36 Korean Beauty Products With Such Undeniable Results, You’ll Wish You Started Using Them Ages Ago
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it to 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 it 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 from here on out!" —Charlie B
"I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing, I felt like I looked at least five years younger. Yes it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled." —Dayna
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $19.58 (also available as a 16-pack and as a variety three-pack).
It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them.
Promising review: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while so I love getting whiffs of it through the day. My hair is softer and doesn’t seem as frizzy as before. I put it on after washing my hair, and then after it’s dry. I tend to wash my hair two times a week, so I’ll use it in between washes on my ends to make sure they still look nice and healthy. Great value too; I’ve been using it pretty consistently since purchasing and I’ve barely made a dent in it. Love it!" —Noley
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes, as a mist, and four other formulas).
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 (I 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 $18.59 (also 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 $22.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It can also 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 $9.90 (available in three styles and in multipacks).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
This lip oil is vegan, cruelty free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it was bigger, it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" —Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in 13 shades, a jumbo size, and multipacks).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.
Promising reviews: "BEST OIL CLEANSER I SWEAR. I’ve gone through 3–4 bottles now and it continues to cleanse my skin AMAZING. It melts makeup, clears pores. Honestly a heaven-send. The first time I used it, it cleared a lot of my sebum and even now when I use it, it clears any dead skin and dirt I have, even when I don’t wear makeup. BUY IT, it's amazing." —rexichor
"Got it because it was all over my TikTok and I wanted to try the double cleansing. And wow, I don't regret it, it's amazing!!!! Leaves my skin so soft and so hydrated. I use it before my water base cleanser and it has helped me reduce my breakouts. I love the texture, the smell is very subtle (you can barely smell it) and I just love it." —Linette González
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
This highly concentrated formula contains 96.3% snail secretion filtrate, which helps repair damage while moisturizing your skin. Also, the snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed!
My colleague Gabriela Manjarrez can vouch for it: "I've personally been using this for months now and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after seeing how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it's like your skin is saying 'gimme gimme gimme!!'"
Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne are fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" —Sarah Downs
Get it from Amazon for $16.98 (also available as a two-pack).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic.
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 $11.90.
SeoulCeuticals is a small skincare business that was founded in 2017 by a husband and wife team. Though it's a US-based company and the products are made in a state-of-the-art US facility, their main ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and they work closely with Korean partners and their consultant Ella Cho to ensure quality and authenticity. You can read more about the brand here!
Promising review: "I’m on my fourth or fifth bottle of this stuff, I use it as a daily toner and I must say that it is AMAZING. My skin is even and bright. I look like a buttery roll or a glazed donut and I love it. My skin has never loved me more. I also pair this with their serum, along with a strict skincare routine." —Victoria Del La Torre
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in two 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 or grimy at all. Will definitely buy again, 10/10 :)" —Erica
Get it from Amazon for $9.80.
Promising review: "This eye cream makes my eyes so soft, it has this luxurious feel that is better than any high-end product I have tried and for the cost? This stuff is unbelievable. I tried Ogee and all sorts of products that people swear by, but this one keeps my eyes hydrated and soft all night and lasts until the next day. It also isn’t greasy, which I love. Since it has retinol, I only put it on at night and use a Vitamin C serum by Murad in the morning. I love this product! You can feel and see a difference after one use." —AJ
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (also available as a two-pack).
Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —Losa
"I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMae
Get it from Amazon for $17.91 (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out this TikTok of Mikayla Nogueira's review of this foundation.
Promising review: "I struggle with finding a foundation that's not orange. Someone recommended I try a Korean product and this started going viral around the same time. I lucked into a perfect color match on the first try, but I've learned there are sample packs if you aren't sure about the color. The coverage is incredible. It was very lightweight, not heavy at all. It did settle into my under-eye wrinkles without primer so if you're older that's something to keep in mind. Overall beautiful and long-lasting. This will be my go-to foundation from now on." —AJ Bond
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 40 shades, two sizes, a matte finish, a dewy finish, and sample kits to find your best shade match).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews: "I almost want to gatekeep. By far THE best dry shampoo I’ve ever used — not sure how this sorcery works, but I’m obsessed!" —Robertson
"I originally bought this for a month-long trip to Australia (that began with five days of camping without much time to stop by a store). I wanted something small and non-aerosol (because, travel), and hate applying powder by hand and didn't want to bring an application brush. The application sponge is great, and the powder itself is also magic. I was a DAILY hair washer most of my teenage and adult life, but now I can go an entire WEEK with this stuff (and other mindful habits like night braids). I really love it."—Bre
Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in six shades and in multipacks).
Check out a TikTok of this mask in action.
Most reviewers recommend doing this treatment once per week.
Promising review: "I am not too big on skincare, but I have been following this mask's hype on digital platforms. A couple of months back I ordered since the price tag is not bad. I live in Arizona, and it gets really dry here; this mask worked like magic. Helped me combat the dryness. The best part is you don't have to use it daily (unless you want baby skin). I use it once every week and it keeps my skin plumped the whole week. I take this with me during travel and put it while I am on the plane to not have jetlagged skin after. This review is coming from a toddler mom and a full-time worker, so you can imagine how much limited time I have for myself." —Ms. W
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $19 (also available in a 16-count and in two other styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "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 $12.50.
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, 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 $18.07.
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 (also available as a two-pack).
www.instagram.com, Krave Beauty
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.
Get it from Krave Beauty or Amazon for $16.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
And don't worry, even though this is a serum it won't leave you feeling like you just smeared olive oil over your face.
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing!!!!! The compliments I have received about my skin since I've started using this are [wild]. I have been told my skin looks even and that it has a glow. I don't wear makeup, so it is a huge confidence boost. I had some hyperpigmentation around my mouth, and it is almost gone. I use it in the morning and at night. I don't miss a day. I feel consistency is key with this product. There is not really a scent and I like the texture because it is not watery but not thick either. I'm almost out, so I will be buying another bottle. Also, I had no irritation or breakouts and my pores have got smaller and non-existent in some areas." —Christina Pope
Get it from Amazon for $16.50.
Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz!
Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high end to low...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. Using this primer, shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands if I was lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" —Melissa Mae
Get it from Amazon for $14.65.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "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 underwater three times. This was the result of my makeup! Love this product. A little goes a long way!" —Ryan Brooks
Get it from Amazon for $16.75 (available in four other styles and in bundle packs).
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.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Check out this TikTok of the balm in action.
Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly, this stick is life changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" —Kristy
Get it from Amazon for $22.99(available in five styles).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have struggled with acne my entire life. I’ve gone to dermatologists, tried salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tazarotene, and nothing ever even reduced it. I struggled with a very basic form of acne on my forehead, and sometimes my chin, and I have sensitive skin so I decided to try something new. I thought I’d have to wait at least a month to see results but within four days, everything started to disappear. All of my major acne has completely gone away, I only see little tiny spots here and there but they go away within a day. Nothing like what I used to get. I'm going to start using it on my back to see if it helps there too. 10/10 the best face wash I have ever encountered in my life." —Jaiden
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising reviews: "My holy grail SPF. The scent is mild, and the sunscreen goes on my skin like a dream. I’ve tried maybe 20 other sunscreens (American, Korean, and Japanese), and this one is my top pick for everyday wear." —Symphanie Park
"I LOVE this product, I swear by it and I’m pretty sure this is my 3rd or 4th time purchasing it! As a [person] of color, finding a sunscreen that didn’t give me a white cast / ashy finish was very hard, so I am so glad I’ve come across this product! It goes on the skin so smoothly. I apply moisturizer first, then the sunscreen, and have no trouble spreading a little over my entire face! I seriously don’t leave the house without this; I keep it on me at all times! It gives you a glow and makes skin feel so much softer. I also feel like some of my dark spots have faded due to this product! Also I have VERY sensitive skin, so everything breaks me out, but this has not!" —Sierra Keyes
Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes).
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 last 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.
Peach & Lily
Peach & Lily is an Asian woman-owned business that makes Korean skincare products using natural, toxin-free ingredients.
Promising review: "I saw this serum all over my TikTok For You page, and I knew that I had to try it out, as their serum is so versatile and can cover and help so many kinds of skin concerns that I've been dealing with since my early teens. And now, ever since using it, I honestly swear by it. If you are considering trying the Peach & Lily collection products, I 100% recommend this serum repeatedly. My skin had never looked this great until I first tried it out. And my face looks so glowy, clear, and radiant." —Natalie Y.
Get it from Peach & Lily or Amazon for $39.
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!
Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic.
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 decisions 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 $15.80.
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.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Everyone needs this lip gloss in their lives. It honestly makes your lips feel so good. I have one with my makeup and one in my purse to take everywhere with me. It's glossy but not sticky. It feels light on, but makes your lips instantly feel more nourished. Worth every penny." —Britney Badger
Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in nine shades and as a cute gift set).
Amazon, www.instagram.com
Norie is a small business founded by Susan Kim Tsui that uses the powerhouse duo of fermented white radish and kimchi in their skincare formula to treat breakouts, clean pores, and leave your skin brighter and clearer.
Promising review: "We have been using this cleanser for several months. So thrilled it is now available on Amazon! My daughter and I love how gentle this cleanser is. She is a teen prone to breakouts and we have tried so many other cleansers. Most of them leave her skin feeling dry. But no dryness with this one and her skin looks much clearer. We both use it as our daily cleanser." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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 $25.49 (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I swear by this serum, it made my dark spots disappear. And I’ve been using this on and off for about four months…because I’m not consistent with my skincare lol. These photos are only about a month apart, as you can see the dark spot on my cheek completely disappeared. I don’t have photos from when I first began using it but there’s a huge improvement!" —Minah
Get it from Amazon for $18.75.
Brooke Greenberg/BuzzFeed
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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