25 Korean Beauty Products That You'll Wish You'd Known About Sooner

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08-04-2025

1. An Anua pore control cleansing oil to magically eliminate makeup residue, blackheads, and sebum while preventing pore congestion — perfect to incorporate in a double cleansing routine! It's also hypoallergenic and works wonders for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
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 reviews:"I don't need makeup remover wipes or a separate eye makeup remover because this product does the job for all of it! I've tried different products in the past, but this is the only one that has truly satisfied me. I'm extremely happy that I discovered this product!" — Perla Cuevas
"I don't usually leave reviews but this product is the best cleansing oil EVER !!!!! Worked flawlessly after first try and I can actually see the results immediately!! My gosh it's light weight, smells relaxing. Massage it to your skin 5–10 minutes and you can see the magic. Will definitely add this into my skincare routine. JUST GET IT !!!!!" — Vince
Get it from Amazon for $14.15.
2. A Beauty of Joseon serum if you're a real glow getter. The niacinamide and propolis extract formula can help you maintain clearer skin, brighten dark spots, and give you a dewy glow, thanks to its honey-like texture.
I've been using this serum for about three months now and cannot say enough good things about it. I got the "glow" serum (I love that there's different options for different skin concerns) and it continues to minimize my pores and makes my skin look plumped and radiant!
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 $11.90+ (available in two sizes).
3. A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks that has surprised reviewers with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow.
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10-15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to help heal wounds and protect the skin.
Promising reviews:"After years of trying different products on my sensitive, acne-prone, red, rough skin, I saw this mask and all of the positive reviews and thought 'what the hell, I'll give it a go.' Even after the first application, I was really impressed with the results. My rough skin is smoother, I have no additional breakouts and when I do wear makeup it actually blends into my skin. It also helps the deep wrinkles on my neck. I even got a compliment on my skin the other day — this NEVER happens. I use the mask twice per week. I'm on month two and I recommend it to anyone with problem skin. My only caution is that is smells kind of funky (who cares) and it's a little hard to remove. I only apply the mask when I'm going to shower and wash my hair. It's zombie life for me here on out!" — Charlie B
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (also available in a two-pack and in a variety three-pack).
4. A TikTok-famous Anua heartleaf soothing toner because it works like a charm to soothe and hydrate your skin, all while balancing out your pH level thanks to its high concentration of heartleaf extract. (77%, to be exact!) It also enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers and works *perfectly* prepping your skin before makeup for a glowy glass skin look.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check it out in this TikTok.
Promising review: "Guys. Guys. MAGIC IN A BOTTLE. I was slightly hesitant to buy this because of the price point, but I know it was highly praised on TikTok. I kid you not; I have not had a SINGLE whitehead since I started using this. I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin, and this toner has been amazing. My skin has quite literally never been clearer. I have tried so many freakin' products to try and get my skin clear, and this one is absolutely my new holy grail. I cannot recommend this enough if you have oily, acne-prone, super-sensitive skin. I cannot express how happy I am at how affordable it is!" — morgan
Get it from Amazon for $15.60+ (available in two sizes).
5. Or a bottle of I'm From goami rice toner that reviewers with dry skin say is hydration in a bottle. Its vegetable-originated extracts will leave your skin looking supple, smooth, and glowy without any heavy or sticky residue.
This toner is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I love this toner! I've finished the whole bottle. It's light and moisturizing. I can definitely tell the difference, my skin is smoother and plump. I love it cause I have both oily and dry skin and it makes my skin normal again! Best of all it doesn't burn or irritate my skin, if anything it calms it down. Will definitely be buying again." — Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $23.50 (available in two formulas and two sizes).
6. A wonderfully potent Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum infused with hyaluronic and ferulic acid, vitamin E, citrus stem cells, and centella asiatica to help (*takes a deep breath*) reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, help fade dark spots, shrink pores, prevent breakouts, and brighten your overall complexion. We love a multi-talented product.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Magic in a freaking bottle. I love this product. I was hesitant to buy and start a new addition to my skincare routine but I said F it and bought it on a whim. WELL I AM SO GLAD I DID. Pores, wrinkles, and fine lines are minimized, hydration on point, and it smells AMAZING. Yes the texture is water-based, and when I woke up the next day — WOW I WAS GLOWING!!! It's been a few weeks on this now and I have to say I will continue to buy it. I rinse with water and then put a dropper full on each cheek and rub it all over my face and follow it with sunscreen. FREAKING GLOWWWWWWWINGGGGGG. I am obsessed with this product and just the scent alone throws me into an amazing start to my day. Heaven in a bottle. YUM!!!!!!!" — Clayt
Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in two sizes).
7. A K-beauty Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil because heartbreak is one thing, but an icky sticky finish on your lips is another. It's made with soothing apple water to help moisturize and soften your lips while feeling super lightweight. It also gives your lips a lovely, natural-looking flush.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
I have been using this lip oil for three months and don't go anywhere without it. It's sooo moisturizing and leaves such a lovely, subtle tint. When my lips are feeling a little dry, I can apply this to add relieving moisture *and* some lively color to my lips. I also love that the brand has various options for different preferences!
Promising review: "I love K-beauty and this is one of my favorite lip oils. It makes my lips softer and looking like cherry plump. Plus, this shade acts as a lip tint, and I like how long it stays on my lips. At first, I thought that the bottle seemed small but after applying 2–3 times/day for a month, I still have a lot left to use. It moisturizes your lips and leaves a red tint on your lips, and it's lasted very long!" — Nhu
Get it from Amazon for $8.47+ (available in 13 colors and in sets)
8. A nourishing Etude House eye cream with concentrated collagen that moisturizes and helps firm the delicate skin around your eyes while helping to prevent fine lines. It'll make your skin feel so supple, you'll want to add that eye cream step back into your regular routine.
Soko Glam
Soko Glam is an Asian-owned business based in New York City. It was founded by a wife and husband team, Charlotte and Dave Cho, who curate the products on Soko Glam by traveling regularly to Seoul to scour the Korean skincare market.
Promising reviews:"I absolutely love this eye cream! I have a dry skin type and am prone to darkness under eye when I'm tired. After I use a small amount my under eye glows and feels so hydrated. I am on my second jar and will absolutely repurchase it!" — Makayla
"I really wanted an inexpensive eye cream just to moisturize and keep my skin feeling soft and subtle during winter. This did the trick. I've bought it over and over again." — Mary
Get it from Soko Glam for $27.60 or from Amazon for $13.58.
9. And a The Saem hydrating eye stick that has a cooling formula to help de-puff the area around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles so no one at the office starts asking you why you look like a Tim Burton character.
It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.
Promising review:"This is definitely a miracle product. I was impressed that it worked so well, so fast, and so instantly. The packaging is silly but whimsical; I enjoy it. This is the last thing I apply before walking out the door. First day I used it, I put it on and got in my car — I looked in the rear view mirror and my heart jumped. My eyes had de-puffed on my walk down the front path!!! So impressive. It's not hydrating, it's more tightening/brightening. If you have dry under eyes, use a creamy hydrating eye cream first, and apply this over it — problem solved. You don't get much product, but you don't need to use much either, and it's not like it's expensive. Definitely worth it if a product actually DOES what it claims it'll do!!! Buy it!" — Joseph S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three styles and in multipacks).
10. A viral Anua dark spot correcting serum formulated with the powerful trio of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and arbutin to help banish dull skin and enlarged pores to another dimension. It's also infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin barrier. Many reviewers say it's become an *essential* part of their skincare routine!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check it out in the TikTok.
Promising review: "Okay for starter my skin is very sensitive and gets itchy and will break out if my skin does not agree with any product. This serum did not cause any break out or sensitivity at all. I feel like it's helping my breakouts and it looks like it's giving my skin the glass skin look! It goes on smooth and dries with a bit of tackiness to it that feels hydrating. Don't hesitate! For this price, it's a steal! Now I want to try more Anua products!" — Brandon
Get it from Amazon for $18.48.
11. A Peach & Lily water gel moisturizer for your skin to drink right up. It combines hyaluronic acid with vegan prebiotics and probiotics for a weightless finish and that instant ~ahhh~ hydration.
Peach & Lily
Peach & Lily is a woman- and Asian-owned business that specializes in spa-grade K-beauty skincare that's cruelty-free and educating beauty lovers with informational skincare guides. It's also vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "Love this moisturizer so much! It's definitely a holy grail in my routine now. It's so cooling and refreshing and leaves my skin feeling so hydrated, soft and smooth without any greasy or heavy feeling or sticky residue. Great for the oily skin and acne prone girls!" — Chloe W.
Get it from Ulta or Peach & Lilly for $43.
12. Or a Cosrx Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer, which is a lightweight gel-type cream that'll help soothe dry, irritated skin and strengthen the skin barrier by enriching it with the long-lasting hydration it's been begging for.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check it out on TikTok here!
Promising review:"Wow, this is amazing stuff. I am critical about clean skincare that is good for sensitive skin. As soon as I put this on it is unbelievable soothing, hydrating and absorbs completely. I was expecting a lingering gooey film but, was pleasantly surprised. This has been the only product to give that "glass" skin look. I have always had a pinkish hue to my skin with it being sensitive and reactive. This is a fantastic product at a great price. I've used soooo many high end products (Tatcha, Peach & Lilly, skinmedica, you name it) — this is worth the money." — JeffK
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
13. A Mizon snail repair cream with snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and 12 natural extracts that can help nourish, brighten, and re-plump your skin without any oiliness (perfect for acne-prone skin!). When it comes to repairing the skin barrier, this cream really ~snailed~ it.
www.amazon.com
Behold, yet another product that has made me love products with snail mucin. I've been using this product for three months and it's like this cream has taken an eraser and rubbed it over my acne scars to reveal the clear-looking skin that I didn't know I could achieve. A true game-changer!
Promising review: "I am obsessed with this stuff I would bathe in it if I could!! I have really sensitive skin to weather changes and tend to get flaky skin on my face, but I've used this for two years now and I have had the most moisturized baby smooth face since. Seriously buy it, put it on before bed, and the next morning you can absolutely tell the difference. I'm like a freaking walking ad for it. My face is brighter and more moisturized." — Leah
Get it from Amazon for $11.80+ (available in four sizes).
14. An Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later face primer — the little potion you'll be thanking at the end of a long day when you're makeup *still* looks bomb AF. This pore-minimizing miracle worker (with SPF 30!) helps blur your pores, gives you a ~velvety complexion~, and locks your look in place so that it doesn't move or shift around. Reviewers say it absorbs well, foundation glided over it, and that it made their full face stand up to sweaty heat! Plus, it comes in four problem-solving formulas.
Elizabeth Mott is a Korean-American, woman-owned small biz!
Promising reviews: "I wore this primer under my foundation (Nars and Maybelline Fit Me) along with setting spray (Nyx) in this photo [above right]. I had been dunked in the pool two times and went down a giant slide that caused you to go under water three times. This was the result of my makeup! Love this product. A little goes a long way!" — Ryan Brooks
"I have extremely sensitive, acne-prone skin. I realized the makeup I was previously using was breaking me out, so I threw it away and purchased this primer with a powder foundation from another brand. THIS PRIMER THOUGH!! I hated the powder foundation I purchased and got rid of that, too, but this stays. I use this as my foundation now! It comes out green but blends into your face quickly. It covers my redness and uneven skin tone, but my freckles can still be seen. It makes my face look almost flawless, hydrated, and clear. This blew me away. I've already been suggesting it to friends and I will continue to buy this over and over again." — Lucy
Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in six formulas and in a bundle).
15. The Face Shop makeup remover wipes that gently cleanses and nourishes your skin all at once, especially after a long day! Since they're infused with rice water, it is *packed* with ceramides, lipids, and vitamins A, B, and E that help ensure they are gentle (yet effective!) on your skin.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I wasn't expecting very much from this product because of its inexpensive price point but I was pleasantly surprised. I would compare it to high-end products. It made my skin so glowy and healthy looking after just a couple days of use. My face feels so moisturized as well. I now use it at least once a day. Removes eye makeup well. I had not tried any rice bran extract products before but I will definitely be repurchasing these as they have become my holy grail. I had sebum problems in my t-zone and dryness on my cheeks and corners of my lips. This has helped to control those areas. The smell is pleasant to me. Perfect travel size." — Stephany
Get a pack of 50 wipes from Amazon for $10.
16. Or a Heimish cleansing balm if you have stubborn blackheads and makeup residue that you wish would just ~melt away~. This balm has 10 natural vegetable oils that melt as it comes in contact with your skin and effortlessly removes makeup and can reduce blackheads. It also works as a more gentle alternative if you prefer not to scrub with makeup wipes!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Using the mini spatula, scoop a decent amount and let it melt as it comes in contact with your skin. Spread and massage it into your face, rinse, and you're done!
Promising review:"This is an absolute must-have! I wear makeup on an almost daily basis and this is the perfect first step cleanser. Once you start massaging it into your skin, it warms up and smooths out along you skin, removing makeup easily as well as penetrating the oils on your face. It is easy to wash off and doesn't sting my eyes. It removes ALL my make up. And since you don't need much, each container lasts me about a month. I then follow up with a foaming cleanser and the rest of my routine. I am never without this product and have yet to try one that even comes close." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.04+ (available in two scents).
17. A Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser that lifts away dirt, makeup, and sunscreen without giving you that super tight feel. Its bouncy gel formula also hydrates and soothes your skin without stripping away your natural oils! I guess you can say it's a matcha made in heaven.
@kravebeauty / Via www.instagram.com
Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that aims to make skincare easy and stress-free.
Promising review:"I struggled with oily, acne-prone skin and a damaged barrier since I was a teenager. But I've been loyal to this cleanser and the oat moisturizer since they came out and y'all...it took some time, but my skin is finally, FINALLY, in the place I always wanted it to be. It has the perfect texture, amount of lather, and after-feel of any cleanser I've ever tried. Do your skin a favor and try this." — Monisa A.
18. A super easy-to-use (and super cute) Tonymoly octopus-shaped blackhead remover — it'll become your nose's best friend. Just scrub it over your nose and watch as it gently exfoliates and removes excess sebum, blackheads, and other impurities. Bye bye, pore strips!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " This is hands down the best exfoliator I have ever had. It's small so I was concerned but I exfoliate my face twice a week and it's been a couple months there's still plenty left. 10/10 buy it now!" — Mars
"After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." — LuckLocust
Get it from Amazon for $8.75.
19. Or a Cosrx blackhead remover liquid with 4% BHA made with willow bark water to mattify and exfoliate your skin, making enlarged pores look smaller and helping to prevent breakouts. Radiant skin, here I come.
www.amazon.com
After cleansing your skin, apply the essence using your hands (or a cotton pad) and wipe gently over your face. And don't forget to apply SPF afterwards when using it in the morning!
Before getting this product about five months ago, I'd never used a liquid, leave-on exfoliant like this. I'm so glad I did! It's such a gentle, easy way of giving your pores the extra cleansing step that they usually need. Not only has it minimized my pores more than any of the other dozens of exfoliators I've tried, but it's also been the *best* at preventing breakouts and promoting clear skin!
Promising review:" I struggle so bad with my pores cause they've always looked so huge but after just a week using this I can already see them shrinking down and becoming smaller. I was a little nervous about using an oil-like serum like this on my T-zone because I have combo skin and always get oily around my nose and chin, but it honestly hasn't affected my skin whatsoever. There also isn't really a scent to it, which is awesome. It leaves my skin feeling really moisturized. It's a good buy and I definitely recommend this and rave about this." — Berika Jones
Get it from Amazon for $18.07.
20. A pack of popular Cosrx pimple patches to evict those pesky pimples that have no business invading your face. These are coated with hydrocolloid to protect and heal the blemish more effectively — you officially have no excuses for popping those pimples anymore!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
For persistent or bigger pimples, leave a pimple patch on overnight for two to three days to allow the pimple to diminish completely.
Promising review:"I've suffered from full coverage acne since I was 8 or 9 years old (I know. A freakishly young age to start.). I've use every product known to man. Proactive, Neutrogena, Clearasil, medication from dermatologists...the list goes on, and I'm sure most people have experienced the same. BUT THESE WORK. HOLY SHT THESE WORK. They suck everything out in ONE GOSH DARN NIGHT. I buy a whole bunch at a time and go through probably five packets a month and I've never been happier, and I've never had such clear skin. All you have to do is wash your face and stick the dots on before bed. I stick them wherever I see the red starting, feel that 'oh it's a big one' pain under my skin, or where whiteheads have already started." — Danielle
Get two packs of 24 from Amazon for $7.19 (available in five pack sizes).
21. A ~juicy~ Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask that this reviewer with adult acne and scarring calls "pure magic." Here's the rundown: it's got 2.5% pH-balanced AHA complex for gentle exfoliation, seven weights of hyaluronic acid for *intense* plumping and hydration, peptides derived from quinoa for visible firmness, and niacinamide for bright, evenly toned skin. It'll quench your skin like no other for that post-facial ✨glow✨.
Sephora
Promising review: "I've been using this for a few weeks now and I'm in love with it and the results it provides! Glow recipe is one of my favorite brands so I was so excited about this launch! This is a magic product which literally works overnight! It's helps the skin exfoliate, hydrate and brighten! You instantly see results the next day! It's definitely a must for me and I would recommend this to all skin types!" — sidrahwhoa
Get it from Sephora for $21+ (available in two sizes).
22. A luxe Medicube facial device — a high-tech K-beauty tool (which is used by Hailey Bieber!) that'll help you truly elevate your whole skincare game. This helpful little tool stimulates your skin to create electro-passageways so your skincare penetrates more deeply, leaving it plumper and brighter. Now you'll *actually* be able to achieve that "glass skin" look that you were hoping to get from that $50 serum you splurged on.
www.amazon.com
I *highly* recommend watching this TikTok, where the creator's 45-year-old mom (who looks unbelievably youthful) is using this device along with her other skincare products (mostly from Medicube, a Korean brand) to help them soak in for maximum effect! Psst: You can get the other products mentioned in that vid on Amazon too if you're interested in replicating her routine: the Deep Vita C pads, The Lab's hyaluronic acid toner, the Deep Vita C serum, the peptide eye cream, and the collagen jelly cream.
The reviewer whose before/after is shown above used the device once a day for almost two months, and is wearing no makeup in either pic.
Promising review: " Best splurge! This device definitely helped me with product absorption, and I have seen such a huge difference in my face since starting to use it. I no longer have flaky, dull skin & my pores definitely look a lot better since they're more hydrated now. When I wake up in the morning after using this device, my face feels light instead of heavy from the previous night's skincare. I definitely think it's worth the $$$ if your skin doesn't easily absorb your products like mine (I have sensitive, dehydrated skin and only use a toner, serum, and moisturizer for my routine)." — K
Get it from Amazon for $87.85.
23. A Some by Mi Miracle toner with chemical exfoliants as well as tea tree, papaya, and witch hazel extract to remove dead skin cells while helping your skin look more hydrated and radiant in just 30 days. Many reviewers say it's perfect for both oily and sensitive skin!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
After cleansing, soak your cotton pad with the toner, gently wipe your face, and lightly tap for absorption. Follow with moisturizer!
Promising review:"I have pretty bad eczema and sensitive skin so I was a little worried about it, but this was probably one of the best decision I've made in a long time. I've been using this toner for over a month now. I use it twice a day. My face has improved 110%. It removed dirt even after washing my face & I haven't had any serious breakouts or skin bumps since. I have more confidence in my natural face and am loving it! I would definitely recommend trying this out and seeing if it's right for you. 10/10 would buy again." — MintyKiss
Get it from Amazon for $10.43 (also available as a two-pack).
24. A Son & Park beauty water to brighten your skin tone and smooth your texture. It's infused with willow bark and papaya that mildly exfoliates, and lavender flower extract, orange fruit extract, and rose water that refreshes, soothes, and helps reset your skin's natural pH level. It's smooth sailing for your skin from now on (literally!).
Soko Glam
Promising review:"This is my fourth bottle, and I don't think I'll be switching toner any time soon. It's an amazing toner and makeup remover all in one — super easy and convenient! I can tell this is a great product by the way my skin feels afterward: clean, light, and not dry at all. I swear by this toner!! You won't be disappointed, I promise." — Lindsay
Get it from Soko Glam for $25 or get it from Amazon for $27.99.
25. A cooling, calming cream by Dear, Klairs that uses ceramide 3 and centella asiatica extract to soothe irritation and even out your skin tone. A reviewer with rosacea says it's got to be witchcraft! You can also use it as after-sun care to help calm redness and sunburnt areas.
www.amazon.com
The picture on the left (shown above) is of a reviewer with severe rosacea and the picture on the right is of the results after only four times of applying less than a dime-sized amount of the cream to their face!
Promising reviews:"I've been using this for almost two months. I started because my skin got super red and sensitive from over exfoliation. This has made a world of the difference. I can tell you that it doesn't work quick. I started seeing small results within two weeks and just about two months later, I only have redness where I extract blackheads and it doesn't linger! It's meant for spot treating redness from irritation or acne scars. This is definitely part of my everyday routine and I'm just about done with my tub, I'll be buying a new one when this one runs out!" — CJD
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in four sizes).