22 Splurge-Worthy Korean Skincare Products To Really Step Up Your Routine

Buzz Feed

07-05-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Featuring a device that helps all your products absorb better so you get the *maximum* benefits — sounds like a great investment to me.
1. A "lifting" essence that reviewers on TikTok are referring to as "Botox in a bottle." It's made with NAD+, which can help boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, along with 50 types of peptides to help plump and firm your skin. With a stretchy texture that's similar to snail mucin but thicker, this gem can help make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable in four weeks!
Amazon
Here's how to use it: Take 2–3 drops and apply evenly all over your face — if you want to target any particular areas that have wrinkles, like smile lines, frown lines, and your forehead, you can apply extra there. Gently massage the product into your skin until it's fully absorbed. For an added boost, follow up with their lifting sheet mask at night to lock in the benefits!
Promising review:"I've tried countless essences over the years, but Numbuzin No.9 Essence | NAD+ BIO has completely blown me away! From the very first week, I noticed a visible reduction in my pores and an overall improvement in my skin's texture. My complexion looks smoother, firmer, and more refined, giving me that coveted 'glass skin' effect." — Bug Lady
Get it from Amazon for $28.10.
2. A bottle of Ma:nyo cleansing oil ready to practically ~melt~ away impurities on your skin — we're talking makeup, sunscreen, and that stubborn excess sebum that loves to clog pores and create blackheads. It's created with a blend of vitamin E-rich argan oil and a whopping 14 other plant-derived oils, delivering a deeply nourishing cleanse while maintaining your skin's moisture and pH balance.
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:"The first pic [above] is from before I started using this face wash; the second pic is a month or so after. I used it to wash my face, and then I washed and exfoliated IMMEDIATELY after the oil cleanser with a foaming face cleanser. (Make sure to get all the oil cleanser off.) It smells good, like citrus, and you can use it on more than ur face. I used it on my armpits and it lightened them, so that's also cool. It made my dark circles lighter as well. My skin got much brighter and now glows. Not greasy, but glowy. A great face wash and very worth the price." — Jessica Hayes
Get it from Amazon for $28.99.
3. A bottle of Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops packed with vitamins that help plump and brighten your skin along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing moringa seed oil for an instant dewy glow. ✨
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Tried this product out after seeing it on TikTok, and my daughter and I loved it. We are waiting for the bigger bottle to come in today! With this serum, we were able to achieve that pretty glass look that we were looking for. I did try out five other products, but this one is one that will be in our bathroom for quite some time. It smells great. It feels great, and after a couple of weeks, I wasn't even wearing foundation anymore — that's how good my skin looked! Definitely give it a try!" — Debbie Shannon Avila
Get it from Amazon for $35.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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 shades and as a cute gift set).
6. A cleansing balm complete with a handy lil' spatula, offering a hygienic way to scoop out just the right amount of product without dipping your fingers in the jar. Reviewers love the silky smooth texture and that it truly melts away makeup and sunscreen. Plus, it naturally brightens your complexion while helping to control oil!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:" My first 'forever' product. I feel like a changed woman. I've never had a product that I loved so much that I thought, 'That's it, this is a product I'll buy for the rest of my life.' In walks this balm. It is so luxurious to use with my gua sha before my other skincare stuff. Don't think, just buy this stuff." — Amanda Stoerner
" I have tried quite a few oil cleansers in the last 6-7 years. This is the best one. Better than Farmacy, better than Youth to the People, better than Naturium, and better than any other Japanese or Korean brands I have tried. It removes difficult makeup and sunscreen in 60 seconds (that is how long I like to massage my cleansers in) and it feels so silky on the skin. It has a nice slip to it so I never feel that I am tugging at my face. It all melts into my hands as soon as I begin to rub them together. My biggest pet peeve with cleansing balms is that they never fully melt into my hands and I'm left with big cleanser chunks between my fingers. That is not the case with this balm. It is perfect. It does not leave a residue and leaves my face feeling soft. The price is a bit wild, but honestly, I truly think I will keep coming back because I have never used a better balm and I don't believe I ever wil l." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.
7. A color corrector that starts off green but then blends seamlessly into your skin like magic, neutralizing any redness. It's packed with Centella asiatica extract, which is well-known in Korea for its calming and soothing properties. Plus, with glycerin in the mix, your face stays hydrated and glowing all day long. It's a great tool for evening out redness on no-makeup days, or layering under your foundation for an even more polished look!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Note: This does contain SPF 25, but based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should still wear a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30!
Promising review:"I have rosacea, and it's often accompanied by not just redness, but uneven texture and flaking. I was genuinely shocked how easily and quickly this stuff went on, and how much better my skin looks! Being able to put something on that looks great without spending a ton of time prepping is amazing. My face feels soft and looks so much less red, and so much more even. Using this completely on its own looks better than any other expensive primer and foundation I've tried. I'm so happy I found this!" — S. K.
Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in two sizes).
8. 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.
Promising review:"I received a sampler of this product a couple of 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 $31.50.
9. Belif Aqua Bomb, a gel-based moisturizer reviewers *rave* about for its lightweight, watery texture and refreshing cooling effect — perfect for those upcoming hot and humid days. In just 10 seconds, it absorbs without any stickiness while delivering a surge of moisture, leaving your face feeling plump and looking radiant.
BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel LOVES this: "Belif's Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it — and gift it! — to friends and family of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I've put it on every night and most mornings for years and have no plans of stopping any time soon!" Psst — check out her Belif Aqua Bomb review for more deets!
Get a full-size jar from Amazon for $47.89 (also available in two smaller sizes).
10. 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.
Promising review: "I purchased this product for sun protection while golfing, and I love it. The patches are invisible on your skin and feel super lightweight. They also lasts all day, even when you're out in the sun and sweating. If you're looking for extra sun protection, I highly recommend you get these patches!" — Amazon Customer
Get five pairs from Amazon for $19.95.
11. A Medicube Age-R Booster Pro if you want to feel like you just left a Korean skin clinic without having to hop on a flight. This device features four different treatments, all powered by LED light therapy, that can exfoliate, tighten, boost the efficacy of your other products, and rejuvenate your skin. It announces the minutes as you're using it to ensure you don't overuse it in one spot and doesn't take long to see noticeable results.
It's recommended to use the Air Shot mode 2–3 times a week. The other modes — Booster, MC (microcurrent), and Derma Shot — can be used 1–3 times daily. You can also sync the device with the Age-R app, which guides you through a custom calendar and allows you to track your progress.
I own the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro and it is definitely worth the splurge! When I first started using this device I had a dark mark from a pimple on my cheek, but with consistent use of this device, it faded in under a week (wish I had taken those before and after pics!). Overall, it didn't take long to notice that my face was visibly brighter and lifted. Although I've slacked a bit lately (oops, guilty of being lazy 😅), I've definitely seen the difference when I'm diligent with it.
Promising review: "I have been using the Booster Pro for a month now, and the results are fantastic! My pores are less visible, and my skin is more radiant. The LED lights and various modes make it easy to target specific concerns. The AGE-R app is a great addition, providing helpful tips and progress tracking. Worth every penny." — J Miles
12. Or the Mini Booster Pro in case you prefer a more straightforward yet effective tool. This version features the same Booster Mode for better product absorption and utilizes both blue and red LED light therapy to help soothe and calm your skin while making it look more radiant. This compact skincare companion is perfect for travel, and like the Age-R Booster Pro, it can be synced with the Age-R app.
www.instagram.com
Heads up: This model doesn't come with a USB-C charging cable or adapter, so snag one if you need it!
Promising review: "The design is sleek and comfortable to hold, and it's compact enough to take with me if I'm traveling. After using it regularly, I've noticed a visible improvement in my skin's texture and tone. My skin feels firmer, smoother, and more refreshed. It's the perfect tool to help enhance my skincare products and really give my skin that extra boost. If you want something that's both effective and relaxing, the Medicube Mini Booster Pro is definitely worth it!" — Lissi
Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in pink or white).
13. A retinol neck cream that also contains hyaluronic acid and collagen, a delightful concoction that can help give your neck the TLC it deserves. It has a built-in gua sha roller, providing a little massage moment while you apply the product to your neck, jawline, and décolleté. Over time, it can help your neck appear lifted, firmer, and oh-so-smooth!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I'm happy with this neck cream. The roller makes it super easy to apply, and it kind of feels like a mini massage while using it. It's way more convenient than using my hands, and I've noticed my neck lines looking a bit lighter than before. I'm definitely going to keep using it and see how it goes." — Sandy
"Noticeable lift and smoothness after a few uses! The massage roller feels amazing and helps the cream absorb better. My neck feels firmer already." — Ethan Ahn
Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (also available as a refill).
14. A Peach & Lily water gel moisturizer ready to transform your skin into pure, dewy perfection — think glazed donut vibes, but in the most fabulous way possible. Filled with hyaluronic acid as well as vegan prebiotics and probiotics, this magical moisturizer dives deep to draw in moisture while balancing and nourishing your skin's microbiome.
Ulta
Peach & Lily is a woman- and Asian-owned biz specializing in cruelty-free, spa-quality K-beauty skincare.
Promising review: "I have pretty dry skin around my nose and chin area, and I was worried this wouldn't be moisturizing enough, especially as I recently started using tretinoin at night. I have been very pleased with the product! My skin looks amazing, doesn't feel greasy, and is well-hydrated. Also, it's unscented, which is a huge plus for my sensitive skin, and it's vegan! Couldn't recommend more." — Kate A.
Get it from Ulta for $43.
15. An amazing enzyme peel powder that works double duty as both a cleanser and an exfoliator. The powder-to-foam formula contains two exfoliating green tea enzymes that lift all the debris and gunk from your pores without any harsh scrubbing. It also has hyaluronic acid to help lock in hydration, leaving your face smooth and supple.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I started using this amazing product because I was given a sample, and the first time I tried it, I knew it was something extra special. I could see a difference IMMEDIATELY (not kidding), and now I am a devout believer. This enzyme peel is the closest thing to getting an actual peel without the pain and the healing time — and cost — that's required. 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! Thanks Amore Pacific!" — Katharine Pope
Get it from Amazon for $68.
16. A bottle of goami rice toner if you need a little extra help with hydration. This fragrance-free toner gives the skin a lovely illuminating effect while also improving its protective moisture barrier.
This toner is also alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
The original formula is great for dry skin, providing deep hydration and nourishment. If you have oily or combination skin, try the light formula instead, as it can help control excess oil and prevent breakouts.
Promising review: " This toner is magical! I have huge pores so I got this toner to try to help with that and not only did it shrink my pores, it helped with the overall texture of my skin. No more little bumps.I've only been using this for about a month now? And no I have not been extremely consistent, you start to see results pretty quick so if you're trying to get that glass skin look, I highly recommend you add this to your skincare routine." — Kiki
Get the original formula from Amazon for $23.50 (also available in a light formula).
17. A whole body deodorant gel that works by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria *before* it can cause a stink — it also helps dark underarms and soothes the skin. And as a HUGE bonus, you'll smell like a luxe blend of bergamot, white rose, and vetiver, so no one will even guess you've just come from the gym or dashed to catch the bus!
It's also free from aluminum, parabens, and phthalates!
House of Balance is a small wellness brand that creates products made from natural ingredients like Korean seaweed and essential oils.
Promising review:"I'm absolutely loving this deodorant! It has completely transformed by daily routine when it comes to odor control, The best part is that it's not just for my underarms — I can apply it on my wrists and neck too, just like a perfume! I also appreciate how lightweight the formula feels — it's not sticky or heavy, which makes it a pleasure to apply." — Marina C.
Get it from House of Balance for $29.
18. A Sulwhasoo activating serum crafted with ginseng, a long-time Korean beauty staple. This serum helps strengthen your skin's barrier, which can be a bit vulnerable when cleansing, and preps your skin so that other products in your routine can fully absorb and work more effectively. It also smooths and hydrates dry patches, leaving your skin feeling firm and looking incredibly radiant.
Sephora
Allergy info: This does contain nut products (like walnut seed extract).
Promising reviews: "I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. I have acne and had so many scars and dark spots but THIS PRODUCT!! After about two days of using it, my skin looked soooo much better. A staple in my routine, and I have refilled twice now." — sllaks
"Ok I actually wish I took a before and after picture. I'm a couple of days in and I should mention I have super sensitive skin. Very prone to breakouts and rashes. My skin looks like plastic. My pores that are usually huge are almost nonexistent. I will recommend this miracle to everyone. Also didn't bother my skin in the slightest" — jeanqueen75
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $89 (available in three sizes).
19. 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 of 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 $21.66.
20. 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.
www.amazon.com
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 $22.52.
21. An acne-fighting face and body wash containing the powerhouse micro-benzoyl peroxide (10%) to penetrate deep into your skin and fight off pimples on your face, back, and butt without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry.
Dr Song is a K-beauty brand that creates cruelty-free skincare and beauty products made from effective ingredients straight from the lab.
Promising review:"For years I have struggled with back acne. I was a field hockey goalie in high school (gross, sweaty pads on my body) and played lacrosse in college (constant sweating under the hot Florida sun). Even after college, my back acne continued and left scars. Now I'm 25 and still work out a lot, so my back acne is persisting. All I ever wanted to do was wear a low open-back dress and feel comfortable. And unfortunately, I don't have health insurance so going to the dermatologist was out of the picture. About to give up and get laser treatment for my back, I ran across this wash and decided to give it a try. And WOW. I actually wish I had taken a before picture. Now I NEVER get back breakouts and it's even healed some of my scarring! I'm so happy I found this product!! I wish I had found it years ago!" — joanna youssef
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two strengths).
22. 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 $32.30.
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