Cover Learn all about the K-beauty skincare brands and products that are trending in South Korea right now (Photo: Courtesy of One Thing)

We've searched high and low to find the best Korean skincare brands and products that are currently popular in South Korea

If, like many of us, you started binging on K-drama while in quarantine this year, you might have noticed the flawless-looking skin that all South Korean superstars seem to have. While a large part of their poreless, glowing skin may be attributed to the professional makeup and lighting done during filming, high-quality skin-care is not to be overlooked. 

South Korean beauty products have surged in popularity in recent years, with people around the world all trying to achieve the same glass-like skin that K-pop and K-drama idols are sporting.

In Hong Kong, beauty brands such as Innisfree, Etude House and SK-II have long been dominating the beauty scene in the city—but we've found seven lesser-known brands for you to try.

From Hera's luxury skincare to Euyira's aesthetically pleasing, minimalistic packaging, here are the best K-beauty brands South Koreans are using to achieve the youthful, glowy complexion. 

See also: Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class, and More: 5 Binge-Worthy Korean Series On Netflix

1. Euyira

Clean, sleek and all-natural, Euyira is a K-beauty skincare brand that believes in clean skincare without using harsh chemicals. Made to strengthen your skin against environmental pollutants, Euyira’s products are gentle but effective. 

One of the brand’s most popular products, the Thirst Relief Hydrating Ampoule controls excess oil and clears acne and redness without over irritating the skin and causing dryness and peeling.

Learn more about Euyira

 

2. Hera

Under the same parent company as Laneige and Sulwhasoo, Hera is a high-end, modern beauty brand that carries everything from makeup, skincare to perfume. While they carry three times the amount of makeup products than skincare products, their skincare range compliments the makeup products as they promote and prep the skin for better makeup application. 

The cult-favourite Hera Cell Essence and cell science line promises to moisturize your skin by delivering nutrients such as amino acids and peptides, smoothing and balancing out your skin after using it for only a week. 

Learn more about Hera

See also: Everything You Need To Know About Bakuchiol Skincare

3. IOPE

Long-time SK-II essence fans can give IOPE’s popular Bio-Essence a try. With thousands of reviews praising this bottle for its hydration and brightening powers, IOPE gained popularity for its SK-II essence dupe but their other products are not to be missed either. 

With a focus on naturally derived product ingredients, IOPE’s skincare range mainly targets older skin concerns while using plant science. 

Learn more about IOPE

4. Illiyoon

Using Korea’s herbal ingredients in most of its skincare formulas, Illiyoon is known for its ceramide products, making it perfect for dry winter months. Ceramides help form the skin’s barrier, helping the skin retain moisture while protecting you against environmental stressors such as dust and pollution. 

If the brand’s stellar products weren’t enough, they also offer reusable packaging for product refills, providing a more environmentally friendly experience. 

Learn more about Illiyoon

5. One Thing

Straight out of a Pinterest mood board, One Thing is a newer indie skincare brand that emphasises on one skincare ingredient at a time per product. 

Using mostly plant-extracted ingredients, One Thing may not have the biggest range of skincare products, but each product is perfected to give you the most effective results. Try the Centella extract lotion which helps to treat skin inflammation and calm irritated skin 

Learn more about One Thing

6. Manyo Factory

One of the lesser-known brands outside of Korea, Manyo Factory was started in 2012 with a focus on organic and natural antioxidants, using no artificial fragrances and chemicals in their products. 

For those struggling with maskne, try the Manyo Bifida Complex Ampoule which can help calm irritated skin. Afterwards, remember to product your skin from UV rays by putting on their green-tinted Our Vegan Cica Daily Sun Cream which doubles up as a makeup base to even out redness. 

Learn more about Manyo Factory

See also: How To Treat Maskne: Dermatologist-Approved Products For Face Mask Acne

7. Hanyul

Bringing the art of traditional folk healing remedies into skincare, Hanyul combines old-age medicinal practices with modern technology to create the best skincare. Incorporating Korean ingredients such as rice, brown pine needles, Korean mushroom and native seoritae—Korean bean—the brand's wide range of products appeal to skincare lover of all ages. 

The Red Rice Essential Skin Softener is perfect for the upcoming cold months and changing weather. Made from fermented brown rice from Yeoju, expect soft, plump skin even in the driest weather. 

Learn more about Hanyul 

See also: The Best Sheet Masks To Try For Glowing Skin

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