More and more people searching for effective skin care solutions are learning the benefits of Korean skincare. With its affordability, effectiveness, and gentle ingredients that suit all skin types, Korean skincare brands are a must-have for anyone’s morning and evening ritual to keep their skin healthy.
However, not all brands are made equal. With a market full of K-Beauty brands of all sizes and specialties, which ones are in hot demand or are popular staples? Many know and love some of these on our list, the best Korean skincare brands that offer results at reasonable prices.
The Best Korean Skincare Brands
1. SKIN1004
Best Known For:
- The Madagascar Centella series, a skincare line that contains Centella Asiatica for high-quality soothing hydration and acne care. Its ampoule is a fan favorite among the brand’s fans.
- The Zombie Beauty special care collection, which consists of amusing, creative, and effective Korean skincare products that include mask packs, peels, and bar soap.
The brand launched in 2012, strongly emphasizing skincare made with quality raw ingredients. SKIN1004 carefully curates active ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, which is harvested using Good Agricultural and Collect Practices, and other EWG Green Grade ingredients. The brand engages with its audience online and values the feedback of customers to improve its formulas to cater to unmet skin needs.
2. AXIS-Y
Best Known For:
- Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment, which effectively prevents breakouts and blemishes while restoring the natural skin barrier.
- Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum, which helps create an even skin tone while maintaining healthy moisture levels.
AXIS-Y’s brand stands for all-natural, cruelty-free skin care products. Their products are strictly free of parabens, alcohol, artificial fragrances, and coloring that can irritate those with sensitive skin types. Their vegan and certified Halal products make it the ideal K-Beauty skin care line for those who value sustainability while searching for effective skin care solutions for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
3. Beauty of Joseon
Best Known For:
- Ginseng-rich skincare products with moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and blood circulation properties. This includes best-selling viral products such as the Dynasty Cream, Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin, and Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal.
- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics sunscreen, which has become viral on social media and has gained a large following for its lightweight, no-white cast, no-irritation formula. It continues to be one of the most repurchased Korean sunscreen products since its launch in 2021.
Founded in 2015, Beauty of Joseon was created through the inspiration of Hanbang ingredients used as beauty secrets passed down through generations. The brand puts a modern twist to Hanbang with innovative techniques to create natural, effective skincare that is minimal, safe, and cruelty-free.
4. MISSHA
Best Known For:
- The All Around Safe Block sunscreen series, which comes in various forms to meet the needs of different skin types and is known for its lightweight, non-sticky, and waterproof properties.
- The Mascure sheet mask collection, which has seven different essence formulas that target specific skin concerns. The Mascure PT cell sheet, in particular, is famous for retaining moisture and delivering active ingredients to the skin for effective care.
MISSHA launched in 2009 and became famous for creating dupes of expensive brands at a lower cost. Now, they have a database of over 10 million reviews to innovate safer, more advanced solutions continuously.
5. ETUDE
Best Known For:
- Soonjung collection, which provides soothing hydration for even the most sensitive skin and protects the skin barrier by providing pH balanced formulas.
- 0.2 Therapy Air Masks, which have steadily sold out since 2016 due to their affordable pricing. These are breathable sheets soaked in effective skincare essence that does not irritate.
ETUDE has a long-standing history of delivering quality cosmetics in Korea. Founded in 1966 and incorporated by Amore Pacific in 1990, the brand is still considered a top skincare brand by many worldwide. Accessible, colorful, and practical, ETUDE’s products attract a wide range of consumers ranging from young adults to those in their late-30s, seeking the brand’s expertise in skincare and makeup.
6. COSRX
Best Known For:
- Acne Pimple Master Patch, which provides an overnight fix for removing acne gunk without scarring.
- Snail Mucin skincare products, a range of essences and creams that repairs and nourishes skin.
Cosmetics + Rx – popularly known as COSRX – was developed as early as 2002 and launched in 2013. The brand has gained a large following because of its no-fuss formula that treats various skin issues with practical, potent, nature-based ingredients. COSRX doesn’t use harsh chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances, minimizing the risk of skin irritation. It also uses natural preservatives with gentle cleansing effects on the skin.
7. Dr. Jart+
Best Known For:
- Cicapair, a collection that’s rich in Tiger Grass to neutralize red skin, soothe dry skin, and repair natural skin moisture.
- Ceramidin, a range of cream products that intensely moisturize the skin while strengthening its natural moisture barrier.
Dr. Jart+ is a skincare brand built on combining art and skin science. The brand was developed in 2005, and its first product was a BB Cream that had the nourishing properties of skin care and good foundation coverage. The brand is known for its high-performance derma care that uses the latest scientific and skin care breakthroughs to create products that provide the best results.
8. Laneige
Best Known For:
- Water Bank Cream, a moisturizer that went viral online for its hydrating and skin-softening effects.
- Lip Sleeping Mask, a nourishing lip mask that hydrates while removing dead skin cells.
Laneige has been making rounds on TikTok and other social media platforms. The 25-year-old Korean brand specializes in Advance Water Complexes and creates products that provide intense hydration solutions. With actresses like Sydney Sweeney and Lee Sung-Kyoung as ambassadors and many influencers praising Laneige’s quality, it’s no surprise that this is a Korean skin care brand many talk about when trying to achieve flawless and hydrated skin.
Find the Best Korean Skincare Brands at UMMA
There are plenty of Korean skincare brands on the market. You can leverage the growing demand for effective K-Beauty skincare products by having the best brands ready to share with your customer base.
With UMMA’s support, you can access thousands of repurchased products from the best Korean beauty brands and promptly and consistently deliver them to your business. UMMA sources over 120 Korean beauty brands for skin care, makeup, and cosmetics. We are your source for authentic wholesale products and make shipping quality brands from South Korea to your country a fast and convenient process.
Register at UMMA today to get access to over a hundred Korean brands to cater to your local market’s demand.
