So last month, I decided to go a mission to put the most viral Korean skincare products to the test to, once and for all, settle whether they're genuinely worth the hype. I've re-discovered some of my all-time favourites and intro'd myself to some brands for the very first time (thanks, TikTok). And of course, I also had a word with experts who work with K-beauty products first-hand to break down all those nourishing ingredients and de-bunk some myths.
Spoiler alert: after using said products for a good few weeks now, I don't think my skincare routine will ever be the same. As someone who has dry and sensitive skin, I noticed less irritation and red patches, plus, my skin felt more hydrated and plump than ever – hands down, the closest I could ever get to “glass skin.” So here goes – everything you need to know about Korean skincare, plus the best products worth buying.
Why are Korean skincare products so popular?
Why are Korean skincare products so popular in the Western world, you ask? “Because [they’re] simple, effective, and offer formulations and innovations that are ahead of their time,” says Julia Marinkovich, UK representative at COSRX.
According to Julia, in South Korea, skincare is considered as a great investment and is as vital to people as good nutrition and exercise. “Clear, glowing skin is a sign of skin health, and everyone strives for this,” she says. “That’s how trends like glass skin have taken off across the globe.”
She also highlights that Korean products tend to have straightforward formulas with minimal sets of ingredients that instead focus on using highly effective natural ingredients. “Western skincare typically focuses on exfoliating to re-new our complexion, whereas Korean skincare is centred around adding essential nutrients back into the skin,” Julia explains. “ It’s much gentler, as it uses a hydration-first approach, rather than a prominent focus on acids and retinols.”
What are some of the best K-beauty ingredients to look out for?
There are a wide range of ingredients that Korean beauty brands turn to that are not so common to see among Western brands. One of these – brace yourself – is snail mucin.
“While some may be repulsed by the idea of snail mucin, most are amazed at the skin-boosting benefits of it,” shares Julia. “Not only does it provide intense hydration and nourishment, but it also helps to build up the skin’s moisture barrier to plump and soothe skin.”
You may have also seen that some Korean beauty products contain Centella Asiatica (AKA Cica/Centella), a plant that has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries to help treat wounds and care for the skin, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. “It has many natural benefits from being packed full of amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals, including vitamins C, A, B1, and B2,” Julia adds.
Other examples can also include rice extract, propolis and plants such as heartleaf and mugwort, as well as galactomyces, which is a byproduct of fermented sake and a popular ingredient in Korean skincare that can help hydrate, brighten and smoothen your complexion all in one go.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
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