Korean skincare brands have mastered the art of effectively treating common skin concerns, and these are ten picks to check out ASAP.
There’s no denying that Korean cosmetics companies have always been one step ahead of the skincare game.
I regularly incorporate K-beauty products into my daily skincare regimen, so I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error to find the best brands that live up to the hype.
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Whether you’re new to Korean skincare and need help deciding where to start or a K-beauty pro looking to expand your skincare horizons, I’ve got you covered!
I’m here to share my ten favorite Korean skincare brands, including why they’re unique, what makes them work, and which products you must try.
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These are my affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission when you purchase using my links (at no additional cost to you!), and I greatly appreciate you shopping with my links!
Browse my favorite Korean skincare brands by clicking below:
10 Best Korean Skincare Brands
1. COSRX
I have to start this list with one of the hottest Korean skincare brands, COSRX.
You’ve probably seen COSRX products all over your social media channels, and I’m so excited to see the beauty company going viral.
COSRX has been researching, experimenting, and studying to create the best skincare solutions for all skin types for over two decades.
Many of COSRX’s products are formulated with snail mucin—you might be hesitant to try it, but it works wonders for dull, damaged skin.
The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is trending right now, and it’s easy to understand why.
This lightweight, moisturizing essence melts into the skin, giving you a naturally radiant complexion.
Another top pick is the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, a fast-acting pimple patch that treats and heals annoying blemishes.
COSRX is one of my holy grail Korean skincare brands, and it’s a great option if you’re new to the world of K-beauty.
2. Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo has been a leading figure in the Korean skincare industry since 1932—with that many years of experience, you can trust the brand knows its stuff!
With a mission to honor traditional Korean medicinal practices while continuously pursuing innovative skincare technology, Sulwhasoo is one-of-a-kind.
Sulwhasoo is the first brand to incorporate ginseng, which has proven health and skincare benefits, into its products.
The First Care Activating Serum is Sulwhasoo’s most famous product and is renowned for its ability to rejuvenate and boost skin.
All skin types can take advantage of the First Care Serum, and you’ll begin to see improvements in the radiance and elasticity of your complexion after about eight weeks.
Check out my Sulwhasoo Review for more product recommendations!
3. SK-II
We can’t discuss the best Korean beauty brands without highlighting SK-II, a luxury Korean skincare company dedicated to giving you youthful skin at every age.
SK-II’s story began in the 1970s when a team of scientists started researching the secret to beautiful and radiant skin—after years of research, they identified PITERA as the key.
PITERA is a patented fermentation ingredient packed with skin-loving vitamins and minerals that gently resurfaces the skin to combat signs of aging, uneven skin tone, dull complexion, and more.
Don’t let the brand’s high prices scare you off—your skin is worth the investment!
One of the best ways to try SK-II is with the First Experience Kit, which includes samples of the brand’s iconic essence, sheet mask, and toner.
My favorite SK-II product is the Facial Treatment Essence, which stimulates your skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid and new cells to promote a youthful appearance.
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4. Missha
Missha is another affordable Korean skincare brand I reach for often because it offers high-quality products for a reasonable price.
Founded over 20 years ago, Missha has earned a reputation as a beauty brand that cares about its customers’ wants and needs.
This company is unique because it sells skincare and makeup products, all formulated to give you the best skin possible.
Regarding skincare, you can’t beat Missha’s Time Revolution The First Essence 5X, a cult-favorite product that delivers many benefits.
The star ingredient is 97% desert Cica yeast ferment, which firms and brightens your complexion while balancing your skin to its ideal pH levels.
I highly recommend the Perfect Cover BB Cream if you want to try the Missha makeup line.
This lightweight cream offers medium to high coverage and SPF 42 PA+++ protection, all while hydrating and soothing skin.
5. Beauty of Joseon
If you’ve read my Beauty of Joseon Review, you already know how much I love its products.
Beauty of Joseon’s mission is to deliver clean and effective skincare treatments that blend traditional Korean herbal remedies with modern technology.
You’ll find skin-loving ingredients like rice, beans, and plums in many Beauty of Joseon serums, moisturizers, and cleansers.
Whether you struggle with dry, flaky skin or excess oil, Beauty of Joseon has a solution to target specific skin concerns.
The most popular item from Beauty of Joseon is the Relief Sun daily sunscreen—it provides SPF50+ PA++++ protection without leaving a white cast or greasy residue.
As a bonus, it’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free!
6. Dr.Jart+
My next recommendation for can’t-miss Korean skincare brands is Dr.Jart+, founded in 2005 by an architect who began experimenting with blemish balm formulas.
Over the years, Dr.Jart+ (also known as Dr. Jart) has developed several proprietary ingredient blends that target everything from dryness to redness.
Dr.Jart+ was uber-popular in South Korea before finally making its way to the States, and I’m excited to see how the brand will continue to grow!
Some of Dr.Jart+’s most famous products include face masks, BB creams, and moisturizers—I suggest starting with the Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution Face Mask.
This hydrating, plumping mask gives your skin an immediate burst of moisture and increases your skin’s ability to retain water.
Another must-try is the Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream Moisturizer, a lightweight face moisturizer that minimizes the appearance of blemishes and impurities.
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7. Laneige
If you haven’t tried Laneige yet, consider this your official sign to check it out!
Laneige has spent over 20 years researching and experimenting with the science behind ultra-hydrated and balanced skin.
The brand prides itself on providing effective skincare products that moisturize your skin for a smooth and radiant appearance.
While Laneige offers an entire collection of toners, essences, and serums, the star of the show is the brand’s lip masks.
The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is essential for soft, kissable lips—apply before bed and wake up to a moisturized pout.
8. Innisfree
One of the most well-known Korean skincare brands is Innisfree, which sources ingredients from the beautiful and pristine Jeju Island.
This region has an incredibly fertile and diverse environment, so all of Innisfree’s products are loaded with natural antioxidants and nutrients that work wonders on the skin.
Innisfree also prioritizes protecting this delicate ecosystem so that future generations can continue to enjoy its rugged beauty.
If you can only try one Innisfree product, make it the Green Tea Seed Serum—it’s lightweight but provides deep, lasting hydration.
Infused with green tea and hyaluronic acid, this serum will instantly revive dull, dry skin that needs extra TLC.
Check out Innisfree’s Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X, made with exfoliating volcanic clusters for skin that needs a nourishing reset.
9. Dear, Klairs
Dear, Klairs (often referred to as just Klairs) is my next Korean skincare brand pick.
Klairs was started in 2010 in Seoul and strives to create products in harmony with the environment.
All Klairs products are cruelty-free and contain high-quality, natural ingredients to strengthen and balance your skin.
I love that Klairs offers a range of creams, toners, and serums for all skin types—since the brand avoids harsh chemicals, you don’t have to worry about irritation.
The Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is my favorite Klairs product for brightening and clearing skin since it’s packed with vitamin C.
10. Axis-Y
Last up on this K-beauty guide is Axis-Y, a clean skincare brand dedicated to helping customers feel comfortable and confident in their unique skin.
Axis-Y believes in promoting healthy self-care practices and embracing your natural beauty—a mission I can get behind.
Since Axis-Y understands that environmental stressors constantly affect our skin, it focuses on balancing and calming products.
One of the most unique things about Axis-Y is its 6 + 1 + 1 Advanced Formula line, which combines six natural ingredients with one targeted skin solution and one effective piece of skincare technology.
The Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is undoubtedly Axis-Y’s most famous product.
This serum contains a 5% concentration of niacinamide that works to even and brighten the appearance of blemishes and dark spots.
Another must-try is the Axis-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen, which protects from UVA and UVB damage.
Read my full Axis-Y review for more deets on the brand and products to try.
That was my complete guide to the top 10 Korean skincare brands—hopefully, you’re inspired to splurge on some new products!
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Check out my beauty content for more skincare reviews.
9 Korean Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Will Take Years Off Your Skin
6 Best Korean Skincare Products
Top 7 Korean Vitamin C Serums for All Skin Types
FAQs
Korean skincare combines natural ingredients with effective technology, ensuring proven results for everything from oily skin to sensitive skin types.
Korean beauty brands range in price point from budget-friendly to luxury.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
