Secrets of Korean Skincare
If you are remotely interested in skincare, the term ‘glass skin’ will have come up. One of the biggest hooks of Korean skincare, how to naturally achieve this super smooth, clear, hydrated skin that has a glossy sheen effect. It gives an almost filtered appearance, promoting a more makeup free appearance.
The aim of this study is to demystify Korean skincare. Once you know what ingredients to look for and the steps involved in the routine, you can build your very own Korean skincare routine.
What Is Korean Skincare?
Korean skincare originates from South Korea and is renowned to be ahead of western skincare due to there innovative yet natural ingredients. There are multiple steps in the routine and involves the layering of many products.
It focuses on a holistic skincare philosophy, looking at skincare long term. For example, hydration, consistent care and working to prevent skin issues.
Significance
The origins of Korean skincare can be traced back to ancient beauty rituals, which are consistent with the cultures rich history of beauty traditions. Korean women are known to have youthful, glowing skin through the use of natural remedies passed through generations.
Through the success of K-Pop and K-Dramas and then the rise of social media, Korean skincare became a global phenomenon. Today, Korean skincare is bringing innovative concepts, ingredients and formulations. It positions itself as being affordable without compromising on results making it accessible to all.
Because of its influence on current beauty standards, Korean skincare is now mainstream rather than niche.
Key Components Of Korean Skincare
- Multiple steps – the routine below has 10 steps. It is not imperative to include every step in your routine, you need to assess which is best for you. The steps however teach you how to layer your products effectively
- Hydration – hydrated skin is resilient to premature ageing and healthier, many products used in the routine work to boost hydration levels
- Focus on long term skin health – working on prevention, so using sunscreen daily to prevent against any UV damage is a fundamental step
- Natural Ingredients – green tea, fermented extracts and snail mucin are commonly used in products
- Innovation – unique products such as sheet masks and essences
- Customisation – one of the main philosophies of Korean skincare is to help people understand there skin and therefore tailor the routine to their skin needs
Ingredients To Look For
The list below are popular ingredients in Korean skincare. The list is not exhaustive, but ingredients that interest me and ones that I have some experience in using:
| Ingredients | Function |
| Snail Mucin | Contains glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid which promotes skin healing, hydration and produces collagen |
| Centella Asiatica (Cica) aka Gotu Kola | Anti inflammatory can heal minor wounds, is also an antioxidant, improving overall skin health |
| Green Tea Extract | Rich in polyphenols, protecting against UV damage |
| Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate | Yeast extract, rich in vitamins, amino acids and enzymes, improving skin barrier, skin tone and texture |
| Propolis | Produced by bees, contains flavonoids and phenolic acids |
| Licorice Root Extract | Contains glabridin which inhibits tyrosinanse enzyme. Lightening hyperpigmentation and improving skin tone |
| Ginseng | Known for anti ageing properties, improves circulation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory |
| Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) | Traditional Korean medicinal herb with antibacterial properties, soothing redness, irritation and acne |
| Fermented Ingredients | This can refer to fermented rice, tea or soy. Fermentation makes it easier for skin to absorb ingredients as molecules are smaller |
| Rice Bran | Rich in antioxidants such as ferulic acid and vitamin E, protecting the skin from free radical damage and UV damage |
| Seaweed Extract | Detoxifies the skin by pulling out impurities, rich in vitamins and minerals |
| Soybean Extract | Contains phytoestrogen, mimicking estrogen, enhancing collagen production and skin elasticity |
| Camellia Oil | Used for skin softening, rich in oleic acid, vitamins and antioxidants |
| Volcanic Ash | Full of minerals, unclogs pores and exfoliates, works well for acne prone skin |
Korean Skincare Routine
Please see below for an overview of all the steps involved
- Oil Cleanser – Removes oil based impurities and gently clears makeup
- Water-based Cleanser – Removes residue from the oil cleanser and any water based impurities
- Exfoliator – Dead skin cells are removed to allow a smooth surface
- Toner – Balances the pH of the skin’s acid mantle
- Essence – Hydrating product is applied
- Serum – Highly concentrated treatment for specific skin concerns
- Sheet Mask – Active ingredients are absorbed into the skin
- Eye Cream – Caters to the delicate eye area, targeting dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.
- Moisturiser – Moistens the skin, locks in the other products
- Sunscreen – Protection from UV damage
My Own Experience
A Korean skincare routine normally involves many steps and the use of many, many products to target specific skin concerns. So please note, this is not a minimalistic skincare routine.
I normally like a quick routine, with two children under the age of 5, this would be difficult for me to do everyday. However I love a good pamper, so on those days where I can give myself some extra time, this routine will really bring the spa at home. Double cleansing is something that I have been doing for many years and it works very well for me when I wear make up. Sheet masks deliver a high concentration of active ingredients directly to the skin, I have used this for hydration in the past and yes, the results are instant.
Best Selling Korean Brands
There are many brands to choose from and I am still a newbie to Korean skincare. The below compiled list are the best selling Korean skincare brands, what they are most known for and where to buy:
- Laneige – great for hydration, known for there sleeping water masks, a gel mask, absorbed into the skin overnight
- Sulwhasoo – have a great skin prepping serum, which strengthens the skin barrier, addressing visible signs of ageing
- COSRX – their snail essence is very popular, repairs damaged skin, improves skin elasticity and hydrates the skin
- Innisfree – known for their oil absorbing, Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, featuring lactic acid, exfoliating dead skin cells and minimising the appearance of pores
- Dr Jart+ – the best everyday moisturiser, rich in ceramides, the Ceramidin Cream locks in moisture to the skin
- Etude House – toner for sensitive skin, SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
- Missha – best known for their BB cream, M Perfect Cover BB Cream
- Klairs – Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum, a skin brightening vitamin C serum, protecting from hyperpigmentation
- Banila Co – Balm cleanser used as the first, oil based cleanser, Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, easily melts away makeup
- The Face Shop – foaming cleanser, Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam, normally used as the second cleanser, removing excess oil residue from the skin
FAQs
Are Korean skincare products better?
The products are often novel and ingredients are different to those found in other skincare. Knowledge is power, always check the ingredients and see if they address your particular skin concerns. Explore different formulations and see what works for you
Where to buy Korean skincare?
Many brands are now readily available both in physical and online stores in the UK, USA and Canada. If you are not sure about which brand you want, have a look at Cult Beauty, Sephora, Look Fantastic, Nordstrom, Amazon and YesStyle.
Which Korean skincare brand is the best?
Look for the type of brand that is best for your skin type and personal preference:
Sulwhasoo – Luxury herbal formulations and is the best brand for anti aging
Laneige – Rich moisturisers, this this brand is best for skin hydration
COSRX and Klairs – Best for acne and sensitive skin
Dr Jart+ – Scientifically backed skincare, best brand for healing the skin barrier
Innisfree – This brand is best for natural skincare
Why is Korean skincare cheap?
There is very high competition in Korea for skincare, brands are trying to reach larger audiences and there is more focus on the ingredients and functionality of the product rather than the products packaging. Brands can therefore position themselves as being affordable this is also the reason for their rising popularity.
What Korean skincare should I buy?
This really depends on the result you are looking for and how far you’ve fallen into the world of Korean skincare. Rather than buy all the products to build your skincare routine, try out one step at a time. If you need a new cleanser, start there, otherwise you can look at serums to address your specific skin issues or maybe a hydrating essence or a sheet mask. The key is to understand your skin’s needs and work with it.
