If You Want To Enter Your Korean Skincare Era But Don't Know Where To Start, Here Are 26 Products To Try

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19-02-2025

1. A rejuvenating Medicube gel cream with boba-like capsules full of concentrated vitamin C and niacinamide — as you massage it into your skin, the capsules burst, instantly giving you that "glass-skin" look. A little goes a long way, so you only need 1–2 capsules at a time for your whole face! If you stick with it over time, you'll be blessed by the skincare gods with an overall brighter complexion and improvement in acne scars and fine lines.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I've spent a lot of time curating my skincare routine, and this vitamin C gel/cream has rightfully earned its spot. I use it in the morning, and it gives me that glass skin glow all day long. A little goes a VERY long way. I would say I only apply one, *maaaybe* two boba beads for my whole face. I also like to use my Medicube Booster Pro in the Derma Shot mode to help the product fully absorb and get that extra snatched look.
Promising review:" I don't usually write reviews but for this product I had to. I have super dry skin on the best of days, and in the winter, I usually use a moisturizer that has the consistency and thickness of toothpaste just to stay moisturized in the cold, dry air. I decided to give this a try and I'm so glad I did! I had doubts because this isn't heavy at all and is like a gel with lightweight lotion balls in it but I could not have been more impressed! It's super moisturizing but absorbs well into the skin and gives you that glass skin look! My skin looks plump and bright in the middle of January in New England and that's a first! I also think it will still be fine to use in summertime because it's not a thick, heavy cream. Can't recommend this enough!" — K. Farris
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
2. A Beauty of Joseon eye serum to send your tired under-eye bags running for the hills. Made with ginseng, retinol, and niacinamide, it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and enhance the brightness of your skin, giving you that radiant glow.
Promising review:" This eye cream makes my eyes so soft, it has this luxurious feel that is better than any high-end product I have tried and for the cost? This stuff is unbelievable. I tried Ogee and all sorts of products that people swear by, but this one keeps my eyes hydrated and soft all night and lasts until the next day. It also isn't greasy which I love. Since it has retinol I only put on at night and use a vitamin C serum by murad in the morning. I love this product! You can feel and see a different after one use." — AJ
Get it from Amazon for $16.10+ (available in two sizes).
3. An Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil that visibly sucks out sebum from your pores and removes makeup residue and blackheads, leaving your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother. Reviewers of all skin types swear by it, including those with acne-prone skin (who say it doesn't cause breakouts)!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising review:"This is a game-changer for my skincare routine! It effectively removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping my skin. The oil has a gentle formula that's perfect for sensitive skin, and I love how it cleanses deep into my pores, leaving my face feeling fresh and hydrated. The heartleaf extract helps to calm my skin, and it's been great for controlling blackheads. It doesn't leave an oily residue, and my skin feels smooth and clean after each use. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an effective, gentle cleanser!" — Manju Shree Kumaravel
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
4. Along with Anua's deep cleansing foam, which dives deep into your pores, gently whisking away gunk and removing dead skin cells. Like their cleansing oil, heartleaf extract is the magic ingredient here, and it's all about calming things down, reducing inflammation, and keeping your skin feeling soothed and pampered long after you've rinsed off.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Let me tell you, I have awful blackheads, and this helped clean them out and made them a lot smaller. I love this stuff. I pair it with the oil cleanser (from the same brand and line), and they did wonders for my skin! I recommend it if you have clogged pores and blackheads." — Nabi
Get it from Amazon for $13.
5. *PLUS* a jar of heartleaf daily toner pads made with PHA to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells while also helping to reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " This has been THEEE best product for my dry sensitive skin. These pads are brightening and helped my uneven skin texture. I didn't know these pads would change my skin completely!! I'll be repurchasing forever, best skincare product I've used in a long time, you NEED THIS! You'll immediately notice a difference." — Kenny Vasquez
"When I tell you my skin hasn't been this clear in forever. I have PCOS and hirsutism, which causes me to grow hair on my neck and chin. I'm also a skin picker so clearing my skin has been really difficult for me. But this product has saved my skin. I'm still working on my skin picking but when I don't, these pads help to exfoliate and help with the dark marks. Thank Anua!" — Jessyca Renee
Get it from Amazon for $23.
6. An Elizavecca carbonated clay mask here to remove all the icky sebum from your face without stripping away your skin's natural oils. Reviewers say after using this their skin feels super clean and irresistibly soft — you won't be able to resist touching it!
P.S. This reviewer recommends putting the lid back on when not using because the air activates it.
Promising reviews: " I loved this! The fizzing effect exfoliated and deep cleaned my face….beyond facial smooth and bright! It felt nice during the treatment. I really sensed DEEP cleaning! I think it will be a nice weekly treat! I highly recommend it for the fun experience and the amazing results." — Amy Lynn Volansky
"I love love love this carbonated bubble clay mask! Ok so the packaging was very cute and simple, when opening up the jar, they give you this little spatula to help spread the mask. A little bit goes a long way! The texture is jelly-like and smells decent. Once on your face, you can feel it tingling and cracking cause it's creating bubbles on your face. When done your face itself looks like a huge bubble, it's quite fascinating. I kept the mask on for 10 minutes. Afterward, I used wet hands to rub the product in, then I washed with warm water. After using this my face felt amazing! Super soft and shiny, not oily of grimy at all. Will definitely buy again, 10/10 :)" — Erica
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
7. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, which is designed to draw out the gunk from your pimples while creating a protective shield (if you find yourself tempted to pick at them). Unlike other patches, this one has edges so thin that they practically blend in with your skin — perfect for those times when you need a little acne-fighting magic but still want to go about your day without anyone noticing.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, these work best on open, draining pustules (rather than blackheads or pimples that haven't come to a head yet). You can read more at Cleveland Clinic!
Promising review:"I am a pimple patch fan okay. I have tried them ALL but I always was intrigued by this brand and was very skeptical on three things: effectiveness, visibility, and size. I LOVE the fact that Rael pimple patches have two different sizes, all with hydrocolloid. They are practically invisible on the face unless you are extremely close up. I would feel extremely comfortable wearing these to my childcare job because I know they are not visible, and if you work with kids you know how they love to point pimple patches out. 🤣 I left one on my face all night (9+ hours), and it completely erased the pimple on the side of my cheek. Best pimple recovery I've seen ever on my face. I love these and will buy more, and you should too!!!!!" — Brian Cage
Get a 96 count from Amazon for $16.99 (also available in smaller pack sizes).
8. A bottle of The Face Shop's facial foaming cleanser if you have skin that's more sensitive than a toddler during nap time. You only need a tiny bit to create a rich lather that'll cleanse your face like a dream without irritating or drying it out. Plus, it's packed with rice water, which is amazing for brightening up your complexion.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" None of the many cleansers I've tried throughout my life have worked as incredibly as this one has. I've had top recommended brand cleansers that required two washes to thoroughly cleanse it all off. Not with this one. And the scent is wonderful!! I love it even more for that! The size of the bottle is much bigger than I expected and for such a great price!! Highly recommended!" — Carlos
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
9. A SeoulCeuticals toner mist made with 98% naturally derived ingredients like refreshing cucumber, antioxidant-rich green tea, tamarind, soothing aloe, and rejuvenating marine minerals for a perfect dose of dewy radiance. This powerhouse mist not only hydrates and plumps your skin but also tackles blemishes, helping keep those pesky breakouts at bay while giving you a gorgeous glow!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
SeoulCeuticals is a small skincare business that was founded in 2017 by a husband and wife team. Though it's a US-based company and the products are made in a state-of-the-art US facility, their main ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and they work closely with Korean partners and their consultant Ella Cho to ensure quality and authenticity. You can read more about the brand here!
Promising review:" I'm on my fourth or fifth bottle of this stuff, I use it as a daily toner and I must say that it is AMAZING. My skin is even and bright. I look like a buttery roll or a glazed donut and I love it. My skin has never loved me more. I also pair this with their serum, along with a strict skincare routine." — Victoria Del La Torre
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in two versions).
10. The viral Cosrx snail mucin power essence formulated with 96.3% snail secretion that's perfectly lightweight and hydrating for all skin types. This serum leaves a nice glow and keeps skin visibly smooth after a few uses — no wonder it has nearly 60,000 5-star ratings!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord is obsessed: "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help completely kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results!"
Promising review: "I caved to the TikTok hype, and now I am obsessed, lol! I have extremely sensitive skin, but this was the first product that I didn't have to go through a 'getting used to' phase." — Shelby
Get it from Amazon for $18.95.
11. Torriden hyaluronic acid serum — this complex HA formula is designed to absorb super quickly and dive deep into your skin, delivering a mega-dose of moisture. With a lightweight, watery texture, this serum is all about maintaining that much-needed hydration and keeping your skin plump and smooth without any icky residue.
Promising review: "Disclaimer: I went on Accutane five years ago, and this product is one of several other products in my day/night skincare routine. I first picked this up at an Olive Young store during a trip I took to South Korea. It was listed as one of their best-sellers and I 100% can see why. I mist my face before applying a few drops and it absorbs really quickly. Almost immediately my skin looks/feels more hydrated and prepped for the rest of my routine. The days where I feel lazy and don't complete my skincare routine or cheat and not use this, my face definitely looks less dewy/a little more dull. Idk but I'm sold for sure." — Jaylen
Get it from Amazon for $22.
12. A Laneige water sleeping mask so incredibly moisturizing that one reviewer describes it as a " hydration volcano." It's infused with squalane and a probiotic-derived complex, which is just a fancy way of saying it delivers intense moisture without that greasy, heavy feeling. Plus, it helps to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier, making your complexion look brighter and more radiant.
Amazon
Promising reviews: "I almost never buy the same beauty product twice, with very few exceptions. Why, when there are so many to try?! This one blew my mind. It feels so rich and luxurious, but still soaks in quickly. It doesn't feel sticky or oily, and it makes my skin feel incredible. I'm combination, but run dry, and this keeps me evened out even in winter." — fannbea6
"This mask is the best!! Your skin will feel hydrated and soft. It is a great overnight reset moisturizer. Tip: I put it inside my fridge so it can stay cold, and when I put it on, the feeling is fantastic, especially after a long day of work." — Valery Caicedo
Get it from Amazon for $32.
13. Also from Laneige: A glowy lip balm to instantly elevate your makeup look, whether you're going for a cute daytime vibe or a sultry evening allure — or just rock it solo with its amazing high-shine finish. The texture is smooth as silk, lightweight, and *not* sticky, so you'll feel like you're in lip balm heaven.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Everyone needs this lip gloss in their lives. It honestly makes your lips feel so good. I have one with my makeup and one in my purse to take everywhere with me. It's glossy but not sticky. It feels light on, but makes your lips instantly feel more nourished. Worth every penny." — Britney Badger
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in nine flavors and cute gift sets).
14. Or a Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil if you ever wanted a lip product that's not too sticky or thick but still gives a subtle pop of color. Not only does this oil give you a beautiful tint, but it's also nourishing for dry, flaky lips.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it was bigger, it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" — Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 13 shades, a jumbo size, and multipacks).
15. A Beauty of Joseon serum, aka the secret ingredient to more glass-like skin. This honey-like serum uses propolis and niacinamide to help control sebum production, minimize the appearance of pores, and even out any skin discoloration.
And don't worry, even though this is a serum it won't leave you feeling like you just smeared olive oil over your face.
Promising review:"From the moment I started using this serum I saw results! The combination of propolis and niacinamide in this serum is a winning formula. My complexion has never looked this radiant and healthy. It effectively addresses dark spots and hyperpigmentation, visibly reducing their appearance. What makes this serum even more remarkable is its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture. It feels like silk on my skin and leaves no greasy residue. I can apply it seamlessly without worrying about it disrupting my makeup or other skincare products. The hydrating properties of this serum are a game changer. My skin feels intensely nourished and plump, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The only downside is the price. I think it's a bit expensive for the amount of product you get. However, it's so good that I'll still leave it at 8/5 stars!" — Yuna Lee
Get it from Amazon for $16.58.
16. A moisturizing multiceramide cream formulated with three types of hyaluronic acid to pamper and shield your skin's precious barrier. This gem not only hydrates but also locks in all that moisture, leaving you feeling irresistibly soft and supple. And reviewers are in loooove with the texture — it's smooth, silky, and oh-so delightful.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This moisturizer has a perfect velvet texture and feel on the skin. Extremely smooth, and melts right into the skin so quickly. I have extremely dry irritated patchy skin and this moisturizer locks in the moisture for me so I don't start feeling too dry later in my day. I have used a range of pricey to drugstore moisturizers, and this is the only one I can finally consider a routine staple!! Definitely recommend!!" — Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $16.50.
17. Mixsoon Bean Essence that hydrates and exfoliates your skin at the same dang time. 🤯 This thick (but not sticky) essence contains natural ingredients like fermented bean, barley, and pomegranate to remove dead skin cells and revitalize skin tone.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see of it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff 🩷" — Losa
"I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." — MissKayMae
Get it from Amazon for $29.50.
18. A dark spot correcting serum featuring 5% niacinamide, papaya extract, and plant-derived squalane to help fade hyperpigmentation spots and leave your skin glowing with a more even complexion.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I swear by this serum, it made my dark spots disappear. and I've been using this on and off for about 4 months…because I'm not consistent with my skincare lol. These photos are only about a month apart..as you can see the dark spot on my cheek completely disappeared. i don't have photos from when I first began using it but there's a huge improvement!" — Minah
Get it from Amazon for $16.50.
19. The all-in-one Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm for those dry areas on your face and body that could use a little extra love. Packed with collagen and a natural fermented oil straight from Jeju Island, this balm is like a loving hug for your skin, giving it a 48-hour moisture boost and lifting effect.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life changing!!! In a matter of minutes my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in five styles).
20. A Dear, Klairs freshly juiced vitamin mask you're going to absolutely love, especially if you have dry skin. This mask is packed with vitamins C and E along with niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated, radiant, and feeling firmer for hourrsssss.
Amazon
This vitamin mask has a pudding-like gel texture. Use it as a daily moisturizer and/or a sleeping mask!
Promising review:"Freakin love this stuff. Makes my skin feel bouncy and hydrated. It feels like a beautiful drink of sunny morning water for the face. LOVE the smell of this stuff it's a very bright citrusy scent I can't describe fully that just smells like you are happy to be alive lol. Oh AND I looked up the ingredients of this stuff on the EWG website and it had pretty good safety ratings! After using this consecutively for a couple weeks I've noticed a significant brightening affect and anti acne affect! I think this is due to the active ingredients being for skin barrier health so the skin is less likely to break out. And the evening of my skin tone is just an added benefit!" — CatLover222
Get it from Amazon for $21.76.
21. Mediheal tea tree sheet masks, basically a 15-minute spa treatment in a pouch. Formulated with three different types of tea tree extract, it helps treat and prevent future blemishes by deeply purifying pores, controlling excess oil, and calming irritation.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love these masks! I have had a lifelong battle of fighting acne and combination skin. Some spots are super oily and others are super dry. Using this mask 2–3 times a week has improved my overall appearance and when I do have a breakout, it's nowhere near as bad." — Miranda
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.90.
22. A mandelic acid exfoliator offering a combination of AHA and BHA to gently buff away dead skin cells while also working wonders for hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin texture. It's safe for sensitive skin and doesn't cause irritation!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: " This was my first time using mandelic acid and I absolutely LOVE this product! I could literally see and tell a difference in my skin a few hours after using it and especially in the morning after applying at night. It makes my face look so smooth and flawless with makeup. I wish I had known about this product sooner. This is now one of my holy grails and I definitely plan to order more so that I do not run out." — K-rater
Get it from Amazon for $20.
23. A honey mask infused with 38.7% (you guessed it) pure honey. This mask doesn't just moisturize your skin, oh no — it goes deep down to hydrate and plump up your complexion, shrinking the appearance of pores in the process. It's like a sweet treat for your face, giving you that coveted glow and making you feel like a million bucks.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " This is my holy grail for my combination skin! I'm both oily and really dry; this both hydrates my dry skin but doesn't leave me feeling oily. I wake up glowing and refreshed. This is great to do before applying makeup to give you a smooth base. Definitely going to be something I reach for time after time, during any season." — Victoria Oliver
Get it from Amazon for $28.47.
24. A rejuvenating Bifida Biome Complex ampoule containing five types of probiotics that work overtime to strengthen your skin barrier, with 10 types of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. This ampoule is like a super quick-absorbing potion that your skin just drinks up, leaving you feeling refreshed and glowing. One reviewer even compares it to the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum, which costs over $100 for the same amount.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I received a sampler of this product a couple years ago, and I've been repurchasing it on my own ever since. It's my holy grail — it's hydrating, soothing, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, even when my skin barrier isn't doing well due to tret/sunburn/acne/allergies. The packaging is stunning, and the serum itself has a lovely texture that's just right in my opinion. It's not too thick or thin, it spreads super well, and it dries down in a way that feels heavenly. It just sinks into your skin and leaves it feeling soft, without any residue, and immediately after application my skin feels bouncy and glowing in that chokchok/mochi/glass skin fashion." — Rex
Get it from Amazon for $19.83.
25. An Innisfree daily UV defense sunscreen reviewers are calling their "holy grail" sun protection. It has SPF 36, which is *chef's kiss* for everyday use. It's formulated with green tea for hydration, cica to soothe redness and irritation, and sunflower seed oil to nourish the skin. And the best part? It leaves behind a beautiful glow with zero white cast.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:" My holy grail SPF. The scent is mild, and the sunscreen goes on my skin like a dream. I've tried maybe 20 other sunscreens (American, Korean, and Japanese), and this one is my top pick for everyday wear." — Symphanie Park
"I LOVE this product, I swear by it and I'm pretty sure this is my 3rd or 4th time purchasing it! As a woman of color, finding a sunscreen that didn't give me a white cast / ashy finish was very hard, so I am so glad I've come across this product ! It goes on the skin so smoothly. I apply moisturizer first, then the sunscreen and have no trouble spreading a little over my entire face! I seriously don't leave the house without this; I keep it on me at all times! It gives you a glow and makes skin feel so much softer. I also feel like some of my dark spots have faded due to this product! Also I have VERY sensitive skin, so everything breaks me out, but this has not!" — Sierra Keyes
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
26. And a pack of peptide patches — these look just like stickers, but they do way more: They block 98% of UV rays from reaching your delicate under-eyes thanks to their UPF 50+ rating, *plus* they're packed with hydrating and brightening peptides to give your skin that extra oomph. They're so thin and clear, they practically disappear on your skin, and they're water- and sweat-resistant so you can rock them all day without any slipping.
Amazon
The UPF 50+ rating is the same one that's used for sun protection clothing. You can read more about UPF, why it matters, and how it's different from SPF on the Skin Cancer Foundation website.
Get five pairs from Amazon for $19.99.