Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story While many of the best Korean skincare products are available in the U.S. thanks to the likes of Amazon and Soko Glam, I still couldn’t wait to touch down in store to try some things I’d been eyeing myself. Perhaps because I’m a beauty editor, I’m not one to wander around a beauty store; but my local Olive Young had my full attention. On three separate occasions, I spent upwards of an hour going shelf by shelf to study what products Koreans actually reach for.
As you’ve likely noticed, K-beauty has steadily grown from a niche category to the global mainstream over the last few years, thanks in large part to the power of social media. “While Amazon and TikTok are leading the K-beauty sales, the category is sure to see major growth this year as American consumers discover new products via social media, Korean culture (think: K-Pop and K-Drama), and in-store launches,” Sarah Chung Park, founder and CEO of Landing International, tells Vogue .
K-beauty recommendations are plenty, but while Americans are just catching up to its sensorial, fun formulas, we’ve seemingly grown quite hip to the serums and creams that keep flying off Seoul’s shelves. I noticed that many of the things I can purchase right from my couch (or perhaps, now, at my local Sephora), were the same things popular there, too.
Ahead, a bit of a compilation of the best K-beauty products based on my findings. No matter your skin concern, there’s a K-Beauty formula designed to target it—often with ingredients and textures you won’t find anywhere else. Ahead, shop the best Korean skin-care products for every step of your routine.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Rejuran
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Biodance
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden uses Biodance’s Bio-collagen Real Deep Mask .
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Celimax
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Sulwhasoo
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tests the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream .
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Torriden
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Haruharu Wonder
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Illiyoon
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mediheal
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist VT Cosmetics
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Round Lab
Vogue ’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tests the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen .
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Some By Mi
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Medicube
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Laneige
Vogue’s beauty shopping writer Concetta Ciarlo tests the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask .
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Aestura
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tests the Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream .
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Medicube
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Beauty of Joseon
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mixsoon
Cho notes that many of the ingredients we’ve come to associate with K-beauty products come from hanbang, or traditional Korean medicine, like ginseng, green tea, and lotus. These traditions are coupled with innovative technologies to create products that are beneficial for treating an array of concerns. The result? The entrance of new ingredients like snail mucin or categories like essences.
Beyond the ingredients, Glow Recipe’s other cofounder, Sarah Lee , explains how K-beauty also preaches tackling your specific skin-care concerns day by day. “Skin is dif…