Best Korean Skincare Brands and Products

Last Updated on February 16, 2025

The craze over Korean skincare isn’t anything new. It seems to be a trend that is steadily growing. From celebrities to online influencers and even the girl next door, people have been embracing what may seem like a time-consuming, costly routine. However, achieving the best Korean skincare is anything but costly or time-consuming. Korean products are fairly inexpensive, so while our title mentions “7 steps”, the routine itself is simple.

After researching for endless hours on Korean skincare, I wanted to know what made this routine so magical and special. Especially if you’ve noticed certain Korean women’s skin, you’d think that there is some true magic behind their routine. The Korean skincare routine is used to effectively cleanse and nourish the skin without using products or methods that are harsh or disruptive to the skin’s natural protective barrier. Instead, these products and steps ensure you are not over-drying your skin.

The fact is that over-drying the skin can cause several issues, including acne. I’ve struggled with acne and textured skin myself, so I thought that a Korean skincare routine might help in some way. Then about two years ago, I implemented a Korean skincare routine, and let me tell you: my skin has drastically changed for the better!

Korean beauty products aren’t that expensive either, but not everyone has the means to get their hands on them. Also, sometimes people may be intimidated to try a product they are not familiar with. Well, I wanted to let you know that you can implement an excellent Korean skincare routine using products that you can find at the drugstore!

Where To Find The Best Korean Skincare

A number of drugstore companies have taken note of the Korean skincare craze and have introduced products that fit this routine. Of course, if you’re looking for an affordable place with more variety and specialization, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than Ulta.

Another online merchant that specializes in Korean skincare products is YesStyle. Their niche is high-quality Asian beauty products, and they have a solid reputation with customers. In addition, they can ship products to most countries.

Best 8-step Korean Skincare Routine

The following 7-step Korean skincare routine is geared towards an evening routine. A morning routine would be slightly different, as it would call for products that we do not need before bed. Plus, some of the products in an evening routine are just best applied at night. 

Step 1: Oil Cleanser

A Korean skincare routine requires a two-step cleansing process. This is the key to getting great-looking skin! Oil is great to eliminate the impurities built up from the day without drying out the skin. For instance, if you’re using makeup wipes, ditch that step and go with a double cleanse instead. Makeup wipes simply do not remove makeup the same way a double cleanse does. However, a good oil cleanser will get the majority of your makeup off. Plus, makeup wipes are generally not good for the environment.

This Innisfree oil cleanser is great for removing makeup and debris without stripping the natural protectant barrier of the skin. In addition to that, it is formulated with a blend of complex green tea water, a triple amino acid complex, and a blend of botanical oils which leave the skin visibly soft and hydrated.

The JUNO & Co cleansing balm is perfect for gently removing even waterproof makeup. It features a non-comedogenic formula, so it will not clog pores. This is also a great alternative to using makeup wipes, which strip the skin without nourishment. Key Ingredients in this balm include Pearl Barleym which is their star ingredient that aids in skin brightening, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, hydrates and nourishes the skin, and refines texture, added Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that prevents aging.

Step 2: Foaming Cleanser

After removing the majority of your makeup with an oil-based cleanser, the next step is to wash your face again. This time, use a foaming cleanser. This will remove any leftover residue and make sure your face is clean and free of any dirt or makeup. Also, doing this ensures the skin is cleansed of all impurities for a radiant and smooth appearance.

It is essential to gently rub in the product for about one minute before cleansing. Harshly rubbing in the cleanser can cause the skin to sag or wrinkle. It is important to remember to be as gentle as possible when applying products to the face. I found that a double cleanse has been the biggest factor in clearing up my acne.

This cleanser is for all skin types, but it is especially recommended for sensitive skin. SOON JUNG has formulated a cleanser that is natural, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, and with a low pH formula. This will ensure you get rid of makeup and impurities residues for good without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier.

Step 3: Exfoliator 

Exfoliating your skin is an important step in keeping your skin clear, promoting anti-aging, helping with discoloration, and improving your overall skin texture. You do not have to exfoliate every day, since over-exfoliation can also be bad. It’s recommended to exfoliate two to three times a week.

Just be careful with what types of exfoliants you use as well. Some may be too harsh. Exfoliants that contain seeds have sharp edges that can cause micro-tears in your skin. A chemical exfoliant is usually best and more effective over time. We recommend the Glow Recipe AHA exfoliation, which will be very beneficial over time, this one is a serum-like texture that you sleep with. Then we have the ma:nyo Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel Korean Skin Care as a gentle physical exfoliation that you will rinse after some minutes.

Step 4: Toner

Toner is a step that a lot of people overlook. In a Korean skincare routine, however, toner is an important step that shouldn’t be skipped. Why is toner significant? After washing your face and exfoliating, toning again helps to remove any leftover residue as well as balance the pH of your skin. Look for toners free of alcohol, as toner is meant to hydrate your skin (not dry it out).

I’m From Rice Toner

The rice line from I’m From has moisturizing properties, softens skin, and provides support to skin cell regeneration. This is specially made to remove dead skin cells and wastes to create smooth and moisturized skin. Also, effective in enhancing the complexion.

Step 5: Essence/Serums/Treatments

What’s the difference between them, and which one do you need? There’s a debate as to what’s important, what your skin needs, and which step you need first. Essence and serum are somewhat similar, but they are different from one another. An essence is thinner or more water-like. It’s used to help the absorption of serums, treatments, and moisturizers. Therefore, it’s a step you can have in both your morning and evening routines. In the evening, it can help with serums, and it can help with moisturizers in the morning.

A serum, on the other hand, is thicker in consistency in comparison to an essence. When applying products to your face after cleansing, you should apply from thinnest to thickest (hence why serums and treatments follow toner and essence). A serum is more concentrated and will generally target a specific skin concern. There are several different serums, ranging from those for discoloration, acne, wrinkles, etc. Find a serum that works with your skincare goals.

“Treatments” are optional and apply to more problematic skincare concerns, such as acne. This would be a thicker cream, especially ones targeted for acne.

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

This essence as well as every COSRX product is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that alleviate irritated skin. They are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, animal testing-FREE, parabens-FREE, sulfates-FREE, and phthalates-FREE.  Formulated with 96.3% Snail Secretion Filtrate, this essence conditions and rejuvenates the skin from dryness and aging. It improves skin vitality by diminishing dullness and relieving dehydrated skin.

Beauty of Joseon Serum Line

This serum is lightweight and formulated with propolis extract, designed to improve skin with inflammatory problems. Niacinamide, which relieves skin troubles by balancing oil and moisture, and betaine salicylate which aids in removing sebum in pores.

AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

This serum is specifically designed to treat and correct dark spots, effectively by brightening the skin and helping with the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It is suitable for all skin types, particularly suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Step 6: Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are an optional step, but are nonetheless beneficial. It’s not a step that needs to be done every day but may be implemented two to three times a week. With that said, the benefits of a sheet mask are plenty! There are several different sheet masks as well that target specific skincare concerns. Luckily, the drugstore has numerous options available at very affordable prices.

TO DO LIST Honey Glow Professional Spa-Grade Korean Sheet Masks

This sheet mask is excellent for cleansing and hydrating the skin. The kiwi extract and botanical blend of flowers and plants work together to promote a healthy-looking complexion.

This Super Purifying Charcoal Sheet Mask, formulated with hyaluronic acid and algae extract, instantly hydrates and purifies pores.

Step 7: Eye cream

As I’ve gotten older, I realize the importance of good eye creams. Eye cream is a step that can take place in the evening or morning depending on what you’re looking for. Speaking personally, eye cream is more of a preventive step that I apply at night time.

However, there are times I apply eye cream in the morning, especially if I wake up with puffy eyes. It just depends on what I need. For example, I have the horrible habit of rubbing my eyes, so an anti-wrinkle cream is essential for my routine. But first, figure out what your needs are and then consider where to go from there.

DearKlairs Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel 

This gel eye moisturizer incorporates caffeine and red bean extract to keep your eye area clean and fresh. It improves dark circles and skin tone while providing de-puffing and anti-oxidizing.

Formulated with Retinol, this eye cream can show visible signs of reduced puffiness in just four weeks.

Step 8: Sunscreen

All we can say about sunscreen is, if you don’t use it, every one of the steps above is not effective and irrelevant. Sunscreen is a priority, and everything else is a plus to elevate your skincare. The absolutely necessary step though relies on sunscreen, so please don’t skip this step!

Here are many options for you to choose from depending on your skin type, concerns, or necessities. They are all white-cast-free and have a great non-oily consistency. We have included the AHC bar stick SPF that comes in cute packaging and easy application, perfect for reapplying or on-the-go occasions.

Then we have the MISSHA cushion SPF that comes in various tones, perfect for light coverage to include in your routine when looking for a more makeup look, yet with an SPF of 50+ which is phenomenal. Lastly, the Sun Project Water Sun Cream is very lightweight and perfect if you have oily skin as it gives you that nice glow without looking oily.

Conclusion

The focus of a Korean skincare routine is to figure out your targeted skincare concerns and address them with the right products. More importantly, it’s about the proper application of the products so that you reap the full benefits of the ingredients. In other words, each routine should be very individual and best suited to your own skin’s needs.

Our “best 7-step Korean skincare routine” outlines the steps in the proper order so that you can receive the full benefits for your skincare concerns. However, it doesn’t have to seem or feel overwhelming! Taking care of your skin is a form of self-care, and self-care is self-love. My advice: try your best to enjoy every minute of it!