Korean Skincare: Top Picks and Essential Products
IN THIS ARTICLE
A hearty hello to all the lovely ladies, gentlemen, and everyone else. Welcome to But More Importantly. Today, our focus is Korean skincare. I realize that my enthusiasm on the subject might make me sound overly millennial, but bear with me.
The demand for Korean skincare insights has been on the rise, primarily driven by TikTok trends. For years, I've been an ardent advocate of Korean skincare, so it gives me immense pleasure to see the world finally catching up. Today, I'll be revealing my recent favorite Korean skincare products, all priced under 20 dollars. We all understand the need to economize, right?
All the products I mention today will be linked for your convenience. If you decide to make a purchase, it will support this site, though there's absolutely no obligation. Now, let's dive into these products, covering recommendations for every skin type and component of your skincare regimen.
Starting with cleansers, one that I swear by is the Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser from Good Light. I continually find myself reaching for this product due to its cleansing prowess, without being overly drying. Ideal for combination to dry skin types, it's available at all Ulta stores for just 18 dollars, and a little goes a long way. Most Korean skincare products require international shipping, but you can conveniently find this one in the USA.
Moving on, if you enjoy a scrub-like experience in your skincare routine, even knowing they may not be the kindest to your skin, I have a great recommendation for you. The Green Tea Enzyme Face Wash by Wishtrend is a game-changer. This product is unique for its short-lived yet gratifying scrubbing feel which eventually dissolves with water. This process allows the product to not just cleanse the skin, but also enzymatically exfoliate it. This 3 in 1 Enzyme Cleanse product is such a remarkable multipurpose product from a commendable brand, reflecting the consistent innovation in Korean skincare.
Discovering the Magic of Serums
One of my latest discoveries is the Torriden Balanceful Serum, and honestly, the ingredient list is mind-blowing. It comprises glycerin, centella asiatica, madocassic acid, and madocassoside – the exceptionally concentrated forms of green tea found in premium Korean skincare products. This serum is brimming with extraordinary ingredients. Free of fragrance, it absorbs swiftly into the skin and is ideal for sensitive skin, reinforcing the moisture barrier, hydrating, and reducing redness.
I must also mention the SKIN&LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum that I rediscovered recently. It is particularly beneficial for those aiming to fade hyperpigmentation, protect skin throughout the day, and diminish dark spots. With a 15 percent concentration of a form of Vitamin C resistant to air and light exposure, it remains gentle on the skin.
Also, the iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum is a personal favorite. It offers a remarkable lightweight experience ideal for oily skin or those with breakouts. This serum effectively reduces excess skin sebum, oil, redness, and sensitivity. The tea tree component is purely the extract, without the fragrant component, making it fragrance-free and offering a great formula at an affordable price.
Delving into Moisturizers
Now, let's talk about moisturizers. The first one is the ROVECTIN Clean Lotus Water Cream, which remains a favorite, especially for oily skin. If you're after a lightweight gel moisturizer experience, this product is it. It deeply hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy or shiny finish. One of its selling points is its high concentration of lotus extract, helpful in preventing premature skin damage such as aging, dullness, and dryness.
Finally, for those with combination skin, the iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is phenomenal, offering optimal moisture in dry areas without excessive oiliness in oily zones. This gel moisturizer effectively hydrates without leaving a sticky residue, making it ideal for combination skin.
If you're dealing with dry or dehydrated skin, particularly in the colder months, the SKIN&LAB Barrier Derm Intensive is a solid choice. It's akin to high-end products like the Skinfix Barrier+ Moisturizer or La Mer Cream, but at a considerably lower price. It's perfect for those struggling with a compromised moisture barrier.
Touting the Benefits of Toners
I admit, I'm not a frequent toner user. But for those interested in Korean skincare, toners are essential. Benton is a reputable brand in this sphere. Their toner, boasting ingredients such as aloe leaf extract, snail secretion filtrate, hyaluronic acid, beta glucan, and 0.5 percent salicylic acid, offers deep hydration, skin damage protection, and gentle exfoliation without drying the skin.
The Superiority of Sunscreens
My favorite skincare product category, where Korean brands excel beyond comparison, is sunscreens. I'm particularly fond of the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick. I was skeptical at first given its viral TikTok fame and my preference for cream-based sunscreens, but it's a game-changer for reapplication throughout the day. It's a dream come true for anyone seeking a sunscreen that leaves no white cast and gives a matte finish - a rare find. I can confidently say this product will remain a staple in my regimen.
Another fan favorite is the Beauty of Joseon SPF 50 sunscreen. It's not as mattifying as the sun stick, but it's lightweight, durable in humid conditions, and perfect for combination to dry skin types. It also leaves no white cast.
Korean Skincare in Your Beauty Routine
Lastly, the IUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen has become a recent favorite of mine. IUNIK is one of the best Korean skincare brands, and they've made the list thrice in this article. This sunscreen contains 49 percent centella asiatica extract, beneficial for soothing any redness or irritation caused by sun exposure.
This sunscreen is genuinely a game-changer - no white cast at all. See for yourself, nothing, nada. It's got a feel that's quite similar to a regular moisturizer. There have been days when I've skipped applying moisturizer altogether and relied solely on these two sunscreens. They've done a fantastic job keeping my skin hydrated. This sunscreen doesn't get the appreciation it truly deserves. It punches above its weight, and if you're just getting started on Korean skincare, or seeking a new sunscreen, this is a terrific choice. I highly endorse it.
Now, I've unleashed a plethora of product suggestions, but my aim is to help you nail the ideal Korean skincare routine. Not all of these are my all-time favorites since I have a long list of Korean skincare products I could suggest, but these products are definitely my recent top picks. I'm always willing to share more Korean skincare recommendations if you're interested. As previously mentioned, if you're interested in purchasing any of these products, you'll find the links above.
I'm eager to know what other content you'd like me to create. Your suggestions and thoughts are always warmly welcomed. If you haven't done so already, remember to subscribe to my newsletter and hit the notification bell on Spotify to stay updated with my weekly podcasts. I'll see you in the next one.
About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
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