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Best Korean Skin Care Products of All Time
Since the inception of the K-Beauty trend in America, its popularity has only increased. Apart from Soko Glam, Korean cosmetic has successfully placed itself in international stores like Ulta, Sephora, Nykaa, CVS, etc.
There are many reasons for the popularity of Korean Cosmetics. And, the selection of ingredients is indeed one of the reasons.
Korean beauty industry talks about the benefits of traditional ingredients like Rice, Avocado, Pomegranate, Potato, Bamboo, etc. In fact, the industry also bottles up weird ingredients like the Venom of Bee, Mucin of Snail, etc. These are all pretty effective.
Apart from these, what makes K-Beauty most popular is the 9-step routine. This routine is not only effective but also easy to follow as well. Tradional, Korean skincare regime consists of 10 step. But, we have merged two steps namely Ampules and Sheel Masks into one step i.e. Treatments.
Each step has a scientific explanation. Yet, some people call it exhausting and pointless. This 9 step routine sets up the benchmark for the Korean beauty industry.
Are you curious already? Well! Let’s talk about each step of this rigorous routine in brief. I would enlist 1-3 best Korean skincare products after explaining every step.
Trust me! This routine is the most effective one ever. Let’s pledge to improve your skin health like never before.
First Step -Korean Oil Cleanser
Cleansing is definitely one of the most crucial steps of a proper skincare regime. But, to make sure that every bit of impurity is washed off, the K-Beauty routine talks about double-cleansing. Cleaning the skin with an oil-based cleanser is the first step here.
Generally, the pollutants are pretty stubborn. Sebum, makeup, pollutants, etc. are not easy to wash off. So, we need a strong cleanser.
Mineral Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Lavender Oil, Chamomile Oil, etc. are some of the common ingredients of an oil cleanser. Let’s talk about 3 oil cleansers that are the best Korean skin care products of all time. The cleansing had never been this easier.
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Black Seed Oil
There is no doubt that Klairs has its own popularity. Even before people knew about brands like Innisfree or The Face Shop, Klairs products were already on their shelf. This oil-based cleanser is mild yet pretty effective.
It is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It is enriched with ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Black Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, and Soybean Oil, etc. When you clean your skin with Klairs Cleansing Oil, the skin looks deeply cleansed and nourished.
Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Gentle and cruelty-free formula
This is one of the best sellers of Soko Glam. It is enriched with Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid. This cleansing oil is also loaded with Jojoba Seed Oil, Rosemary Oil, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Lavender Oil, etc.
The combination of Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid take out all the impurities, debris, and makeup from the deepest layers of the skin. Skin looks radiant and nourished.
Innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Cleansing Oil
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Extracts of Jeju Green Tea
Well! It would be an offence if I do not include Innisfree Oil Cleanser on this list. Jokes apart, this is indeed one of the best oil cleansers of all time. The paraben-free formula is gentle yet effective. It removes all types of dirt and makeup from the skin.
For people who love green tea fragrance, it is one of the best ever. Some people might find the fragrance strong enough to hit the nose, especially in the morning. Otherwise, it is one of the best out there.
Last but not the least, iUNIK – Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is also another amazing oil cleanser. It is enriched with 6 nourishing oils and is pretty affordable. I have personally used iUNIK products and loved those.
If you have sensitive skin, it is better to avoid products with a strong fragrance.
Second Step – Foam Cleanser
Here comes the double cleansing part. But, it is highly possible that right now, your mind is asking you one question. And that is the difference between a gel cleanser and a foaming cleanser.
Well! The answer is simple. A gel cleanser is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin. Whereas, combination and dry skin people are often left out when it comes to a complete face wash. So, a foam cleanser fulfils the requirement.
These face wash usually come in the texture of creme or gel. And, these take the form of foam when combined with water.
Foam cleansers are usually packed with the right ingredient and thus, works wonderfully. Even though an oil cleanser is enough to clean the debris. But, foam cleansers make sure that every bit of impurity has been washed off. Double cleansing is one of the unique features of the K-Beauty skincare routine.
So, are you eager to know some of the most acclaimed foam cleansers of all time? Have a look.
Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it -Gentle formula that contains egg white
If you are looking for an affordable foaming cleanser, then this is the best ever in the market. Skinfood is a renowned Korean brand. I can still remember the delightful Skinfood Strawberry Scrub which was my first ever Korean cosmetic.
Apart from egg white is enriched with Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Soybean Seed Oil, etc. The gentle formula is perfect for both oily and combination skin. The formula is nourishing enough to retain the moisture onto the skin.
Neogen A-Clear Soothing Foam Cleanser
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Gentle combination of Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Leaf Oil
It is quite tough to find a hydrating yet powerful cleanser. Well! This foaming cleanser from the house of Neogen definitely serves both purposes.
It has microbubbles that are enriched with Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid, and also Licorice extract. The brilliant formulation helps to remove every drop of oil, sebum, impurity, and debris left out. It cleanses the pores deeply.
And, the most amazing part is, this foaming cleanser does not irritate the skin. For people who love Paraben-free and artificial fragrance-free product, this one is the best ever.
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for almost all skin types
The Face Shop and Innisfree are believed to be the forerunners in spreading Korean cosmetics to the world. Rice water act is an age-old Korean formula to get bright and smooth skin. This foaming cleanser is enriched with the extract of Rice Water and Rice Oil.
It effectively cleanses all traces of makeup and debris. Skin feels soft and smooth. Often, people think that foam cleansers dry out the skin. But, this cleanser is pretty hydrating. Especially, the amazing fragrance would simply blow your mind.
Third Step – Toner
In any general CTM routine, toning comes at the second spot. A toner helps to balance the pH of the skin cells. It also helps to even out the skin tone. Toner is one of the most crucial steps of any skincare routine.
And, the Korean skincare regime is no different from the rest. Apart from, even out skin tone and pH balance, toners also make the next stage i.e. moisturizer more effective.
Most of the times, Korean toners are made of skin-friendly ingredients. Here are some of the most popular Korean toners you need for the ultimate hydrated skin.
ISNTREE Green Tea Fresh Toner
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for oily and combination skin texture
Isntree has formulated a number of popular products and this toner is indeed one among those. The ingredients are all green grade which means those declared safe by the Environmental Working Group.
It has a pH-balanced formula. What I love the most about this toner is it contains 80% green tea extracts. All the plant extracts help to control excess oil.
Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate and soothe irritated skin. So, if you are looking for a Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, and Alcohol-free toner, then this is the best Korean skincare product of all time.
Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for all skin types
Undoubtedly, Klairs is one of the most well-known Korean brands ever. The products are known for their efficacy and potency.
This vegan toner is one of the most popular Klair products ever. It is a vegan formula and helps to restore the pH balance of the skin.
The Amoni Acid present in the formulation helps to hydrate the skin and also reduces irritation.
So, get ready to prep your skin before you apply Essence.
Fourth Step – Essence
Hydration is the key. And, this step ensures that your skin gets all types of nourishment it needs. Essence in a Korean skincare regime comes with concentrated anti-ageing elements.
Don’t worry! These are not heavy at all. Rather, essences are lightweight and get absorbed into the skin layers pretty fast. Usually, Essences are enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Yeast, Rice Extract, etc.
So, embrace these skin-loving ingredients and let your skin feel like never before.
Take a look at two of my favourite Korean essences of all time.
NEOGEN Real Ferment Micro Essence
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for all skin types
There is a reason why this essence is one of the best-selling products on Soko Glam. 93% of this essence contains naturally fermented ingredients like Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, and Rice Ferment Filtrate.
The texture is fast-absorbing and quick drying. It makes skin plumpy and soft instantly. It is free from fragrance and loaded with natural antioxidants. If you want honey-like skin, then this essence is all you need.
DEWYTREE Cica 100 Essence
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for Acne-prone and sensitive skin
I think not many of you are aware of the brand. Well! Indeed, the brand and the product is a bit new in the market of K-Beauty. But, this product has already been adored by many.
CICA is actually Centella Asiatica Extract. You would be surprised to know that this essence contains only one ingredient and that is CICA. CICA is all about antioxidants. It helps to soothe and calm sensitive & inflamed acne-prone skin.
Let your skin feel healthy, bouncy, and hydrated with this pH-balanced essence that is free from artificial fragrance, colour, alcohol, mineral oil, essential oil, sulfates, and parabens.
Fifth Step – Emulsion
Korean skincare is a bit unique and complex at the same time. People often skip some of the steps as they barely understand the importance.
One such step is the application of emulsion. Often, it is thought of as a replacement for regular moisturizer. Well! The products are a bit different from each other.
Unlike moisturizer, an emulsion is might lighter in weight. It basically creates the preface your skin needs to absorb all the other products.
An emulsion helps to hydrate and prevent moisture loss from the skin. There are 3 basic types of emulsions namely water-based, snail emulsion, and collagen emulsion. Choose the one your needs wants to sip in.
Check out the following 2 types of emulsion that are some of the most effective Korean skincare products of all time.
DANAHAN Ginseng Seed Secret Emulsion
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for Dry, Ageing, and Combination skin types
The brand might sound new to some, but trust me, the formulation is all you must think of when it comes to Korean skincare products.
This brilliant emulsion is rich in antioxidant as it contains Ginseng water. With a nourishing and pH balanced formulation, this emulsion has already become a staple product for many,
It helps to make the dry and seeing skin rejuvenated and smooth. Last but not the least, it is free from Sulfates, artificial colours, essentials oils or mineral oils, and Parabens.
Dr. Oracle A-Thera Emulsion
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for Oily skin types
Another emulsion that not many people are aware of. This lightweight emulsion is perfect for acne-prone skin.
It is enriched with Bamboo and Green Tea extract that soothe out the skin and also hydrate it at the same time. Let your irritated and inflamed skin heal with this nourishing pH-balanced emulsion formula. Don’t worry about additional breakouts because it’s not going to happen.
Sixth Step – Treatments like Ampoules and Sheet Masks
Korean skincare routine is not just any other skincare regime. If you are suffering from specific skin concerns, then the routine would target that specific trouble.
Skin treatments in K-Beauty usually consist of two components namely Ampules and Sheet Masks. We all are aware of sheet masks, but not everyone is aware of the functionalities of an ampule.
Well! Ampules are just a concentrated version of Essence. In the West, it is more actively known as Serums and Boosters. For example, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair is actually an ampule in K-Beauty.
The function stays just the same which to brighten the tone and smoothen out the fine ageing lines.
Just like Ampule, another popular treatment is the application of Sheet Mask. The Jason-like sheet masks are literally fully soaked in skin-loving ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Rice Extract, Avocado Extract, Anti-Ageing elements, Collagen, and many other ingredients.
You might think that what is so specific about these sheets that not even an essence or an emulsion can deliver. Well! In these sheets, the skin gets all the time to soak all the benefits before the ingredients evaporate. Skin feels more plumpy and moisturized.
Indeed, the market is loaded with ampules and sheets. Among those, I have picked up one ampule and one particular sheet mask that I feel have perfect formulations.
MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for All skin types
Often compared to the Estee Lauder Night Repair Ampule, this is one of the star products from the house of Missha. It contains 10 Probiotics that include 50% Bifida Ferment Lysate. Apart from that, it has many other superfoods like Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment, etc. that combinedly protect and repair the skin.
It’s a cult favourite ampule that is a favourite of thousands of women out there. The formula is powerful and gentle enough to suit even the most sensitive and severe acne-prone skin.
BENTON Aloe Soothing Mask
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for Irritated Dry skin types
Are you suffering from mild tan or breakouts? Then, here is the mask you need for your rescue. This sheet mask is rich in 48% Aloe Vera and Green Tea water. The serum ensures skin hydration and protection.
The fibre is lightweight and fits quite well on your face. It’s a sheet mask that is free from fragrance, alcohol, and PEG. In fact, it has been made slightly acidic so that skin feels comfortable.
Make sure to shake well before every application so that serum spreads all across the mask.
Seventh Step – Eye Cream
It is not a myth anymore that our eye area is the most delicate of the entire skin system. It is as fragile as a flower. And thus, one needs to take care of the eye the most.
A specific eye cream makes sure that the eye area remains hydrated and protected. All you need is a gentle tap of eye cream all-around your eyes.
The market is loaded with eye creams, but nothing can beat the efficacy of Korean eye creams. The manufacturers use skin-friendly unique ingredients that have a shelf life of 6 months. The ingredients are always sourced from the best traders.
When it comes to eye cream formulations, there are many that I absolutely adore. Among those, I have chosen the following eye cream which is one of the most popular Korean eye creams.
Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Intensive Eye Cream
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for All Types of Eye Areas including the Sensitive ones
This powerful eye cream is enriched with Licorice water, Licorice extract, Glutathione, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Bifida Ferment extract, and Caffeine. It targets eye area concerns like ageing, fine lines, dehydrated skin, puffy eyes, and inflammation.
The formula is free from fragrance, suf=lfates, Parabens, colours, mineral oils, essential oil, and ingredients that are extracted from animals.
Eight Step – Moisturizer
Undoubtedly, without hydration, a skincare routine is never complete. A hydrated skin ensures glowing and dewy skin. Usually, moisturizers come in gel, lotion, or cream forms. Choose the one that suits your skin types.
Whether it is day or night time, make sure you never skip moisturizer ever. Never leave your skin just like that. Hydration is the key of all and it is as important as an emulsion.
The options are many when it comes to moisturizers. But, there is a reason why the following moisturizer is one of the most popular ones on Soko Glam.
THEN I MET YOU Calming Tide Gel Cream
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for All Types
An innovative cream that is as light as air. It has a refreshing and calming effect that immediately makes your skin feels fresh and rejuvenated. This is enriched with the Then I Met You’s signature Tri-Tide Peptide Complex™.
It is enriched with CICA and Hibiscus extracts that help to repair damaged skin cells and also soothes inflammation. Niacinamide present in the formulation even tones the complexion.
The presence of Bergamot makes the aroma mind-blowing, earthy, and soothing. The formulation and the texture of this moisturizer make it one of the best moisturizers for both dry and oily skin types.
Ninth Step – Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not a mere instrument to save your skin but also an aid to save your life. Your skincare routine is never complete without this step no matter how much money you splurge upon the other products.
Both physical and chemical sunscreen help to protect our skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays if the sun. During the peak hour between 10 am and 3 pm, our skin gets most affected by the sunrays.
It is always recommended to use sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 least to block at least 97% of the UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the higher is the blocking percentage. But, none can block 100%. To ensure, full-on protection, make sure you keep slathering sunscreen after the interval of 2 hours.
Take a look at one of the most popular sunscreens of all time.
**This step is often called the Night Cream. Well! It goes without saying that if you are about to follow these steps at night, then you must seal your skin with a good night-cream for the ultimate nourishment.
THANK YOU FARMER Project Light Sun Essence
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Shop Now!Reasons to go for it – Suitable for Oily, Combination, and Acne-Prone Skin Types
If you are looking for a lightweight sunscreen that would not leave any white cast, then this is the sunscreen you need.
It is hydrating and gets absorbed faster than you can think. This is a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and does not irritate the skin at all.
Get ready for a dewy matte finish enriched with the goodness of Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, and Althaea Rosea Flower Extract.
Let your skin enjoy the heat with a formulation that is free from Mineral Oil, Benzophenone, artificial colour, and Chlorphenesin.
Well! All the products listed here are definitely the most popular ones and also come up with top-notch formulations, But, I always say that choose the one that you feel would suit your skin type. And thus, a patch test is always recommended.
And, that’s all for today. If you find this article helpful, make sure to share it with your friends and family. Also, follow our Insta storied on our official Instagram handle for more fun. Take care; celebrate life.
