If there's one skin care trend that has staked its claim as a staple in the beauty world, it's Korean beauty, lovingly known as K-Beauty. The phenomenon of sheet masks and "glass skin" gained traction in the States in the 2010s and has been increasing in popularity ever since. Just this past year, K-Beauty has seen a surge in Google searches, largely thanks to social media. Luckily, access to a variety of K-Beauty products in the United States has dramatically increased over the years, too.
So why has it become such a cult favorite? And what makes it stand out above the rest? We tapped dermatologists to help highlight the benefits and skin-loving ingredients that K-Beauty skin care has to offer, plus some of the best products to shop right now.
Best clay mask, editor-pick$17.85$21.00
Award-winning sheet mask$5.99$6.99
What is Korean beauty?
"K-Beauty includes both skin care and makeup products that originate from South Korea, [and] that emphasize gentle, hydrating, and preventive care using high-quality ingredients," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman.
Our experts also call the ingredients "innovative," which has helped achieve their mainstay status. "One of the reasons these products are so popular is the emphasis that is placed on preservation, prevention and the use of natural ingredients," says double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp.
What are the benefits of Korean beauty skin care?
Hydration is the key benefit in K-Beauty skin care, according to Spearman. "The products are designed to be applied in thin, buildable layers to maximize absorption and effectiveness," says the dermatologist. "This also allows for customization of a routine for individual clients."
After all, K-Beauty is famous for its 10-step skin care routine, and Camp mentions that the multi-step routines can be seen as another benefit. "Products tend to be more lightweight, so that applying multiple layers on the skin does not clog pores and lead to acne," he explains. "The number of steps in a Korean skin care regimen also necessitates that products be gentler and less abrasive than Western skin care products."
What types of ingredients are in Korean beauty skin care?
One of the most popular ingredients used in K-Beauty skin care is none other than snail mucin, according to both dermatologists, which provides benefits in hydration, skin repair and regeneration, as well as collagen production. Below, our experts highlight a few more K-Beauty ingredients worth noting:
- Yuza: “A citrus fruit that contains a high concentration of vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that neutralizes free oxygen radicals, which can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids and proteins,” says Camp.
- Propolis: When used in skin care, Camp says this waxy substance (made from honeybees) helps keep skin hydrated by locking in moisture and serves as an antioxidant.
- Cica: Also known as Centella Asiatica, is a natural ingredient "known for soothing and reducing inflammation," explains Spearman.
- Birch: Deriving from birch trees, Camp notes this ingredient "delivers nutrients and antioxidants to keep skin healthy and radiant."
Other ingredients you may be familiar with, and pioneered by Asian beauty, are tea tree, which has anti-inflammatory benefits, and hyaluronic acid, widely known for its hydrating and skin-plumping effects.
If you're looking to reap the benefits of Korean skin care, we have a curated guide of dermatologist and editor-picked products, including toners, sunscreens, moisturizers and more.
Best Korean skin care, according to experts
Not only does this daily sunscreen offer broad spectrum SPF 36 coverage, but Camp says it's also "formulated with green tea to provide antioxidant protection and sunflower seed oil for improved hydration."
Snail mucin is one of the most popular K-Beauty ingredients, and Spearman says this essence has "hydrating benefits and helps with reducing dullness, fine lines, and leaves a glowy finish."
Spearman also recommends this gentle toner to help even out the skin tone and texture, and for its hydrating benefits. "It is an alcohol-free toner, so it's more gentle on the skin and is suitable for all skin types," she notes.
"In addition to caffeine, which constricts superficial blood vessels to lessen the appearance of dark circles, this lightweight, hydrating eye cream is made with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and deep-sea algae to brighten skin and reduce puffiness," explains Camp, about this eye cream from the viral brand, Laneige.
Camp says this balm is an "innovative approach to cleansing." By massaging it into your skin, "this balm melts into an oil" to help remove oil and makeup that leaves skin feeling "refreshed and bright."
Both editor and dermatologist-approved, this moisturizer provides intense moisture for up to 48 hours. Dr. Papri Sarkar previously told Shop TODAY that this cream "sinks into the skin," and its thicker texture is perfect for dry and cooler weather.
While this may be a splurge, Camp notes this anti-aging luxe eye cream is packed with Korean ginseng actives "to address crow’s feet, bags, and dark circles."
Best Korean skin care, according to editors
I [Garlin] became obsessed with this Korean beauty brand and its masks after visiting the Tony Moly store on a trip to Seoul. The brand offers a variety of sheet masks, each to target a different concern. I love the ones for dry skin, especially the avocado one. It's super hydrating, and you see instant results of moisture and plumpness.
“As soon as I put this on my skin, I knew it was game over for a lot of my other sunscreen sticks, says commerce editor Vivien Moon. “It glides on like butter and feels like it’s not there.”
The brand notes that this sunscreen can double as a makeup primer, too.
Deputy editorial manager Jess Bender says while this cleanser acts as a scrub, the heartleaf powder grains are gentle and haven't caused her irritation. "It's also satisfying when the cleanser turns sudsy when it gets into contact with water; it makes me feel like it's really working overtime, cleansing the inner workings of my pores," she adds.
"I have a couple of trouble areas when it comes to dry skin that develops during the day (most prominently around my nose and chin and on my elbows), so it's nice to have a mini balm that fits into my pocket to treat these areas while I'm on the move," says Bender about another K-Beauty favorite.
This was the first time I [Garlin] tried a two-step sheet mask and found it to be incredibly moisturizing. You add the serum first, then place the sheet masks on as usual, and it seals and sets into your skin. After 30 minutes, my face looked glowy and radiant.
I usually steer clear of clay masks because they can feel drying for me, but this one leaves my skin so soft and hydrated. I love that it comes in stick form, so you don’t have to deal with messy fingers, and it has gentle exfoliation grains that feel nice as you glide the stick across your face — it’s actually fun to apply! It’s one of the few products I’ve used where I actually notice instant and soothing results.
K-Beauty sunscreen is also known for its lightweight texture and pleasant smell, and Bender wishes this one came in a bigger package. “It feels incredible on my skin. It absorbs really quickly, leaving my skin hydrated but feeling perfectly primed and prepped for the rest of my daytime makeup routine,” says Bender.
This toner has minimal ingredients and has become a staple in my [Garlin] skin care regimen. I’m adamant about taking off my makeup, but this toner made me realize how much makeup was still on my skin even. It helps get rid of extra foundation and provides a fresh and fully clean face, without feeling dry.
This recent Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner for “best overall toner” is packed with ceramides and moisturizing ingredients to improve the skin’s texture and protect the skin barrier.
"Immediately after, my skin looked glowing and gorgeous," wrote one Shop TODAY contributor about this award-winning mask. "This smoothed my face and left it feeling plump, hydrated, and healthy. My face felt snatched and tight, but not dry. It seemed bouncy and radiant, and after wearing the mask for nearly two hours, it hadn’t irritated my sensitive skin."
"Using this cleanser has really become a self care moment for me," says senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "I love the way it smells, the thick, luxurious texture, and the way my skin feels noticeably fresh and clean after. I actually look forward to washing my face just so I can use it."
Bender says she wears these eye masks "religiously" during work-from-home days, noting that they feel cooling and leave her under-eye area "immensely brighter" and "overall rejuvenated."
"I am really into the thickness of this cream," says Moon. She says it has a firm texture that quickly melts into the skin and "absorbs beautifully."
Even if you’re new to K-beauty, chances are this viral lip mask has crossed your radar. Editorial assistant Erica Marrison says it’s her go-to nighttime lip treatment. “It has changed my lip texture over time (they’re much smoother now), and it’s less greasy than Vaseline. I use it nightly and the pot lasts me the year,” says Marrison.
After two months of using the toner pads, commerce writer Danielle Murphy says she saw a noticeable difference in her skin. "My spots have actually started to fade, revealing a bright complexion I haven’t seen since my late high school, early college days,' Murphy wrote in a review article.
When Cocchi has time for a face mask, she says she leans on these hydrating sheet masks from the K-beauty brand, TimeSavvy. "These mess-free masks were specifically designed for multitasking; they don't slide down your face, and the excess product left behind is minimal," she notes. "I recently put one on while working from home and was able to comfortably work while treating my skin to a pick-me-up."
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
How we chose
We selected the best Korean Beauty products based on insights and recommendations from interviews with board-certified dermatologists. We also include approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other products were sourced through verified shopper reviews.
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