Finding new beauty products that are actually effective is always a challenge. With shelves stacked with tons of products, many labeled with complicated lists of ingredients, it can be difficult to decide on what brands to trust.
Across the globe, however, there are beauty secrets that have been passed down for generations that provide fixes to issues ranging from dandruff to dry feet. Products from Asia to South America might have ingredients and formulas that are solutions to common beauty concerns.
To let you in on these beauty secrets, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share her favorite products from around the world. Read on to shop organic hand washes, glowing body lotions, exfoliators, color correcting treatments and more.
Beauty around the world as seen on TODAY
South Korea
Medicube Super Cica Daily Quick Mask
After a long work day, we want our nighttime routines to be quick and simple. That’s where Medicube’s Daily Quick Mask enters the picture. It is described as a daily sheet mask that instantly smoothes, cools and moisturizes the skin. Give it just 60-seconds to experience such results, and use either day or night (or both!).
Netherlands
Reuzel Clean and Fresh Beard Serum
This beard serum conditions the beard and skin without clogging the pores — talk about a win-win. The product achieves these results through its lightweight and hydrating formula, which consists of sunflower, argan and coconut oils. After application, the beard should feel soft and the hair more tamed. But if you’re still not convinced, this serum was developed by world renowned barbers based in the Netherlands.
Chad
Salwa Petersen Chébé Desert Glow Body Lotion
Besides all of its hydrating benefits, what we adore most about this body lotion is that it creates a sun-kissed glow. The brand claims the product leaves a universal tint “that adapts to all skin tones,” along with a light earthy scent. This would be perfect to layer underneath your favorite fragrance or scented body oil to enhance its delicate notes.
England
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Night Serum
This night serum is a favorite in the UK, and has won over 23 awards to prove it. The star ingredient inside is retinaldehyde, which is defined as a “next-generation form of vitamin A that is proven to deliver results up to 11x faster than traditional retinol.” This alone will help to reduce dark spots and improve the appearance of fine lines. But if you’re new to vitamin A, don’t fret: The product comes in five progressive strengths to accommodate every level.
Denmark
Skandinavisk ØY Organic Hand Wash
Most hand washes can dry out the skin, but this Denmark-based brand claims their version does the opposite. The primary ingredients inside this wash, such as organic glycerin and Danish spring water, are incredibly moisturizing for all skin types. This is especially helpful during the cooler months when you want to take extra care of your hands. There’s also other scents to choose from if you’re wanting something lighter or more seasonal.
Beauty around the world previously seen on the 3rd hour
Iceland
Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
Free of any parabens and other harsh chemicals, these cooling gels are 100 percent vegan. They feature a hexapeptide technology that targets delicate under-eye skin. In less than ten minutes, the product is sure to help with firming, toning and depuffing — leaving your eyes refreshed and rejuvenated.
Turkey
Testament Beauty Turkish Coffee 3-In-1 Mask
As a facial scrub, mask and moisturizer, this Turkish facial treatment does three times the work in one use! Featuring key ingredients such as Turkish coffee from Arabica coffee seeds, avocado and cacao, this product aids in resurfacing, tightening and hydrating skin. The coffee exfoliates, the hydrating avocado reduces fine lines and inflammation and the cocoa helps with boosting moisture.
India
Indē Wild AM Sunscreen Glow Drops
From a female-founded brand, this sun and skin care hybrid had a 12,000 person waiting list before its official launch. The lightweight formula is specially designed to soothe and protect acne-prone, hyperpigmented and sensitive skin. Created through an innovative formula rooted in Ayruveda, it features powerhouse ingredients like zinc oxide, niacinamide, centella and liquorice root — all of which offer skin benefits without clogging pores.
Morocco
NOW Solutions Organic Argan Oil
This multi-functional Moroccan oil is nourishing for your hair, scalp, cuticles, hands and full body. According to Dr. Engelman, it's perfect for all skin types due to its rich fatty-acid component. It's also "easily absorbed" and therefore aids in maintaining skin pH balance.
Israel
Melach 33 Silky Shea Body Butter
Made with ingredients such as shea butter, dead sea salt and natural antioxidant plant oils, this cream easily absorbs into your skin to help soften and soothe it. The Dead Sea — where this product's star ingredient is sourced from — has a 33 percent salt content (10 times more than the saltiest ocean water) and features the same minerals that facilitates the body's ability to regenerate cells and detoxify naturally.
More beauty products from around the world
China
First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is formulated with one percent zinc pyrithione to fight flakes and dandruff. This formula is made to work with all hair types, including color-treated hair, and leave scalps smooth and hair soft.
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager
With over 80,000 ratings on Amazon, this scalp massager is a bestseller. In ancient China, hair combing to massage the head was used to maintain one's health, said Engelman. This massager used with the above shampoo might help with dandruff, too.
Japan
NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub
This sake-infused scalp scrub leans into the ancient Japanese tradition of scalp care, said Engelman. The exfoliating cubes are also made of sugar rather than salt to prevent hair damage while exfoliating.
Cure Aqua Gel Exfoliator
Formulated to help you say goodbye to dry, dull and blotchy skin, this Japanese exfoliator works to smooth and brighten skin for a more even-looking complexion. The brand also says this exfoliator works to improve pigmentation, has anti-aging benefits and can reduce the appearance of bumps and acne scars.
South Korea
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
Best known for their BB cream, Dr. Jart+ has a product that uses tiger grass from the Asian wetlands to calm sensitive skin. This color correcting treatment is designed to cover blemishes, neutralize redness and restore skin.
Sweden
Victoria Lanolin Agg Tval Egg White Facial Care Soap for Women
Made with lanolin, rosewater and egg whites, this Swedish facial soap works to cleanse and minimize pores. When exposed to water, the bar becomes frothy like a latte and makes skin appear fresh and tight, said Engelman.
Italy
Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo
This lip duo is made in Italy but is owned and founded by two Pakistani sisters. The brand has an inclusive shade range with 25 different shades of nude. The lipstick is dual ended with lip gloss and a matte lipstick. The formula is also vegan and cruelty free.
Brazil
Sol de Janeiro Samba Foot Fetish Cream
If you are looking to keep your feet soft and smooth, this foot care kit could be helpful. With the smooth board, users should exfoliate their feet, then massage the cream into the skin. The main ingredient in this cream is coconut oil.