10 South Korean Beauty Products for Flawless Glass Skin Routine

South Korea has earned a global reputation as a beauty mecca, with Koreans leading the world in their consumption of beauty products, as reported by The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea. The Korean beauty market is fiercely competitive, leading to competitive pricing. This affordability is a key factor that enables the popular 10-step nightly skincare routine. During a recent month-long stay in the country, I found that I could purchase five products for the price of one in the U.S.

One of the main attractions of Korean beauty products is their tendency to contain fewer harsh chemicals and more natural ingredients compared to Western beauty brands.

Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

This 2021 Byrdie Award-winning product is a beloved staple in Korea. Its application leaves a noticeable improvement on the skin. Formulated with 14 plant-derived oils, including jojoba seeds and argan kernel oil, it effectively targets blackheads and whiteheads and can be used both day and night. In South Korea, it costs $12, while it sells online for $29.

Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clearing Facial Cleanser with AHA + BHA

During my time in South Korea, I discovered the technique of double cleansing, which involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one. This product, purchased at the Innisfree store, is perfect for the second step after using the Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil. Infused with AHA and BHA, it effectively exfoliates and clears pores.

UNOVE Deep Damage Treatment Ex

This product won the Olive Young Award in 2022 for its effectiveness. It contains keratin, amino acids, and five oils like olive oil and macadamia integrifolia seed oil. After shampooing, apply this hair mask to restore shine and silkiness to your hair. It has a pleasant scent created by a professional perfumer. In a survey of 200 Allure beauty reviewers, over 98% wanted to buy it again, and all of them were satisfied with how soft it made their hair and how it reduced roughness.

UNOVE No Wash Water Ampoule

This product is a leave-in conditioner. After hearing positive reviews about other products from this brand, I decided to stick with it for my hair care routine. It has a mild but pleasant scent, and most of the products I bought came with a free travel-sized item. Like other UNOVE products, this one contains 30 proteins and claims to increase hair glossiness by 38.5%. It also acts as a heat protectant.

RoundLab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen

This moisturizing sunscreen doesn’t leave any white residue and also functions as a moisturizer. It feels incredibly soothing upon application and doesn’t have the typical sunscreen scent. Enriched with Birch Tree sap, it helps reduce inflammation and purify the skin with its mineral, enzyme, and antioxidant content.

Goodall Green Tangerine Vita-C Dark Spot Serum 50mL

This product is ideal for achieving brighter skin and addressing blemishes. One aspect I appreciate about K-Beauty products is their transparency regarding results. According to the product description, with consistent use over two weeks, it exhibits an 18.66% reduction in melanin both internally and externally within the skin. Furthermore, after four weeks of use, it demonstrates a 33.55% improvement.

CLIO Superproof Pen Liner in Kill Black

This $10 liquid eyeline is the best I’ve ever used. Get it.

Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Tint in Shade 03

The perfect lip tint for the brown girlies. Not too peachy or pink for brown skin. For $5, I should’ve bought like 5 of them.

Torriden DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Facial Sheet Masks

Sheet masks are a hit in K-Beauty for their affordability and convenience, offering a quick, at-home facial experience in just 30 minutes. Over the past two months, I’ve been using this mask once a week, and it consistently leaves my skin feeling hydrated and rejuvenated.

CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Snail mucin is one of the key natural ingredients in many Korean beauty products. It has hydrating, firming, anti-inflammatory, and brightening properties due to its content of collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, as well as vitamins A and E.

You can access all of my favorites on my Amazon storefront. Or, if you’re like me… buy a flight to South Korea right now to purchase these products at an even better price. I call that girl math.