Using cutting-edge formulations and both new and time-honored ingredients (centella asiatica, anyone?) alike, K-beauty is constantly innovating. And if having “glass skin” is your ultimate beauty goal, you’ll want to incorporate some of the best Korean skincare products into your daily routine.
Glass skin is the ultimate complexion goal in K-beauty—skin so smooth and translucent, it's ... [+] basically reflective.
We’ve tapped several experts to help navigate the latest and greatest in this beloved skincare category, including exactly what to look for in a product and their favorite picks. Whether you’re a snail mucin aficionado or novice to a multi-step routine, there’s an essence, cleansing balm or face mask here that you’ll want to add into your beauty regimen. Below, find ten of our top picks across various categories that suit a wide range of skin types.
When it comes to lightweight moisturizers, Korean beauty brands simply can’t be beat. “They excel in [making ones] that don’t feel heavy on oily skin or in humid climates,” says cosmetic chemist and K-beauty expert, Dr. Michelle Wong. Her favorite pick: this gel cream from Heimish that boosts skin’s moisture levels while calming sun-exposed skin. “Look for humectants like glycerin high up on the ingredient list,” she says. This particular product lists it as its third ingredient.
If you’ve already tried Laneige’s popular ultra-hydrating lip sleeping mask, then you’ll also want to try its Lip Glowy Balm. Consider it the more fun, dressed-up version of the cult favorite product. Shea butter and murumuru richly hydrate, while the subtle tint (available in four juicy colors) imparts lips with a glowy finish—making it the perfect year-round lip balm.
Zoolander said it best: Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty. What sets this essence apart from the rest? Its slightly more substantial serum-like texture, which plumps and hydrates the complexion. Active ingredients like propanediol help skin retain moisture, while bifida ferment filtrate protects its barrier. Just remember to shake the bottle before use to evenly distribute ingredients, and apply in the morning and at night before moisturizing.
For anyone looking to achieve their “glass skin” goals (i.e., skin that looks poreless and translucent), look no further than this nutrient-packed serum. “One of these sells every three minutes and is universally loved by all skin types,” says Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon. A potent blend of hyaluronic acid, cica, peach extract and niacinamide calms, hydrates and firms skin. Apply a pump or two of serum after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing.
A favorite of Korean influencer Ava Lee’s, this sunscreen’s unique gel formula leaves zero white cast or residue. Infused with eight different types of hyaluronic acid, it goes above and beyond your average sunscreen to intensely hydrate the skin. Wong also raves about this sunscreen and recommends it for drier skin types. It’s ideal for everyday use and more rigorous outdoor activity.
This eye cream delivers a serious one-two punch. “It will have your under-eye area looking so much less puffy,” says Skin Library founder and cosmetic chemist Abiola Renée. Standout ingredients include niacinimide, which targets bright spots, and plant-derived squalane, which keeps the skin barrier hydrated. Key ingredients like caffeine improve circulation, and glutathione brightens and repairs. Renée recommends applying the cream both in the morning and at night, before or after your regular moisturizer.
If you’re a devotee of the double cleanse, then you’ll want to add this foaming wash to your cleansing ritual. It’s gentle enough for all skin types and works especially well with acne-prone skin due to its pH-balancing properties. Plus, it features a plant-based biodegradable surfactant (instead of common synthetic surfactants), so it doesn’t pollute the environment on its way down the drain. Use on its own in the morning and night, or as part of your double cleanse.
Considered the holy grail of cleansing balms, this gentle formula is a best-selling Korean cleansing balm, according to Yoon. It easily removes the most stubborn of waterproof mascara and the heaviest of foundation in one go. Apply to dry skin as the first step of your double cleanse and massage in circular movements before wiping away with a damp cloth or rinsing with water.
At first glance, these sheet masks by Mediheal look like nothing special. There are no brightly colored logos to entice, nor any animal-printed masks within. Instead, you’ll find an effective hydrating treatment inside, packed with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and witch hazel water. Place it on dry skin for 15-20 minutes, then remove and gently pat in remaining essence.
The “cica” in Cicapair stands for centella asiatica, a widely used ingredient in Korean skincare that soothes redness and irritation. In other words, this is the mask we turn to when our skin is out of wack. Key ingredients like niacinamide smooth the complexion and minimize the look of pores, while centella asiatica and a cocktail of other herbs and minerals calm stressed skin. Apply before bed for happier, clearer skin in the morning.
While everyone’s needs will be different depending on their skin type, there are certain standout features to look out for in a Korean beauty product. Co-founder of Schwanen Garten Dr. Suan Hwang recommends formulas that are gentle but effective. “Look for hydrating, nourishing products that will maintain and fortify a healthy skin barrier,” she says.
Yoon echoes this sentiment. “Many Korean skincare products are focused on hydration and being gentle on skin,” she says. If you’re just getting into the world of K-beauty, she recommends starting out with an essence, as hydration has an impact on so many other aspects of our skin. “As an esthetician, I’ve seen these be a game-changer for many people,” she says.
A typical Korean skincare routine can vary in number of steps from several to ten, but it always starts with a good cleanse. “The general steps include cleansing, sunscreen (and makeup) in the morning, and cleansing, serums and moisturizers at night,” says Wong. If there’s one thing to pay attention to in your routine, however, it’s consistency. “Most products take a while to work, so it’s important to use them regularly to really see skincare benefits,” she says.
Experts recommend starting your morning with a cleanse, followed by an essence, serum, ampoule (a concentrated liquid packed with antioxidants), moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup (if desired). If this multi-step routine sounds a touch overwhelming, fear not. “You might not need the essences, serums and daily ampoules,” says Hwang. “Your skin will let you know what it needs.”
Begin your nighttime routine with a double cleanse to thoroughly remove impurities from the day. “An oil or balm loosens up dirt, makeup and sunscreen, and a water-based cleanser removes any leftover residue,” says Hwang. After your double cleanse, it’s on to the essence, serum, ampoule and your night cream of choice. “You might want to add a special treatment like a weekly exfoliation or mask,” she adds.
For high-performing ingredients that really deliver results, Korean skincare reigns supreme. Wong recommends seeking out unique ones like snail mucin for hydration, rice for brightening and ginseng for its antioxidant properties. “These ingredients are more difficult to find in Western products,” she says.
Lee looks for products that contain powerhouse ingredients like pearl, propolis, royal honey and mugwort. “Lots of these ingredients have been used for centuries,” she says. Similar to mugwort for its calming abilities, artemisia is a favorite of Yoon’s for treating common skin conditions like keratosis pilaris. Her top product recommendation for it: Peach & Lily’s KP Bump Boss Microderm Body Scrub.
For sunscreen, look for SPF products containing UV filters DHHB and bemotrizinol, which are not yet available in the US. “These allow for lighter textures while still offering high protection,” Hong says.