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Elle
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
If Glass Skin Is Your Dream, These Korean Skin Care Brands Will Make It a Reality
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Skin care has undergone several changes over the years, from consumers adopting an expansive, multi-step approach to their routine to everyone switching to something uncomplicated yet effective. Why? Well, everyone's obsessed with Korean skin care, and if it's one thing Korea taught us about skin—glass skin, specifically—it's that you don't need a ton of products to achieve the skin you desire. These days, the country's ampoules, serums, and sheet masks have infiltrated everyone's bathrooms in one way or another, partly thanks to TikTok and the educational efforts of Korean retail platforms like Soko Glam and Peach & Lily. 'K-beauty really has become known for pushing the envelope—from their unique textures, advanced and effective ingredient formulations, to their packaging, formats, and affordable price points. K-beauty leaves no stone unturned, and it's why skin care brands are pivoting to formulating and manufacturing their products there, too,' says Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam. The products are mainstays in our beauty collections because they actually work. 'When you see outsized results, you share with your friends, and you continue to use and love the products, and I've seen Korean skin care take off and sustain itself as a standout category in the U.S. for many years now because of this,' adds Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon. Whether you're a Korean beauty devotee or haven't dipped your toe into the world of snail mucin and glass skin quite yet, there's always something new to discover. We drew from our personal experiences as beauty editors and the rich knowledge of our experts to compile this guide to the best Korean skin care brands leading the pack today. For those who prefer the simple things in life, Mixsoon's offerings are as straightforward as they come. However, its most popular range features one star ingredient: fermented soybeans, which are rich in amino acids and help firm and improve the skin's elasticity. Best for: All skin types Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'I've yet to find a Korean sunscreen I dislike because the formulations are so elegant and invisible and perfect for someone with a deep complexion like mine. And because I'm acne-prone, I can't indulge in just any formula, which is why I love this one from Mixsoon. With no pore-clogging ingredients and a soft-to-the-touch, non-white finish, this has quickly become my go-to sunscreen.'—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor While several Korean skin care brands aim to help consumers achieve glass skin, Aestura focuses on treating sensitive skin. Because those with sensitive skin can easily aggravate their skin barrier, these salves soothe and calm irritation and improve elasticity. Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'My skin is peppered with dark spots and I rely heavily on the powers of retinol and exfoliants to fade those spots to obscurity. As such, my skin needs repreieve sometimes and I find it in this creamy, lightweight moisturizer. Packed with ceramides and fatty acids, this moisturizer soothes my skin and preps it to withstand another week of heavy-hitters.'—Nerisha Penrose Sulwhasoo is one of those brands that feels like it's been around forever, and it's only grown in popularity. It's a favorite of my grandma's, and she's virtually wrinkle-free. 'The brand is a classic that I love because of their potent use of ginseng, which is a powerful adaptogen that multi-tasks hard for skin, delivering benefits ranging from energizing to increasing glow to brightening to visibly firming. The First Care Activating Serum is timeless and brings instant vitality and glow to the skin,' says Yoon. The serum is also an ELLE First Class Beauty and Future of Beauty Award winner! Sulwhasoo rating: 4.8/5 stars Our expert says: 'Unless I'm testing a product for a story, Sulwhasoo First Activating Serum is my go-to travel serum of choice. I really love to layer serums at home, particularly hyaluronic acid and liquid peptides. However, when I travel, I want to take one anti-aging serum that covers it all, so I have more room for all my outfits. Gingseng, the star ingredient in all Sulwhasoo products, helps fight inflammation, minimizes wrinkles, boosts collagen production, and more. My Aunt Maggie wanted to update her skin care routine, so I suggested this product. This serum is great at preventing signs of aging as well as minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, which are natural to get as we age.' —Danielle James, beauty expert Founded in 2013, right before the K-beauty boom, this brand has since garnered internet and TikTok fame for its simple and affordable skin care solutions. While you may balk at first at applying snail mucin on your face, you'll be a believer as soon as you try this essence. Soko Glam rating: 4.7/5 stars Our expert says: 'I've been using this product on and off for nearly a decade now. There's nothing quite like it to boost moisture in my skin and quench it when I feel particularly dry. It may feel a bit sticky at first, but it absorbs so quickly that I never hesitate to reach for it when I need it.' —Carol Lee, beauty expert Belif's lineup consists of products designed to hydrate all types of skin. Even oily skin can benefit from extra moisture, as excess sebum production can indicate dehydration. The Aqua Bomb Hydrating Sleeping Mask ensures that skin stays plump and free from dry spots while you get your beauty sleep. Best for: Dehydrated skin Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars Our expert says: 'There's a phrase in Korean that basically translates to 'filled with moisture'—that's exactly how my skin feels when I use any product from Belif. My aunt loves this product in particular so much that she uses it as a night cream every single evening.' —Carol Lee Laneige is another brand whose main focus is moisturizing all of the skin on your face. But perhaps no product has helped put the brand on the map quite like the lip sleeping mask, which bursts with nourishing shea butter, murumuru butter, and coconut oil to keep your pout looking its best. Laneige rating: 4.7/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'In my many years of life, I've left no lip balm or gloss unturned. Carmex was my balm of choice until I entered college and wanted something a little more mature, yet still affordable for a college kid's pocket. Then came the MAC obsession. But times changed, and lip masks became a thing, thanks to Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask. Dousing my lips in the mask, whether overnight or throughout the day, leaves them feeling pillow-soft and smooth. Even better, the mask imparts a subtle glow reminiscent of my favorite beauty supply store lip glosses, so really, I'm getting the best of both worlds.' —Nerisha Penrose Dr. Jart+ concentrates on gentle formulas that support the skin barrier and reduce irritation with science-backed ingredients like ceramides and cica. There are too many excellent products to choose from, but this sensitive skin-friendly sheet mask is an ELLE favorite due to its soothing superpowers. Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars Our expert says: 'When my skin is feeling especially irritated or red, I know I can rely on Dr. Jart+ products to calm it down. This mask hydrates and soothes my skin every time I use it. I don't foresee myself giving it up anytime soon.' —Carol Lee We can't talk glass skin without mentioning Hanyul. 'I believe Hanyul is the true leader for glass skin by perfecting the balance of purifying and replenishing our skin with gentle and effective ingredients. The formulas do not contain any artificial fragrances or colorants, but the textures and the fragrances are so unreal that I had to triple-check that was the case. Their Pure Artemesia water pads (toner pads) are extremely popular in Korea.' Koreans often use toner pads before applying their makeup to prep and calm their skin, as moisturized skin means that you'll end up with a smoother and glowier finish. Olive Young rating: 4.8/5 stars An Olive Young reviewer says: 'Helped with my dry itchy neck during the coldest time of year. Redness practically went away overnight. Love how cooling and soothing it is on my skin.' Yoon took Korean skin care knowledge synthesized after curating and learning about the best products on the market to develop formulas that make achieving the smooth, dewy skin of your dreams easier than ever. 'If you're looking for an easy foundational routine to achieve glass skin goals, start with the popular Glass Skin Discovery Kit,' Yoon says. Peach & Lily rating: 4.7/5 stars A Peach & Lily reviewer says: 'This has transformed my skin and my sons as well—I wanted to try on two different ages to ensure efficacy, and was I ever pleased! We both have more hydrated luminous skin without excess oil or irritation! Absolutely amazing routine!' Then I Met You is the culmination of years of trying thousands of Korean skin care products—Cho took that experience and created a line that took inspiration from the innovation she saw. 'The Living Cleansing Balm has won 15 industry and people's choice awards in a matter of a few years and is our bestselling product because of its luxurious, sorbet-soft texture,' Cho says. A Soko Glam reviewer says: 'I've repurchased this cleansing balm countless times and make sure I have an extra and travel size handy. I LOVE it! It takes off all the products and dirt from the day and has an amazing smooth feel. I don't have to keep working to remove it with my cleanser. It doesn't make my vision as blurry as other oil cleansers do. It's also SO satisfying to use every night.' 'This brand has been around for decades, gaining popularity in the U.S. over the last decade for its clean, gentle formulas that always keep the skin barrier in mind. The Essence Toner helps revive and reset skin when it's irritated or tired,' Yoon adds. If you're unfamiliar with the category, a toner should be applied right after cleansing and before the rest of your skin care products. Best for: Sensitive skin An Amazon reviewer says: 'This is an incredible toner/serum product. It's a nice thick watery substance that sinks really nicely into the skin when applied, and it doesn't leave any stickiness or strange texture behind. I also love the slightly tightening feeling you get when it is on the skin.' Korean makeup artist Kowon is highly sought after by A-list celebrities for her ability to enhance natural beauty. One of her philosophies is that makeup starts with the state of your skin and how you're taking care of it, which is why she joined forces with scientists and doctors to formulate this line of deeply nourishing and hydrating products. 'The result? Skin with a next-level dewy glow. The Cellus Aqualane Solution includes fermented squalane for deeper hydration and acacia to focus on aquaporins for amping up hydration," explains Yoon. A Peach & Lily reviewer says: 'A little goes a long way, and it only takes a drop or two to cover your whole face. Didn't irritate my ridiculously sensitive skin, and completely stopped the flakiness I've been dealing with for ages in just a couple days.' Each of this Korean skin care brand's products is clinically tested to ensure efficacy, and the line includes products to address every concern, from acne to wrinkles. When you're using such effective formulas, you want to make sure you're getting the most out of them, which is where this device comes in. After applying your favorite product, use the Age-R Booster H to help push it deeper into the skin. Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'I had been reading about this device for quite a while and finally decided to give it a go. I have to say, it does help the products absorb faster and better. It does have a pulsating mode that feels like you are getting a facial massage. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase.' Luxury skin care brand OHUI has been around for decades, but it is finally making its foray into the U.S. market. Its products are hailed for their brightening and anti-aging properties, and many of them are geared toward addressing melasma and dark spots. The Miracle Moisture line features ceramides and peptides to plump skin and strengthen the skin barrier. Best for: All skin types, especially mature skin An Amazon reviewer says: 'I can honestly say that, more than any other skincare product I have tried, this has made a huge difference in the texture and hydration of my skin.' Charlotte Cho is the founder of Soko Glam. Alicia Yoon is the founder of Peach & Lily. It's an unequivocal yes from us. 'Korean skin care is great for all ages, skin types and skin tones, and you can certainly mix and match across different brands regardless of origin. In fact, many of your 'non-Korean' skincare products are likely now manufactured in Korea!' says Cho. What actually matters are what's inside the products and their purposes. 'It's more about the specific formulas and ingredients. There are some ingredients, like using too many harsh active ingredients all at once, that shouldn't be mixed whether that's across Korean or non-Korean skin care categories,' Yoon warns. Just make sure to space out your actives and consult a dermatologist if you have any doubts. 'There are over 20,000 Korean Beauty brands! Narrowing down what Korean skin care product is right for you is much like approaching any other skin care decision,' Yoon says. She advises figuring out your skin type and goals first and tracking which ingredients agree with your skin and which ones you should avoid. 'That said, if you're not using an essence, that's a great place to start because it can take your skincare routine to another level as it enhances absorption of other products and drenches skin with hydration—and when skin is well hydrated, so many other skin issues can be improved,' she adds. Meanwhile, Cho recommends experimenting with a double cleanse first—that is, cleansing your skin first with a balm or oil and following up with a regular cleanser to really ensure that you remove all the makeup, SPF, and pollutants on your face. 'Good skin care starts with a clean base, and there is nothing more effective than an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to remove impurities. That's why we have a whole category for double cleansing on Soko Glam,' she explains. As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted Korean skin care experts about Korean skin care brands. Lee also searched the internet for top-rated Korean skin care products and brands, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
Elle
5 days ago
- Health
- Elle
These Top-Rated Korean Toners Are Your Shortcut to Glass Skin
We all have our non-negotiables in skin care, depending on our skin's needs. Where some may skip out on certain serums, others are loyal to the transformative benefits of vitamin C or even retinol. However, one hotly debated category is toners—while many deem them unnecessary, they do have impressive benefits as well, especially Korean-formulated solutions. 'Traditional Korean toners were once solely focused on restoring your skin's pH,' explains Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam. Of course, as technology advances and skin concerns evolve, many of the best Korean skin care brands have evolved to provide a bevy of other benefits as well. 'These multi-taskers can provide deep hydration through cleansing and gentle exfoliation, making them an important step after cleansing. Modern Korean toners are designed to prime your skin perfectly for the next stages of your skin care routine. With their diverse functions, you'll find them categorized into 'skin toners,' 'cleansing toners,' and 'essence toners,' each crafted to meet specific skincare needs,' she adds. Because these toners still generally work to support the skin's natural moisture barrier, Julie Monti, the director of education at Amore Pacific US, recommends them for everyone. 'No matter how great your cleanser is, water attracts water. Skin tends to be dehydrated after cleansing. And dehydrated skin could lead to other skin concerns, such as excess sebum production, breakouts, dryness, and even future signs of aging,' Monti explains. Of course, the exact formula and moisture level of the product you choose depends on your skin's type and specific needs—and we're here to help you find your match. After speaking to experts, researching and testing a few formulas ourselves, and reviewing customer feedback for fan-favorite products, we landed on the 11 best Korean toners to balance and soothe your skin. There are exfoliating toners, ones that focus on restoring moisture, formulas meant to calm irritation, and more. Find your match below. This toner feels as comforting as snuggling under a warm blanket on a chilly night. Conditioning ingredients fill this jar, including niacinamide, ceramides, chamomile, and rice bran extract. Great for post-procedure tightness or dryness, the Milk Skin Rice Toner supercharges the skin with hydration to encourage an even, softer complexion. Key ingredients: Niacinamide, rice bran extract, chamomile, ceramides Size: 1.69 fl oz Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'One of my favorite milky toners. Hydrates and makes my skin feel fresh. Doesn't feel heavy or greasy in any way.' If you find that your skin is easily irritated and could use a dose of something calming, try incorporating this toner into your routine. Thanks to an infusion of hydrating and soothing artemisia, the toner instantly pacifies angry skin and provides deep moisturization. Key ingredients: Artemisia-cica, panthenol, glycerin Size: 5.07 fl. oz. Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars A Sephora reviewer says: 'I have been using this for a little bit, and it has been a great add to my skincare. Ive been using it as a in between hydration step just to add more moisture during my routine and it's been so refreshing! I love how calming yet hydrating it makes my skin!!' This toner contains chemical exfoliating PHA 'to gently exfoliate to leave skin feeling smooth, while also providing moisture to not over-dry or strip,' Monti says. Any skin type can use the leave-on formula, and it's gentle enough for sensitive skin. Key ingredients: Green tea-derived enzyme, PHA, hyaluronic acid Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'Don't be startled by the three-letter skin care powerhouse this toner is built around; while it contains exfoliating PHAs and green tea enzymes to slough away rough texture and dead skin, hyaluronic acid balances the treatment's effects, imparting a surge of hydration that keeps my skin happy and healthy. My skin is super sensitive and will immediately reject any product it doesn't like, but this toner has remained a mainstay in my lineup for some time now.'—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor Birch juice is an ingredient beloved by Korean skin care companies for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and makes up 70 percent of this formula. It also has a one percent concentration of glycolic and lactic acids 'to refine skin texture while keeping skin hydrated and soothed,' says Cho. Key ingredients: Birch juice, squalane, glycolic, lactic Acid Size: 3.38 fl. oz. Soko Glam rating: 4.4/5 stars Our expert says: 'This lightweight toner doubles as a gentle exfoliant and hydrator, leaving my skin hydrated and super smooth. The formula is gentle but effective, minimizing breakouts, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and brightening your skin. It's a must-have for any skin care routine.'—Danielle James, beauty expert 'Perfect for sensitive or irritated skin, this toner features a low pH formula that helps maintain the skin's natural balance,' says Cho. The viral formula, which is one of the most popular toners in South Korea, boasts a high concentration of Heartleaf extract; the ingredient soothes fresh breakouts, irritation, and rosacea in the blink of an eye. Key ingredients: Heartleaf, panthenol Size: 8.45 fl. oz. Soko Glam rating: 4.9/5 stars A Soko Glam reviewer says: 'I love this product so much! I have acne [and] oily skin, and I use acne products that are prescribed to me by my dermatologist. They tend to make my skin sensitive and peel, but ever since I used this toner before my acne products, my skin is not only extra glowy, [but] it [also] feels hydrated with no dry patches! The sensitivity also seems to have calmed down.' This toner feels like pure water and smells like nothing, so you may be fooled into thinking that there's not much to it. However, it's chock-full of nourishing minerals and made from deep ocean water by Ulleungdo, a South Korean island. That water is known to have a multitude of benefits, including helping with eczema, boosting blood flow, and mild exfoliation. Key ingredients: Deep sea water, minerals Size: 3.4 fl. oz. Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'It keeps my face moisturized and doesn't dry skin. Highly recommended.' Galactomyces is a type of yeast sourced from fermented sake, and in this toner, it helps to fortify the skin with vitamins and antioxidants and slightly exfoliate dead skin cells. Reviewers rave about how much more radiant and smooth their skin appears just days after first trying the formula. Key ingredients: Niacinamide, galactomyces, adenosine Size: 6.76 fl. oz. An Amazon reviewer says: 'I've been using this product for the past two days only, and my 65-year-old dry skin loves it! The toner has a very pleasant, slight herbal scent that dissipates within seconds of applying. It manages to soothe and tighten my skin at the same time. Very pleased with my purchase.' Acne-prone skin is irritated skin, which is why harsh exfoliation can do more harm than good—even if your first urge is to try and scrub those blemishes away. This toner both soothes the skin with Centella extract and gently lifts away dead skin cells, setting your skin up for success. The addition of niacinamide means that it has a brightening effect over time as well. Key ingredients: PHAs, Centella, niacinamide, adenosine Size: 7.1 fl. oz. Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'It looks like water, moves like water, and feels like water…and YET. I've been using this each morning, and I don't understand how it's managed to brighten up my skin when it just seems like water. It's hydrating but not overly so, so it doesn't leave any tackiness after I pat it in. And it's surprisingly soothing. I use it even when my skin seems irritated, and it doesn't negatively affect my skin. No scent, and it layers with other products just fine. It also seems to have helped with my pores! They're less likely to get clogged, inadvertently making them smaller.' This toner is like the cherry on top of an already delicious sundae—it's not going to drastically improve your skin care routine, but it sure is nice to have. The gel-like formula is enriched with Sulwhasoo's signature ingredient ginger, an anti-aging superstar. With continued use, the toner softens the skin and adds a subtle glow by replenishing moisture every time you apply it. Key ingredient: Ginseng Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'I've only been using this for four days (twice a day), but I've already seen an improvement in the smoothness of my skin, and it does seem more hydrated. I've had no adverse reactions at all despite my skin's tendency to be a little sensitive. It's delivering on its promises so far!' Comprised of only seven ingredients, this toner keeps things nice and simple. The star of the show is astragalus root extract, a deeply hydrating and nutrient-rich liquid used as the base instead of water. Try pouring it into a spray bottle to create your own refreshing facial spray, or pat a few layers onto your skin. Key ingredients: Astragalus root extract Size: 6.8 fl. oz. Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'I've been an esthetician since 2005, and this is honestly the best I have ever used. I'm on my third bottle. It's so hydrating and refreshing. It's thicker than water, so your skin truly holds on to the toner. It's very calming to the skin as well.' Women in South Korea love to use toner pads at night, but they also use them before applying makeup as a face mask. Placing a few of these madecassoside-based ones on your forehead and cheeks for a couple of minutes will calm and moisturize your skin, creating an ideal base for any products you put on top. Key ingredient: Madecassoside Size: 100 pads An Amazon reviewer says: 'I am fair-skinned, and my face has a tendency to get red easily. It's not super sensitive, but it can be very reactive, so keeping it calm helps me avoid breakouts and redness. This is nice to use whenever I feel I need a little chill out for my skin. You can swipe it on or leave the pads on, sort of like a mask. It also holds a surprising amount of product on the pad. I can swipe my whole face and neck, shoulders and chest with just one pad. Sometimes, I leave a pad on each cheek and let it sink in. It's cooling as well, so that really helps to take away redness. I haven't bought refills yet, but I like that they offer refills for this product. The container is nice and sturdy, so it's good for reuse. Will be buying refills once I am out!' Charlotte Cho is the founder of Soko Glam. Julie Monti is the director of education at Amore Pacific US. Monti recommends using it right after you cleanse your face, and that seems to be the general rule. 'Follow with your serum, eye cream, and moisturizer,' she adds. Cho, however, says that it can depend on what you want your toner to do. 'Toners are so multi-faceted that they can be used in various parts of your routine. The majority of them are used after cleansing, to prep and hydrate your skin. However, I like to use a cleansing toner as the first step of my cleansing routine to remove my eye makeup,' she explains. The way you apply your toner will differ based on the type of toner you use. 'For cleansing and exfoliating toners, use a cotton round if your intention is to swipe away impurities like makeup. For hydrating and brightening toners, simply apply in the palm of your hand and tap into the skin,' says Cho. As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted Korean skin care experts to learn about the best Korean toners. Lee and beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose also read through countless customer reviews and evaluated each product on their features.
