I Test Korean Skin Care Products for a Living—These Are My 10 Favorites

If you’re interested in adding one of the best Korean skin care products to your routine, you’ve definitely got options. Snail mucin serums, Korean SPFs, moisturizers, toners, eye creams, and toner pads are everywhere—and thanks to K-beauty’s ever-evolving trends, upgrades and intriguing new ingredients continue launching. We’re here to help you discover the ones that are actually worth your time—no matter your skin type or goals. For this story, Glamour editors tested iconic and up-and-coming formulas to find the top 10 standouts. Whether you’re looking for the one product that gives glass skin or a non-stripping deep cleanse, you’ve come to the right place. And to help you get a better idea of how these serums, exfoliants, and face masks feel and who they work best for, they’re backed by reviews from dermatologists, K-beauty experts, and Glamour editors.

Ma:nyo’s cleansing oil stands out because it effortlessly melts away any type of makeup, including the toughest waterproof eyeliner or foundation. The brand’s oil cleansers and cleansing balm are cult classics in South Korea, and the Deep Clean version can truly rinse anything away. Dermatologists love the skin-friendly ingredients and comfortable texture. It’s formulated with plant oils, like grape seed, lavender, and sunflower seed, to rinse without feeling heavy or greasy. “Noncomedogenic oils hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “It feels incredibly lightweight and silky on my skin,” she says of the texture. “It spreads and rinses off easily, too, breaking down my makeup and sunscreen without feeling too heavy. When rinsed off, it leaves my skin feeling more hydrated.”

“This cleansing oil has earned a permanent spot in my shower. The texture is lightweight, watery, and easy to work with. Most importantly, it gets even my most stubborn waterproof mascaras off without stinging my eyes.” —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour contributor

This sun serum won us over with a combination of factors: a high level of SPF for daily wear (50), a refreshing formula, and a makeup-friendly finish. Korean sunscreens have always been known for being more lightweight and comfortable than most of what’s on offer stateside. That’s due to their use of sunscreen filters that aren’t on the FDA-approved short list. But this formula uses FDA-approved chemical sunscreen filters and still wears comfortably, thanks to a base that feels more like a serum than a heavy, sticky sunscreen. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like vegan PDRN and hyaluronic acid, doesn’t leave any white cast, and features broad-spectrum SPF 50 UV protection—perfect for everyday wear.

“This lightweight sunscreen has been my go-to lately because it's a joy to apply. The formula is so hydrating I can skip moisturizer altogether (one less step). It's basically SPF and weightless hydration in one tube. I also like the packaging. The precision tip makes it easy to get the right amount on my face. I'm left with a dewy, smooth finish that works as an excellent base for makeup.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor

This cushiony cream stands out for its gentle, barrier-first approach to achieving a youthful glow, making it our best pick for antiaging. “It’s an established Korean antiaging moisturizer, largely centered around Centella asiatica–derived ingredients and skin barrier support,” Ethan Wonuk Hwang, MD, a cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul. “What I appreciate most about this formulation is its focus on maintaining skin health rather than relying on potentially irritating levels of active ingredients. The combination of moisturizing agents and Centella-derived compounds can help support barrier recovery and reduce low-grade inflammation, which is increasingly recognized as a contributor to skin aging.” He recommends it to anyone with mature skin or sensitive skin, especially those who find ingredients like retinol too harsh.

“This is the kind of cushiony, balm-like moisturizer my dry skin just drinks up. I have the most visible lines on my neck, which I usually treat with periodic PDRN and skin-booster injections. Between sessions, I like to use a rich cream like this one to temporarily ‘plump’ them up and keep them hydrated. I’ve been using this as my evening moisturizer since it feels a bit too nourishing for daytime use, but when I slather it on before sleeping, I wake up to the most refreshed, bouncy, healthy-looking glow.” —S.Y.W.

When it comes to getting the K-beauty glass-skin look, there’s no easier or faster product than this capsule mist from Anua. It looks like an oceanic lava lamp and is packed with PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen for intense, immediate hydration. “PDRN assists in barrier support, while the hydrating ingredients create an immediate skin plumpness,” says Dr. Hwang. “It functions as a light treatment layer and can help maintain comfort between skin treatments.” When combined with other intensely hydrating ingredients, this on-the-go PDRN face mist leaves skin with an intense, mirror-like glow. The spray applicator helps dispense a weightless, even layer across your entire face for a glassy effect in seconds—and it lasts a surprisingly long time, even on dry skin.

“I was already impressed by Anua’s PDRN serum, but I love this mist even more for getting instant glass skin. I used it to soothe and moisturize my skin after Seoul skin clinic treatments, and also just keep it in my bag at all times. My favorite thing about it is the dewy, glass-skin look it leaves in just a few sprays. I could be imagining this, but I swear it hydrates more intensely than other mists I’ve used. It comes in two sizes, and while I’d normally grab the full size, I’m obsessed with the way the smaller version looks like an egg-shaped perfume and slips perfectly inside my purse. I’ve gotten into the habit of pulling it out at dinner for a quick spritz, and inevitably my friends will immediately grab their phones to order their own.” —S.Y.W.

This moisturizing barrier cream stands out because of its gentle feel and rich (but not too heavy) texture. It’s exactly what you need when your skin barrier has been compromised by too many harsh ingredients or too many exfoliation sessions in a row. Dermatologists often recommend ceramide moisturizers for barrier repair because they help keep your skin supported, so moisture can stay in and irritants stay out. This moisturizer combines tiny ceramide capsules that melt as you apply with probiotics and fermented black rice, which help hydrate and bring your complexion back in balance. The nourishing formula is also ideal for smoothing dry patches on dry and dehydrated skin.

“I was very impressed with this lightweight moisturizer—my skin drank it up. It has an airy, cloud-like texture that cushions, and it's not greasy or sticky. My skin felt velvety soft and hydrated after applying. I like that it plays well with my combination skin. It manages to hydrate my flaky areas and keep my oily areas matte.” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer

K-beauty popularized the toner pad—presoaked cotton rounds or squares that can be swiped over your face or left on like mini sheet masks. Mediheal’s renowned blemish pads won an Olive Young award last year, and they’re equally popular with Glamour editors. “This pad became popular in Korea because it addresses redness and breakouts without stripping the skin,” says Dr. Hwang. The ingredients are designed to address breakouts without further irritating your skin. “Madecassoside reduces inflammation and supports skin recovery, and the low concentration of niacinamide supports balance,” he says.

“I use these Mediheal toner pads almost daily and sometimes even twice a day because they’re that gentle. My face just doesn’t feel clean without one now. I can tell it does a great job of cleansing the surface of my skin because there’s always some residue caught on the pad. It helps purify my pores so my makeup is easier to glide on. I’m not saying they shrunk my pores (TBH, that’s not possible), but they’re definitely not as noticeable.” —J.C.

Of all the Korean masks we tried, this one won because it gives the bounciest, glowiest finish. “Sheet masks and overnight masks dominate the K-beauty market right now,” says Dr. Hwang. Among the many options, Biodance’s color-changing hydrogel mask took over TikTok for its dramatic effects after a single use. Made to be worn for three to four hours until the gel turns from white to clear (or as a sleeping mask, if you prefer), this mask leaves your skin with an impressively reflective glow. Biodance hydrogel masks come in multiple versions, but our favorite remains this special collaboration with creator Yuri Lee, featuring an unbeatable combination of PDRN and caviar. “PDRN supports tissue repair and improves skin texture,” says Dr. Hwang, who offers PDRN injections at his clinic. The supporting ingredients also help enhance glow. “Caviar extract is rich in amino acids and peptides to nourish skin and sodium hyaluronate hydrates and plumps the skin’s surface,” he says.

“This mask delivers a visibly smoother and plumper appearance after just one use. It’s a great option for skin that feels tired or dull, especially after travel or sun exposure. I often use this the night before big events—it creates a hydrated, glassy finish by morning and works well as a recovery treatment after more intensive procedures.” —Ethan Wonuk Hwang, MD

This exfoliating toner is our top pore-care pick because it delivers visible results without feeling harsh or irritating your skin. While you can’t physically shrink your pores with even the best skin care, you can make them look smaller and less noticeable with this exfoliating toner, which also helps diminish pimples and is one of CosRx’s most frequently searched products. “Glycolic acid exfoliates and promotes skin turnover, and betaine salicylate clears sebum and prevents blackheads,” says Dr. Hwang. The formula is also packed with willow bark water, a natural anti-inflammatory and mild exfoliant. Together, these ingredients help clear pore-clogging buildup and make your skin look smoother and more refined.

“It's gentle enough for daily use and pairs well with both prescription and over-the-counter routines. I typically recommend this to younger patients dealing with uneven texture, mild breakouts, or congestion. I’ve also used it during travel when my skin becomes congested and found that it helps smooth out texture within a few days without causing dryness. The spray-type bottle is also convenient for quick use without overapplication.” —E.W.H.

“I always reach for this spray toner when I'm dealing with excess breakouts, especially around my nose and chin. I like that it doesn’t sting or dry out these areas but still manages to help clear them up and shrink the size of my acne. The first time I used this, I applied it on an active breakout, and after two days, my pimples were noticeably less red and inflamed.” —A.M.K.

This lightweight moisturizer helps calm both active breakouts and recovering ones without drying out your skin, which makes it stand out among the products we tested. “One of the most common mistakes in acne management is over-drying the skin,” says Dr. Hwang. “A compromised skin barrier can actually worsen inflammation and increase sensitivity. This cream focuses on maintaining hydration while helping soothe irritated skin, which can be particularly beneficial alongside acne. It’s suitable for acne-prone individuals who often struggle with irritation from active treatments.” He also likes the makeup-friendly, comfortable texture but recommends that those with more severe acne use it as a supportive moisturizer in combination with a stronger acne treatment.

“So many friends in Korea recommended this TikTok-famous moisturizer to me, and I get the hype. I annoyingly have both dry and acne-prone skin—although the latter is just on my chin, where hormonal breakouts show up every month like clockwork. A lot of acne products make my skin peel or flake, but this lightweight moisturizer keeps active breakouts calm while still giving my dry skin the hydration it needs. It also helps concealer apply more smoothly and look more natural, which my monthly pimples truly appreciate.” —S.Y.W.

Instead of face scrubs or peel pads, we chose this ampoule as our best exfoliating pick because it’s easy to use and doesn't feel harsh on the skin. The “peel shots” come in five different versions, each targeting a different skin concern: dullness, blackheads, rough skin, uneven skin, and dark spots. To sweep away dead skin cells, all you have to do is apply it as you would a toner or serum, then gently massage the formula in with your hands to target rough skin and clogged pores while boosting glow—no rinse needed. Since it’s an exfoliating treament, we recommend doing a patch test on your hands first.

“My T-zone is where my pores are most congested. I’ve been using this exfoliating treatment to clear blackheads, and I’ve seen a noticeable difference. It gently removed dead skin cells and leaves behind revived skin. If you deal with clogged pores, this is a great product to add to your lineup.” —J.C.

To find the current best skin care brands in Korea, we recommend checking the Olive Young Awards and Hwahae. The former is South Korea’s leading beauty retailer, which issues its coveted beauty awards every year, and has officially expanded to the US. The latter is an online review platform that shows which best-selling Korean beauty products are trending in real time, giving you an up-to-date glimpse of what shoppers are loving in South Korea right now.

That said, local popularity is just one of many indicators that a product is worth trying. “While this can be a strong indicator of a product’s potential success, it’s not the only factor—I dig deeper to understand why something is trending,” says Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam. To curate the best Korean skin care products for her Soko Glam site, she also pays attention to “delivery systems, absorption technology, and the way a formula interacts with the skin.” She also looks beyond what’s popular in South Korea to what’s trending globally, which can differ. “With the embrace of Korean products by US consumers, we have now reached a point where its popularity in the US is actually more important than the popularity or trend that originates in Korea,” she says.

What’s flying off shelves in 2026? Cleansing milks, all things PDRN, and a new category of skin care, hwajalmuk essentials. “We’re seeing increased interest in moisture-focused products like cleansing milk, sun serum, and lip serum,” says Rena Kim, senior communications manager at Olive Young, South Korea’s leading beauty retailer. “The top-searched ingredients over the past two months were retinol, niacinamide, collagen, hyaluronic acid, PDRN, and madecassoside. PDRN rose by more than 90%.” There’s also growing demand for any type of skin care that helps Korean makeup products apply better. “We’ve seen a noticeable rise in searches for the Korean term hwajalmuk, which translates loosely to ‘makeup-ready,’” says Kim. “This reflects interest in skin care that creates a smooth, well-hydrated base so makeup applies evenly and lasts longer. It’s another sign that Koreans are thinking about skin care and makeup as part of one connected routine, rather than separate steps.”

Anyone can benefit from adding Korean skin care products to their daily routine. “From my experience as an antiaging specialist based in Cheongdam, Seoul, I believe Korean skin care’s global appeal comes from its innovation, sensorial pleasure, and results-driven formulations,” says Dr. Hwang. “The routines are often seen as a form of self-care, not just maintenance. There’s also a deep cultural emphasis on prevention—starting early and being consistent—which resonates with people worldwide. Finally, Korean brands offer high-quality ingredients at approachable price points, making advanced skin care accessible to a broader audience.” Goodal’s Green Tangerine Vitamin-C Dark Spot Serum and Ma:nyo’s Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean are two examples on our list that check all of the boxes above.

“First, daily sun protection is by far the most important antiaging step,” says Dr. Hwang. “A broad-spectrum sunscreen applied consistently is more valuable than almost any other skin care product.” (If you’re looking for a great Korean sunscreen, try this Glamour editor favorite: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Serum (SPF 50).)

Dr. Hwang also recommends prioritizing skin-barrier health. “A healthy, resilient skin barrier often produces better long-term outcomes than aggressive skin care routines,” he says. “Gentle cleansing, adequate moisturization, and avoiding irritation are essential.” If you’re looking for specific ingredients, he recommends anything that “can support collagen production, antioxidant defense, and overall skin quality,” such as retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, or niacinamide. “They should be introduced gradually and used consistently over time,” he says.

Korean glass skin refers to the trend of optimizing your skin care routine for dewy, hydrated, ultraglowy skin—like a shiny glass surface. “The concept became popular in K-beauty because Korean skin care has traditionally emphasized prevention, maintenance, and skin quality rather than simply covering imperfections,” says Dr. Hwang. “Korean consumers became increasingly interested in achieving healthy-looking skin rather than relying on makeup for correction.”

In his opinion, glass skin is a result of overall skin health. “When the skin barrier is functioning well, inflammation is minimized, hydration is optimized, and collagen structure remains healthy, the skin naturally develops the glow that people associate with the glass-skin trend,” he says. If you want an additional boost, we recommend our top pick for glass skin: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist.

Glamour editors have tested hundreds of the most popular K-beauty launches, including snail mucin creams, cleansing oils, lip tints, and cushion foundations. For this story, Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu traveled to Seoul for trend research and an on-the-ground look at the most promising Korean skin care products of 2026 for every skin concern: effective cleansing, large pores, dullness, sun protection, and more. During her time there, she spoke with Seoul-based dermatologists, brand founders, and K-beauty experts about the latest breakout launches and enduring cult classics.

When reviewing each product, we make note of its ingredients list, texture, and results to determine which skin concerns it’s best for, whether it’s fragrance free, and its key benefits. We also consult with K-beauty experts and dermatologists specializing in Korean skin care to curate each list and help Glamour readers make the most informed decision.