The Easiest Way to Begin Your Korean Skincare Journey

Activating Serum • Renovating Emulsion • Soothing Moisturizer Balm • Age Recovery Cream • Enzyme Powder • More ...

By Eliza • Mar 24, 2017 MD

Korean skincare, or K-beauty, has taken the beauty world by storm, and it's easy to see why. Women in Korea are known for their radiant, "glass skin" complexions, and their innovative approach to skincare has finally gone global. If you've been curious about these cult-favorite products, now is the perfect time to dive in. From double cleansing to powerful serums, adding these Korean skincare staples to your routine can help you achieve that elusive, flawless glow.

| Product Type | Key Benefit | Popular Choice | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Activating Serum | Preps skin for absorption | Sulwhasoo First Care | | Snail Repair Cream | Repairs and hydrates | Mizon All-In-One | | Enzyme Powder | Gentle exfoliation | Tatcha Rice Polish |

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

1. Activating Serum

Activating Serum You can find this luxury staple at neimanmarcus.com.
$84.00
This product is designed to amplify the effects of all your other skincare products by prepping the skin's surface. It's the first step to ensuring your routine works as hard as you do.

2. Renovating Emulsion

Renovating Emulsion Shop this emulsion at neimanmarcus.com.
$115.00
Use this to give your skin a whole new texture. Emulsions are lightweight moisturizers that are perfect for layering, especially if you have oily or combination skin.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

3. Soothing Moisturizer Balm

Soothing Moisturizer Balm Available for a great price at yesstyle.com.
$19.00
This is ideal for hydrating your skin for a lovely dewy complexion every single day. If you struggle with dry patches, this balm is a lifesaver for achieving that coveted glass skin look.

4. Age Recovery Cream

Age Recovery Cream Check it out at yesstyle.com.
$99.00
Turn back the hands of time by applying this cream on a daily basis. It’s packed with potent ingredients that help firm and revitalize aging skin.

5. Enzyme Powder

Enzyme Powder Find this gentle exfoliator at yesstyle.com.
$28.00
This powder will help get rid of dead skin cells and transform your skin. Powder cleansers are great for travel and provide a very gentle physical and chemical exfoliation.

6. Whitening Cream

Whitening Cream Often found on ebay.com.
$14.00
In K-beauty, "whitening" usually refers to brightening and evening out the skin tone rather than bleaching. This cream helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

7. Lifting Cream

Lifting Cream Visit the official site at sulwhasoo.com.
$100.00
This cream will help lift and restore your aging skin. It’s a luxurious treat for anyone looking to maintain a youthful, firm appearance.

8. Snail Repair Cream

Snail Repair Cream Look for authentic versions on ebay.com or official K-beauty retailers.
$18.00
Korean women use snail cream to get rid of wrinkles and get really smooth skin. For more on these unique ingredients, check out our guide to snail mucin.

  • Double Cleanse: Start with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based one.
  • Hydrate in Layers: Use toners and essences to build moisture.
  • Don't Skip Sunscreen: Protection is the most important anti-aging step.

9. Lightening Cream Moisturizer

Lightening Cream Moisturizer Shop this at ebay.com.
$14.00
Use this to brighten a dull skin tone and moisturize your skin at the same time. It’s perfect for achieving a more uniform complexion without heavy makeup.

10. Renewing Eye Cream

Renewing Eye Cream Available on amazon.com.
$147.00
This stuff doesn't come cheap, but it will revolutionize the skin around your eyes. It targets fine lines and dark circles with advanced Korean skincare technology.

11. Renovating Serum

Renovating Serum You can find high-end serums like this at amazon.com.
$263.00
This one comes at a price, but it totally works, so it might just be worth the investment for those seeking dramatic results in skin texture and clarity.

12. Ginseng Mask

Ginseng Mask Pick this up at sephora.com.
$61.00
This mask will help anti-age your skin and help you look younger and fresher. Ginseng is a legendary ingredient in Korea known for its revitalizing properties.

14. Solid Cleansing Oil

Solid Cleansing Oil Shop this balm at sephora.com.
$39.00
Not only will this oil remove your makeup, but it's also packed with Korean herbs that remove impurities from your skin. It melts from a solid to a silky oil on contact.

15. Sake Balm

Sake Balm Available at sephora.com.
$46.00
This moisturizer is infused with sake and will do wonders for your skin. It helps to brighten and soften the skin for a more refined look.

16. Camellia Beauty Oil

Camellia Beauty Oil Visit the official store at tatcha.com.
$95.00
This beauty oil is packed with green tea and bamboo to totally redo your skin. It provides deep hydration without feeling greasy.

17. Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder

Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder Find it at tatcha.com.
$65.00
Rice powder is great for exfoliating and refinishing your skin. You'll love this product for how it leaves your face feeling smooth and polished!

Which of these innovative Korean skincare products do you want to try first? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Megan

    2016-04-23T22:25:18.375Z

    Why you think it's acceptable to promote whitening creams is honestly beyond me. Acceptance of your natural beauty people! ❤️
  • Katie

    2016-04-24T18:40:35.197Z

    @megan it's beyond me that so many faux tanning products are advertised. I agree that being comfortable in your own, natural, skin is best. But at least now we have options for what unrealistic beauty standard we want to chase? ;)
  • TheShinSakura

    2016-04-22T20:54:28.348Z

    You should try the website "cosmetic-love" it's cheaper than yesStyle, plus it's free shipping without minimum purchase !!
Commenting as
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Allwomenstalk app icon

Don't Miss the Latest Version

Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.

New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

Underrated Homemade Exfoliators Girls with Dull Sk... 19 Fabulous 🤗 Homemade Steam Facials for Tired Sk... priceless skin cruelty free skin care products+ 9 Mud Cleansers for Women Obsessed with Their Skin... The Best Products to Use Based on Your Skin Type .... Fabulous Essential Oils That Will Work Magic on Yo... How to Get Free Skincare Samples Starting Today ..... 17 Life Saving Skincare Products for Girls Sufferi... These Acids Are Actually Good for Your Skin!
Featured article image