Here are the top 5 must-have Korean skincare products for daily use for real results—plus how to use them, what they’re made of, and who they’re best for.
1. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Description:
A mild, slightly acidic cleanser that maintains your skin’s natural pH while removing dirt and excess oil.
Key Features:
- pH-balanced (around 5.0–6.0)
- Good for sensitive skin
- Controls oil without overdrying
How to Use:
You can use it in morning and evening. Use it to dampish skin. Massage gently in circular motions, then rinse with warm water.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Function |
| Tea Tree Leaf Oil | Controls excess oil, helps reduce acne-causing bacteria |
| Betaine Salicylate (BHA) | Mild exfoliant, unclogs pores, smooths skin |
| Saccharomyces Ferment | Hydrates and nourishes skin |
| Allantoin | Soothes irritation, promotes healing |
| Citric Acid | Gently exfoliates, balances pH |
| Botanical Extracts (e.g., Evening Primrose, Portulaca) | Calm and protect skin |
| Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate | Mild surfactant, cleanses skin |
Who can use it?
Oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.
2. Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
Description:
A lightweight, gel-like toner that doubles as a hydrating essence. Subsequently relaxes and prepares the skin for optimal absorption of future products.
Key Features:
- Alcohol-free and fragrance-free
- Absorbs quickly with no stickiness
- Minimalist formula
How to Use:
Pat gently into skin using clean hands or a cotton pad after cleansing. Can be layered for extra hydration.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Function |
| Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract | Antioxidant & emollient |
| 1,2 Hexanediol | Solvent & humectant |
| Butylene Glycol | Humectant & solvent |
| Bis PEG 18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane | Emollient & surfactant |
| Hydroxyethylcellulose | Viscosity modifier |
| Carbomer | Gel-forming agent |
| Arginine | Skin-identical amino acid |
Who can use it?
Sensitive, dehydrated, or reactive skin.
3. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis and Niacinamide
Description:
A cult-favorite serum that is good for dullness, acne scars, and inflammation with a glow-boosting formula.
Key Features:
- Balances oil and hydration
- Calms and brightens skin tone
- Lightweight and effective
How to Use:
After toner, apply 2–3 drops to the face and pat until absorbed.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Function |
| Propolis Extract (60%) | Skin conditioning, antioxidant |
| Niacinamide (2%) | Multi-functional vitamin B3 |
| Betaine Salicylate (0.5% BHA) | Gentle exfoliant |
| Tamanu (Calophyllum Inophyllum) Oil | Emollient & soothing agent |
| Tea Tree Extract | Antimicrobial & soothing |
| Turmeric & Cocoa, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid | Antioxidants + hydrators |
Who can use it?
Oily, acne-prone, or combination skin looking for glow and calm.
4. Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Description:
A deeply hydrating lotion that restores and protects the skin’s barrier.
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic, no fragrance
- Rich but non-greasy
- Strengthens damaged skin
How to Use:
Apply a small amount after serums. Use morning and night.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Function |
| Panthenol | Humectant & skin-soothing agent |
| Madecassoside | Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory |
| Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Oil | Emollient |
| Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) | Nourishing emollient |
| Glycerin | Humectant |
| Propanediol | Solvent & humectant |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Lightweight emollient |
| Cetearyl Alcohol & Polyglyceryl 3 Methylglucose Distearate | Demulsify & texture enhancers |
| Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract | Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory |
Who can use it?
Dry, sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin.
5. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++
Description:
A non-greasy, lightweight sunscreen that feels like a moisturizer but delivers high UVA/UVB protection.
Key Features:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50+
- No white cast
- Hydrating and soothing
How to Use:
Apply as the last step of your morning routine, 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2–3 hours if needed.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Function |
| Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract (30%) | Emollient, antioxidant |
| Niacinamide | Brightening, anti-acne, barrier support |
| Glycerin | Humectant |
| Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract | Antioxidant, soothing |
| Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Antioxidant |
| Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract | Enzymatic exfoliant |
| Monascus/Rice Ferment & Panax Ginseng Extract | Antioxidant, emollient |
| UV Filters (e.g., Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, etc.) | UV protection |
Who can use it?
All skin types, including oily and sensitive skin.
Final Words
If you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start, then follow these simple steps for skincare. Korean skincare doesn’t always mean 10 complicated steps. These five daily-use essentials cover everything: cleanse, prep, treat, moisturize, and protect. They’re high-performance, affordable, and gentle enough for long-term use. Start simple and stay consistent.
Check out our article on Top 10 Best Korean Skincare Products that You’ll Love.
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