As we finish out the year, I reflect on all of the best Korean skincare products I discovered in 2020. My skin has never been happier! Being active on my skinstagram (@taratheestie) has led me towards numerous best selling Korean products, almost too many to count. Although I still have so many to try, I compiled my top choices for Korean skincare products I found in 2020 and where you can purchase these gems. Let’s dive in!
Double Cleansing
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, 3.17 oz $38
This lovely cleansing balm was incorporated into my double cleansing routine as the first step. It removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities before going in with your water based cleanser.
Key ingredients: Sea Buckthorn, Persimmon Extract, Olive Oil and Vitamin E
It is polyethylene free, which is a common plastic found in cleansing balms. I love the ingredients and nourishing sorbet texture. The packaging is also super luxurious making it perfect for anyone’s bathroom counter. This is also a best selling Korean skincare item as it has won over 10 awards!
Available on their website and Soko Glam
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm, 3.4 oz $32
This is another cleansing balm that tops my best Korean skincare products of 2020 list! This is suuuuuper hydrating and more oily than others, and it works wonders on melting makeup and providing a hydrating first cleanse.
Key ingredients: Papaya enzymes, Blueberry Extract, Camellia Seed Oil, and Apricot Kernel Oil
This does contain a cosmetic grade, liquid form of polyethylene. I love the light, fruity fragrance of this and how creamy it feels on the skin. You also get a large amount of product in the package, making the price totally worth it! *Some people have noted that this leaves a film on the skin after cleansing. I notice that if I spend a bit more time on the emulsifying step, I don’t have issues personally* Read more about double cleansing
Available on their website and Sephora
Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser, 4.05 oz $16
I expressed my love of Krave Beauty a while back in a dedicated blog post. I have since repurchased all my faves and practically recommended it to everyone! This second cleanse is super gentle but still easily removes dirt and impurities.
Key ingredients: Camellia Leaf Water, Sweet Almond Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, and it is also fragrance free and essential oil free- perfect for even the most sensitive skin types
It is no wonder this is another best selling Korean skincare product! All you need to do is try it once, and you’ll want to repurchase. I love gentle gel cleansers for all year round.
Available on their website
Toners
Toners have never been a vital part of my skincare routine, but after seeing the ever growing popularity of several k-beauty ones on Instagram, I had to try. I still have so many on my wishlist!
Cosrx Propolis Synergy Toner, 5 fl oz $19-$22 (price varies)
This toner is not the typical astringent, moisture-stripping one that many of us associate with this category of skincare products. Using this before the rest of your routine can help improve hydration and plump the skin.
Key ingredients: Black Bee Propolis Extract, Honey Extract, and Glycerin
I like using this Korean skincare product in the morning instead of a typical cleanser. I pat it into my skin, and follow with the rest of my AM routine. It feels very light and hydrating! I noticed immediately how much brighter and fresher my skin looks when I use it, too. Honey is a fantastic skincare ingredient!!
Available on Yesstyle and Ulta. Use rewards code TARATHEESTIE for extra money off at Yesstyle!
Facial Serums
Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop, 1.18 oz $23
If you read one of my previous blogs, you would know that Vitamin C was the top searched skincare question of 2020! I love incorporating this serum into my morning routine to improve the efficacy of my sunscreen and provide powerful antioxidants to the skin.
Key ingredients: Ascorbic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Yuzu Extract
This formula is very gentle and would work on sensitive skin types. If you are new to Vitamin C, this is a great starting point! I put this in my best Korean skincare products of 2020 list because of the unique formula and how it definitely has given me results of a brighter complexion.
Available on Yesstyle and Ulta. Use rewards code TARATHEESTIE for extra money off at Yesstyle!
Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief Serum, 1.52 oz $28
OMG. This serum…I would not be surprised if I found out angels came down and kissed each bottle before sending it out.
Key ingredients: Tamanu Oil, Safflower Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Niacinamide
This is a creamy, skin-soothing serum that protects and repairs the moisture barrier. Over exfoliated? Krave GBR. Feeling dry or flaky? Krave GBR. Unbalanced skin? Krave GBR. It really is the answer.
Available on their website
Moisturizers/SPF
Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream, 1.7 fl oz $16-$20 (price varies)
This Korean skincare product made a great first impression. I have been using this gel cream every day and can’t put it down!
Key ingredients: Sea Water, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Panthenol- essential oil free!
I absolutely love gel cream formulas, but in the Winter sometimes I need something thicker. This is thicker than other lightweight gel creams, and works great for my combo skin. This is one of my best Korean skincare products of 2020 list because of the price, lightweight-but-rich hydration and easy to travel packaging.
Available on Stylevana and Yesstyle. Use rewards code TARATHEESTIE for extra money off at Yesstyle!
Keep Cool Soothe Bamboo Sun Essence, 1.69 fl oz $20-$25 (price varies)
This sunscreen is rated PA ++++, or SPF 50, and provides broad spectrum sun protection. When it comes to Korean sunscreens, they typically use different filters than what is accepted by the FDA in the United States. These sunscreens still undergo testing and verification before they can be sold, and often times are using more advanced filters.
Key ingredients: Bamboo Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Niacinamide, and Honeysuckle Flower Extract
I am sure this is a best selling Korean skincare product because of how lightweight the formula is. A sunscreen that feels lightweight?! Yes, it is possible. As the name says, it really feels more like an essence or serum. It is transparent and can be worn by any skin tone! Also, I would recommend this formula for all skin types. I love how easily I can wear this under makeup and reapply throughout the day.
Sources on PA rating and break down of the Keep Cool SPF ingredients
Available on Stylevana and Jolse
Wrap-up
Overall, I cannot wait to try more Korean skincare products next year! I really like the affordability, ingredients and packaging of all of the products I listed above. As always, it is fun to try new products and find what works best for your skin. Have you tried many Korean skincare brands?
Check out my skincare 101 class to get started on your skincare journey or learn more about reading an ingredients label
More Korean Skincare brands I am DYING to get my hands on: I’m From, Neogen, Missha, Pyunkang Yul
Another great blog! From your suggestions, I use the Klairs Vitamin C Serum and the Matchahemp Cleanser. My skin feels so fresh!
Those products are fabulous! Glad to hear your skin is doing well with them!