16 Best Korean Skincare Brands You Need to Know
Korean skincare has taken the world by storm, offering innovative products that cater to a wide range of skin concerns. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and advanced formulations, these brands have become favorites for many skincare enthusiasts. From hydrating serums to soothing masks, Korean skincare offers something for every skin type. Whether you’re looking to brighten, hydrate, or calm irritated skin, there’s a product out there that can help. Korean brands are also known for their commitment to clean beauty, using natural and gentle ingredients that nourish the skin.
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Laneige
Laneige is a highly respected Korean skincare brand known for its focus on hydration and skin care products tailored for various skin types. One of its most popular offerings is the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, a product designed to provide intense overnight moisture for smooth and plump skin by morning. The brand’s reputation is built around its advanced water science technology, which helps lock in moisture while replenishing skin’s natural hydration balance. Laneige products are widely available, and the Water Sleeping Mask has become a staple for many skincare routines.
The price range for Laneige products varies depending on the item. For example, the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask typically retails for around $25 for a 2.3 oz jar. Other products from the brand, such as their Lip Sleeping Mask, also carry affordable prices that make it accessible for a wide audience while offering high-quality skincare.
Dr. Jart+
Dr. Jart+ is a skincare brand that has gained international recognition for its innovative products combining science and beauty. Known for its wide range of products designed to address various skin concerns, Dr. Jart+ focuses heavily on blending dermatological advancements with aesthetic appeal. The brand’s iconic product, the Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, is widely praised for its ability to calm irritated skin and correct redness. It utilizes the power of tiger grass, a key ingredient known for its soothing properties.
Dr. Jart+ products are available at a mid-range price. The Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment typically costs around $52 for a 1.7 oz jar. Other products from the brand, such as their facial masks and serums, are priced similarly, providing effective solutions for various skin types without going over budget.
Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo is a luxury Korean skincare brand that draws on the wisdom of traditional Korean herbal medicine to craft products designed to restore balance and beauty to the skin. The brand is known for its holistic approach to skincare, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients such as ginseng and various herbal extracts. Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum is one of its most iconic products, with a cult following among skincare enthusiasts. It is designed to enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products by prepping the skin and improving its absorption capabilities.
Sulwhasoo is on the higher end of the price spectrum. The First Care Activating Serum retails for approximately $95 for a 1.6 oz bottle. While this brand may be more expensive than others, it is widely regarded for its high-quality ingredients and luxurious experience.
Innisfree
Innisfree is a Korean skincare brand that combines the natural beauty of Jeju Island’s plants with advanced skincare technologies. The brand is known for its environmentally friendly approach to packaging and its focus on sustainable beauty practices. Innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Serum is one of its best-sellers, designed to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin using green tea extract. The brand also has a variety of products featuring volcanic ash and other natural ingredients known for their cleansing and soothing properties.
Innisfree offers affordable products, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $40. The Green Tea Seed Serum, for example, costs around $30 for a 1.7 oz bottle. The brand is praised for offering effective skincare that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Missha
Missha is a well-known Korean skincare and cosmetics brand that offers high-quality products at accessible prices. The brand is recognized for its extensive range of products, including serums, masks, cleansers, and moisturizers. One of Missha’s standout products is the Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence, which is known for its ability to improve skin texture and brightness. It contains fermented yeast extract, which helps to rejuvenate the skin and promote a radiant complexion.
Missha products are priced reasonably, with the Time Revolution Essence typically retailing for around $50 for a 5 oz bottle. Other products from Missha, such as their BB creams and sheet masks, are also popular and come at similar affordable price points, making it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts on a budget.
The Face Shop
The Face Shop is another well-known Korean brand that emphasizes natural ingredients in its skincare formulas. The brand offers a variety of products designed to cater to various skin concerns, including dryness, acne, and aging. The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil is one of its most iconic products, praised for its ability to effectively remove makeup and cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This product is a fan favorite due to its nourishing rice water extract, which helps brighten and hydrate the skin.
Prices for The Face Shop products are generally affordable, with the Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil priced at about $14 for a 5.1 oz bottle. The brand’s other products, such as their face masks and toners, are similarly budget-friendly, making it a great choice for those seeking natural, effective skincare without spending too much.
Skinfood
Skinfood is a brand that has gained popularity for its unique use of food ingredients in its skincare products. The brand believes in the healing and nourishing properties of food, and its products feature ingredients like honey, olive oil, and rice. Skinfood’s Black Sugar Mask Wash Off is one of its best-selling items, offering a natural exfoliation experience with the use of raw black sugar. The mask helps to smooth and refine the skin’s texture, leaving it soft and radiant.
Skinfood’s products are reasonably priced, with the Black Sugar Mask Wash Off costing around $15 for a 3.38 oz jar. The brand’s commitment to using food-inspired ingredients is appealing to those who prefer natural and wholesome skincare options.
Holika Holika
Holika Holika is a Korean skincare brand that focuses on creating fun, effective, and affordable products. The brand is well-known for its quirky packaging and vibrant colors. Holika Holika’s Aloe 99% Soothing Gel is one of its most famous products, packed with aloe vera extract to hydrate and soothe the skin. It is especially popular for use after sun exposure, as it helps to calm and replenish the skin.
The price point for Holika Holika products is budget-friendly, with the Aloe Soothing Gel costing about $10 for a 10.5 oz jar. This makes it an accessible option for those looking for a soothing and hydrating skincare solution at an affordable price.
Banila Co
Banila Co is a Korean brand that is especially popular for its cleansing balms, known for their ability to remove makeup and cleanse the skin without stripping its natural moisture. The Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is the brand’s signature product and has gained a cult following for its creamy texture and effective makeup-removal capabilities. The balm transforms from a solid to an oil-based formula, providing a thorough cleanse while leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished.
Banila Co products are moderately priced, with the Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm typically retailing for around $20 for a 3.3 oz jar. The brand’s other offerings, including its primers and skincare serums, are also reasonably priced, offering great value for quality products.
Iunik
Iunik is a Korean skincare brand that focuses on minimalistic formulas with clean, effective ingredients. The brand’s products are designed to provide essential care while being gentle on the skin. One of its bestsellers, the Iunik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum, is known for its ability to brighten the skin and improve overall texture. It contains a combination of propolis extract and vitamin C to offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Iunik offers affordable skincare options, with the Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum priced around $16 for a 1.1 oz bottle. The brand’s focus on simplicity and natural ingredients makes it a popular choice for those with sensitive skin looking for gentle but effective products.
A’pieu
A’pieu is a skincare brand that emphasizes using ingredients that are gentle and safe for all skin types. The brand is especially popular for its affordable yet effective products. One of its standout products is the A’pieu Madecassoside Cream, which helps to soothe irritated skin and promote healing with the use of madecassoside, a compound derived from Centella Asiatica. This cream is ideal for calming redness and reducing the appearance of blemishes.
A’pieu’s products are some of the most affordable on the market, with the Madecassoside Cream typically priced around $15 for a 1.7 oz jar. The brand is praised for offering gentle, soothing skincare solutions at a low cost, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Cosrx
Cosrx is one of the most well-known Korean skincare brands, particularly famous for its products designed to treat acne and improve skin texture. The brand’s Acne Pimple Master Patch is a cult favorite, known for its ability to help reduce pimples overnight. It contains hydrocolloid technology, which helps to absorb excess fluid and prevent bacteria from entering the affected area. Cosrx’s products are designed with a focus on clarity and simplicity.
Cosrx’s products are reasonably priced, with the Acne Pimple Master Patch typically retailing for about $7 for a pack of 24 patches. Other products, such as their Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, are priced around $20 for a 3.3 oz bottle.
Tonymoly
Tonymoly is a Korean skincare brand that stands out for its playful packaging and affordable skincare products. The brand is popular for its masks, serums, and moisturizers, which feature adorable designs and fun formulas. One of Tonymoly’s most well-known products is the I’m Real Sheet Mask, which comes in various formulas designed to target different skin concerns. The masks are infused with natural ingredients and are ideal for giving your skin a quick boost of hydration and nourishment.
Tonymoly’s products are affordable, with the I’m Real Sheet Mask costing around $2 each. Other products from the brand, such as its skincare creams and toners, are similarly budget-friendly, offering quality skincare at an accessible price.
Benton
Benton is a Korean skincare brand known for its natural and cruelty-free products. The brand is popular for using ingredients such as snail mucin, aloe, and green tea in its formulations. One of Benton’s standout products is the Snail Bee High Content Essence, which is packed with snail mucin to repair and hydrate the skin while providing anti-aging benefits. It also contains bee venom to soothe and reduce inflammation.
Benton offers a reasonable price range, with the Snail Bee High Content Essence priced around $19 for a 1.69 oz bottle. The brand’s focus on natural ingredients and high-quality formulations makes it a popular choice for skincare enthusiasts.
Sioris
Sioris is a clean beauty brand that emphasizes using fresh, natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced. The brand’s products are designed to provide effective skincare while being gentle on the skin. One of Sioris’ most popular products is the Time is Running Out Mist, which hydrates and refreshes the skin while providing antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors.
Sioris products are priced in the mid-range, with the Time is Running Out Mist typically costing around $24 for a 3.38 oz bottle. The brand’s commitment to using fresh ingredients and eco-friendly practices makes it appealing to those looking for natural skincare solutions.
Aromatica
Aromatica is a clean skincare brand that uses organic, plant-based ingredients in its products. The brand is known for its luxurious formulations that combine aromatherapy with effective skincare. One of its top products is the Rose Absolute First Serum, which uses organic rose extract to hydrate, brighten, and rejuvenate the skin. The serum also helps to restore the skin’s balance, providing a calming and soothing effect.
Aromatica’s products are priced moderately, with the Rose Absolute First Serum retailing for about $50 for a 1.7 oz bottle. The brand’s focus on organic ingredients and sustainable practices makes it a great choice for those seeking natural, luxurious skincare options.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.