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It also has a (very) mild exfoliating effect that helps subtly brighten and smooth your skin.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
I first tried thisKorean cleanserwhen I visited the Anua offices in Seoul last year.
I couldnt get enough of the marshmallow texture and have been using it ever since.
Whichever way I use it, it leaves my skin soft, smooth, and radiant.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
Dermatologists love the skin-friendly ingredients and comfortable texture.
Its formulated with noncomedogenic oils to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores, explainsY.
Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist atUnionDermin New York City.
It feels incredibly lightweight and silky on my skin, she says of the texture.
It spreads and rinses off easily too, breaking down my makeup and sunscreen without feeling too heavy.
When rinsed off, it leaves my skin feeling more hydrated.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
This lives permanently in my shower.
The texture is lightweight, watery, and easy to work with.
It gets even my most stubborn waterproof mascaras off without stinging my eyes.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
Among them, the TirTir Milk Skin Toner is one of the most popular.
I love how it preps my skin for the rest of my routine without feeling heavy or sticky.
I have the mini size herethe full version looks like a much bigger glass of milk.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcommerce editor Jenifer Calle
My favorite thing about this formula is how it leaves my skin looking instantly plumper and dewier.
I like to pat an extra layer over my midface where I get the most dry.
Theyre formulated with proven hydrators likecollagenwater and hyaluronic acid for a 10-minute deep moisture treatment.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
The hydrogel clings to my skin without slipping and feels more refreshing than other toner pads Ive tried.
Its made with fermented soybean and fruit extracts that combine for gentle chemical exfoliation.
I love how it delivers deep hydration while gently exfoliating at the same time.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
Its one of those products that makes my skin feel smoother and more refined after just a few uses.
Plus, its fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
My friends in Seoul told me to try applying this before makeup for an extra-smooth base.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
The CNP Laboratory Propolis Rescue Ampoule is a great choice for all skin typesand dermatologists love it too.
It also contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol to provide deep hydration.
Its great for those with dry, sensitive, red, or acne-prone skin.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
I love the nonsticky texture and calming properties of this ampoule.
Its a watery ampoule that I use whenever my skins inflamed or breaking out.
The brand also makes a seriously good peptide serum, which has a weightless texture thats easy to layer.
I love peptides as a skin-plumping ingredient, but a lot of peptide serums can be expensive.
This is one of my favorite affordable options.
It makes my skin look instantly hydrated and bouncy, which is exactly what you want peptides to do.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
Together, they create a powerfulvitamin C serumthats watery, lightweight, and effective.
I got my hands on the newest version when it launched in South Korea last year.
I apply this every single day and am already on my third bottle.
Of the few retinol options on offer, the Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum is a frequent expert pick.
Cho says its her favorite formula.
I tested the formula extensively and now keep a bottle on my nightstand.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcommerce editor Jenifer Calle
My skin doesnt react very well to retinol.
Its easily my favorite retinol product on the market, K-beauty or otherwise.
As soon as I touched this moisturizer, I knew where it got its name, she says.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcommerce editor Jenifer Calle
It feels lightweight and bouncy while leaving my skin with a radiant finish.
It also has a fruity, fresh scent that is not at all overbearing but rather calming.
I emptied two pots of the vitamin-C-spiked formula.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
Its one of those K-beauty products that makes skin care feel like a special ritual.
Although it contains popular hydrators, it doesnt have a heavy feel or leave a noticeably dewy finish.
This gel cream is perfect for shiny T-zonesor if you just have oily skin in general.
It doesnt leave a matte finish, but its definitely not dewy.
Id say it leaves a very subtle glow behind, but not that drenched-in-moisture look.
I also love the soothing ingredients and gentle formula.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcommerce editor Jenifer Calle
This formula is fabulous for sensitive-skin types.
My sister cant tolerate most moisturizers and has never had a problem with this one.
The price point may shock you, but a little goes a long way.
Tested and reviewed byGlamourcontributor Sarah Y. Wu
Because its so lightweight and smoothing, it layers well under makeup.
This eye cream is all about hydration and bounce, says Cho.
I love layering the subtly brightening formula under makeup.
Thats due to their use of sunscreen filters that arent on the short list approved by the FDA.
I love this product because of how it goes on and the finish it leaves on the skin.
What makes this really special is there is a slightly green tint that helps to offset any redness.
This is my go-to product for my patients with mild rosacea.
This formula also won a spot on our list ofbest Korean sunscreens.
I have combination skin and sometimes get red around my cheeks.
The green (though its more like a jade color) diminishes any redness.
Calle ranks this among her favorite sunscreens because of its glowy finish.
Going off the texture alone, I would never guess that this is a zinc oxide formula.
It feels so fluid and weightless, and Im obsessed with the natural finish it leaves.
Thetinted sunscreenis sheer and forgivingmore like an IRL filter for your skin than a full-on foundation.
It makes my skin look amazing.
It made our list of best Korean face masks thanks to its innovative peel-off format andglass-skin effect.
It should be applied with a brush or spatula, she says.
you’re free to peel it off in the morning and rinse your face.
Its comfortable to sleep in and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.
TikTok got me again with this one.
Its definitely the most fun face mask I own.
I tried many different ones but ultimately I always come back to this, shepreviously toldGlamour.
I usually pair this at night with a humidifier on cold nights and I wake up with dewy lips!
I have a pot of the vanilla flavor on my nightstand right now that I got in Seoul.
They also have acustom flavor-mixing serviceat their flagship store that everyone should add to their Seoul beauty itinerary.
you’re able to also use it on your face, so its a true head-to-toe lotion.
Your Korean skin care questions, answered
What is the best skin care brand in Korea?
The former is South Koreas leading beauty retailer, which issues its coveted beauty awards every year.
The latter is an online review platform that shows which best-selling Korean beauty products are trending in real time.
That said, popularity in South Korea is just one of many indicators that a product is worth trying.
She also looks beyond whats popular in South Korea to whats trending globally, which can differ.
What is the best Korean skin care routine?
Nor do you need 10 steps, as was once popular in the early days of K-beauty.
In 2025, were seeing a shift toward intentional skin carefewer steps, but more effective, multifunctional formulas.
Skin-barrier support, hydrating layers, and targeted treatments are now key pillars.
