30 Korean Skincare Products For Common Skin Problems

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Featuring "miracle" products people are calling "glass skin in a jar" and "Botox in a bottle."

BuzzFeed Staff

BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores.

Promising review: "BEST OIL CLEANSER I SWEAR. I’ve gone through 3-4 bottles now and it continues to cleanse my skin AMAZING. It melts makeup, clears pores. Honestly it's heaven-sent. The first time I used it, it cleared a lot of my sebum and even now when I use it, it clears any dead skin and dirt I have, even when I don’t wear makeup. BUY IT, it's amazing. You can see all the dirt that came out of my face recently in the photo [above, right]." —rexichor

Get it from Amazon for $17.69.

Promising review: "Let me tell you, I have awful blackheads, and this helped clean them out and made them a lot smaller. I love this stuff. I pair it with the oil cleanser (from the same brand and line), and they did wonders for my skin! I recommend it if you have clogged pores and blackheads." —Nabi

Get it from Amazon for $13.

Promising reviews: "This has been THEEE best product for my dry sensitive skin. These pads are brightening and helped my uneven skin texture. I didn’t know these pads would change my skin completely!! I’ll be repurchasing forever, best skincare product I’ve used in a long time, you NEED THIS! You’ll immediately notice a difference." —Kenny Vasquez

"When I tell you my skin hasn’t been this clear in forever. I have PCOS and hirsutism, which causes me to grow hair on my neck and chin. I’m also a skin picker so clearing my skin has been really difficult for me. But this product has saved my skin. I’m still working on my skin picking but when I don’t, these pads help to exfoliate and help with the dark marks. Thank Anua!" —Jessyca Renee

Get it from Amazon for $22.

Here's how to use it: Take 2–3 drops and apply evenly all over your face — if you want to target any particular areas that have wrinkles, like smile lines, frown lines, and your forehead, you can apply extra there. Gently massage the product into your skin until it's fully absorbed. For an added boost, follow up with their lifting sheet mask at night to lock in the benefits!

Promising review: "I’ve tried countless essences over the years, but Numbuzin No.9 Essence | NAD+ BIO has completely blown me away! From the very first week, I noticed a visible reduction in my pores and an overall improvement in my skin’s texture. My complexion looks smoother, firmer, and more refined, giving me that coveted “glass skin” effect." —Bug Lady

Get it from Amazon for $26.40.

SeoulCeuticals is a small skincare business that was founded in 2017 by a husband and wife team. Though it's a US-based company and the products are made in a state-of-the-art US facility, their main ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and they work closely with Korean partners and their consultant Ella Cho to ensure quality and authenticity. You can read more about the brand here!

Promising review: "I’m on my fourth or fifth bottle of this stuff, I use it as a daily toner and I must say that it is AMAZING. My skin is even and bright. I look like a buttery roll or a glazed donut and I love it. My skin has never loved me more. I also pair this with their serum, along with a strict skincare routine." —Victoria Del La Torre

Get it from Amazon for $19.98.

Note: This does contain SPF 25, but based on guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should still wear a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30!

Promising review: "I have rosacea, and it’s often accompanied by not just redness, but uneven texture and flaking. I was genuinely shocked how easily and quickly this stuff went on, and how much better my skin looks! Being able to put something on that looks great without spending a ton of time prepping is amazing. My face feels soft and looks so much less red, and so much more even. Using this completely on its own looks better than any other expensive primer and foundation I've tried. I’m so happy I found this!" —S. K.

Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in two sizes).

To use, mix the powder and activator and apply it onto your face. FYI — you'll look like a character from The Walking Dead as the mask works its magic (it's called the "Zombie Pack" for a reason!). But once you rinse it off after 10–15 minutes of letting it dry, you'll have some happy and radiant skin.

Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to heal wounds and protect the skin.

Promising reviews: "I purchased the three-pack. I have only tried the zombie so far, but wow! First time, immediate results. My skin was brighter, the tone was more even, my pores looked smaller. There was no shine to my skin. I was amazed! I will say the zombie mask does get quite restricting as it dries. I would do it at a time when you're not trying to talk to anyone or do much of anything. It didn't smell bad. I don't really recall the smell much at all. The mask came off super easily. It took about five minutes to completely remove. I love it. I rinsed the brush that was included with hot water and it's good as new, ready for next time. Very happy. Totally worth it." —Andrea Russell

"I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing; I felt like I looked at least five years younger. Yes, it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled." —Dayna

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $19.25 (also available in larger packs).

All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Promising review: "After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn't feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the ph of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the ph of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn't caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!" —Haley Hart

Get it from Amazon for $11.90.

Promising review: "Not any of the many I’ve tried throughout my life have worked as incredibly as this one has. I’ve had top recommended brand cleansers that required two washes to thoroughly cleanse it all off. Not with this one. And the scent is wonderful!! I love it even more for that! The size of the bottle is much bigger than I expected and for such a great price!! Highly recommended!" —Carlos

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "I am obsessed with this stuff I would bathe in it if I could!! I have really sensitive skin to weather changes and tend to get flaky skin on my face, but I've used this for two years now and I have had the most moisturized baby smooth face since. Seriously buy it, put it on before bed, and the next morning you can absolutely tell the difference. I’m like a freaking walking ad for it. My face is brighter and more moisturized." —Leah

Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." —LuckLocust

Get it from Amazon for $12.50.

BTW, these work best on open, draining pustules (rather than blackheads or pimples that haven't come to a head yet). You can read more at Cleveland Clinic!

For persistent or bigger pimples, leave a pimple patch on overnight for two to three days to allow the pimple to diminish completely.

Promising review: "This product works! It stays on until you remove it and honestly, you can wash your face and forget it’s there and still it holds up to a lather without falling off. I had a few hormonal acne areas on my chin that were painful to the touch. This patch seemed to alleviate the discomfort and I forgot about it and wore them overnight. It took a few days for the spot to go down in size but it works. As for blemishes after threading, single treatment and by morning… the blemish is gone." —LaTisha Taylor

Get 72 patches (three packs of 24) from Amazon for $12.05.

The picture on the left (split image shown above) is of a reviewer with severe rosacea and the picture on the right is of the results after only four times of applying less than a dime-sized amount of the cream to their face!

Promising review: "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. I’ve had little success with anything topical that will provide any relief to my irritated skin...I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face is almost completely healed, preventing pealing and helping clear up my rosacea skin irritation!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).

After cleansing your skin, apply the essence using your hands (or a cotton pad) and wipe gently over your face. And don't forget to apply SPF afterward when using it in the morning!

Promising review: "My pores have always looked so huge, but after just a week using this, I can already see them shrinking down and becoming smaller. I was a little nervous about using an oil like serum like this on my T-zone because I have combo skin and always get oily around my nose and chin, but it honestly hasn’t affected my skin whatsoever. There also isn’t really a scent to it, which is awesome. It leaves my skin feeling really moisturized." —Berika Jones

Get it from Amazon for $18.07.

After cleansing, soak your cotton pad with the toner, gently wipe your face, and lightly tap for absorption. Follow with moisturizer!

Promising review: "This stuff works! First off all there was no purging period, which my acne prone skin is grateful for. It also doesn't sting or smell harsh. Within a week of using this toner I stopped having breakouts. My dark spots are slowly getting lighter and my skin is starting to glow. I'm on my second bottle now and I have nothing but good things to say. I really hope they never stop making this." —kem

Get it from Amazon for $15.80.

The snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed!

Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne is fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" —Sarah Downs

Get it from Amazon for $16.98.

Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see of it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff 🩷" —Losa

"I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMae

Get it from Amazon for $19.90 (also available in a smaller size).

It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.

Promising review: "This is definitely a miracle product. I was impressed that it worked so well, so fast, and so instantly. The packaging is silly but whimsical; I enjoy it. This is the last thing I apply before walking out the door. First day I used it, I put it on and got in my car — I looked in the rear view mirror and my heart jumped. My eyes had de-puffed on my walk down the front path!!! So impressive. It's not hydrating, it’s more tightening/brightening. If you have dry under eyes, use a creamy hydrating eye cream first, and apply this over it — problem solved. You don’t get much product, but you don’t need to use much either, and it’s not like it’s expensive. Definitely worth it if a product actually DOES what it claims it’ll do!!! Buy it!" —Joseph S.

Get it from Amazon for $9.86 (also available in two other versions and as sets).

P.S. This reviewer recommends putting the lid back on when not using because the air activates it.

Promising reviews: "I loved this! The fizzing effect exfoliated and deep cleaned my face….beyond facial smooth and bright! It felt nice during the treatment. I really sensed DEEP cleaning! I think it will be a nice weekly treat! I highly recommend it for the fun experience and the amazing results." —Amy Lynn Volansky

"I love love love this carbonated bubble clay mask! Ok so the packaging was very cute and simple, when opening up the jar, they give you this little spatula to help spread the mask. A little bit goes a long way! The texture is jelly-like and smells decent. Once on your face, you can feel it tingling and cracking cause it's creating bubbles on your face. When done your face itself looks like a huge bubble, it's quite fascinating. I kept the mask on for 10 minutes. Afterward, I used wet hands to rub the product in, then I washed with warm water. After using this my face felt amazing! Super soft and shiny, not oily of grimy at all. Will definitely buy again, 10/10 :)" —Erica

Get it from Amazon for $9.80.

Promising review: "I'm obsessed with this product. I have dry skin, and this helps plump everything. I use it as the last step in my daytime routine, and it feels like it locks all my serums and toners in. At night, I put a thicker moisturizer on top, and it helps hydrate my skin while I sleep. The texture is so unusual and I love using the spatula to frost my face with it. I also love the fragrance, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin." —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.90+ (available in two sizes).

Promising reviews: "My first 'forever' product. I feel like a changed woman. I’ve never had a product that I loved so much that I thought, 'That’s it, this is a product I’ll buy for the rest of my life.' In walks this balm. It is so luxurious to use with my gua sha before my other skincare stuff. Don’t think, just buy this stuff." —Amanda Stoerner

"I have tried quite a few oil cleansers in the last 6-7 years. This is the best one. Better than Farmacy, better than Youth to the People, better than Naturium, and better than any other Japanese or Korean brands I have tried. It removes difficult makeup and sunscreen in 60 seconds (that is how long I like to massage my cleansers in) and it feels so silky on the skin. It has a nice slip to it so I never feel that I am tugging at my face. It all melts into my hands as soon as I begin to rub them together. My biggest pet peeve with cleansing balms is that they never fully melt into my hands and I'm left with big cleanser chunks between my fingers. That is not the case with this balm. It is perfect. It does not leave a residue and leaves my face feeling soft. The price is a bit wild, but honestly, I truly think I will keep coming back because I have never used a better balm and I don’t believe I ever will." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.

Promising reviews: "When I tell you this revolutionized my skincare routine? I have not seen my skin so clear in a decade? This company’s glow serum was already working wonders (I have been using it for a couple of years now), but in conjunction with this toner??? Unreal. Highly recommend." —Megan Schultz

"I don't know what kind of magical ingredients are in here, but I've only been using it for three days and my skin looks amazing. Specifically my chest, it looks like I have a beauty filter on, I swear! Affordable and luxurious-looking bottle. I can't wait to try more products from this brand." —Quentin

Get it from Amazon for $18.

Promising review: "I started using this amazing product because I was given a sample, and the first time I tried it, I knew it was something extra special. I could see a difference IMMEDIATELY (not kidding), and now I am a devout believer. This enzyme peel is the closest thing to getting an actual peel without the pain and the healing time — and cost — that’s required. I now use it 2–3 times a week. It really does have instant results. I sometimes even go without makeup now. And I am 58 years old. That’s impressive! Thanks Amore Pacific!" —Katharine Pope

Get it from Amazon for $68.

This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it was bigger, it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" —Rachel

Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in 13 shades, a jumbo size, and multipacks).

Check out the balm on TikTok.

Promising review: "I recommend this for dry skin rather than oily skin. When I applied it, it felt similar to applying Vaseline. However, it’s not greasy or sticky. I have dry skin and my skin absorbs the multi balm quickly. It spreads well and the area where it was applied became soft. I recommend applying it to the U-zone rather than the T-zone of the face. I mainly apply around the eyes, mouth (nasolabial folds), and neck wrinkles! In particular, immediately upon application, it had the effect of slightly tightening the skin, adding radiance, and reducing wrinkles (especially around the mouth). I think it definitely helps moisturize when I apply it after skincare, before makeup, and before going to bed." —Ah Kim

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight versions).

BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Becca Glasser-Baker says, "Upon the recommendation of a friend, I tried this product, and after the first use, I wasn't blown away, but as I continued to use this, I fell in love with this product. So much so that I quite literally chased down the gift set in 2021, and I am so glad I did. At home, I have at least five different flavors of these, and I use them EVERY SINGLE DAY. I never thought a lip mask would actually change my life, but this one did, and I cannot live without it."

Promising review: "I was kinda skeptical, as I am with anything that blows up on TikTok because you never know who is getting paid for a review. But I’m dead serious this stuff works. I have the driest, chapped lips, and I have anxiety so I’m always biting my lips, and I’ve only used this for three days, and my lips are already so soft and healed. It seems expensive but looks like it will last me for months." —Caitlin Mallette ⚡️

Get it from Amazon for $24 (available in seven flavors and in a set).

Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that aims to make skincare easy and stress-free.

Promising review: "I have extremely dry and sensitive skin that can be prone to breakouts from harsh cleansers. This cleanser is gentle enough not to irritate my skin. It can remove all of my makeup and does not leave my skin feeling tight. Works well and is a great value!" —Angela

Get it from Amazon for $16.

Promising review: "I received a sampler of this product a couple of years ago, and I've been repurchasing it on my own ever since. It's my holy grail — it's hydrating, soothing, and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, even when my skin barrier isn't doing well due to tret/sunburn/acne/allergies. The packaging is stunning, and the serum itself has a lovely texture that's just right in my opinion. It's not too thick or thin, it spreads super well, and it dries down in a way that feels heavenly. It just sinks into your skin and leaves it feeling soft, without any residue, and immediately after application my skin feels bouncy and glowing in that chokchok/mochi/glass skin fashion." —Rex

Get it from Amazon for $31.50.

Promising review: "I've had freckles my whole life, but in more recent years I have been getting age spots and wanted something to help make them go away without any surgery or anything. I have been using this Anua serum for several weeks now and it works! My biggest, darkest spot is taking longer than the others, but I apply it everyday and have seen a huge improvement. The smaller ones have all disappeared already. Highly recommend." —Daniel Gaither

Get it from Amazon for $22.

Heads up: This model doesn't come with a USB-C charging cable or adapter, so snag one if you need it!

Promising review: "The design is sleek and comfortable to hold, and it’s compact enough to take with me if I’m traveling. After using it regularly, I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. My skin feels firmer, smoother, and more refreshed. It’s the perfect tool to help enhance my skincare products and really give my skin that extra boost. If you want something that’s both effective and relaxing, the Medicube Mini Booster Pro is definitely worth it!" —Lissi

Get it from Amazon for $78.99+ (available in pink or white).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.