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1. A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser if you want to be able to wash your face without having it feel bone dry afterward. Its relatively low pH helps balance and protect your skin from acne-causing irritants without stripping it. It's also enriched with tea tree oil and BHA to help keep your skin nice and smooth.
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
Promising review: "After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn't feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the ph of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the ph of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn't caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!" —Haley Hart
Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).
2. Or The Face Shops's facial foaming cleanser with rice water that contains vitamins and minerals to purify, moisturize, and brighten your skin while protecting it from excessive irritation. Reviewers with sensitive skin swear by it!
Promising review: "This foams easily, thick and smooth. Feels like liquid silk. I love the smell. I'm very sensitive to smells in personal care products, and this is the most pleasant smell I have ever had in a soap. I use a lot of sunscreen due to hiking in Arizona. When I wash my face with this soap, it cleans off everything in one go, no need for a second wash to make sure everything is off my face. My face somehow looks and feels super clean but not tight, not ashy, and doesn't look or feel dry. I've used it for months now, and my skin definitely looks clearer and I've had no breakouts." —Emery Davis
Get it from Amazon for $12.
3. A bottle of I'm From goami rice toner that reviewers with dry skin say is hydration in a bottle. Its vegetable-originated extracts will leave your skin looking supple, smooth, and glowy without any heavy or sticky residue.
This toner is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "I love this toner! I’ve finished the whole bottle. It’s light and moisturizing. I can definitely tell the difference, my skin is smoother and plump. I love it cause I have both oily and dry skin and it makes my skin normal again! Best of all it doesn’t burn or irritate my skin, if anything it calms it down. Will definitely be buying again." —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $22.30.
4. A Beauty of Joseon serum if you're a real glow getter. The niacinamide and propolis extract formula can help you maintain clearer skin, brighten dark spots, and give you a dewy glow, thanks to its honey-like texture.
I've been using this serum for about three months now and cannot say enough good things about it. I got the "glow" serum (I love that there's different options for different skin concerns) and it continues to minimize my pores and makes my skin look plumped and radiant!
Promising review: "From the moment I started using this serum I saw results! The combination of propolis and niacinamide in this serum is a winning formula. My complexion has never looked this radiant and healthy. It effectively addresses dark spots and hyperpigmentation, visibly reducing their appearance. What makes this serum even more remarkable is its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture. It feels like silk on my skin and leaves no greasy residue. I can apply it seamlessly without worrying about it disrupting my makeup or other skincare products. The hydrating properties of this serum are a game-changer. My skin feels intensely nourished and plump, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The only downside is the price. I think it's a bit expensive for the amount of product you get. However, it's so good that I'll still leave it at 8/5 stars!" —Yuna Lee
Get it from Amazon for $16.25 (available in three other formulations; you can also get a pack with all four).
5. A nourishing Etude House eye cream with concentrated collagen that moisturizes and helps firm the delicate skin around your eyes while helping to prevent fine lines. It'll make your skin feel so supple, you'll want to add that eye cream step back into your regular routine.
Soko Glam is an Asian-owned business based in New York City. It was founded by a wife and husband team, Charlotte and Dave Cho, who curate the products on Soko Glam by traveling regularly to Seoul to scour the Korean skincare market.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this eye cream! I have a dry skin type and am prone to darkness under eye when I’m tired. After I use a small amount my under eye glows and feels so hydrated. I am on my second jar and will absolutely repurchase it!" —Makayla
"I really wanted an inexpensive eye cream just to moisturize and keep my skin feeling soft and subtle during winter. This did the trick. I've bought it over and over again." —Mary
6. And a The Saem hydrating eye stick that has a cooling formula to help de-puff the area around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles so no one at the office starts asking you why you look like a Tim Burton character.
It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.
Promising review: "This is definitely a miracle product. I was impressed that it worked so well, so fast, and so instantly. The packaging is silly but whimsical; I enjoy it. This is the last thing I apply before walking out the door. First day I used it, I put it on and got in my car — I looked in the rear view mirror and my heart jumped. My eyes had de-puffed on my walk down the front path!!! So impressive. It's not hydrating, it’s more tightening/brightening. If you have dry under eyes, use a creamy hydrating eye cream first, and apply this over it — problem solved. You don’t get much product, but you don’t need to use much either, and it’s not like it’s expensive. Definitely worth it if a product actually DOES what it claims it’ll do!!! Buy it!" —Joseph S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.85 (available in two styles).
7. A bottle of TikTok-famous Cosrx Snail Mucin Power Essence because it will soothe and rejuvenate your skin so effectively, it'll make you think the exact opposite of "ew" when you think of snail mucin. It can also give your skin a natural "I woke up like this" glow that has earned it over 46,000 5-star ratings!
And tell Gary not to worry! The snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed!
I've personally been using this for months now and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after see how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it's like your skin is saying "gimme gimme gimme!!".
Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne is fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" —Sarah D.
Get it from Amazon for $14.98.
8. A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil made with soothing apple water to help moisturize and soften your lips without giving you that icky sticky finish. It also gives your lips a lovely, natural-looking flush.
This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.
I have been using this lip oil for two months and don't go anywhere without it. It's sooo moisturizing and leaves such a lovely, subtle tint. When my lips are feeling a little dry, I can apply this to add relieving moisture *and* some lively color to my lips. I also love that the brand has various options for different preferences!
Promising review: "I love K-beauty and this is one of my favorite lip oils. It makes my lips softer and looking like cherry plump. Plus, this shade acts as a lip tint, and I like how long it stays on my lips. As first, I thought that the bottle seems small but after applying 2-3 times/day for a month I still have a lot left to use. It moisturizes your lips and leaves a red tint on your lips, and it's lasted very long!" —Nhu
Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in 11 colors and in sets).
9. A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks that has surprised reviewers with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow.
To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10-15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to help heal wounds and protect the skin.
Promising reviews: "After years of trying different products on my sensitive, acne-prone, red, rough skin, I saw this mask and all of the positive reviews and thought 'what the hell, I'll give it a go.' Even after the first application, I was really impressed with the results. My rough skin is smoother, I have no additional breakouts and when I do wear makeup it actually blends into my skin. It also helps the deep wrinkles on my neck. I even got a compliment on my skin the other day — this NEVER happens. I use the mask twice per week. I'm on month two and I recommend it to anyone with problem skin. My only caution is that is smells kind of funky (who cares) and it's a little hard to remove. I only apply the mask when I'm going to shower and wash my hair. It's zombie life for me here on out!" —Charlie B
"I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing, I felt like I looked at least five years younger. Yes it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled." —Dayna
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (also available in a two-pack and in a variety three-pack).
10. A Peach & Lily water gel moisturizer for your skin to drink right up. It combines hyaluronic acid with vegan prebiotics and probiotics for a weightless finish and that instant ~ahhh~ hydration.
Peach & Lily is a woman- and Asian-owned business that specializes in spa-grade K-beauty skincare that's cruelty-free and educating beauty lovers with informational skincare guides. It's also vegan and cruelty-free!
Promising review: "Love this moisturizer so much! It’s definitely a holy grail in my routine now. It’s so cooling and refreshing and leaves my skin feeling so hydrated, soft and smooth without any greasy or heavy feeling or sticky residue. Great for the oily skin and acne prone girls!" —Chloe W.
Get it from Ulta or Peach & Lilly for $43.
11. A Mizon snail repair cream with snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and 12 natural extracts that can help nourish, brighten, and re-plump your skin without any oiliness (perfect for acne-prone skin!). When it comes to repairing the skin barrier, this cream really ~snailed~ it.
Behold, yet another product that has made me love products with snail mucin. I've been using this product for three months and it's like this cream has taken an eraser and rubbed it over my acne scars to reveal the clear-looking skin that I didn't know I could achieve. A true game-changer!
Promising review: "I am obsessed with this stuff I would bathe in it if I could!! I have really sensitive skin to weather changes and tend to get flaky skin on my face, but I've used this for two years now and I have had the most moisturized baby smooth face since. Seriously buy it, put it on before bed, and the next morning you can absolutely tell the difference. I’m like a freaking walking ad for it. My face is brighter and more moisturized." —Leah
Get it from Amazon for $20.50 (available in four sizes).
12. Missha's Soft Finish Sun Milk sunscreen approved by many reviewers with oily skin who rave about its ability to blend and not leave a greasy finish. It has SPF 50+ protection and resists water, sweat, and tears (Hopefully, tears of joy!). It also creates a silky smooth base — perfect for wearing under a full face of makeup.
In the progression photos above, you can see a reviewer before applying the sun milk, after applying the sun milk, and then the sun milk under makeup.
Although many reviewers say they don't experience a white cast with this, it is an untinted mineral sunscreen — so results in terms of white cast may vary!
Not to be dramatic, but OMG — this product leaves my skin looking and feeling *SO* soft. It gives your skin an ultra smooth texture, making it the perfect SPF to lay underneath your makeup! Plus, it has a subtle, clean scent. I've been using this product for four months now and will absolutely continue to use it!
Promising review: "I have dark, oily skin and purchased this product after reading recommendations. There is no white cast; you can barely see it upon application unless you use too much. You definitely do not need a lot, it spreads thin. When it dries, any color is gone. It also helps slow down my face getting all greasy as the day goes on, which I love. My skin is very, very oily but I can still apply this after my moisturizer and feel totally comfortable. I'm not a fan of scents, and the scent on this is extremely mild." —Ms. Renee
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
13. A Sioris Time Is Running Out Mist that gives you a toner, mist, and serum all in one bottle. It's made of 78% organic fruit water with nutrients and minerals so that you can glow like a pro without the oily shininess.
Sioris is a cruelty-free brand with vegan certified formulas that have organically farmed, in-season ingredients.
Ohlolly is an Asian women-owned small business based in Los Angeles, CA. It's founded by two sisters who are on a mission to curate the finest in Korean skincare and bring authentic K-beauty to the masses. They particularly seek out natural, plant-based products with unique ingredients that are hard to find anywhere else.
Promising review: "This mist is so elegant and somehow moisturizing enough for the winter months while also light enough for the warmer months! I tried a different toning mist after finishing my last bottle, but quickly came running back to the Sioris mist. Lovely, effective and a beautiful experience. Will definitely repurchase!" —Grace G.
Get it from Ohlolly for $10+ or from Amazon for $7+ (available in two sizes).
14. A fan fave Laneige lip mask with vitamin C, coconut oil, shea butter, and antioxidants to nourish and protect your lips while giving them a supple, glossy finish. It's a splurge-worthy staple you'll probably love as much as the reviewer who called it "absolute magic."
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Becca Glasser-Baker says: "Upon the recommendation of a friend, I tried this product, and after the first use, I wasn't blown away, but as I continued to use this, I fell in love with this product. So much so that I quite literally chased down the gift set, and I am so glad I did. At home, I have at least five different flavors of these, and I use them EVERY SINGLE DAY. I never thought a lip mask would actually change my life, but this one did, and I cannot live without it."
Promising review: "I was kinda skeptical, as I am with anything that blows up on TikTok because you never know who is getting paid for a review. But I’m dead serious this stuff works. I have the driest, chapped lips, and I have anxiety so I’m always biting my lips, and I’ve only used this for three days, and my lips are already so soft and healed. It seems expensive but looks like it will last me for months." —Caitlin Mallette
Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in five flavors).
15. A Heimish cleansing balm if you have stubborn blackheads and makeup residue that you wish would just ~melt away~. This balm has 10 natural vegetable oils that melt as it comes in contact with your skin and effortlessly removes makeup and can reduce blackheads. It also works as a more gentle alternative to harshly scrubbing with makeup wipes!
Using the mini spatula, scoop a decent amount and let it melt as it comes in contact with your skin. Spread and massage it into your face, rinse, and you're done!
Promising review: "This is an absolute must-have! I wear makeup on an almost daily basis and this is the perfect first step cleanser. Once you start massaging it into your skin, it warms up and smooths out along you skin, removing makeup easily as well as penetrating the oils on your face. It is easy to wash off and doesn't sting my eyes. It removes ALL my make up. And since you don't need much, each container lasts me about a month. I then follow up with a foaming cleaner and the rest of my routine. I am never without this product and have yet to try one that even comes close." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two scents).
16. A Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser that lifts away dirt, makeup, and sunscreen without giving you that super tight feel. Its bouncy gel formula also hydrates and soothes your skin without stripping away your natural oils! I guess you can say it's a matcha made in heaven.
Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that aims to make skincare easy and stress-free.
Promising review: "I struggled with oily, acne-prone skin and a damaged barrier since I was a teenager. But I've been loyal to this cleanser and the oat moisturizer since they came out and y'all...it took some time, but my skin is finally, FINALLY, in the place I always wanted it to be. It has the perfect texture, amount of lather, and after-feel of any cleanser I've ever tried. Do your skin a favor and try this." —Monisa A.
17. A super easy-to-use (and super cute) Tonymoly octopus-shaped blackhead remover — it'll become your nose's best friend. Just scrub it over your nose and watch as it gently exfoliates and removes excess sebum, blackheads, and other impurities. Bye bye, pore strips!
Promising reviews: "This is hands down the best exfoliator I have ever had. It’s small so I was concerned but I exfoliate my face twice a week and it’s been a couple months there’s still plenty left. 10/10 buy it now!" —Mars
"After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." —LuckLocust
Get it from Amazon for $11.88.
18. Or a Cosrx blackhead remover liquid with 4% BHA made with willow bark water to mattify and exfoliate your skin, making enlarged pores look smaller and helping to prevent breakouts. Radiant skin, here I come.
After cleansing your skin, apply the essence using your hands (or a cotton pad) and wipe gently over your face. And don't forget to apply SPF afterwards when using it in the morning!
Before getting this product about five months ago, I'd never used a liquid, leave-on exfoliant like this. I'm so glad I did! It's such a gentle, easy way of giving your pores the extra cleansing step that they usually need. Not only has it minimized my pores more than any of the other dozens of exfoliators I've tried, but it's also been the *best* at preventing breakouts and promoting clear skin!
Promising review: "I struggle so bad with my pores cause they’ve always looked so huge but after just a week using this I can already see them shrinking down and becoming smaller. I was a little nervous about using an oil-like serum like this on my T-zone because I have combo skin and always get oily around my nose and chin, but it honestly hasn’t affected my skin whatsoever. There also isn’t really a scent to it, which is awesome. It leaves my skin feeling really moisturized. It’s a good buy and I definitely recommend this and rave about this." —Berika Jones
Get it from Amazon for $14.09.
19. A bottle of hydrating Glow Recipe watermelon glow niancinamide dew drops that'll brighten both your skin and your day. It's infused with vitamin C, vitamin E, and moringa oil to help even out your skin tone and give you a dewy finish. It also has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin types so you can glow from the inside out.
Glow Recipe is an Asian-owned business that aims to create fruit-forward, clean beauty formulas to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Promising review: "I love this product with my heart and soul. I've been using it as a part of my skincare and prep routines for a few months, and my skin looks so natural, plump, even, and healthy. I'm ALL about a glowy, dewy, natural look and this product has helped me achieve that, plus it's a great serum packed with goodies that your skin will thank you for! It's definitely worth it. And I will always recommend this to anyone. I use it twice a day, in the morning as the last step before my makeup routine and at night before moisturizer! If using it during the daytime, don't forget to use sunscreen because its vitamin and natural acid contents make skin a little more susceptible and sensitive to sunlight! Hope this helps :)" —Andrea Velarde
Get it from Amazon for $20+ (available in two sizes).
20. A Some by Mi Miracle toner with chemical exfoliants as well as tea tree, papaya, and witch hazel extract to remove dead skin cells while helping your skin look more hydrated and radiant in just 30 days. Many reviewers say it's perfect for both oily and sensitive skin!
After cleansing, soak your cotton pad with the toner, gently wipe your face, and lightly tap for absorption. Follow with moisturizer!
Promising review: "I have pretty bad eczema and sensitive skin so I was a little worried about it, but this was probably one of the best decision I've made in a long time. I've been using this toner for over a month now. I use it twice a day. My face has improved 110%. It removed dirt even after washing my face & I haven't had any serious breakouts or skin bumps since. I have more confidence in my natural face and am loving it! I would definitely recommend trying this out and seeing if it's right for you. 10/10 would buy again." —MintyKiss
Get it from Amazon for $13.50.
21. A Son & Park beauty water that will brighten your skin tone and smooth your texture. It's infused with willow bark and papaya that mildly exfoliates, and lavender flower extract, orange fruit extract, and rose water that refreshes, soothes, and helps reset your skin's natural pH level. It's smooth sailing for your skin from now on (literally!).
Promising review: "This is my fourth bottle, and I don't think I'll be switching toner any time soon. It's an amazing toner and makeup remover all in one — super easy and convenient! I can tell this is a great product by the way my skin feels afterward: clean, light, and not dry at all. I swear by this toner!! You won't be disappointed, I promise." —Lindsay
Get it from Soko Glam for $25 or get it from Amazon for $24.98.
22. A pack of popular Cosrx pimple patches to evict those pesky pimples that have no business invading your face. These are coated with hydrocolloid to protect and heal the blemish more effectively — you officially have no excuses for popping those pimples anymore!
For persistent or bigger pimples, leave a pimple patch on overnight for two to three days to allow the pimple to diminish completely.
Promising review: "I've suffered from full coverage acne since I was 8 or 9 years old (I know. A freakishly young age to start.). I've use every product known to man. Proactive, Neutrogena, Clearasil, medication from dermatologists...the list goes on, and I'm sure most people have experienced the same. BUT THESE WORK. HOLY SHT THESE WORK. They suck everything out in ONE GOSH DARN NIGHT. I buy a whole bunch at a time and go through probably five packets a month and I've never been happier, and I've never had such clear skin. All you have to do is wash your face and stick the dots on before bed. I stick them wherever I see the red starting, feel that 'oh it's a big one' pain under my skin, or where whiteheads have already started." —Danielle
Get a pack of 72 from Amazon for $12.50 (available in four sizes).
23. A cooling, calming cream by Dear, Klairs that uses ceramide 3 and centella asiatica extract to soothe irritation and even out your skin tone. A reviewer with rosacea says it's got to be witchcraft! You can also use it as after-sun care to help calm redness and sunburnt areas.
The picture on the left (shown above) is of a reviewer with severe rosacea and the picture on the right is of the results after only four times of applying less than a dime-sized amount of the cream to their face!
Promising reviews: "I've been using this for almost two months. I started because my skin got super red and sensitive from over exfoliation. This has made a world of the difference. I can tell you that it doesn't work quick. I started seeing small results within two weeks and just about two months later, I only have redness where I extract blackheads and it doesn't linger! It's meant for spot treating redness from irritation or acne scars. This is definitely part of my everyday routine and I'm just about done with my tub, I'll be buying a new one when this one runs out!" —CJD
"Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide any relief to my irritated skin...I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face is almost completely healed, preventing pealing and helping clear up my rosacea skin irritation!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.89+ (available in two sizes).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.