The Best Korean Skincare Products, According To The Experts
From snail mucin to bee venom, the best Korean skincare brands combine traditional ingredients with cutting-edge techniques. “In Korea, there is a long and rich tradition of skincare that has resulted in a very savvy and demanding consumer base,” says Alicia Yoon, founder of popular K-beauty brand Peach and Lily. “This consumer demand created a hyper-competitive industry that has allowed Korea to become a global mecca for skincare innovation with incredibly high standards for skincare products.”
From targeting specific skin concerns such as pigmentation or redness, to just generally maintaining that “glass skin” glow, K-beauty products are so effective that customers all over the world can’t seem to get enough.
Best Korean Skincare products at a glance
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Does Korean skincare actually work?
Unlike some Western approaches, which are about fixing that which is already damaged, Korean skincare shifts the focus onto prevention. It’s about big picture thinking. “Korean skincare is a form of self-care, based on the fact that the skin is our body’s largest organ,” says Yoon. “There is a focus on long-term results, as opposed to quick overnight fixes.” Which is why, compared to Western approaches, which can be fairly aggressive, Korean skincare methods are much more gentle on the skin, with hydration being seen as one of the key pillars of skin health.
“Korean beauty brands use gentle ingredients and focus more on sensitive skin types,” adds K-beauty expert Elisa Lee. “This makes them suitable for many people.”
Why is Korean skincare so good?
By combining traditional ingredients with cutting-edge technology and focusing on prevention rather than cure, Korean skincare methods are an effective way to take care of the skin in the present, rather than having to rely on more invasive methods down the line. “K-beauty skincare is rooted in holistic wellbeing,” says Sarah Oh, K-beauty expert. “It has a great reputation in balancing effectiveness with user experience. Skincare that is good should feel good too!”
“There’s also a focus on innovation,” adds Coco Park, founder of The Beauty Wolf and co-author of Korean Beauty Secrets. “Korean skincare is still a good five to seven years ahead of the curve in comparison to Western products. You’re going to find cutting-edge products that offer incredible results if you know what you’re looking for and are willing to experiment.”