Top 10 Korean Beauty Products Transforming Skincare Routines Worldwide

Korean beauty products have been treating us and our skin well for several years now. We think they are not planning to stop anytime soon because each day, a new product launches to give us glowy skin. However, with the sea of products flooding the market, it’s easy to get swept away by choices. Not only does it make decision-making harder, but it also makes it easier to spend on products that don’t really work for your skin.

That’s why Beauty Insider has created a list of the 10 Korean beauty products that have been transforming skin all around the world. Gather around because your skin deserves to be oh-so-radiant and healthier!

What Are the Differences Between Korean Beauty Trends and Japanese Beauty Trends?

As technologies in creating beauty products advance, there will be competitiveness when it comes to developing unique formulations. This also applies to Korean beauty trends and Japanese beauty trends, where you can see clear differences between them. Let’s check out what makes them stand out from each other:

Korean Beauty

According to NIHON Skin, K-beauty always keeps up with current trends and skincare innovations by discovering new ingredients, textures, and even formulas. Some of the popular ingredients are Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, and fermented extracts to target different skin concerns. As glass and glowing skin is the most desired look for those who prefer K-beauty, it requires a lot of hydrating ingredients in their routine. That’s where the famous 10-step skincare routine comes into play.

Japanese Beauty

On the other hand, Japanese beauty focuses on simplicity. Keeping the ‘less is more’ approach, the skincare features traditional ingredients like rice bran, green tea extract, and Kojic Acid to achieve mochi-like skin. Compared to K-beauty, J-beauty has rather simpler steps while delivering effective results. The best part is that the products used in Japanese beauty save time, as one product can tackle several skin issues.

The Best Korean Beauty Products

1. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil 

For those who always keep up with K-beauty trends, we bet you have seen people raving about Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. Infused with heartleaf, this cleansing oil is the ideal first step to achieving glass skin. It removes makeup, sebum, and blackheads without clogging pores, leaving the skin balanced and refreshed. Even suitable for acne-prone skin, it offers gentle yet effective cleansing with its powerful cleansing abilities.

Price: RM41.30

Where to buy: Shopee

2. INNISFREE Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam

Next up on our list of the best Korean beauty products is INNISFREE Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam. It is a hydrating cleansing foam formulated with Jeju fresh green tea water, Amino Acid Complex, and hyaluronic acid to cleanse impurities thoroughly. Moreover, its soft and gentle foam texture helps rebalance the skin’s oil and moisture levels, leaving it soft and hydrated. Thanks to its low irritant properties, this cleanser is safe for sensitive skin.

Price: RM48.00

Where to buy: Shopee

3. Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0

Here comes the cult favourite! Unclog pores with Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 because we all deserve clearer pores and skin. With key ingredients like Salicylic Acid, the embossed side exfoliates dead skin while the silky side moisturises the skin, leaving a smoother complexion. What’s more, it minimises the size of pores by tightening them. Also containing Cypress Tree Leaf, this toner pad offers anti-inflammatory benefits to help reduce swelling from overactive sebum glands.

Price: RM77.76

Where to buy: Shopee

4. numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner

If you are dealing with bumpy skin, we know that numbuzin No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner will do your skin good. It is a fermented essence toner that contains 50 fermented ingredients to tackle skin troubles, dullness, and lack of elasticity. Experience its viscous, hydrating texture that absorbs into the skin without stickiness for glowy, silky skin. Don’t be deterred by its light yellow colour because that is when you know it is the original tone of fermented ingredients.

Why we love it: 

• Packed with 50 fermented ingredients
• Absorbs easily without stickiness
• Promotes smoother skin

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those sensitive to fermented ingredients

Price: RM38.40

Where to buy: Shopee

5. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 

Our list of Korean beauty products would not be complete without including COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This lightweight essence contains nutritious filtered snail mucin that absorbs quickly, leaving a natural glow from within. Additionally, it helps repair and soothe sensitive, red skin after breakouts by replenishing moisture. Suitable for all skin types, this fan favourite addresses dull skin, giving you the radiant glow you have been wanting.

Why we love it: 

• Helps repair sensitive and red skin
• Has soothing and healing properties
• Lightweight texture

Cons:

• Some may not like its gooey texture

Price: RM40.67

Where to buy: Shopee

6. Torriden DIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

We know how Malaysia’s climate can dehydrate our skin. That’s when Torriden DIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum comes to the rescue. This popular serum delivers hydration deep into your skin with its 5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex, which features low molecular weight for better absorption. Moreover, it replenishes hydration while giving the skin a moisture glow that is soothing. It also contains Allantoin and Panthenol, which work wonderfully with Hyaluronic Acid to promote supple and plump skin.

Why we love it: 

• Delivers deep hydration
• Soothes and nourishes the skin
• Promotes plump, well-hydrated skin

Cons:

• Can be too hydrating for some skin types

Price: RM55.00

Where to buy: Shopee

7. Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Pore-minimising, firming, deep hydration and radiance — we love how the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask does it all! Enriched with oligo-hyaluronic acid, this mask moisturises and hydrates the skin’s surface for a healthier complexion. With the help of ultra-low molecular collagen, it refines enlarged pores and instantly improves skin elasticity, promoting skin free from wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, it works well as an overnight mask that turns transparent after hours of use.

Why we love it: 

• Provides deep hydration
• Improves skin elasticity
• Can be used as an overnight mask

Cons:

• Expensive for just one sheet mask

Price: RM18.00

Where to buy: Shopee

8. SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

When it comes to the 10-step Korean skincare routine, you can’t skip eye care. We recommend SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream for those wanting to improve wrinkles around the eyes. Containing Retinol, this eye cream increases firmness around the eye area by plumping loose skin without leaving a tacky feeling. Moreover, this product tackles dark circles that cause dull skin by preventing pigmentation. It also hydrates the areas around the eyes to balance moisture.

Why we love it: 

• Improves the appearance of wrinkles
• Increases firmness
• Targets dark circles

Cons:

• Results may take time to show

Price: RM47.60

Where to buy: Shopee

9. AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream

If you have never heard of AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream, you are definitely missing out. This moisturising cream locks in 120 hours of deep hydration with high-density ceramides. Repairing a compromised skin barrier, this is the cream you need for healthy skin. Additionally, the capsuled ceramide maintains a long-lasting protective barrier. Free from fragrance and colourants, we love how this Korean beauty product is gentle on everyone’s skin for ultimate comfort.

Why we love it: 

• Provides 120 hours of deep hydration
• Repairs damaged skin barrier
• Long-lasting protective barrier

Cons:

• May not be suitable for extremely oily skin

Price: RM69.93

Where to buy: Shopee

10. SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

Our personal favourite! SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ is formulated with pure centella from Madagascar and hyaluronic acid to provide moisture to dry skin. This daily sunscreen has a lightweight, serum-like texture that leaves only moisture without any stickiness. The best part? It leaves no white cast or residue! Moreover, this sunscreen is reef-safe, protecting the marine ecosystem and reefs. It also features Baby Green Complex to comfort and soothe the skin without artificial fragrance.

Why we love it: 

• Hydrates and protects the skin
• Lightweight, serum-like texture
• Leaves no residue or white cast

Cons:

• Some users may experience oiliness after hours of use

Price: RM57.41

Where to buy: Shopee

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