast using Glow Recipe. The brand's Niacinamide Dew Drops is an all-time fave, but we also love this gentle exfoliating toner that hydrates skin and minimizes the look of pores.
"This works so well even with my sensitive skin!" says a Sephora shopper. "It gives my skin a nice glowy look and doesn’t dry it out like other toners do."
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Watermelon Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Cactus Water, PHA and BHA |
Size | 5.07 oz/ 150 mL |
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Pros
Comes in a variety of sizes for all pimple sizes
Absorbs oils and protects against bacteria
Cons
Take it from me: Blemishes and pimples don't stand a chance against these tiny mighty hydrocolloid-infused bandages. Whenever I have a flare-up—which somehow always happens before a big event!—I just pop one of these bad boys on my target. In a matter of hours, the imperfection drastically decreases in size, and sometimes even disappears.
Best for | Acne-Prone Skin |
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Active Ingredients | Hydrocolloid |
Size | 24 count |
Pros
Soothing feel upon application
Ultra-lightweight formula
Cons
Another Korean skincare favorite, this Dr. Jart+ concentration relies on tiger grass—an herbal remedy that tigers roll around in to care for wounds—to keep facial redness at bay and calm any inflammation and irritation.
"Love the texture of this serum," says a reviewer. "Super calming and hydrating but not greasy whatsoever. It has helped calm my dry, sensitive winter skin and does seem to help redness."
Best for | Sensitive Skin |
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Active Ingredients | Tiger Grass, Niacinamide, Glycerin |
Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
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Pros
Absorbs fast
Soothing feeling
Cons
If dark circles and under-eye bags are your biggest concern, this eye treatment will perk up your skin in no time. Formulated with licorice water and extract (another K-beauty favorite ingredient) and caffeine, the cream helps brighten dark areas, tighten skin, and reduce puffiness. In other words, it's your best bet for an awakened appearance.
"This goes on super light and immediately makes the space around your eyes very bright and glowing," writes a reviewer. "A little goes a long way and it actually makes your eye areas feel super light and almost airy. It's a must-have."
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Licorice Water, Licorice Extract, Glutathione, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Bifida Ferment Extract, Caffeine |
Size | 1 fl. oz. / 30 ml |
Pros
Soothing formula
Provides long-lasting hydration
Cons
A "bomb" of long-lasting moisture is exactly what you can expect with this weightless cream that feels refreshing against skin. I love using it especially on frigid winter days when my naturally dry skin needs an oomph of extra hydration.
"It feels amazing in my skin," says a reviewer. "I use it in the morning and evenings I love how soft it fills in my skin and hydrating. It's not sticky at all"
Best for | Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Lady's Mantle, Squalene, Panthenol, Calendula Extract, Oat Kernel Extract |
Size | 1.68 oz |
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Pros
Delivers long-lasting hydration
Provides anti-aging benefits
Cons
Want glass skin? Look no further. This glow-inducing elixir contains an utterly lush cocktail of good-for-skin ingredients, such as peach extract, niacinamide, and East Asian mountain yam, that leaves your complexion looking luminous, smooth, and yes, even like glass.
"This serum feels incredibly luxurious!" raves a reviewer. "It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin smooth, soft, and hydrated! It didn’t break out my acne-prone skin and I will purchase for sure a Jumbo size! Very nice in combination with the retinal serum as it helps avoid dryness!"
Best for | Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Peach Extract, Niacinamide, East Asian Mountain Yam Extract, Madecassoide, Hyaluronic Acid Complex, Peptide Complex |
Size | 1.34 oz or 2.36 oz |
Pros
Lightweight texture
Helps protects skin's barrier
Cons
Aestura is a newcomer to the K-beauty world, and so far, its products don't disappoint. This moisturizer feels weightless on parched skin and absorbs incredibly quickly without leaving any sort of greasy residue. Plus, it's super mild and suitable for even the most sensitive types.
"I use this face cream twice a day," says an Amazon reviewer. "It feels just right on the skin, not too oily, not too dry. The good moisturized feeling last all day. There is no scent which is a big plus."
Best for | All Skin Types, Especially Dry and Sensitive |
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Active Ingredients | Ceramide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Squalene |
Size | 2.02 fl oz, 2.71 fl oz, or 5.07 fl oz |
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Pros
Firms skin
Boosts glow
Cons
From Seoul's award-winning Shangpree spa, this cooling rubber mask is loaded with antioxidant-rich tiger grass, collagen-boosting ginger root extract, and jojoba seed oil that help intensely hydrate, remove impurities, and leave skin with a week-long radiance. , "it's like 24-carat magic."
Best for | Dry, Normal, Oily |
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Active Ingredients | Cica, Ginger Root Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil |
Size | 1 mask |
Pros
Soothing sensation
Nurtures dry skin
Cons
Many cleansers on the market leave skin feeling tight and dry after a wash session, but not this Boscia cleansing gel. It features hydrangea leaf, botanical amino acids, and green tea which all team up to gently eliminate dirt and impurities while conditioning and protecting skin from free-radical damage.
"It lathers really nice, easy to avoid eye area," says a reviewer. "Right after using it for the first time my complexion was more clear and hydrated. The next day the hydrating and clean look didn't change"
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Hydrangea Leaf, Botanical Amino Acids, Green Tea, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Jojoba and Willowherb |
Size | 5 oz |
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Pros
Lifts impurities from pores
Smooths skin texture
Cons
Your skin will thank you after you slather this deep-cleansing clay mask with volcanic clusters on your face. In 20 minutes, it helps purify the skin by absorbing excess sebum, gently sloughing away dead skin cells, and drawing impurities from pores.
"I highly recommend—this has helped me a lot with blackheads and I also have sensitive skin," says a reviewer. "Saw a big difference with my pores/blackheads after the first use."
Best for | Oily, Combo, Normal Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Jeju Volcanic Clusters, Lactic Acid |
Size | 3.38 oz/ 100 mL |
Pros
Great for removing makeup
Helps keep skin balanced
Cons
Removing makeup has become a breeze for me ever since I was introduced to this cleansing oil. Meant to be used as the first step of a double-cleansing routine, the silky formula melts away impurities, build-up—even my budge-proof mascara!—in seconds without leaving an oily residue or drying out the skin. Oh, and I love the fact that it moisturizes while it cleanses.
Best for | All Skin Types |
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Active Ingredients | Tangerine peel extract, apricot kernel oil |
Size | 50 ml or 6.76 oz/ 200 mL |
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow's ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn't testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.