Best Korean Skincare Brands and Products

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The craze over Korean skincare isn’t new, and it keeps 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. In reality, a Korean-style routine doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Many Korean products are fairly inexpensive, and while the routine below has eight steps, each one is simple.

Key Takeaways

• Double cleansing (an oil cleanser followed by a gentle foaming cleanser) removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin.
• Exfoliate gently and not every day; over-exfoliating can leave skin red and irritated.
• Apply products from thinnest to thickest: toner, essence, serum, then treatments and eye cream.
• Avoid retinol products if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, and see a board-certified dermatologist for persistent acne or dark spots.
• Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is the most important step for protecting your skin.

After hours of researching Korean skincare, I wanted to know what made this routine so popular. 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 aim to avoid over-drying your skin.

Over-drying can irritate the skin and may make concerns like acne harder to manage. 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 8-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. An oil cleanser breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and oil 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. Wipes tend to leave residue behind, while a good oil cleanser removes most of your makeup. 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 has a non-comedogenic formula, so it’s less likely to 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 barley, which the brand says helps brighten skin, fade the look of dark spots, and refine texture, plus vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin.

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.

Massage the product in gently with your fingertips, then rinse with lukewarm water. Scrubbing hard can irritate the skin. 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 can help unclog pores, brighten dull skin, and improve texture. You don’t need to do it every day, since over-exfoliating can leave skin red and irritated. How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and the product; many people start with once or twice a week.

Just be careful with what types of exfoliants you use as well. Some may be too harsh. Scrubs with rough particles can irritate the skin, so many people find a mild chemical exfoliant gentler. If you have a darker skin tone or dark spots, avoid strong exfoliation, which can worsen discoloration. 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 does toner matter? After cleansing, a toner removes any leftover residue and adds a first layer of hydration. Look for alcohol-free toners, since 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 adds lightweight hydration and preps the skin for 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 target specific concerns, such as acne. If your acne is persistent or painful, see a board-certified dermatologist rather than relying on over-the-counter products alone.

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 hydrates dry skin and helps reduce the look of dullness.

Beauty of Joseon Serum Line

This serum is lightweight and formulated with propolis extract, designed to calm irritated skin. It also contains niacinamide, which can help balance oil, and betaine salicylate, a mild exfoliant that helps clear pores.

AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

This serum is designed to brighten skin and fade the look of dark spots. The brand says it suits all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Dark spots fade slowly, so wear sunscreen daily and see a board-certified dermatologist if they don’t improve.

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. They’re an easy way to add a boost of hydration. 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

Update (October 2026): We couldn’t find these sheet masks at current retailers, so they may be discontinued. 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, hydrates skin and leaves it feeling refreshed.

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 refresh the eye area. Caffeine can temporarily reduce puffiness, and the formula is designed to brighten the look of dark circles.

This eye cream is formulated with retinol, which the brand says can visibly reduce puffiness over about four weeks. Avoid retinol if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.

Step 8 (Morning): Sunscreen

Sunscreen belongs in your morning routine, but it’s too important to leave out. Without daily sun protection, UV exposure can undo much of the work the steps above do. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors.

Here are many options for you to choose from depending on your skin type, concerns, or necessities. They’re lightweight and designed to leave little or no white cast. 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, with SPF 50+. Just note that it’s hard to apply enough cushion for full protection, so use it on top of a regular sunscreen or for touch-ups. 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 8-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!

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology – Face washing 101
• American Academy of Dermatology – How to safely exfoliate at home
• American Academy of Dermatology – How to apply sunscreen
• Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy acne: What’s the best treatment?