Korean Beauty

Korean skincare, often known as K Beauty, takes a considered approach to maintaining healthy-looking skin through hydration, barrier support and targeted ingredients. Routines can include cleansers, toners, essences, serums, ampoules, moisturisers, masks and SPF, depending on your individual skin needs.

The best Korean skincare brand will depend on your skin type, concerns and routine. Popular names include Beauty of Joseon, COSRX, Medicube, Biodance, Skin1004, haruharu wonder, Some By Mi, Mixsoon, Dr. Althea, Isntree, Purito and TOCOBO, alongside a growing selection of innovative K Beauty brands.

Start with the essentials rather than trying to introduce too many products at once. A gentle cleanser, targeted serum or essence, moisturiser and daily SPF provide a strong foundation. Toners, ampoules, masks and targeted treatments can then be introduced according to your skin concerns.

Glass skin describes skin that appears exceptionally smooth, hydrated, luminous and healthy-looking. Korean glass skin routines typically prioritise consistent hydration, gentle exfoliation and skin barrier support rather than relying on a single product to create the effect.

Popular Korean skincare ingredients include centella asiatica, PDRN, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, rice extracts and snail mucin. The right ingredients will depend on whether you want to target dehydration, uneven tone, visible redness, blemishes, texture or signs of ageing.

Many Korean skincare formulas are developed with hydration and barrier care in mind, making the category particularly interesting for sensitive skin routines. Look for gentle formulas containing ingredients such as centella asiatica, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and introduce new products gradually.

Brands such as COSRX, Some By Mi, Medicube and Skin1004 offer products that can complement routines for blemish-prone and congested skin. Product suitability varies, so choose formulas according to your individual skin type and avoid introducing multiple active ingredients at the same time.

Yes, Korean skincare does not require a 10 step routine. A simple routine containing carefully selected products can be just as effective for supporting your skin goals, with additional essences, ampoules, toner pads or masks introduced only where they add a useful benefit.