Many people have experienced a noticeable improvement in their skin tone within a week of using these top 5 Essential Korean skincare products for daily use. While individual results may vary, these products are designed to help your skin look brighter and more refreshed. You’ll learn how to use them, what they’re made of, and who they’re best for. Remember, your skin type and routine are crucial, and consistent use of these products is the key to achieving lasting results.
Top 5 Essential Korean Skincare Products
1. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Combat the morning oiliness and dirt on your skin with the gentle, slightly acidic COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. This product not only cleanses your skin but also maintains its natural balance, leaving you with a clean and comfortable feel throughout the day. Studies have shown that using a low pH cleanser can reduce skin oil by up to 39% in just two weeks, making your skin less oily and easier to manage.
Key Features:
- pH-balanced (around 5.0–6.0)
- Good for sensitive skin
- Controls Oil without overdrying
How to Use:
Cleanser: Use both in the morning and evening. Dispense a dime-sized amount into your hands, apply to damp skin, and massage with gentle circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Leaf Oil Controls excess Oil, helps reduce acne-causing bacteria.
- Betaine Salicylate (BHA) is a Mild exfoliant that unclogs pores and smooths the skin.
- A 4-5% BHA concentration is very effective for reducing pore size and improving skin texture, according to research. This cleanser contains approximately 0.5% BHA, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin and suitable for daily use.
- Saccharomyces Ferment Hydrates and nourishes skin
- Allantoin Soothes irritation and promotes healing
- Citric Acid Gently exfoliates, balances pH
Who can use it?
Oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.
2. Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner
This toner is light and gel-like, and it also works as a hydrating essence. It helps your skin absorb the products more effectively. If your skin feels tight soon after washing, this toner could be a good choice for you.
Key Features:
- Alcohol-free and fragrance-free
- Absorbs quickly with no stickiness
- Minimalist formula
How to Use:
Toner: Pat onto your skin with clean hands or a cotton pad after cleansing. For extra moisture, apply a second layer after the first has absorbed.
Ingredients:
- Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract Antioxidant & emollient
- 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?
This toner is a perfect match for those with sensitive, dehydrated, or reactive skin.
3. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis and Niacinamide
This serum helps fade acne scars and calm inflammation, giving your skin a healthy, radiant look. It’s a great choice if you want to brighten dull skin.
Key Features:
- Balances Oil and hydration
- Calms and brightens skin tone
- Lightweight and effective
How to Use?
Serum: After toner, apply 2–3 drops to your face, avoiding your eye area. Gently pat in until absorbed.
After toner, apply 2–3 drops to the face and pat until absorbed.
Ingredients:
- 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
A deeply hydrating lotion that restores and protects the skin’s barrier. Formulated with panthenol and madecassoside, it helps refill ceramides and reduce transepidermal water loss, providing your skin with barrier insurance. This makes it an essential product for maintaining healthy, resilient skin..
Key Features:
- Hypoallergenic, no fragrance
- Rich but non-greasy
- Strengthens damaged skin
How to Use?
Moisturizer: Apply a small amount after serum, in the morning and at night.
Ingredients:
- 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++++
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?
Sunscreen: Apply as the last step of your morning routine, 15 minutes before sun exposure. For optimal protection, remember that factors such as makeup, sweat, and excess sebum can reduce the effectiveness of SPF over the course of the day. It is a good idea to set reminders to reapply every 2–3 hours if needed.
Ingredients:
- 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 new to skincare, don’t worry. Begin with a simple routine that includes cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These five steps cover the basics of Korean skincare. It’s effective, gentle, and budget-friendly. Start with one product, use it consistently for a week, and evaluate how your skin responds. Remember, changes should be made gradually.
Before incorporating a new product into your daily skincare routine, it’s crucial to conduct a patch test to ensure it’s suitable for your skin. Apply a small amount to a hidden spot, such as your inner forearm, and wait 24 to 48 hours to observe any reactions. If your skin shows signs of irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if necessary.
Check out our article on the Top 10 Best Korean Skincare Products that You’ll Love.
