Korean cosmetic brands have become immensely popular due to their cutting-edge ingredients, multi-step routines, and emphasis on hydration. Here are some of the best ones that have reached U.S. shores.
Toner pads are essential in prepping your skin for essence and serum application. Subsequently, serums serve as powerful beautifying tools.
Dr. Jart+
Dr Jart+ skincare brand is making waves in the beauty world with their popular rubber masks, created by founders dermatologist Sung Jae Jung and entrepreneur ChinWok Lee – known for their scientific innovations and Korean beauty techniques. Offering anti-aging, firming, hydrating, and skin barrier boosting treatments, among others – Dr. Jart+ products cover every need regarding skincare needs!
Cicapair products from this famous skincare brand are an excellent solution for sensitive skin, thanks to the presence of Centella Asiatica (tiger grass). This collection works to soothe inflammation to relieve redness, itching, and irritation – featuring products like the green-hued Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment that cancel out redness ranging from rosacea flare-ups to acne scarring.
As well as its rubber mask offerings, the brand’s beloved ‘Firm Lover’ rubber mask has gained widespread acclaim due to its instant results and cooling sensations that leave complexions plump, firm, and fresh – it is especially beloved by those with dry, mature or blemish-prone skin types and can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by as much as 50%!
Dr Jart+’s Every Sun Day Tint is another of our go-to products; this lightweight suncare option can be worn under makeup or alone and features an abundance of ceramides and peptides to strengthen skin barriers and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming.
No skincare regimen would be complete without an effective SPF, and Dr Jart+’s top sellers include Every Sun Day Fluid SPF 50+ and Every Sun Day Mineral SPF 50+ sun care options. Both broad-spectrum formulas are clinically proven non-irritant and suitable for all skin types while offering excellent UVA/UVB protection.
Laneige
Korean beauty has quickly become one of the hottest trends on Instagram and in our hearts, but its long history dates back far more than we think – one pioneer being Laneige!
This brand highlights natural beauty through products designed to hydrate skin. Their Hydro-Ionized Mineral Water helps the ingredients penetrate more effectively into skin layers; natural extracts and botanical ingredients are added for maximum skin benefit.
Laneige offers a selection of makeup products to help you reach your desired look, including its Neo Foundation Matte, which provides buildable coverage with a matte finish. It is formulated using Melasolv technology and minerals to brighten and even out skin tone, while sebum control powder absorbs excess oil for an all-over, natural-looking complexion.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask EX is designed to work overnight to heal your lips and give them a healthy-looking glow, thanks to their Berry Mix Complex and Moisture Wrap technology, which seals in moisture-rich beta gluten molecules to maintain optimal hydration levels for more excellent lip health. Its formula features Vitamin C and antioxidants to soothe and protect lips for the ultimate pampering session!
Overall, Laneige is an outstanding Korean skincare brand offering products to suit a variety of your skincare needs. Their products are designed for ease of use, affordability, and effectiveness – great options for people with sensitive skin. However, it is wise to remember that not all skincare products will work equally well, so you should test any potential purchases before making your final decision.
Holika Holika
Holika Holika was established in 2010 and offers products designed to appeal to women of all ages. Its unique packaging and design set it apart from other beauty brands; some popular offerings are Aloe 99% Soothing Gel, Pig-Nose Treatment, and charming limited editions. Holika also specializes in girlishly-themed products; its packaging features cartoon pigs, fairies, and other eye-catching imagery for added attraction.
The Skin & Good Cera Ultra Emulsion addresses fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and hyperpigmentation. Packed with excellent ingredients such as Stearic Acid, Glycerol, and Camellia Oleifera, its soothing formulation is suitable for sensitive skin.
This cleanser is free from parabens, mineral oil, alcohol, and BHT. This cleanser quickly penetrates the skin with its light texture and quick absorption rates. Plus, this product does not contain SLS or phthalates – all while being cruelty-free!
Prime Youth Black Snail Repair Cream contains black snail mucin, known for its unmatched rejuvenating effects on the skin. Additionally, it includes pomegranate extract, cocoa and red ginseng extracts, pearl powder, niacinamide, and adenosine, all proven effective anti-agers.
This lightweight body lotion provides all-day hydration to the skin. Packed with natural plant extracts and an ultra light texture, it is free from SLS talc and artificial colorants or phthalates, making this ideal for all skin types, particularly dry or sensitive ones. This product comes highly recommended!
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean brand that integrates centuries-old beauty rituals and traditional ingredients with cutting-edge technology to offer products that are gentle on the skin yet highly effective. Their products have earned acclaim for being gentle yet highly effective, with particular prominence for their serums formulated using traditional actives that address specific concerns – such as Ginseng and Snail Mucin, Green Tea Panthenol, Propolis Niacinamide, etc.
The beauty of Joseon’s Green Plum AHA Bubble Toner is a refreshing and rejuvenating exfoliating toner designed to remove dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and impurities while strengthening the skin barrier using 3% glycolic acid derived from fresh green plum water, portulaca oleracea extract, anti-inflammatory Houttuynia cordata extract safflower seed oil, and honey extract. Additionally, this toner is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, essential oils, or artificial fragrances.
The Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum is a highly concentrated formula designed to target fine lines and wrinkles using Hanbang ingredients from Hanbang medicine. This serum also works wonders to heal uneven skin tones, reduce hyperpigmentation, improve cell turnover rate, and help repair scarring. Plus, it features Chamomile flower extract and Vitamin C as effective agents against signs of aging!
The Beauty of Joseon Sun Serums suits different skin types and needs, from oily or combination skin types to dry or sensitive ones. Their Matte Sun Stick can help balance oil production, while their Relief Sun Serum soothes or nourishes dry or sensitive complexions. Both contain silica to absorb excess sebum, while mugwort and green tea soothe and nourish complexions. At the same time, 2% Niacinamide strengthens and calms down any potential redness in the face – with no additional fragrances, sulfates, or alcohol added!
Etude House
Etude House is one of the premier Korean cosmetic brands, boasting an extensive range of high-quality products at reasonable prices with cute packaging that makes a statement about beauty without breaking the bank. Their makeup how-to videos and YouTube channel have garnered worldwide admiration; additionally, Etude House conducts its Beautizen program to assist young women who wish to become YouTube beauty influencers.
Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint Cherry Ade lipstick is ideal for beginner K-beauty as it provides a natural-looking lip color without appearing heavy or artificial. Packed with grapefruit and pomegranate extracts to provide essential minerals to lips and featuring beta-glucan, which soothes redness by reducing its appearance, its silky smooth texture has an inoffensive scent!
Moistfull Collagen Cream from Etude House is a moisturizing serum designed to keep skin looking its best and firm. Its formula features hydrolyzed collagen and white lupin extract for improved skin resilience, suitable for all skin types, with enhanced elasticity and moisture retention properties – including those with sensitive skin. Its formulation has undergone rigorous tests on various test groups.
The Etude House Play Color Eyes Juice Bar is a widely beloved palette with various vibrant hues to help users achieve different looks. This product has several shades designed to produce soft, shimmery effects on the eyes; natural color blends and pearl effects make this palette perfect for creating youthful and fresh looks.
