The Korean Skincare Brands You Need To Know About
Korean skincare known for its transformative quality and has recently come to the forefront of the skincare industry. Discover some of the best Korean skincare brands that are storming the skincare industry...
Korean skincare is known for its transformative quality and has recently come to the forefront of the skincare industry. Aesthetically pleasing packaging, unique ingredients and glass-skin like results have put brands in the Korean skincare world on most beauty loverâs must-have lists. Â
If youâre looking for the best Korean skin care products or a high-performing Korean skin care line youâre in the right place. Keep reading to learn about some of our favourites and what makes them so special.
What Makes Korean Skincare Unique?
Unlike other skincare systems and routines that value simplicity, Korean skincare thrives on the philosophy of layering, hydration and prevention. Initially going viral for their commitment to layering essences and toners, a typical Korean skincare routine usually follows this routine:
- First cleanse with an oil-based cleanser
- Second cleanse with a water-based cleanser.
- Exfoliate
- Tone
- Essence
- Serum/ampoule
- Sheet mask
- Eye cream
- Moisturiser
- SPF
Yes, you read that right â a 10-step skincare routine is what makes up the foundation of Korean skincare! The belief is that by including multiple hydrating and antioxidant-rich steps the routine provides a defensive barrier against pollutants and free radicals. However, this routine is flexible and customisable to your skinâs needs. If you donât feel you need all ten steps for your skin type or donât feel like a routine this long would work for you day-to-day, you can shorten it to include the steps you feel are essential to your skin.
Top Korean Skincare Brands to Try
Keep reading to discover our favourite K-beauty brands!
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon is one of the most well known and loved K-beauty brand out there right now, all thanks to their simple and elegant products. Inspired by centuries old traditions of the Joseon Dynasty, the brand creates clean yet innovative formulas for healthy skin. Using Hanbang ingredients, traditional Korean medicine based on using natural ingredients with therapeutic properties, Â ginseng, green plumb, propolis, red bean, and mugwort, and combing them with clinically effective ingredients, their products have been created for all skin types. Some standouts from the range are:
- Beauty of Joseon Rice Sunscreen with Rice Water & Prebiotic Complex SPF50+ Â : Protects the skin from harmful UV rays, leaving no white cast behind on the skin.
- Beauty of Joseon Eye Revive Anti-Ageing & Brightening Serum with Ginseng and Retinal: Brightens and rejuvenates the under-eye area.
- Beauty of Joseon Renew Dynasty Cream With Ginseng Root & Rice Water: Moisturising cream nourishes and firms the skin.
COSRX
COSRX is a cult-favourite K-beauty brand, celebrated for its straightforward, effective products designed to target problem-prone and sensitive skin. The brand combines high-quality, science-backed ingredients with gentle formulations to address concerns such as acne, dehydration, and irritation. Some standouts from the range are:
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser: Gently cleanses without stripping the skin, ideal for daily use.
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: Hydrates, repairs, and smooths skin while improving elasticity.
- COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch: Spot treatment that protects blemishes while accelerating healing.
VENN
VENN is a high-performance skincare brand founded by a lawyer and a nuclear physicist, with over 25 years of research in Korean skincare technology. The brand focuses on multi-functional, innovative formulas that tackle multiple skin concerns with precision. Some standouts from the range are:
- Age-Reversing All-In-One Concentrate: A comprehensive anti-aging treatment that combines high-performance antioxidants and peptides to deeply hydrate and improve skin elasticity in a single step.
- Moisture-Balance All-In-One Face Cleanser: A low-pH, non-foaming cleanser that effectively removes impurities while maintaining skin hydration, suitable for daily use.
- Concentrated Revitalizing Lifting Mask: An intensive treatment mask that delivers immediate lifting and firming effects, revitalizing the skin's appearance.
Anua
Anua focuses on a holistic approach to skin health, believing that healthy skin reflects a healthy lifestyle. Their formulas are carefully crafted with natural and active ingredients to be gentle yet effective on all skin types. Some standouts from the range are:
- Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner: Calms irritated skin and reduces redness, ideal for sensitive skin.
- Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Toner Pad: Gently exfoliates and soothes skin to reduce pores and balance sebum production.
- Anua Heartleaf  Pore Control Cleansing Oil: Removes impurities and excess sebum from acne-prone skin to reveal a balanced and clear complexion.
Our Favourites From Iconic Korean Skincare Brands
A facial essence infused with Snail Mucin to help repair damaged skin, maintain hydration and improve elasticity.
An easy to use hydrocolloid pimple patch that can be used overnight or under makeup to help treat blackheads and whiteheads.
VENN Skincare Age-Reversing All-In-One Concentrate is a multi-correctional cream, formulated with VENNâs patented Hydration, Delivery and Solubilization Technologies. The key ingredients include potent concentrations of antioxidants and peptides, including VENNâs patented form of Ginsenoside Compound...
This multi-tasking, low-pH and non-foaming cleanser is clinically tested to deeply cleanse the skin, remove makeup and any buildup and gently exfoliate the skin, while keeping the skin soft and hydrated. VENN Skincare Moisture-Balance All-In-One...
This leave-on cream with a rich and thick texture is supercharged with a concentrated series of free-radical fighting antioxidants and peptides. VENN Skincare Concentrated Revitalizing Lifting Mask visibly lifts, hydrates and boosts radiance in an...
These brands focus on results-driven formulations, making them some of the best Korean skin care products on the market. Loved learning about these brands? Check out our blog on KIKI Health, one of the latest launched brands on our site.
