Welcome to the world of Korean skincare, where innovation meets tradition and the pursuit of flawless skin knows no bounds. While brands like Cosrx and Innisfree have long been staples in the skincare community, the landscape is constantly evolving, thanks to the influence of social media and accessible retailers like Amazon and Soko Glam. In 2024, we’re seeing a surge in up-and-coming Korean brands such as Anua, Mixsoon, and Round Lab, offering a fresh perspective on skincare with their unique formulations. What sets Korean skincare apart is its gentle yet effective approach, especially when it comes to treating acne, which prioritizes hydrating and calming ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica (also known as cica). With their focus on innovation and quality, Korean skincare brands have not only raised the bar for the global beauty industry but also transformed our own skincare routines.
From the game-changing double cleansing method to unparalleled sunscreen formulas, these products are here to elevate your skincare regimen and help you achieve that coveted bouncy, glass-like complexion. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the most innovative, budget-friendly, and downright best Korean skincare products of 2024.
11 best Korean skincare products of 2024
1. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Anua introduces a complete skincare line centered around heartleaf, a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its therapeutic properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, heartleaf has been cherished for its abundance of polyphenolic flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits. The Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil from Anua embodies this natural goodness, offering a gentle yet effective solution for cleansing the skin. As you massage the oil onto your face, it effortlessly dissolves makeup, excess sebum, and stubborn blackheads, leaving your complexion feeling refreshed and congestion-free. Say hello to a cleaner, healthier skin with Anua’s heartleaf-infused skincare collection.
2. Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
Introducing a water-based cleanser designed to banish unseen debris and leave your skin feeling refreshed. If you’re someone who loves the satisfying texture of a foaming cleanser, look no further than Etude House’s SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser. Part of the Soon Jung line, this cleanser is meticulously crafted at pH 6.5, just slightly above our skin’s natural pH of 5.5, ensuring it doesn’t cause irritation. Free from fragrances, this gentle foam is enriched with madecassoside, derived from cica, to repair skin damage, while panthenol delivers deep hydration to combat that dreaded dry, stripped sensation. Because let’s face it, nobody wants that feeling after cleansing.
3. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Imagine a sunscreen that feels like a refreshing breeze on your skin—lightweight, hydrating, and effortlessly gliding on, leaving behind no telltale white cast. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, welcome to the world of Korean sunscreens, where miracles like Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 come to life. Priced at just $16, this gem is not only gentle on the wallet but also packed with soothing ingredients like green tea and cica, ensuring your skin stays calm and protected from UV-induced irritations. Plus, with the added touch of sunflower seed oil, it provides just the right amount of moisture without weighing you down. It’s no wonder it earned the coveted Allure Best of Beauty Award seal in 2023—a testament to its effectiveness and popularity among skincare enthusiasts.
4. Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum
If you’re on a mission to tackle hyperpigmentation head-on, you’re in luck with Goodal’s Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum. This gem not only delivers impressive results but does so without breaking the bank. Infused with a powerful brightening blend of cold-pressed green tangerine extract (at a whopping 70%), niacinamide, and arbutin, it’s a force to be reckoned with. But what sets it apart? Well, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill dark-spot-fading serum. It’s packed with extras like Centella asiatica (also known as cica), green tea extracts, and sodium hyaluronate, ensuring your skin stays calm and irritation-free throughout your journey to brighter, more even-toned skin.
5. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Have you ever stumbled upon a K-beauty gem repeatedly on your social media feed and wondered if it lives up to the hype? Look no further than Cosrx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This skincare sensation, enriched with snail mucin, isn’t just another passing trend – it’s the real deal. Packed with 96% of the miraculous snail secretion, it’s a powerhouse that works wonders on acne scars and hyperpigmentation, leaving your skin visibly brighter and more even-toned. But that’s not all; this hydrating elixir also boasts hyaluronic acid and allantoin to replenish moisture and fortify your skin’s natural barrier. It’s time to experience the magic firsthand and discover why this essence has captured the hearts of skincare enthusiasts worldwide.
6. Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask
Ever since Korean skincare gained popularity in the United States, Dr.Jart+’s Cicapair line has emerged as a go-to choice for many seeking to soothe sensitive skin. For those unfamiliar, cica, also known as Centella asiatica, is a powerhouse ingredient known for its ability to reduce redness and promote skin repair and firmness. Among the line’s standout products is the Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask, honored with Best of Beauty Awards in both 2021 and 2022. This fragrance-free gel treatment offers instant relief to stressed complexions, delivering a cooling, refreshing, and calming sensation. Enriched with a blend of glycerin, niacinamide, and houttuynia cordata extract (also known as heartleaf, an anti-inflammatory herb), this deeply hydrating mask is perfectly tailored for sensitive skin. However, its benefits extend to all skin types, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.
7. Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
Don’t let the word “intense” in its name scare you off – Some By Mi’s Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream is here to be your skin’s best friend. If you’re in your 30s or beyond and fretting over fine lines and wrinkles, this powerhouse blend has got your back. With a gentle yet potent mix featuring 0.1% retinol and retinal, it works wonders without overwhelming your delicate eye area. But wait, there’s more – this magic potion also packs plant-based collagen and peptides, giving your skin the boost it needs to bounce back from collagen loss over time.
And that’s not all this superhero formula has to offer. Niacinamide takes center stage, brightening up those pesky under-eye shadows, while Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Panthenol team up to soothe, repair, and nourish your skin from within. Plus, with Glutathione and Tranexamic Acid on board, bid farewell to dark circles as they prevent pigmentation and deliver a powerful brightening effect. So, say hello to brighter, firmer, and happier under-eyes – it’s time to let your eyes shine with confidence!
8. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream boasts a special Ginsenomics blend, harnessing the power of ginseng in various forms, including saponin, peptides, roots, and flowers. This unique combination works wonders, visibly rejuvenating and lifting the skin. If you’re unfamiliar, ginseng is a multitasking wonder ingredient renowned for its ability to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. By enhancing circulation and stimulating collagen synthesis, it leaves the skin looking firmer and more youthful. But that’s not all—ginseng also acts as a shield, protecting your skin from environmental aggressors such as free radicals and pollutants, which can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. So, with Sulwhasoo’s cream, you’re not just pampering your skin; you’re giving it the ultimate defense against the stresses of daily life.
9. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Got a spare 10 minutes on your hands? Make the most of that time by treating your skin to Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. Perfect for using once or twice a week, this mask works wonders in clearing congested pores and reducing excess sebum. Its creamy texture, now fragrance-free and recently reformulated, is infused with finely ground volcanic ash clusters sourced from Jeju Island, South Korea. Paired with resurfacing lactic acid, it provides your complexion with a refreshing reset, leaving it smoother and softer than ever before. Give your skin the pampering it deserves with this rejuvenating mask.
10. Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
Meet Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, a skincare staple that not only quenches your skin’s thirst but also simplifies your routine with refill cartridges priced at $30 each. This lightweight, milky fluid works wonders in restoring hydration levels post-cleansing, earning it the prestigious 2023 Best of Beauty Award. Perfect for those seeking a fuss-free morning skincare routine, it pairs seamlessly with SPF for a quick yet effective regimen. Laneige’s CeraPeptide complex, featuring a blend of nourishing ceramides and peptides, strengthens and protects your skin’s moisture barrier, ensuring lasting hydration and a healthy glow. With Laneige, achieving radiant skin is as effortless as it is rewarding.
11. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Say goodbye to dry, chapped lips with the winner of the 2021 Readers’ Choice Award. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is like a cozy hug for your parched pout, enveloping it in a nourishing blend of shea butter, vitamin C, and glycerin. As you drift off to dreamland, this hydrating elixir works its magic, leaving your lips soft and supple come morning. It’s the perfect remedy for ensuring your lips are ready to take on the day, one smooth glide at a time.
