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While BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), we also believe in celebrating the contributions from Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders year-round. Please enjoy this APAHM-themed product post from BuzzFeed Shopping and know that you can enjoy these businesses well beyond this wonderful, dedicated month.
1. A Klairs calming cream that uses the healing powers of tiger grass to soothe any ~roaring~ irritated skin by promoting skin regeneration and strengthening your skin's natural skin barrier.
Klairs is a skincare brand that started in Seoul, Korea, that creates products that are cruelty-free and don't contain any harsh ingredients. Blue cream is typically good to use after pore care, intense laser treatment, long sun exposure, or after shaving. To use, just apply a small amount to the targeted areas.
Promising review: "Amazing moisturizer for sensitive skin! I use it when my skin gets irritated from retinoid use. It is the only moisturizer that works in such instance, and without leaving behind that burning sensation other moisturizers tend to leave." —Audai
Get it from Amazon for $21.90.
Looking to incorporate more K-beauty into your routine? Check out these skincare products under $25.
2. A Dr. Song glycolic acid face wash dry, flaky skin won't stand a chance against because it packs THAT powerful of a ~smoothing~ punch. Each wash will have it lifting dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving behind more clarified and hydrated skin.
Dr. Song is a K-beauty skincare brand that creates cruelty-free products that ship directly from the lab to your home, skipping the traditional marketing middleman. If you're on a budget, this is one of those Korean beauty products under $10 that will help with hyperpigmentation, scarring, and dark circles.
Promising review: "Freaking love this product! It smells funky if you are not used to chemical exfoliating. Just a couple days of using this face wash and I could see my skin clearer. My face felt soft, and looked tightened. This is a great cleanser! I can’t believe how affordable it is for its value. It’s not foamy at all, but gives a nice lather when you wash in a circular motion." —Yoli
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
3. A Sweet Chef hyaluronic acid serum shot that uses celery (yes, celery!), so you can get your daily dose of greens — and the added bonus of a glowing supple complexion doesn't hurt either.
Sweet Chef is a Korean skincare brand created by the same team behind Glow Recipe that creates nutrient-enriched natural formulas our skin love with ingredients like celery, turmeric, beets, and kale.
Promising review: "This product is definitely good for my dry skin. Once it absorbs fully, immediately, I notice a calmness and glow to my skin. My dry patches disappear and my skin feels smooth. Sometimes I will feel slight tackiness, maybe it has something to do with how much product I am using. However, for the most part, two large drops is all I need to moisturize my entire face." —My2Cents
Get it from Target for $19.99.
4. A Peach & Lily water gel moisturizer which combines hyaluronic acid and vegan prebiotics and probiotics for a ~weightless~ application that will truly feel as though your skin drank a glass (or two) of water.
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.
Promising review: "I have never tried any of Peach & Lily's products before, but was told to by a friend how clean these products are. I have extremely oily and dehydrated skin and have tried so many different brands like Neutrogena, CeraVe, and Cetaphil, and let me tell you NOTHING compares to this moisturizer. For months I've been struggling with dry flakey skin that no matter how many times I put on moisturizer during the day, my makeup looked so caked and gross that I eventually gave up wearing makeup most days. I'm not even kidding within three to four days of using this in the morning and night my skin was no longer dry and flakey, and I am able to wear makeup again without it looking cakey. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated but not oily at all. I think it actually has helped with my oiliness because I'm not using those dang oil blotting sheets as much throughout the day anymore, and this is the only product I've changed in my routine. It dries a tiny bit sticky, but my makeup applies great over it. It doesn't make me breakout either, which I was very worried about because my skin is very sensitive. I would 110% recommend this to anyone and everyone — especially if you have extremely dry yet oily skin." —Graceeeee
Get it from Ulta for $40 or from Peach & Lilly for $40.
5. A pack of Dr. Oracle tea tree peeling sticks shaped like a giant cotton swab for quick and easy application that'll clear your pores and blackheads using AHA and BHA (bacteria-fighting acids). Say goodbye to clogged pores and hello to clear skin!
Dr. Oracle was founded in Seoul, Korea, and uses the knowledge of over 40 skincare experts to create derma products that help improve your skin. Reviewers also claim there's enough leftover product in the packet to apply to your neck and the rest of your face.
Promising review: "I love these! They are giant Q-tips that are miracle workers haha. I have hormonal acne and mask acne and these were a huge help with my hormone acne before, but they really proved themselves efficient through the pandemic from the acne I would get from wearing a mask 40 hours a week. I have combination skin and sensitive skin, and while these can be a bit drying, it's nothing your moisturizer and maybe an emulsion can help!" —nev
Get it from Soko Glam for $22.61.
6. A Cosrx snail mucin repairing serum considered a "holy grail" ingredient in the K-beauty for it's ability to assist in preventing and repairing skin damage like hyperpigmentation, dryness, and acne. While the idea of rubbing something slimy over your face may seem unappealing, the results will be totally worth it.
Cosrx started in Seoul, Korea, with a mission to create skincare products that work for practically any skin type. This serum is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, while also helps to improve skin's elasticity over time.
Promising review: "I was very reluctant to try this product, but it was suggested by a nurse aesthetician at my dermatologist office to help one sunspot on my cheek that absolutely would not moisturize. This did the trick! While my face is slightly damp, I apply it all over my face and neck and let it dry. Then comes sunscreen and whatever makeup I choose to wear. It’s fantastic!" —Duff
Get it from Amazon for $21.
Just a tip, you may want to keep your new skincare products nice and ~cool~ in one of these retro mini fridges.
7. A Dr. Jart+ tiger grass color correcting treatment free of 10 harmful ingredients that can leave skin ~hot and bothered~ including artificial fragrance, color, denatured alcohol, sulfates, and mineral oil. Instead, it'll give your skin a wake-up call through color balancing and revitalization.
Dr. Jart+ is a Korea-based brand that stands for "doctor joins art" and aims to use highly effective skincare ingredients to create fun products to add to your routine. To use, apply a moderate amount after moisturizing and the cream will change from green to beige to help correct any redness, and even out skin tone.
Promising review: "This gets the job done. It cancels out the redness on my face, which is perfect for me since I prefer not to wear makeup most days. It does not break me out and I have combination and acne prone skin. You only need a very little amount, which is why it is worth the splurge." —Ayienne
8. A Good Light milky glow toner prepared to take your skin from tired and dull to a moonlight-like glimmer using alpha hydroxy acids that remove dead skin cells and meadowfoam seed oil which will calm and strengthen your skin's barrier.
Good Light is a small Asian-owned shop with a mission to create gentle personal care products for anyone — regardless of gender identity.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. I have very sensitive, and acne prone skin, together with food allergies that show in form of acne. And let me tell you this is so gentle on my skin but also does wonders ! It has helped with my skin texture. I absolutely love this product. Almost running out ! I use day and night." —Laura R.
Get it from Good Light for $22.
9. A pack of Cosrx pimple patches for anyone who is prone to picking and touching their face — these little things will cover and protect your acne, while using hydrocolloid to keep the area moist and quicken the healing process.
Each packet contains 24 patches of varying sizes to cover a variety of acne sizes.
Promising review: "The patches work best on pimples that have a white head or have already popped (like you picked at them lol), but kinda still have that swollen/red/inflammation left behind. After applying the patch, the pimple becomes so much more flat, which is nice because it’s easier to cover up and is just less texture. Another way I like to use these patches is to put them on open pimples if i need to go somewhere and wear makeup. I feel like this protects the pimple from makeup, but still allows me to cover it either with the patch or with extra makeup." —Myra M.
Get it from Amazon for $13.50.
10. A Glow Recipe watermelon mist you'll find to be ~one in a melon~ as it incorporates hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and vitamins that'll sink into your skin and quench its thirst leaving you with a more hydrated and glowing appearance.
Glow Recipe is a small Asian-owned business that aims to create fruit-forward, clean beauty formulas to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Promising review: "I am very pleased with this hydrating mist! I recently found this product featured in a skincare cult favorite video and it truly lives up to the hype. I was very hesitant because I had tried many mist from other brands before and many of them left my face feeling more oily than hydrated. This product was the GAME CHANGER for me. I use it as a makeup setting spray and to ultimately rehydrate my face throughout the day. I have dry skin and this hydrating mist really adds to my daily skincare routine. It also has hyaluronic acid and hibiscus AHAs that really keep my skin feeling super refreshed and enhances my dewy makeup look. I ordered it about two weeks ago and have already used half the bottle! The scent is also pretty amazing, it reminds me of the smell of a watermelon jolly rancher. I will definitely be purchasing again." —Queen Coco
Get it from Amazon for $30.
11. A Saturday Skin carrot moisturizer combining the veggie's natural superfood powers with ceramides and lipids, which can act as a protector against environmental damage and blue light.
Saturday Skin works closely with the Korea-based wellness and medical center, Chaum, to produce skincare products that combine science, medical research, and smart ingredients.
Promising review: "I absolutely loved this product, I was looking to implement niacinamide, and the first couple of tries I felt a little stingy but by the third time it was gone. It has no smell and it’s not sticky or greasy, it’s just the right amount of moisture, and I think it’s a match for my somewhat sensitive and dry skin." —natalie quezada
Get it from Amazon for $27+ (available in two sizes).
12. A Klairs freshly juiced vitamin E mask that'll add an extra dose of vitamins to your skin and all while you sleep! The pudding-like texture will cling to your skin for an even application that will simply sink right in.
No need to stress over how long you need to keep the formula on your face, simply apply, fall asleep, and wake up with renewed skin.
Promising review: "One of my favorite products. It provides tons of moisture almost immediately without a heavy or a sticky feeling. I apply a generous layer every night and my skin just drinks it up leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized in the morning. Sometimes, when I run out of my regular moisturizer, I apply a thing layer of this mask and it keeps my skin comfortably hydrated all day long." —Anna
Get it from Soko Glam for $27.
13. An Etude House sun milk, which is not like your traditional sunscreen, oh no. This one comes packed with SPF 50 and 20 plant ingredients that are gentle on your skin.
Etude House celebrates beauty and aims to provide both makeup and skincare products that are beginner-friendly. Make sure to shake before using and apply to areas that will be exposed to UV rays.
Promising review: "With oily, pale skin I've been hunting for a sunscreen that protects, spreads well, and will not make me break out or look even greasier for almost two decades. I'd tried every product that claimed to do so and had almost given up on finding a perfect solution — until this. Now it's the only brand I'll use. When layered under a mattifying primer and makeup, I'm less shiny than I've ever been in my life, and feel confident I'm keeping my skin healthier. Feels amazingly breathable on, not cakey nor does it clog pores. My only tip: it's thin enough to be able to spread and absorb well, but you'll want to work quickly and start with a small amount and build up as needed. If left to sit or slathered too thick, it can leave streaks of white cast that I've seen even on my pasty complexion, so I'm sure it would be even more noticeable on darker skin tones, but that's probably true of many sunscreens. No issues with pilling as long as you give it a few minutes to soak in before adding makeup. I LOVE it. Highly recommend and WILL keep ordering more as needed!" —ETSR
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
14. An Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder that uses green tea and hyaluronic acid to strengthen that skin barrier AND give you practically instant hydration.
Amore Pacific is a Korean-based brand that uses natural green tea plants from Korea's Jeju Island to create products that naturally hydrate and balance skin.
Promising review: "This is my holy grail!!! Nothing makes my skin as soft and tight as this! It’s incredible." —Brookedennill
15. A The Plant Base collagen ampoule to achieve the soft even skin texture of your dreams using a blend of licorice and persimmon leaves while helping to increase your collagen production.
The Plant Base is a Korean beauty brand that uses all-natural ingredients to craft together skincare that's hypoallergenic and high performing. Designed free of possible irritants such as parabens, artificial fragrance, and mineral oils.
Promising review: "I really enjoy this product so much I use it at night a few times a week with the rest of my skincare routine. I wish I could use it every night — I love how my skin looks in the morning after application. I apply it before my evening moisturizer because I like it as close to the skin as possible. It doesn't have a sticky residue and it glides on very easily since it's more of an oil application versus a cream. It soaks right into the skin very quickly. You must use it with a moisturizer though, as I find it is definitely not enough on it's own to keep my skin feeling hydrated. It feels very smooth and soft, and for me, it has had a slight brightening effect. I will definitely be buying more. I also have tried storing it in my beauty cooler and it's even more refreshing when it's put on." —Stephanie
Get it from Soko Glam for $29.
16. An Innisfree firming essence with a ~water-light~ texture for patting onto your face morning or night for some dewy, glowing results.
Innisfree creates skincare natural products from Korea's Jeju Island that are free of harmful chemicals and preservatives. Simply put up to two drops onto your hand and pat onto your face for the best results.
Promising review: "Absolutely perfectly soothing. Overnight, my dry, red, flakey, and generally angry skin was calmed and manageable again! Within a week, I could feel my skin barrier already well on its way to healthy restoration. While this was perfect for soothing my skin when it got a little too much dry winter air exposure. I think it would also be perfect for people that like adding lots of other actives to their routines. This will set a perfect foundation for the rest of your skincare. Bonus: I’m super-acne prone, and none of this soothing or restoration gave me blackheads or broke me out!" —wavesrfree
17. A Glow Recipe avocado sleeping eye mask to get rid of those "designer" eye bags without a second thought. This cream can be applied right before bed so it can work its ~magic~ while you sleep peacefully.
Includes retinol, avocado, and coffeeberry making it a vegan and cruelty-free formula that also comes in recyclable packaging.
Promising review: "My holy grail eye cream. I have extremely dry skin and finding moisturizers or eye creams that don’t result in milia is difficult. Not only did this eye cream get rid of a lot of my eye hyperpigmentation, but it also got rid of most of my eyelid milia. I use it day and night with proper SPF during the day. It’s gentle and moisturizing. I highly recommend this product if you’re dry skinned! This eye cream also works AMAZINGLY under makeup, ZERO pilling like many other creams give. I would give it 6 stars if I could. I’ll be repurchasing for the rest of my life LOL." —cloudylexalyne
18. A Cosrx Blackhead Power Liquid that will help clear up those stubborn blackheads and clogged pores around your nose and cheeks AND (if that wasn't enough) it also helps control oil.
This formula is made without parabens, artificial colorants, artificial fragrances, triethanolamines, and phthaleins.
Promising review: "I apologize for these close up photos, but I am compelled to show this! The first three photos are from Feb. 23 and I am writing this now on April 18. I have been using this product with Etude Wonder Pore Deep Cleansing and Erno Laszlo double cleaning set. I use Cosrx BHA Power liquid usually once a day or every other day. I am so happy with these results. A few months ago I felt self conscious to be out in public without makeup covering my face because I thought my blackheads and large pores were distracting. I am now wearing less makeup to cover my pores and I definitely see a difference. This product lasts a long time and I think its a powerful part of my new and effective skin regimen. Yay!" —Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
19. An Innisfree pore cleaning clay mask you can treat yourself with during your next self-care Sunday, as it uses Jeju super volcanic clusters that are *so* oil-absorbent you'll definitely be ~erupting~ with joy over the results.
Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for up to 20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
Promising review: "Best thing I’ve ever used to clear my pores. It’s so much more satisfying than back when i used to torture my skin with pore strips. And it’s so gentle. Makes my skin feel nice and clean after rather than stripped. Such a great product." —MascaraGoddess
20. A variety pack of Lapcos Sheet Masks determined to pamper your skin each day of the week depending on whether you're looking for dewy, glowing, or hydrated skin.
Lapcos is a Korean-owned, family-run beauty brand that specializes in producing cruelty-free products. Each one targets a particular skincare goal with 12 varieties ranging from aloe to charcoal to seaweed to RED WINE.
Promising review (for the collagen mask): "One word, a-freaking-mazing. All of their face masks are notable, but this one in particular has insane, hard to believe, and immediate results. I used this mask before bed and I’m not kidding when I say I woke up with near perfect skin. No dark circles, I had plump skin, a smooth complexion, etc. This mask has become a staple if not the center of my skincare routine." —Sara
Get them from Amazon for $17 or from Lapcos for $4+ (available in singles or packs).
21. A Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser for anyone looking for a super clean face minus the super tight feel. In fact, if your normal cleanser makes your skin feel "squeaky clean" it may be stripping away the natural oils on your skin! This one uses a gentle gel-based formula that'll leave your skin feeling hydrated and silky.
Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that believes in simplicity and aims to make skincare easy and stress-free.
Promising review: "Upon first use, my sensitive skin didn't turn red or breakout! This is a great gentle cleanser that doesn't strip and leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. There is a slight fragrance but nothing overpowering, which I love. This is also one of the few gel-like cleansers that I've tried that's easier to wash off. Some of them feel a bit too slimey and take a bit more effort to completely wash off, but not this one. I'll definitely be repurchasing in the future!" —Sydney
Get it from Krave Beauty for $16.
22. A Laneige skin toner and moisturizer that'll help anyone looking to cut down the amount of products in their bathroom cabinet. This 2-in-1 hydrates, locks in moisture, AND builds up your natural skin barrier.
While the brand's name means "fresh snow" in French, Laneige was founded in Seoul, Korea, and uses water science to create hydrating skincare products. To use it's suggested you apply after cleansing by pouring it into your hand and pat onto your entire face.
Promising review: "I bought this stuff on a whim, and it’s amazing!! I have very sensitive skin and huge pores. I hadn’t expected much from this other than hydration, but I woke up to AMAZING skin. I’m not sure which ingredients are working for me, but there is some kind of magic in this bottle. Easily the best toner I’ve ever used." —Rakko
Get it from Amazon for $15+ (available in two sizes) or on Sephora for $33.
23. A Son & Park beauty water that cleans, tones, and mildly exfoliates using willow bark and papaya, while lavender and rosewater refreshes, soothes, and helps reset your skin's natural pH level.
Choc Choc is a small biz that handpicks the best Korean skincare and cosmetics on the market, and carries some well-loved K-beauty brands you've probably heard of before.
"I never go anywhere without this, it's truly one of my holy grails. Its scent is subtle but divine, and the bottle's so huge it lasts forever. It has so many great uses. I use it as an extra cleansing/toning step after my face wash just to get any remaining gunk off my skin, and it always refreshes me." —Nusrat Sultana, former BuzzFeed Writer
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 $30 or a travel size version from Choc Choc for $7.99.
24. A pack of The Crème Shop How Do Eye Look Under Eye Patches noteworthy not *just* for their adorable night sky pattern, but for their ~restorative~ ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, and caffeine.
The Crème Shop is a Korean American–owned brand, and all of their skincare products are cruelty-free and manufactured in Korea.
Promising review: "I'm OBSESSED. Was skeptical at first, but they actually brighten up my dark circles and make me look more alive and refreshed! 10/10 would recommend." —Kristy
Get them from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in four patterns) or from The Crème Shop for $4+ (available individually or in sets).
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