21 Best Korean Skin Care Products 2025, Tested and Reviewed

As a veteran beauty editor, I’ve tested hundreds of contenders for the best Korean skin care products. I first got into K-beauty when it gained popularity Stateside in 2011, adding all the snail mucin creams, Korean sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners I could find. Since then, the options have only gotten better and more numerous. Last year, I spent three months in Seoul researching and testing my way through all the latest launches. To put together the best K-beauty routine for any skin type, I talked to local dermatologists, toured skin care labs, and met with product developers and brand founders. While I found enough gems to fill two checked suitcases, consider this the condensed version of that list, featuring only the best of the best.

Below, you’ll find plenty of examples, like a hydrating sunscreen that doubles as tint, a water-activated cleanser you can also use as a face mask and toner pads that work like brightening mini masks. And so you can get a better idea of how they feel and who they work best for, they’re backed by real reviews from dermatologists, fellow K-beauty experts, and Glamour editors.

BLACK FRIDAY UPDATE: Many of our favorite Korean skin care products are discounted for Black Friday, so now’s the time to stock up. Standouts include the The Tiktok viral Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask and Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Deep Pore Cleansing Foam which we love for oily and acne-prone skin types and is marked down 19%—so you can grab it for just $11!

Best Cleanser: Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Deep Pore Cleansing Foam

Go in with this deep-cleansing foam after your oil or balm cleanser for the ultimate double-cleanse. It’s formulated with a blend of soothing ingredients and gentle exfoliants to help refine skin texture and take down redness. “Salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), gently exfoliates your pores and regulates sebum production,” says Ethan Wonuk Hwang, MD, a cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul. This formula also contains antioxidant-rich heartleaf extract. “It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that soothes irritation,” says Dr. Hwang. Together, they target pores and balance sebum without stripping your skin barrier. “It’s excellent for oily or congested skin types that want clear skin without dryness,” he says. “It clears pores without compromising hydration or barrier integrity, which is key for achieving glass skin.”

Best Cleansing Oil: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean

Ma:nyo’s Pure Cleansing Oil is a cult classic in South Korea, where it’s known as the #1 cleansing oil at Olive Young. The Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean edition, inspired by the success of the original, is arguably even better. It’s formulated with a mix of plant oils including grape seed, lavender, and sunflower seed to rinse off waterproof makeup without feeling heavy or greasy on your face. Dermatologists love the skin-friendly ingredients and comfortable texture. “It’s formulated with noncomedogenic oils to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” explains Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “It feels incredibly lightweight and silky on my skin,” she says of the texture. “It spreads and rinses off easily too, breaking down my makeup and sunscreen without feeling too heavy. When rinsed off, it leaves my skin feeling more hydrated.”

Ever since I first tried it, this cleansing oil lives permanently in my shower. The texture is lightweight, watery, and easy to work with. Most importantly, it gets even my most stubborn waterproof mascaras off without stinging my eyes.

Best Cleansing Balm: Dr. Althea Pore Refreshing Grinding Cleansing Balm

Think of cleansing balms as cleansing oils in solid, travel-friendly form. I’m obsessed with Dr. Althea’s original cleansing balm, which features a smart grinding dispenser that pushes out thin, pasta-like ribbons of formula. Dr. Althea’s Pore Refreshing Grinding Cleansing Balm keeps the same easy-to-use packaging, but swaps out the classic white balm for a baby-blue edition. Its signature shade comes from guaiazulene, an ingredient with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Paired with green tea extract, it helps balance sebum levels and keep skin clear and soothed. Just like the original, it melts off every trace of waterproof makeup, heavy foundation, and sunscreen—no scrubbing needed.

While I love both versions of Dr. Althea’s cleansing balm, I’d recommend trying this one if you have combination or oily skin, since the ingredients target excess sebum. It definitely won’t leave your face feeling dry; the formula starts melting as soon as it comes in contact with my skin, transforming from a smooth sherbert texture to a lightweight oil. I then dampen my hands and wet it to create a milky cleanser that melts off my makeup and sunscreen. If you’re used to traditional cleansing balms that require a spatula or fingers to scoop out the product, you’ll love the upgrade of this grinding dispenser. The layers of cleansing balm come out thin and even, so they’re much easier to spread over my skin. Plus, this gets even the most stubborn waterproof mascara off without stinging my eyes.

Best Toner: CosRx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

This popular exfoliating toner is one of the best CosRx products I’ve ever tried. Dr. Hwang loves the gentle-yet-effective formula, which combines glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA) with betaine salicylate (a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA). “Glycolic acid exfoliates and promotes skin turnover, and betaine salicylate clears sebum and prevents blackheads,” he says. The formula is also packed with blemish-fighting willow bark water, “a natural anti-inflammatory and mild exfoliant,” Dr. Hwang says. Typically, he recommends this toner to patients dealing with “uneven texture, mild breakouts, or congestion.”

One of my favorite features of this toner is that it’s mild enough for regular use, even on my sensitive skin. The spray applicator dispenses an even coat and makes it easy to treat back acne too. I reach for it so often, I’ve started keeping a bottle at home and another in my bag for workout classes and gym days.

Best Toner Pads: Biodance Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner Pads

K-beauty popularized the toner pad—pre-soaked cotton rounds or squares that can be swiped over your face or left on like mini sheet masks. Biodance makes one of my favorite versions, and these Biodance Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner Pads are particularly good for a subtle brightening boost. The brand swaps out the usual thin cotton fabric for hydrogel inspired by its TikTok-viral overnight face mask. While the Internet-famous face mask goes from white to clear as it dries, these gel pads start off clear and then turn white as the essence absorbs into your skin. They’re formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plus popular brightening ingredients like niacinamide and glutathione.

I’ve personally tested many of the popular toner pads that line the shelves at Olive Young, and these are easily in my top five. The hydrogel material clings to my skin without slipping and gives an extra refreshing sensation. I like to apply one on each cheek while I do my makeup before lightly swiping them all over my face and neck. When I start my skin prep with these, everything—foundation, blush, highlighter—just goes on so much smoother and dewier.

Best Face Mist: Dr. Althea Aqua Marine Jelly Mist

Jelly mists are one of my favorite K-beauty trends, and this version from Dr. Althea is one of the most hydrating formulas I’ve tried. “It’s essentially a hydration shield that provides fast moisture while also supporting the skin barrier with panthenol and soothing botanicals,” says Dr. Hwang. “Because the formula is gel-based, it stays on the skin longer than a typical water mist, reducing water loss instead of evaporating immediately.” He recommends it for dehydrated, tight, or sensitive skin.

I love the ease of the spray format and the guarantee that the solid gel will never spill in my bag. I take it with me for midday touch ups and sometimes swap it in for my toner; it gives me all the hydration of a liquid toner or toner pad in just a few quick sprays.

Best Essence: Mixsoon Bean Essence

You’ve probably seen this smoothing essence all over KBeautyTok, where fans show how the formula makes your skin naturally slough off as you rub it in. It’s made with fermented soybean and fruit extracts that combine for gentle chemical exfoliation. “This essence is unlike anything I’ve tried before—the fermented bean extracts give it a naturally thick yet silky texture that melts into my skin,” says Cho. “I love how it delivers deep hydration while gently exfoliating at the same time. It’s one of those products that makes my skin feel smoother and more refined after just a few uses. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin.”

For those new to the formula, you’ll have to gently work it in for at least a few minutes before the exfoliation starts. My friends in Seoul told me to try applying this before makeup for an extra-smooth base. You have to be a little patient when using this; depending on how much dead skin you have to exfoliate off, it can take awhile before your dead skin cells start clumping up. I focus on my nose area where I get clogged pores, rub until I see tiny clumps of skin, then rinse it all off. If you don’t want the exfoliating effect, you can also apply this as you would a normal essence and get the same hydrating benefits.

Best Ampoule: Rejuran Turnover Ampoule

A cross between a hydrating essence and skin-boosting serum, ampoules are another popular step in Korean skin-care routines. Perhaps the most famous ampoule of all is Rejuran’s, the brand that popularized PDRN injections. The topical version pairs c-PDRN with other barrier-supporting, brightening, and firming ingredients like niacinamide, adenosine, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts. “This ampoule behaves like an anti-aging serum,” says Dr. Hwang. “Niacinamide and adenosine provide science-backed support for texture, tone, and fine lines. The high humectant content allows for rapid hydration and improved bounce.” He recommends it to patients for post-procedure soothing as well as visible signs of aging. “It’s a good option for patients who want a gentle but effective active serum without retinoid irritation,” he says.

After visiting Dr. Hwang’s Seoul office for Rejuran injections, I was curious to see how the popular ampoule compares. Spoiler alert: It obviously can’t do what 700 injections can. Still, I remain a fan of this ampoule for its gentle formula and glow-boosting, plumping properties.

Best Peptide Serum: Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin

Snail mucin is a key ingredient in Korean skin care, but this is the first time I’ve tried a prickly pear mucin serum. Inspired by K-beauty snail mucin serums, this vegan version is packed with prickly pear to support your skin barrier, ectoin to calm, and peptides (a popular ingredient used to help improve skin elasticity and firmness). Despite its stretchy, gooey appearance out of the bottle, it absorbs fast and doesn’t feel sticky on skin.

After testing all the popular snail mucin serums on the market, I was curious to see how this plant-based version would compare. It actually feels so similar, I had to double check the ingredients list. The texture has the gooey, weirdly satisfying feel I’m familiar with but is also easy to work with and pat in. Once it absorbs, it leaves my face feeling bouncy and hydrated. I’ve always loved peptides as a skin-plumping ingredient, and now my new favorite way to cocktail them is with a dose of prickly pear mucin.

Best Vitamin C Serum: Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

If your vitamin C serums feel sticky or smell like hot dog water, swap them out for this K-beauty favorite. I picked up a bottle of this TikTok-viral vitamin C last fall in Seoul and emptied it in a month after using it day and night. “This serum packs a punch if you are looking to even out your skin tone,” says Christina Chung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania. “Not only does it contain a special glutathione vitamin C, but it also has niacinamide and tranexamic acid, two actives that are known to help with dyspigmentation.” Dr. Chung also highly rates this serum for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. “Products that help brighten and even skin can be irritating, but this one is the complete opposite,” she says. “It’s gentle and hydrating to the point that oily skin types may find it too heavy!”

My favorite thing about Numbuzin’s No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum is that the texture feels just right for my combination skin, delivering hydration without making my skin feel weighed down or oily. Plus, it has a visible effect on my post-breakout dark spots. After a month of regular use, it faded the marks around my chin and brightened my overall complexion without causing the slightest bit of irritation.

Best Retinol Serum: Some by Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Once a relatively rare ingredient in K-beauty, Korean retinols are now on the rise. This beginner-friendly option combines retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol to help smooth texture and boost collagen production. (Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient known for delivering retinol-like effects without the risk of irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.) The formula also contains calming and barrier-supporting ingredients like Centella asiatica and ceramides to keep it mild.

Cho is a fan of the “multifunctional blend” of ingredients. “The addition of peptides and panthenol made it feel like a treatment and a barrier-repair serum in one,” she says. “It’s great for combination, acne-prone, and oily skin types.”

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Torriden Dive In 5D Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream

This light-as-air gel cream is proof that nourishing moisturizers don’t have to feel thick and heavy. Its hero ingredient is hyaluronic acid, one of the most popular skin-care ingredients for providing lightweight hydration. It’s also packed with madecassoside to “calm inflammation” and allantoin to “soften rough skin and reduce sensitivity,” says Dr. Hwang. “This is a well-balanced moisturizer that hydrates deeply while keeping the formula breathable,” he says. “I recommend it to patients with dehydrated skin, especially those on active treatments like retinoids or acids. It helps restore plumpness without clogging pores, and the soothing ingredients make it safe for post-procedure use as well. It’s one of the few creams I personally enjoy using even in humid summer months.”

While I definitely see the appeal of using this moisturizer on a hot summer day, it’s just as effective for my winter morning skin-care routine. The texture layers beautifully under makeup and creates a subtle smoothing effect as it plumps up my complexion. I can definitely see why it’s remained a top seller in South Korea.

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Femmue Essential Moisture MilkF

If you have oily or combination skin, skip the heavy creams and try this watery moisture milk from Femmue. It comes in a pump bottle and feels like a cross between a lightweight lotion and milk toner. Once you apply it, it absorbs almost instantly. The hero ingredient is narcissus flower water, a plant rich in antioxidants to help protect your skin and enhance glow. It’s paired with brightening, hydrating ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide. Because it’s so light, it works especially well for anyone who doesn’t like too many layers of product on their skin; it hydrates with the slightest dewy finish but doesn’t get greasy.

I have combination skin, so I’m always careful not to apply too much moisturizer to my T-zone, especially if I’m wearing makeup. I love how refreshing and light this feels under foundation and it has a lovely (not overpowering) floral scent from the botanical extracts in the formula.

Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream

If CosRx popularized snail mucin skin care, then Sulwhasoo did the same for ginseng creams and serums. This popular luxury Korean skin-care brand is known for its use of ginseng extracts, which dermatologists say have powerful antioxidant benefits. The Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream pairs ginseng saponins (plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties) with its proprietary ginseng peptide to help rejuvenate skin.

“I’m a strong believer in the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginseng root,” says Dr. Chung. She often recommends Sulwhasoo’s moisturizers to sensitive skin types, as well as anyone in need of a “super moisturizing” boost. “The price point may shock you, but a little goes a long way,” she says. This is definitely one of the most expensive moisturizers—K-beauty or otherwise—in my regular rotation. But I love everything about it, from its deeply hydrating yet lightweight texture, to its subtle ginseng scent that reminds me of a spa visit, to (most importantly) the way it immediately makes my skin look slightly plumper, dewier, and healthier.

Best Eye Cream: Belif Aqua Bomb Lifting Eye Gel

This plumping, firming eye gel excels at refreshing puffy undereyes and smoothing crow’s feet. “I love the instant cooling effect you get when applying this eye gel,” says Dr. Chang. “It also absorbs into the skin well.” The formula contains a mix of wrinkle-targeting ingredients like retinol, bakuchiol, and copper peptide, along with collagen to hydrate. The cooling ceramic tip adds to the refreshing effect; Dr. Chang says it helps “drain away swelling.”

Personally, I’m a fan of how this lightweight gel delivers an instant bouncy, blurred finish and cooling eye care in one. Like all eye creams, the blurring effect is temporary but makes my under eyes look immediately smoother and firmer. I give myself a little massage with this in the morning or before bed, and it’s almost as good as an extra hour of sleep.

Best Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 with Hyaluronic Acid Color

Korean sunscreens are known for being more lightweight and comfortable than most of what’s on offer Stateside. That’s due to their use of sunscreen filters that aren’t on the short list approved by the FDA. The Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen is a rare example of a Korean sunscreen that uses FDA-approved filters and still wears comfortably. “This is a popular eco-friendly brand that I saw everywhere when I was in South Korea last summer,” says Dr. Chung. “I love this product because of how it goes on and the finish it leaves on the skin. What makes this really special is there is a slightly green tint which helps to offset any redness. This is my go-to product for my patients with mild rosacea.”

This formula also won a spot on our list of best Korean sunscreens. “I have combination skin and sometimes get red around my cheeks. The green (though it’s more like jade color) diminishes any redness. But, you do have to rub it in pretty well to avoid any white cast since it’s a thick consistency,” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour’s senior commerce editor. Calle ranks this among her favorite sunscreens because of its “glowy finish.”

Best Tinted Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen

Beauty of Joseon’s famous Relief Sun might be TikTok’s most viral Korean sunscreen. While that formula is no longer available in the U.S., the brand recently launched the FDA-compliant Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, which uses zinc oxide for its SPF 40 broad-spectrum protection. It feels surprisingly lightweight and fast-absorbing for a mineral sunscreen and comes in 12 sheer tints made to double as your daily tinted base.

Going off the texture alone, I would never guess that this is a zinc oxide formula. It feels so fluid and weightless, and I’m obsessed with the natural finish it leaves. The tinted sunscreen is sheer and forgiving—more like an IRL filter for your skin than a full-on foundation. On days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup but still want to even out my skin tone and give it a beautiful glow, I always reach for it. It makes my skin look amazing.

Best Face Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

If you want to know how popular Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is, the brand says it’s been counterfeited so many times, they’ve recently updated the packaging from translucent to opaque to avoid fakes. (If you have an old version, don’t panic: Just check that it matches the brand’s official product images.) It made our list of best Korean face masks thanks to its innovative peel-off format and glass-skin effect.

Dr. Chang says the formula is great for hydration with its lineup of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide. This overnight mask goes on as a clear gel and dries down in 15 minutes, “wrapping” your skin in moisture as you sleep. “It should be applied with a brush or spatula,” she says. “You can peel it off in the morning and rinse your face. It’s comfortable to sleep in and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.”

TikTok got me again with this one. It balls up as I peel it off so I don’t feel like I’m taking a layer of my skin with it, and makes my skin look more hydrated and glowy the next morning. Sometimes I leave it on overnight—you really can sleep with this one without noticing it since it dries down—and sometimes I peel it off after half an hour. It’s definitely the most fun face mask I own.

Best Under-Eye Mask: Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch

On days when your under eyes need extra help, there’s nothing better than a pack of these firming eye patches. “These are ideal for someone noticing fine lines around the eyes, especially makeup creasing or dryness,” says Dr. Hwang. “I recommend them for patients who want a gentle introduction to vitamin A around the eyes.” The gel patches are soaked in retinal, ginseng root water, peptide, and collagen. “Retinal is a potent vitamin A derivative with faster conversion than retinol that improves fine lines and elasticity,” he says. The additional ingredients provide antioxidant benefits, temporary plumping, and barrier support.

Just as Beauty of Joseon intended, I’ve been known to apply these multi-use patches not only on my under eyes, but also on my forehead and neck to help firm. They’re great before an event or as a targeted mask. My biggest pet peeve is when patches slip and slide around my face, but the wing shape stays exactly where I place it for the 20 minutes it takes the essence to absorb. I still need a good concealer on top to fully cover my dark circles, but these definitely help create a smoother, lifted-looking base.

Best Lip Treatment: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is an iconic celebrity favorite. Even Twice’s Nayeon, one of South Korea’s most popular K-pop stars, is obsessed with the thick, cushiony formula that stays on overnight and smooths chapped, peeling lips. “I tried many different ones but ultimately I always come back to this,” she previously told Glamour. “It takes me a while to finish one but I always get a new one so that I don’t run out of it.”

Dermatologists approve too. “The formula’s shea butter and berry complex formula applied with the tiny spatula is both luxurious and really hydrating,” says Dr. Chung. “I usually pair this at night with a humidifier on cold nights and I wake up with dewy lips!”

I have a pot of the vanilla flavor on my nightstand right now that I got in Seoul. I apply it nightly so my lips stay plush and smooth while I sleep, and it smells like cupcakes. It’s sadly not one of the flavors available in the US, so I highly recommend collecting all the exclusives if you visit South Korea. They also have a custom flavor-mixing service at their flagship store that everyone should add to their Seoul beauty itinerary.

Best Body Lotion: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel

If you want to expand your Korean skin-care routine to body care, start with Illiyoon. The brand is known in South Korea for its gentle Ceramide Ato line, which you can find in every supermarket. Formulated with ceramide NP, a popular ingredient for hydrating and supporting your skin barrier, the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel can be used on both your face and body for nourishing moisture. The fragrance-free formula is designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it’s also a great choice for skin that’s irritated or inflamed.

I’ve tried all of the lotions from this line, and this would be my top recommendation if you prefer a body lotion with a lighter texture. Unlike some of the brand’s thicker creams, this one is a gel cream that sinks in fast and doesn’t leave any residue behind. You can also use it on your face, so it’s a true head-to-toe lotion. I get flaky patches on my legs sometimes and this formula smooths them out after just a couple of applications.

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