19 Best Korean Skin Care Products 2025, Approved by Dermatologists & Tested by Editors

As a veteran beauty editor, I’ve tested hundreds of contenders for the best Korean skin care products. I first got into K-beauty when it gained popularity Stateside in 2011, adding all the snail mucin creams, Korean sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners I could find to my daily routine. Since then, the options have only gotten better, and more numerous. So last year, I spent three months in Seoul researching and testing my way through all the latest launches. To put together the best Korean skin care routine for any skin type, I talked to local dermatologists, toured skin care labs, and met with product developers and brand founders.

While I found enough gems to fill two checked suitcases, consider this the condensed version of that list, featuring only the best of the best. The most promising K-beauty products let you do more with less. “In 2025, we’re seeing a shift toward intentional skincare—fewer steps, but more effective, multi-functional formulas,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam. Below, you’ll find plenty of those examples, like a hydrating sunscreen that doubles as tint, a water-activated cleanser you can also use as a face mask, and toner pads that work like brightening mini masks. And, so you can get a better idea of how they feel and who they work best for, they’re backed by real reviews from dermatologists, fellow K-beauty experts, and Glamour editors.

The best Korean skin care products, at a glance

• Best Cleansing Oil: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean, $29
• Best Cleansing Balm: Dr. Althea Pore Refreshing Grinding Cleansing Balm, $23
• Best Toner: TirTir Milk Skin Toner, $20
• Best Toner Pads: Biodance Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner Pads, $26
• Best Essence: Mixsoon Bean Essence, $28
• Best Retinol Serum: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum, $50
• Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream, $22
• Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Bioheal BOH Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream, $30
• Best Eye Cream: Abib Collagen Eye Crème, $15
• Best Tinted Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, $16
• Best Face Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, $19
• Best Lip Treatment: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $24
• Best Body Lotion: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel, $20

Best Cleansing Oil: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean

Ma:nyo’s Pure Cleansing Oil is a cult classic in South Korea, where it’s known as the #1 cleansing oil at Olive Young. The Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean edition, inspired by the success of the original, is arguably even better. It’s formulated with a mix of plant oils including grape seed, lavender, and sunflower seed to rinse off waterproof makeup without feeling heavy or greasy on your face. Dermatologists love the skin-friendly ingredients and comfortable texture. “It’s formulated with non-comedogenic oils to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” explains Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “It feels incredibly lightweight and silky on my skin,” she says of the texture. “It spreads and rinses off easily too, breaking down my makeup and sunscreen without feeling too heavy. When rinsed off, it leaves my skin feeling more hydrated.”

Glamour editors also keep a bottle on hand. “This lives permanently in my shower,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “The texture is lightweight, watery, and easy to work with. It gets even my most stubborn waterproof mascaras off without stinging my eyes.”

Best Cleansing Balm: Dr. Althea Pore Refreshing Grinding Cleansing Balm

Think of cleansing balms as cleansing oils in solid, travel-friendly form. I’m obsessed with Dr. Althea’s original cleansing balm, which features a smart grinding dispenser that pushes out thin, pasta-like ribbons of formula. This latest version keeps the same easy-to-use packaging, but swaps out the classic white balm for a baby-blue edition. Its signature shade comes from guaiazulene, an ingredient with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Paired with green tea extract, it helps balance sebum levels and keep skin clear and soothed. Just like the original, it melts off every trace of waterproof makeup, heavy foundation, and sunscreen—no scrubbing needed.

While I love both versions of Dr. Althea’s cleansing balm, I’d recommend trying this one if you have combination or oily skin, since the ingredients target excess sebum. It definitely won’t leave your face feeling dry; the formula starts melting as soon as it comes in contact with my skin, transforming from a smooth sherbert texture to a lightweight oil. I then dampen my hands and wet it to create a milky cleanser that melts off my makeup and sunscreen. If you’re used to traditional cleansing balms that require a spatula or fingers to scoop out the product, you’ll love the upgrade of this grinding dispenser. The layers of cleansing balm come out thin and even, so they’re much easier to spread over my skin. Plus, this gets even the most stubborn waterproof mascara off without stinging my eyes.

Best Cleanser: Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder

Most powder cleansers activate with water to form a claylike paste. This one’s different. Wet a small amount of the Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder, and it’ll turn into a stretchy texture that looks like melted marshmallows. The travel-friendly powder is formulated with gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients like rice powder, rice bran water, and ceramide NP. It also has a (very) mild exfoliating effect that helps subtly brighten and smooth your skin. And you can use it as a wash-off mask, too; just leave it on for 10 minutes before you rinse it off.

I first tried this Korean cleanser when I visited the Anua offices in Seoul last year. I couldn’t get enough of the marshmallow texture and have been using it ever since. I add more water when I use it as a daily cleanser and a little less to turn it into a weekly face mask. Whichever way I use it, it leaves my skin soft, smooth, and radiant.

Best Toner: TirTir Milk Skin Toner

Korean milk toners took over TikTok with their creamy color that makes them look—well, like a glass of milk. Among them, the TirTir Milk Skin Toner is one of the most popular. While it’s made for all skin types, its mix of hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol) make it an especially good pick for dry, normal, and sensitive skin. If you’re used to traditional toners, this will feel more nourishing and a little thicker than formulas you’ve used before. “The milky texture feels like a soft hug for my skin, instantly soothing and plumping it up with hydration,” says Cho. “I love how it preps my skin for the rest of my routine without feeling heavy or sticky. It’s perfect for days when my skin feels tight or needs extra nourishment, and it layers beautifully under serums and moisturizers.”

I have the mini size here—the full version looks like a much bigger glass of milk. My favorite thing about this formula is how it leaves my skin looking instantly plumper and dewier. I like to pat an extra layer over my midface where I get the most dry.

Best Toner Pads: Biodance Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner Pads

K-beauty popularized the toner pad—pre-soaked cotton rounds or squares that can be swiped over your face or left on like mini sheet masks. Biodance makes one of my favorite versions, and these Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner Pads are particularly good for a subtle brightening boost. The brand swaps out the usual thin cotton fabric for hydrogel inspired by its TikTok-viral overnight face mask. While the Internet-famous face mask goes from white to clear as it dries, these gel pads start off clear and then turn white as the essence absorbs into your skin. They’re formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plus popular brightening ingredients like niacinamide and glutathione.

I’ve personally tested many of the popular toner pads that line the shelves at Olive Young, and these are easily in my top five. The hydrogel material clings to my skin without slipping and gives an extra refreshing sensation. I like to apply one on each cheek while I do my makeup before lightly swiping them all over my face and neck. When I start my skin prep with these, everything—foundation, blush, highlighter—just goes on so much smoother and dewier.

Best Essence: Mixsoon Bean Essence

You’ve probably seen this smoothing essence all over #KBeautyTok, where fans show how the formula makes your skin naturally slough off as you rub it in. It’s made with fermented soybean and fruit extracts that combine for gentle chemical exfoliation. “This essence is unlike anything I’ve tried before—the fermented bean extracts give it a naturally thick yet silky texture that melts into my skin,” says Cho. “I love how it delivers deep hydration while gently exfoliating at the same time. It’s one of those products that makes my skin feel smoother and more refined after just a few uses. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin.”

For those new to the formula, you’ll have to gently work it in for at least a few minutes before the exfoliation starts. My friends in Seoul told me to try applying this before makeup for an extra-smooth base. You have to be a little patient when using this; depending on how much dead skin you have to exfoliate off, it can take awhile before your dead skin cells start clumping up. I focus on my nose area where I get clogged pores, rub until I see tiny clumps of skin, then rinse it all off. If you don’t want the exfoliating effect, you can also apply this as you would a normal essence and get the same hydrating benefits.

Best Ampoule: CNP Laboratory Propolis Rescue Ampoule

A cross between a hydrating essence and skin-boosting serum, ampoules are another popular step in Korean skin care routines. The CNP Laboratory Propolis Rescue Ampoule is a great choice for all skin types—and dermatologists love it too. “This ampoule is formulated with propolis, a natural antioxidant and antibacterial ingredient known for soothing and healing properties, as well as skin soothing niacinamide and madecassoside,” says Dr. Chang. “It also contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol to provide deep hydration. It’s great for those with dry, sensitive, red, or acne-prone skin.”

I love the nonsticky texture and calming properties of this ampoule. It’s a watery ampoule that I use whenever my skin’s inflamed or breaking out. It has a refreshing sensation on application and instantly tones down any redness from blemishes without causing dryness or tightness.

Best Peptide Serum: CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster

You probably know CosRx for popularizing snail mucin skin care (the CosRx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence remains a steady seller on Amazon, selling more than 80,000 bottles in the last month alone). The brand also makes a seriously good peptide serum, which has a weightless texture that’s easy to layer. Cho loves the mix of six peptides in the formula “to target fine lines and elasticity,” as well as “how lightweight and fast-absorbing it is—there’s no sticky or heavy feeling, just a smooth, hydrated finish.” Dr. Chang recommends it as an affordable peptide serum “for all skin types and for all seasons” to “help plump and hydrate the skin.”

I love peptides as a skin-plumping ingredient, but a lot of peptide serums can be expensive. This is one of my favorite affordable options. It makes my skin look instantly hydrated and bouncy, which is exactly what you want peptides to do.

Best Vitamin C Serum: Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

If your vitamin C serums feel sticky or smell like hot dog water, swap them out for this K-beauty favorite. I picked up a bottle of this TikTok-viral Korean vitamin C last fall in Seoul and emptied it in a month after using it day and night. “This serum packs a punch if you are looking to even out your skin tone,” says Dr. Chung. “Not only does it contain a special glutathione vitamin C, but it also has niacinamide and tranexamic acid, two actives that are known to help with dyspigmentation.” Dr. Chung also highly rates this serum for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. “Products that help brighten and even skin can be irritating, but this one is the complete opposite,” she says. “It’s gentle and hydrating to the point that oily skin types may find it too heavy!”

My favorite thing about Numbuzin’s No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum is that the texture feels just right for my combination skin, delivering hydration without making my skin feel weighed down or oily. Plus, it has a visible effect on my post-breakout dark spots. After a month of regular use, it faded the marks around my chin and brightened my overall complexion without causing the slightest bit of irritation.

Best Retinol Serum: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum

Retinol is one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients in skin care, but you don’t often see it used in K-beauty. Of the few Korean retinol options on offer, the Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum is a frequent expert pick. Cho says it’s her favorite formula. “I’ve tried many retinol serums, but this is one of the most gentle yet effective ones out there,” she says. “It has a beautiful lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without irritation, which is key for me since I have sensitive skin. I love that it contains peptides and hydrating ingredients to cushion the retinol, making it a great option for those looking to introduce retinol without compromising their skin barrier.”

I tested the formula extensively and now keep a bottle on my nightstand. My skin doesn’t react very well to retinol. I’ve tried a lot of different versions, but I always end up having to layer it over another face moisturizer so I don’t start flaking, peeling, and turning red. When Cho recommended this to me, I was skeptical at first—I figured if it was gentle enough not to cause retinol burn, it wouldn’t give me the results I was looking for. But not only does this serum stay gentle on my skin, it also makes my skin look smoother, plumper, and more even with continued use. It’s easily my favorite retinol product on the market, K-beauty or otherwise.

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Bioheal BOH Probioderm 3D Lifting Cream

This buttery, thick face cream feels heavenly on dry skin. “It has a dense, nourishing texture that works well as a final step in nighttime routines—especially in colder weather or after professional treatments,” says Hwang Wonuk, MD, a cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul, who recommends it for “dry, mature, or barrier-damaged skin.” It’s packed with peptides, a popular firming ingredient, along with other barrier-supporting, smoothing, and brightening ingredients. “Lactobacillus ferment lysate strengthens the skin barrier and improves moisture retention, niacinamide brightens and evens, and adenosine smooths wrinkles and enhances skin elasticity,” says Dr. Hwang. “Personally, I like how it delivers visible firmness over time without irritation, and I often recommend it to patients in their 40s and up who are looking for both hydration and a lifting effect. I’ve found it to be particularly effective for patients experiencing dryness or post-procedure tightness.”

I’ve recently been reaching for mine whenever my midface starts feeling dry. While the balmy texture feels a little heavy for daytime on my combination skin, it’s ideal for my evening skin care routine. I also love applying a layer to my neck for a subtle smoothing effect. It makes my skin feel immediately softer and sinks in overnight to ensure I wake up to a nourished, bouncy complexion.

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream

If you have oily or combination skin, we recommend this ultra-lightweight Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream. It comes in a squeeze tube so you can easily control the amount and absorbs into skin almost instantly. “This is formulated with skin-soothing niacinamide and madecassoside as well as hydrating squalane and panthenol to nourish,” says Dr. Chang. Although it contains popular hydrators, it doesn’t have a heavy feel or leave a noticeably dewy finish.

I have combination skin, so I’m always careful not to apply too much moisturizer to my T-zone or it starts looking greasy by midday. This gel cream is perfect for shiny T-zones—or if you just have oily skin in general. It doesn’t leave a matte finish, but it’s definitely not dewy. I’d say it leaves a very subtle glow behind, but not that drenched-in-moisture look. I also love the soothing ingredients and gentle formula.

Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream

If CosRx popularized snail mucin skin care, then Sulwhasoo did the same for ginseng creams and serums. This popular luxury Korean skin-care brand is known for its use of ginseng extracts, which dermatologists say have powerful antioxidant benefits. The Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream pairs ginseng saponins (plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties) with its proprietary ginseng peptide™ to help rejuvenate skin.

“I’m a strong believer in the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginseng root,” says Christina Chung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania. Dr. Chung often recommends Sulwhasoo’s moisturizers to sensitive skin types, as well as anyone in need of a “super moisturizing” boost. “The price point may shock you, but a little goes a long way,” she says. This is definitely one of the most expensive moisturizers—K-beauty or otherwise—in my regular rotation. But I love everything about it, from its deeply hydrating yet lightweight texture, to its subtle ginseng scent that reminds me of a spa visit, to (most importantly) the way it immediately makes my skin look slightly plumper, dewier, and healthier.

Best Eye Cream: Abib Collagen Eye Crème

Collagen is one of K-beauty’s most popular moisturizing ingredients, and the Abib Collagen Eye Crème packs on all the long-lasting hydration you could want. “Hydrolyzed collagen improves skin elasticity and hydration, Jericho rose extract helps maintain moisture and revitalizes dull skin, and panthenol soothes and strengthens the skin barrier,” explains Dr. Hwang. He likes that the formula is “rich but absorbs surprisingly well,” making it a good pick for both your morning and evening eye cream. “I appreciate that it combines barrier-repairing ingredients with botanicals, which makes it a nice option for patients who prefer a more holistic approach to skin care,” he says. “While I haven’t used this product personally, I’ve had several patients with dry skin tell me they love how it plumps and softens the under-eye area after regular use. It’s a good match for those with dry, fatigued under-eye areas or fine lines”

I’m now on my second tube of this formula and love how luxurious it feels—without the luxury price tag. As Dr. Hwang says, it’s thick without being greasy and doesn’t cause any irritation or milia around my eyes. The ingredients truly help my eye area feel smoother and firmer as soon as I apply and it layers well under makeup during the day. I’m absolutely obsessed.

Best Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 with Hyaluronic Acid Color

Korean sunscreens are known for being more lightweight and comfortable than most of what’s on offer Stateside. That’s due to their use of sunscreen filters that aren’t on the short list approved by the FDA. The Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen is a rare example of a Korean sunscreen that uses FDA-approved filters and still wears comfortably. “This is a popular eco-friendly brand that I saw everywhere when I was in South Korea last summer,” says Dr. Chung. “I love this product because of how it goes on and the finish it leaves on the skin. What makes this really special is there is a slightly green tint that helps to offset any redness. This is my go-to product for my patients with mild rosacea.”

This formula also won a spot on our list of best Korean sunscreens. “I have combination skin and this facial sunscreen helps avoid any shiny finish while still hydrating. It never pills under my makeup and has no white cast on my medium tan skin tone,” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour’s senior commerce editor. Calle ranks this among her favorite sunscreens because of its “glowy finish.”

Best Tinted Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen

Beauty of Joseon’s famous Relief Sun might be TikTok’s most viral Korean sunscreen. While that formula is no longer available in the US, the brand recently launched the FDA-compliant Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, which uses zinc oxide for its SPF 40 broad-spectrum protection. It feels surprisingly lightweight and fast-absorbing for a mineral sunscreen, and comes in 12 sheer tints made to double as your daily tinted base.

Going off the texture alone, I would never guess that this is a zinc oxide formula. It feels so fluid and weightless, and I’m obsessed with the natural finish it leaves. The tinted sunscreen is sheer and forgiving—more like an IRL filter for your skin than a full-on foundation. On days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup but still want to even out my skin tone and give it a beautiful glow, I always reach for it. It makes my skin look amazing.

Best Face Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

If you want to know how popular Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is, the brand says it’s been counterfeited so many times that they’ve recently updated the packaging from translucent to opaque to avoid fakes. (If you have an old version, don’t panic: Just check that it matches the brand’s official product images.) It made our list of best Korean face masks thanks to its innovative peel-off format and glass-skin effect.

Dr. Chang says the formula is great for hydration with its lineup of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide. This overnight mask goes on as a clear gel and dries down in 15 minutes, “wrapping” your skin in moisture as you sleep. “It should be applied with a brush or spatula,” she says. “You can peel it off in the morning and rinse your face. It’s comfortable to sleep in and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.”

TikTok got me again with this one. It balls up as I peel it off so I don’t feel like I’m taking a layer of my skin with it, and makes my skin look more hydrated and glowy the next morning. Sometimes I leave it on overnight—you really can sleep with this one without noticing it since it dries down—and sometimes I peel it off after half an hour. It’s definitely the most fun face mask I own.

Best Lip Treatment: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is an iconic celebrity favorite. Even Twice’s Nayeon, one of South Korea’s most popular K-pop stars, is obsessed with the thick, cushiony formula that stays on overnight and smooths chapped, peeling lips. “I tried many different ones but ultimately I always come back to this,” she previously told Glamour. “It takes me a while to finish one but I always get a new one so that I don’t run out of it.”

Dermatologists approve too. “The formula’s shea butter and berry-complex formula applied with the tiny spatula is both luxurious and really hydrating,” says Dr. Chung. “I usually pair this at night with a humidifier on cold nights and I wake up with dewy lips!”

I have a pot of the vanilla flavor on my nightstand right now that I got in Seoul. I apply it nightly so my lips stay plush and smooth while I sleep, and it smells like cupcakes. It’s sadly not one of the flavors available in the US, so I highly recommend collecting all the exclusives if you visit South Korea. They also have a custom flavor-mixing service at their flagship store that everyone should add to their Seoul beauty itinerary.

Best Body Lotion: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel

If you want to expand your Korean skin care routine to body care, start with Illiyoon. The brand is known in South Korea for its gentle Ceramide Ato line, which you can find in every supermarket. Formulated with ceramide NP, a popular ingredient for hydrating and supporting your skin barrier, the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel can be used on both your face and body for nourishing moisture. The fragrance-free formula is designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it’s also a great choice for skin that’s irritated or inflamed.

I’ve tried all of the lotions from this line, and this would be my top recommendation if you prefer a body lotion with a lighter texture. Unlike some of the brand’s thicker creams, this one is a gel cream that sinks in fast and doesn’t leave any residue behind. You can also use it on your face, so it’s a true head-to-toe lotion. I get flaky patches on my legs sometimes and this formula smooths them out after just a couple of applications.

Your Korean skin care questions, answered