32 Korean Beauty Products You’ll Wonder How You’ve Gone Your Whole Life Without
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I kept seeing this product on social media and finally decided to give it a try. I use this twice daily, and it’s been a couple of weeks, and I definitely noticed my pores have shrunk. I even apply it to my neck and chest area. Product is soothing, gentle on my skin (have extremely sensitive skin), no strong smell, cottons are soft, and did not cause any breakouts! It’s great for the value, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing these." —Ee El
Get a pack of 70 from Amazon for $17.90 (available in four other styles).
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 $21.82.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Having written about *so* much K-beauty, I feel like I've written about every Korean product under the sun. However, this serum only recently came into my radar through a sample box — and thank goodness it did! Coincidentally, I received this just before embarking on a three-week European adventure and decided to take this with me. I have veryyy prone-to-frizz 2c hair, and through all of the different cities and varying climates, this serum kept my hair soft, silky, and (mercifully!) frizz-free. I dare say I'll be keeping this in my hair regimen forever. Not to mention, it leaves your hair smelling absolutely delightful!
Promising review: "The scent is nice. I'd give this 10 stars if I could. I've been using salon products for over a decade, and this is way better. And cheaper. I've even gotten compliments on how silky smooth my hair looks. I put it on while my hair is wet, then again when I style, if my hair gets frizzy from my flat-iron, and to tame flyaways. It's my favorite hair product I own." —Amy Wilt
Get it from Amazon for $12.26+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).
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.
Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 zombie mask, and at this price, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight-up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later, when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? Don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical too, but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice-weekly mask schedule recommended. This Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results, in my opinion. And it's super funny. A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell, which I was worried about, but I didn't notice a smell, and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't use scented lotions, lip balms, etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." —Dana Dane
Get a box with eight masks from Amazon for $19.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation.
Promising reviews: "I love Love LOVE this foundation! I’m throwing out every other foundation I own! I have pink undertones from redness, and I’ve always struggled to find a foundation that matched me well that didn’t leave a yellow-looking finish. This was it!!!! I was really skeptical at first, but figured, hey, why not try it! It gives such a natural look. It’s not cakey and doesn’t separate on my skin like other foundations I’ve used. I tried it with and without primer, and it looked awesome either way! I used it with their setting spray and color me impressed! This is now my forever foundation!" —Sharon
"Flight attendant here. Travel-friendly. I'm a fair neutral skin tone, and it's not too pink, not too warm. It's the perfect neutral color. Looks like skin! I just ordered the pink version that's supposed to be more matte just to try a different consistency because this does so well on my skin. If you are using a drugstore foundation, trash it and order this. Those warm tones after time that happen with affordable foundations DOES NOT HAPPEN with this formula. Will continue to order forever. Goes on in a thin layer. 10/10!" —Sav
Get it from Amazon for $21 (available in 40 shades, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Oh! Anddd reviewers say they use this as a step in their double cleansing routine. What the heck is that, you may ask? Well, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice — first with an oil-based cleanser, and then again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the gross stuff out of your pores.
As a shopping writer, I am exposed to manyyy products on a day-to-day basis and let me tell you one thing: This is at the *top* of my list of favorite, most-used beauty products (and I'm saying this as an oily-skinned girlie)! This cleansing oil takes the definition of clean skin to a WHOLE other level. You can literally feel it pulling out all the gunk from your pores as you rub it around your face in a way that a normal facial cleanser alone could never do. I've been using it for a bout a year now (so I can def give the test of time stamp of approval), but even a week into using it, my skin was glowing all on its own like it never had before. Follow it up with a good , and you're golden. 😍
Promising review: "This stuff is the holy grail of pore unclogging products!!!! I have never in my life seen my skin look this clean and clear. I have tried EVERYTHING to get rid of my skin congestion, and this stuff is like a power washer for your face! I remove my makeup with a makeup balm, rinse, dry my face, rub the oil all over my face for about two minutes, use a warm wash cloth to remove the oil, and follow with my regular face wash. Boom. Glowing, gorgeous skin with itty bitty clean pores. I’ll buy this stuff forever!!!" —Susan Clark
Get it from Amazon for $17.69.
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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
SeoulCeuticals is a small skincare business that was founded in 2017 by a husband and wife team.
Promising reviews: "I seriously am a believer in this whole line! I have turned family members, coworkers, and friends into using this product!!! I would always get cystic acne on my face. Since using the serum and essence, I hardly have breakouts, I have clearer skin, and less scarring! I LOVE this stuff and will buy this forever. :) Oh, and the smell is amazing!!!" —Tiffany
"I was actually hesitant to buy this product because I figured it could just be hyped-up fancy water. It is NOT. For me, at least, it is a miracle in a bottle! For the past few years, I’ve suffered from dry, flaky, rough skin. I had found some products that would help to some degree, but none that would eliminate the problem. Well, when I tried another product in this line (the snail repair cream), I noticed a BIG difference. HOWEVER, when I added this product to my regimen? Holy guacamole, Batman! My skin is SO soft, hydrated, and SMOOTH! My foundation (well, CC cream) goes on like a dream! The two products together worked wonders, BUT even when I use this product alone with absolutely nothing else (out of sheer laziness, mind you), my skin still looks dewy, smooth, hydrated, and glowing! I’m sold! If I could give it 10 stars, I would. It even helps keep my normally dry, chapped, peeling lips baby smooth! Life changing, I tell ya." —M. Joiner
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in two versions).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
In case you're not familiar with it, PA stands for "Protection Grade of UVA" and is a four-level rating system that's more common in Asia. In this case, PA+++ just means this product offers a high level of protection against UVA rays, which don't cause sunburn but rather cause the skin to turn brown.
Promising review: "I've been using Missha BB cream for eight years now, and it's hands-down the best BB cream I've ever tried! What I love most is how lightweight it feels on my skin while still providing natural coverage that hides my redness and occasional blemishes without looking cakey. The staying power is impressive — I can apply it in the morning, and it still looks fresh by the end of my workday without needing touch-ups. After eight years of loyalty to this product, I can confidently say it's worth every penny!" —Daryna
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in seven shades).
The shade range is unfortunately pretty limited for this product — if you're looking for another option in this price range, check out E.l.f's Camo CC Cream!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This sunscreen is so elegant! It’s thin, very smooth and silky. Looks flawless every single time! It also reapplies perfectly over itself or other sunscreens I have. My skin tone is in the blank space between medium and medium-deep, and sometimes I have to mix shades for the perfect match. So that’s what I did here. I mix MY210 and a touch of MY220. It looks great, zero white cast, zero Casper, zero ashiness. I would love to have my exact shade, but in the summer my skin tans very easily, so it’s nice to be able to adjust the shade as needed. I have oily skin and this does not irritate my skin or burn my eyes. The price is affordable, so it’s a nice value. I keep these in my bag and it’s my go-to for reapplication. This is such a reliable combo for a beautiful finish. The packaging is really good, it dispenses the proper amount. I gifted this to my mom and she loves it!" —ladybossplanner
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in 20 shades).
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 works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores; it is not the product bunching up. My [skin looked] so much smoother after using and was left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this well 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 $13.95.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn't feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the ph of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the ph of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn't caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!" —Haley Hart
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'm very impressed by this product. It works like a charm. I was worried it would weigh down my thin hair and make it oily (my hair gets oily by the end of the day!), but it does not. I apply just one squirt to the palm of my hand, rub, and apply lightly mid-way down to the ends (stay away from the roots), and it works great. Generous size, will last a few months. Controls my frizz great and helps make my hair soft. Highly recommend. I am very happy with the results." —Malecka03
Get it from Amazon for $8.08.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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 $11.89+ (available in eight formulas and in bundles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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.
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 seven styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
P.S. Thisreviewer 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I use this in my T-zone after using my tinted makeup. Sometimes I also double-dip my powder brush into this product and my powder foundation for a look that lasts all morning with zero shine. It's great stuff — never cakey, never settles into cracks or wrinkles. Just amazing." —TwoFarmDogs
Get it from Amazon for $6.89.
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.
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 $19.98.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I can't praise this product enough. Not only does it work for my sensitive skin, but it also helps remove the sun spots I've gained over the years. A combination of using this product in my skincare regimen along with sunscreen has truly helped these age spots disappear. The difference in my photos [above] is two years (36- and 38-years-old) and I somehow appear younger with my skin tone balancing out. You have to get this product if you've ever subjected yourself to the sun and wish to take it back lol." —Rebekah Heise
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Etude House celebrates beauty and aims to provide both makeup and skincare products that are beginner-friendly. Make sure to shake before using and apply to areas that will be exposed to UV rays.
When I tell y'all I am picky with sunscreen...I am PICKY. No matter what, it has to be lightweight, non-greasy (my oily skin doesn't need any help looking shiny lol), virtually invisible on my skin, and it has to work well as a base layer for other products like tinted serums and foundation. I found my perfect match in this sunscreen. It dries down to a *true* silk-matte finish, and mixes super well with your daily moisturizer!
Promising review: "This is my favorite sunscreen after switching from years of using Neutrogena. It goes on so nicely and doesn’t leave a residue or film. My skin feels hydrated and it performs well under makeup, which was an issue that I have had with standard cream sunblock." —Brenna
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (also available as a two-pack).
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 $19.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These feel really great on the lips. They have a really cool jelly-like texture and leave a pretty shine. I didn’t find them to be sticky like a lip gloss at all. These Etude lip oils are similar in texture to the Kaja Beauty ones, which I also love. They can be quite pigmented so I used a lighter hand for just a wash of color as that is what I like! Nothing else on my lips. The lip oil leaves a pretty little stain behind once the shininess wears off. I find the product easy to reapply during the day without looking patchy or anything like that because of the gel-like texture. Overall, I would recommend!!! Definitely a fan! Oh and the smell to me is very pleasant." —Mars
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six colors).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I recently discovered the world of K-beauty and was searching for a lip stain that offered a natural, yet noticeable tint, without the dreaded dry feeling or quick fade. I decided to try shades 3 and 5 of this particular brand after hearing they are the most popular shades in Korea, and I'm absolutely thrilled with the results! The color payoff is beautiful – a subtle, natural flush that enhances my lips without looking overdone. What truly impressed me is the longevity; the stain stays put for hours, even through meals and drinks, which is a huge plus. It also applies with a lovely, subtle gloss, giving my lips a healthy sheen. While the initial gloss is nice, if you prefer a high-shine look throughout the day, you might want to pair it with a clear gloss." —Jessica
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 29 shades).
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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this product with my heart and soul. I've been using it as a part of my skincare and prep routines for a few months, and my skin looks so natural, plump, even, and healthy. I'm ALL about a glowy, dewy, natural look and this product has helped me achieve that, plus it's a great serum packed with goodies that your skin will thank you for! It's definitely worth it. And I will always recommend this to anyone. I use it twice a day, in the morning as the last step before my makeup routine and at night before moisturizer! If using it during the daytime, don't forget to use sunscreen because its vitamin and natural acid contents make skin a little more susceptible and sensitive to sunlight! Hope this helps :)" —Andrea Velarde
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in three sizes).
www.instagram.com, www.instagram.com
Promising review: "These have become my FAVORITE lip product. They feel like silky jelly on your lips. They don’t dehydrate them or dry them out. They give a gorgeous plumping effect that makes them look bigger and fuller. The colors are nice. I have three different ones and use them all regularly mixing them with lip stains and lipsticks for fun. They combine nicely with other products but again, the fact that they don’t dry my lips out is great!" —Alyssa C.
Get it from Amazon for $10.50+ (available in 21 colors).
Check out a TikTok of this mask in action.
Promising review: "Oh…my god…. 🤯 No scent. It starts milky white and turns clear. I left it on overnight, woke up, and I was shook!! Pores? Where? Dry patch? Where? Fine wrinkles? Whheeerrrrrre??? I put it on over my lips as well, and it almost looked like I had filler. It was so plump! 10/10 recommend. Holy grail of face masks <3" —Kichi
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in a three and 16-count)
www.amazon.com, 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 afterward when using it in the morning!
Promising reviews: "My pores have 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." —Berika Jones
"I decided to buy this instead of Paula’s Choice, and it works great and it’s cheaper. It got rid of my T-zone blackheads and shrunk my pores. This also helped clear a breakout for me, but I mostly recommend it for people with blackheads and whiteheads. I have sensitive skin, and this doesn’t dry it out." —Sophie
Get it from Amazon for $17.97.
Promising reviews: "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
"Jimin of BTS recommended this sheet mask in one of his lives. Then, when I went to the Agust D concert, the Army who sat next to me gifted me three of these sheet masks along with some Yoongi photocards <33 The sheet masks are simply amazing. They hydrate my skin and my pores have gotten much better after using them a couple of times. Definitely recommend!!" —Arpita S.
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.90 (available in three different pack sizes).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I’m not great at makeup, but I wanted something to add to my eyes and this was the perfect choice. It's super easy to apply, blend, it dries quickly, and gives a great pop of color and sparkle to my makeup." —Danni
"I recently bought this product and I fell in love with it. This glitter will last on my eyes longer than any other products I’ve bought. I like adding it on my inner corner. When I wear it out I will get at least one compliment when I go out. 10/10 recommend." —Zaira Herrera
Get it from Amazon for$10.84+ (available in six shades).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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