Whether you’re in South Korea for the food or the rich culture, visiting a beauty shop and checking out the Korean beauty scene is an absolute must.
South Korea is known to be a global beauty hub, with Koreans using more beauty products than anyone else in the world, according to The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea. The Korean beauty market is highly competitive–which drives down the prices. And the affordability is one major reasons that a 10-step nightly skincare routine is possible. In fact, I was able to buy five products for the price of one in the U.S., during a recent month-long stay in the country.
Another big draw for Korean beauty products: They often contain fewer harsh chemicals and use more natural ingredients than western beauty brand.
Throughout my time in Korea, I visited Olive Young–my local beauty store–enough times to learn a thing or two about the K-Beauty scene. These are the best products I found on my travels, many of which can be ordered online.
1. Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
This 2021 Byrdie Award winner is a Korean favorite. Just as you apply it, you can feel the wonder it does for the skin. Made with 14 plant-oriented oils, including jojoba seeds and argan kernel oil, it’s great for blackheads and whiteheads and can be used day and night. This was an item I saw everyone picking up at Olive Young, and I regret only buying one of these. A bottle costs $12 in South Korea and sells online for $29.
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2. Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clearing Facial Cleanser with AHA + BHA
One of the tricks I learned in South Korea is double cleansing. Use an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based cleanser. This one I picked up at the Innisfree store can be used after the Ma:nyo Pure Cleaning Oil. It contains AHA and BHA, which are great for exfoliating and unclogging pores. This is yet another affordable product where a little bit goes a long way.
3. UNOVE Deep Damage Treatment Ex
This product was an Olive Young Award Winner in 2022, and for good reason. What makes it so good is that it is infused with several proteins like keratin and amino acids. After shampooing, you can use this hair mask to help restore shininess and silkiness. Alongside the 36 different kinds of proteins, it comprises five oils, including olive oil and macadamia integrifolia seed oil. It also smells lovely, and the signature perfume was created by a professional perfumer. Out of 200 Allure beauty reviewers, over 98% had the intention to repurchase the product, and 100% were satisfied with their hair’s softness and reduction in the roughness of hair.
4. UNOVE No Wash Water Ampoule
This is a leave-in conditioner. I was so influenced by the hype from the other products by this brand that I decided to stick with one brand for my hair care journey. The scent is mild but nice. Most of the products I bought came with a travel-sized freebie. Like the other UNOVE product, this one claims to have 30 proteins and a statistic of a 38.5% glossy increase for each hair. Oh, and it’s also a heat protectant.
5. RoundLab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, PA++++
This hydrating sunscreen leaves no white cast and doubles as a moisturizer. It’s so soothing to apply and doesn’t smell like sunscreen. The Birch Tree sap decreases inflammation and purifies the skin with minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. They have other sunscreens as well. I also picked up the Birch Moisturizing Sun Stick, a solid, clear balm that’s so easy to reapply.
6. Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Dark Spot Care Serum 50mL + 50mL Refill Special Set
This is the perfect product if you’re looking for brighter skin and have blemishes. One thing I like about the K-Beauty products is that they actually share statistics. Within two weeks of consistent use: “It demonstrates an 18.66% reduction in melanin inside and outside the skin, and after four weeks of use, it shows a 33.55% improvement,” according to the product description.
This is another product I wish I bought more of, because it’s quite expensive to buy outside of South Korea.
7. CLIO Superproof Pen Liner in Kill Black
Conveniently, my eyeliner had just run out, so I needed a new one, and this is a great, long-lasting liquid liner with such a smooth tip brush. I can get my eyeliner to be extremely thin, which can sometimes be challenging with a pen. For $10, this is one of the best liquid eyeliners I’ve used.
8. Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Tint in Shade 03
The shade 03 is their bestseller, and I’ve found a lot of the colors for the lip tints to be too peachy and pink for brown skin tones, but this one was *chefs kiss*. Do you want to know the best part? It was only $5.
9. Torriden DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Facial Sheet Masks
This brand is famous for its DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Serum, so when I saw the masks, I had to grab them. Sheet masks are super popular in K-Beauty because they’re like affordable mini facials that you can do at home every day within 30 minutes, providing hydrating and brightening effects. I can’t say I use face masks regularly, but I was convinced. I’ve used this mask once a week for the last two months, and it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and plump. After spending my summer in warm places, I realized how dry my skin was. Safe to say, I’ve integrated facemasks into my regular skincare regimen.
10. CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Snail mucin is one of the key natural ingredients in many Korean beauty products. Mucin has hydrating, firming, anti-inflammatory, and brightening effects because it contains collagen, elastin, glycolic acid, and vitamins A and E. This specific product by CosRx has 96% snail secretion filtrate and is best suited for those with dull skin, dark spots, and scars. It should be applied after you have double-cleansed and exfoliated your face.
11. Tamburins Chamo 50mL Perfume
The trendy Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster branched out and launched an equally creative perfume brand that is made even more popular by Jennie from BlackPink. The perfume costs around $120, but they also have hand creams and a regular spray if you’re looking for something lower budget. The 000 (Chamo) is one of their best-sellers, and it smells very clean and earthy.