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Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm, offering innovative formulas, gentle yet effective ingredients, and a commitment to glowing, healthy skin. Finding the right products can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a skincare newbie or a devoted K-beauty enthusiast. We’ve compiled a list of the best Korean skincare brands and their must-have products to help you achieve radiant, glass-like skin.

1. Laneige – Best for Hydration

If your skin craves hydration, Laneige is your go-to brand. This luxury K-beauty brand focuses on moisture retention and deep hydration, making it perfect for dry and dehydrated skin.

Top Product:

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

This cult-favourite overnight mask replenishes moisture, leaving your skin plump and refreshed by morning. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is an ultra-hydrating overnight treatment designed to nourish and revitalise the skin while you sleep deeply. Infused with Sleep-Tox™ technology, it helps to purify the skin from daily stressors while hydrating ingredients like hydro-ionized mineral water ensure long-lasting moisture. This lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, making it ideal for all skin types. Wake up to soft, dewy, and radiant skin with this must-have nighttime essential.

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Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – A deeply nourishing overnight lip treatment that softens and smooths dry, chapped lips.

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a game-changer for anyone struggling with dry or flaky lips. The luxurious, buttery texture glides on smoothly, locking in moisture to leave your lips soft, plump, and perfectly prepped for lipstick application. Infused with Berry Mix Complex™ and vitamin C, this rich balm delivers intense hydration while gently exfoliating dead skin overnight. Apply a generous layer before bed and wake up to silky, kissable lips. These two products have cemented their place in the top 10 of my skincare arsenal.

2. COSRX – Best for Acne-Prone Skin

COSRX is known for its simple, effective formulas that target acne, clogged pores, and irritation. With minimalistic ingredient lists and potent actives, this brand is a must for anyone dealing with breakouts.

Top Product:

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Packed with snail mucin, this essence helps heal acne scars, boost hydration, and improve skin texture.

The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a lightweight yet deeply hydrating treatment. This essence is designed to repair and replenish the skin. Formulated with 96% snail mucin, it helps to soothe irritation, fade acne scars, and improve overall skin texture. This essence absorbs quickly, delivering a boost of moisture while promoting skin regeneration for a smooth, plump, and healthy complexion. Perfect for all skin types, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to achieve that signature K-beauty glow.

3. Beauty of Joseon – Best for Traditional Herbal Ingredients

This brand blends historical Korean beauty secrets with modern skincare science. Inspired by the Joseon Dynasty, their products are infused with hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) ingredients like ginseng and rice.

Top Product:

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ – A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that protects while nourishing the skin with fermented rice extracts.

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen is a must-have! It provides powerful sun protection, deeply hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture makes it perfect for daily wear, leaving a dewy, natural finish without any white cast. Infused with rice extract and probiotics, this lightweight formula delivers long-lasting moisture while calming sensitive skin. Ideal for all skin types, this sunscreen ensures your skin stays protected and nourished throughout the day.

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Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide – A brightening and soothing serum infused with propolis and niacinamide for radiant skin.

The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is a powerhouse serum designed to brighten, hydrate, and soothe the skin. This lightweight serum absorbs effortlessly, making it perfect for a luminous, healthy glow. Formulated with 60% propolis extract and 2% niacinamide, it helps reduce redness, balance sebum production, and enhance overall skin radiance. This Korean product is ideal for all skin types, especially those with dull or irritated skin, this serum is your secret to achieving a dewy, glass-like complexion.

4. Sulwhasoo – Best for Anti-Aging

Sulwhasoo is a luxury K-beauty brand that incorporates traditional herbal medicine into its formulations to fight signs of aging and promote skin resilience.

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Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum – This powerhouse serum preps your skin for better absorption of subsequent skincare while improving elasticity and brightness.

The Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum is a revolutionary anti-aging serum infused with Korean herbal ingredients, including lotus and ginseng root extracts. It is intended to be the first step in your skincare routine. This serum enhances the absorption of other products while promoting skin elasticity, hydration, and radiance. This lightweight yet deeply nourishing formula helps to revitalise the skin, leaving it firmer, smoother, and more luminous over time.

5. Innisfree – Best for Natural, Eco-Friendly Skincare

Innisfree sources ingredients from Korea’s pristine Jeju Island, focusing on natural and sustainable skincare.

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Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum – Packed with green tea extracts and hyaluronic acid, this serum deeply hydrates and soothes the skin.

The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum infused with Jeju green tea extract and green tea seed oil. It provides deep hydration while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier, making it perfect for dry or dehydrated skin. Rich in antioxidants, this serum helps to soothe irritation, combat environmental stressors, and leave your skin looking fresh and dewy all day long. Suitable for all skin types, it’s a must-have for achieving long-lasting hydration and a healthy glow.

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Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 – A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection while hydrating the skin.

The Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 is a must-have for anyone looking for a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen. It offers broad-spectrum protection without a greasy finish. Infused with green tea and sunflower seed oil, this sunscreen nourishes and soothes the skin while protecting against harmful UV rays. The water-based formula absorbs quickly, making it an excellent choice for daily wear under makeup or on its own. Perfect for all skin types, this sunscreen leaves the skin feeling fresh, moisturized, and protected throughout the day. This sunscreen is my favourite one to apply under my makeup. I never have to worry about it ruining my base (primer and foundation).

6. Glow Recipe – Best for a Radiant Glow

Glow Recipe is known for its fun, fruit-infused skincare products that deliver intense hydration and a luminous glow.

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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops – A versatile highlighting serum that brightens, hydrates, and leaves the skin with a dewy finish.

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops are a must-have for achieving the ultimate Korean glass skin effect. Infused with watermelon extract, this lightweight serum-highlighter hybrid brightens the complexion, evens skin tone, and locks in hydration. Whether used under makeup, mixed with foundation, or applied as a final step for a natural glow, these dew drops deliver a radiant, bouncy finish without shimmer or glitter. Perfect for all skin types, this multi-tasking product enhances skin’s natural luminosity for a fresh, dewy look.

7. Dr. Jart+ – Best for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Jart+ offers dermatologist-developed products that help calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.

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Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment – A color-correcting cream that reduces redness while providing soothing hydration.

The Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is a skin-soothing powerhouse designed to neutralise redness and protect sensitive skin. With Centella asiatica (tiger grass), niacinamide, and mineral SPF, this treatment calms irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, and provides a natural, even-toned complexion. Ideal as a primer or worn alone, it delivers a healthy, balanced glow while shielding the skin from environmental stressors.

8. Etude House – Best for Affordable Skincare

For budget-friendly yet effective skincare, Etude House is a fantastic option. This brand is known for its cute packaging and gentle formulas.

Top Product:

Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream – A deeply moisturizing cream that repairs and strengthens sensitive skin barriers.

The Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is a rich yet lightweight moisturizer formulated to soothe and fortify compromised skin barriers. Infused with panthenol and madecassoside, it helps to calm irritation, deeply hydrate, and restore skin resilience. Its gentle, hypoallergenic formula makes it perfect for sensitive skin types, leaving your complexion soft, supple, and well-nourished without any greasy residue.

Final Thoughts

Korean skincare has something for everyone, whether you need hydration, acne control, anti-aging benefits, or gentle formulations for sensitive skin. By incorporating some of these top-rated products into your routine, you can enjoy a radiant, healthy complexion. Have you tried any of these brands? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!