These 9 K-beauty products reveal why Korean skin care has everyone talking

If you buy something using links on our site, The Week may earn a commission. All reviews are written independently by our editorial team.

Many of the most popular beauty products are made in South Korea, where innovative skin care using cutting-edge and sometimes unconventional ingredients is the norm. These nine great items will do more than just make your skin look beautiful. It also helps treat the underlying problem and prevent new problems from developing.

Korean Beauty Red Bean Water Gel

(Image provided by: Joseon Beauty)

The gel moisturizer “moisturizes without feeling heavy,” says Allure, and the red bean water gel “among others” contains “plenty of red bean extract” and also contains peptides that “deliver moisture while absorbing sebum.” It has a “cool” and “refreshing” feel and is “amazingly” layerable under other skin care products and makeup. ($18, beauty of korea)

Article continues below

CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

(Image credit: CosRx)

Vogue magazine said the secret to having glowing “glass skin” lies in this bottle. Contains 96% snail secretion filtrate (yes, the slime produced by snails). The filtrate “helps repair the skin barrier,” with hyaluronic acid to moisturize and allantoin to provide a soothing effect. All skin types can benefit from using the essence, but its effectiveness in improving dry skin is amazing. ($25, CosRx)

Etude Soonjeong pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

(Image credit: Etude)

Allure says Etude’s skincare products are “amazing,” especially this “cloud-like” cleanser that “suits all skin types.” Due to its low pH, the product is “less likely” to interfere with the skin’s “natural barrier function” and is free of “potential irritants” that can “cause irritation and breakouts.” cleanser does It contains “soothing” ingredients like madecassoside and panthenol, which “moisturize while removing impurities.” ($16, Ulta)

Gemi hand sanitizer + serum

(Image provided by: gemi)

This is not your typical hand sanitizer. Gemi has reimagined what a formula should be and infused it with premium, nourishing facial skin care ingredients such as Centella Centella extract and propanediol. According to Marie Claire (The Week’s sister site), there are five “top-notch” scents to choose from, including Elysium, a “lavishly layered” vanilla, peony, and amber scent. Can’t choose just one? Get the complete collection and try them all. ($12 per bottle, $55 for entire collection; boat)

medicube zero pore pad

(Image provided by Medicube)

Zero Pore Pads are infused with salicylic acid, lactic acid, and may seem like “magic,” says InStyle. That’s because the formula “not only hydrates, but also soothes and smoothes” the skin, and can “dramatically” improve acne scars. One side of the pad is textured for exfoliation and the other side is smooth for pore tightening. ($21, Ulta)

Purito Centella Unscented Eye Cream

(Image credit: Purito)

A few coats of Purito’s popular eye cream is all you need. According to Harper’s Bazaar, this “cult classic” formula works “instantly” to eliminate puffiness and “calm irritation.” Made with centella asiatica and peptides, it instantly “penetrates into the under-eye area” and leaves skin feeling “moisturized and soothed.” ($13, Amazon)

Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner

(Image provided by Round Lab)

Grammer says there’s a lot to like about this “gentle and lightweight” toner. It works on all skin types, including “sensitive and acne-prone skin,” and contains “mineral-rich” seawater, panthenol and betaine to “deeply hydrate the skin and support its barrier.” Use it after washing your face and you’ll be amazed at how smooth your skin becomes. ($17, Ulta)

TimeSavvy Sealing-in Moisture Mask

(Image credit: TimeSavvy)

Multitasking has never been easier. TimeSavvy’s Sealing in Moisture mask is designed to be used on the go, with the top and bottom masks “staying in place,” says Elle. The creamy formula delivers on its promise of no slippage or dripping, and the “expert-approved” ingredients niacinamide, adenosine, and collagen are a “triple threat” that help firm, smooth, and hydrate skin. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes to prepare it to glow. ($12 per mask, $54 for a set of 5, person who knows about time)

tocobo lip mask

(Image provided by: Tocobo)

Dry lips met their mate. Tocobo’s lip masks are made with an antioxidant-rich botanical oil blend that melts on touch to leave your lips plump and refreshed. Choose from four masks, each with unique benefits. Mint Cooling revitalizes lips, Collagen Boosting reduces fine lines, Vita Glazed moisturizes, and Lemon Sugar Scrub removes dead skin cells. ($19, Tocobo)