K-beauty Bestsellers Following 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine

Korean Skincare Bestsellers in 2021

Korean cosmetics are continually developing and enhancing with game-changing items. K-beauty is swirling with effective yet affordable products for a gleaming, damn-close ideal skin. These days it’s easy to order K-beauty products online following the skin secrets of Korean women. Among many online shopping malls, Yesstyle and Stylevana sell at low prices and have various promotions such as brand sales and time deals. In addition, overseas delivery to 20+ countries is possible(a list of countries can be found below). It is widely known that Korean women are very serious about skincare and indeed we have a multi-step skincare routine. Let’s take a look at K-beauty bestsellers according to the Korean skincare routine.

Korean Skincare Routine

1. Cleansing Water or Oil or Balm
2. Cleansing Foam or Whip
3. Exfoliator
4. Toner
5. Essence or Serum or Ampoule
6. Moisturizer
7. Eye cream
8. Face mask
9. Lip mask
10. Sunscreen

K-beauty Skincare Bestsellers in 2021

1 step. Makeup Remover

Heimish All Clean Balm

• Heimish All Clean Balm
• 120ml
• $15 ~ $18
• Skin Concern: Acne, Blackheads, Oil Control/ Pores
• Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily
• Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free, Vegan-friendly

This hypoallergenic cleansing balm is ideal for oily skin with a tolerance of Essential oils. Nature-derived ingredients like Coconut Extract, Shea Butter, and Citrus Herb Oil help to remove all makeup and impurities gently and clear any blackheads and clogged pores. Heimish All clean balm melts quickly to oil type onto the skin and doesn’t leave the tightness at all. Also, it contains Tea Tree Leaf Oil that is well-known as a fighting-acne ingredient with strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. However, notice that Bergamot Fruit oil and Lavender Oil are formulated with. They are good hydrating ingredients but some sensitive skin could be reacted to this kind of essential oils.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Anti-acne: Tea Tree Leaf Oil

iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

• iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
• 200ml
• $17 ~ $20
• Skin Concern: Blackheads, Oil Control/ Pores
• Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily
• Vegan, Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free

 iUNIK cleansing oil has a very minimal ingredient list compared to most. Mainly natural oils like Sunflower Seed Oil and Jojoba Oil effectively remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities throughout the day. Plus, you can melt whiteheads and blackheads as a special pore-care. That is way better than the blackhead patch-type products. In addition, this cleanser moisturizes and soothes the skin with Calendula Flower Extract that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Sebum Melting: Sunflower Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil
• Soothing: Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract

2 step. Bubble Cleanser

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

• COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
• 150ml
• $10 ~ $13
• Skin Concern: Acne, Blackheads, Dryness/ Hydration, Irritation/ Calming
• Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
• Vegan, Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free

Definitely, this is one of Cosrx’s best-selling products with amazing reviews. This mildly acidic cleanser is suitable for oily, acne-prone skin, especially sensitive skin types. This gel-type cleanser removes excess sebum and dirt whilst also moisturizing and soothing the irritated skin with Tea Tree Leaf Oil and Allantoin. For gentle exfoliating, it contains Betaine Salicylate which is the combination of famous exfoliant, Salicylic Acid, and gentle moisturizer, Betaine.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Anti-acne: Tea Tree Leaf Oil
• Soothing: Allantoin
• Exfoliating:  Betaine Salicylate

3 step. Toner

SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

• SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
• 150ml
• $14 ~ $17
• Skin Concern: Acne, Dryness/ Hydration, Oil Control/ Pores
• Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily
• Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free

This miracle toner works wonders with a bunch of highlighted ingredients. Some By Mi low pH toner can be used every day as an effective exfoliator and anti-aging product. In 30 days, your skin will be more radiant than ever! Not only does it brighten your skin tone but it also has calming features with Witch Hazel Extract and Allantoin.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Niacinamide
• Hydrating: Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
• Anti-aging: Adenosine
• Soothing: Witch Hazel Extract, Allantoin
• Exfoliating: Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid

COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

• COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
• 150ml
• $15 ~ $17
• Skin Concern: Dryness/ Hydration, Irritation/ Calming
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily
• Vegan, Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free, Essential oil-free

If you feel the skin itchy and rough, try to minimize the number of products. And use only moisturizing skincare products. That might help you to recover and refresh your skin. With only 9 ingredients, this Cosrx toner minimizes the list to improve troubled skin. It moisturizes the skin deeply from the inside while also protecting the skin barrier with Panthenol. What’s more, it’s free of irritants such as alcohol, paraben, and fragrance.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine
• Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Allantoin

4 step. Essence

MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx

• MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx
• 150ml
• $24 ~ $33
• Skin Concern: Dryness/ Hydration, Dullness / Radiance, Irritation/ Calming
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily
• Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Essential oil-free

It seems like a little bit more expensive rather than regular Korean skincare products, but I can say it’s still worth it! With 80% fermented yeast extract and Bifida Ferment Lysate, to clarify your skin tone and refine skin texture. Furthermore, it contains Adenosine for wrinkle care and strengthens the skin barrier for healthy and glowy skin with skin-like ingredients, Ceramide NP and Cholesterol.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Niacinamide, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Yeast Ferment Extract
• Anti-aging: Adenosine
• Hydrating: Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Sodium PCA

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 

• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 
• 100ml
• $16 ~ $17
• Skin Concern: Dryness/ Hydration, Dullness / Radiance, Irritation/ Calming
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
• Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free, Essential oil-free

If you are interested in K-beauty products, you must have bumped into snail slime as a skincare ingredient. It’s used for many years for its miraculous repair and hydration properties. This Snail Mucin essence helps to maximize penetration to moisturize and nourish the skin. With simple, effective ingredients that exclude harmful things like paraben, fragrance, and sulfate, it’s suitable for all skin types.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Snail Secretion Filtrate
• Soothing: Panthenol, Allantoin
• Hydrating: Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
• 100ml
• $16 ~ $21
• Skin Concern: Blackheads, Oil Control/ Pores
• Skin Type: Combination, Oily, Acne-prone
• Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free, Essential oil-free

This water-like essence is formulated with 4% of natural BHA, Willow Bark Water to eliminate blackheads and dead cells gently. That’s great especially for oily acne-prone skin by cleaning up clogged pores. Besides, it helps you to reduce dark spots or blemishes caused by acne with Niacinmide while moisturizing and soothing the skin. If you haven’t had BHA before, I recommend using 1-2 times in a week, and gradually build up the usage according to the skin condition.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Hydrating: Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate
• Brightening: Niacinamide
• Exfoliating: Betaine Salicylate, Willow Bark Water
• Soothing: Panthenol

5 step. Serum

iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum

• iUNIK Black Snail Restore Serum
• 50ml
• $17
• Skin Concern:  Anti-aging/ Wrinkles, Dryness/ Hydration, Sun Damage, Whitening
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
• Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free

iUNIK Snail Repair Serum is a Game-changer with effective ingredients. It contains 70% of Black Snail extract and 10% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water to soothes and reduces signs of aging. Not only it has active ingredients for skin brightening such as Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract, but it also helps the skin to rebuild its moisture shield.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract
• Hydrating: Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate
• Anti-aging: Adenosine
• Soothing:  Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract

PURITO Centella Unscented Serum

• PURITO Centella Unscented Serum
• 60ml
• $14 ~ $17
• Skin Concern:  Acne, Irritation/ Calming
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
• Vegan, Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free, Essential oil-free

This is a perfect serum to calm irritated skin and rejuvenate damaged skin barriers with a bunch of soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica Extract, Green Tea Extract. Furthermore, Adenosine and 3 types of Peptides enhance skin radiance by improving wrinkles and skin elasticity. With only clean ingredients, it’s suitable for all skin types.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract
• Hydrating: Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP
• Anti-aging: Adenosine, 3 types Peptides
• Soothing:  Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Green Tea Extract

iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum 

• iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum 
• 50ml
• $17
• Skin Concern:  Anti-aging/ Wrinkles, Dark Circles, Dryness/ Hydration, Sun Damage
• Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
• Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free, Essential oil-free

This hypoallergic and non-comedogenic serum works wonder at soothing and moisturizing. iUNIK Tea Tree serum contains 67% tea tree extract water and 19% Centella extract to help calms and restore healthy skin. If I minimize the skincare step in summer, I would use only this serum for hydrating, soothing, brightening, and anti-aging.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract
• Hydrating: Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate
• Anti-aging: Adenosine
• Soothing:  Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Beta-Glucan
• Anti-acne: Tea Tree Leaf Water

6 step. Moisturizer

iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

• iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
• 60ml
• $11 ~ $15
• Skin Concern: Anti-aging/ Wrinkles, Dryness/ Hydration, Dullness / Radiance, Irritation/ Calming, Whitening
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily
• Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free, Essential oil-free

This gel-type cream does a great job at calming and hydrating with a light texture. It improves skin irritation with Centella Asiatica and helps your skin tone up naturally. Plus, iUNIK cream has a cooling effect that absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling heavy. Overall, It’s such a good light moisturizer for all skin types with only clean ingredients.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract
• Hydrating: Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate
• Anti-aging: Adenosine
• Soothing:  Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract

7 step. Eye Cream

PURITO Centella Green Level Eye Cream

• PURITO Centella Green Level Eye Cream
• 30ml
• $9 ~ $14
• Skin Concern: Anti-aging/ Wrinkles, Dryness/ Hydration
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
• Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free

Purito Eye Cream is made with a bunch of active ingredients for wrinkles and dark circles. Four types of peptides improve skin elasticity and Adenosine works on fine lines by penetrating deeply. Also, Ceramide NP and Cholesterol help to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated. You will see smoother skin texture in a few weeks!

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Acetyl Glucosamine
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol
• Anti-aging: Adenosine, Peptides
• Soothing:  Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract

8 step. Face Mask

COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask

• COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
• 60ml
• $15 ~ $17
• Skin Concern: Dryness/ Hydration, Sun Damage
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily
• Vegan, Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, Sulfate-free, Essential oil-free

This cream-type overnight mask is a game-changer for extra hydrating. It’s formulated with 68% of Rice extract and Niacinamide to brighten and nourish overnight. Rice extract is a natural whitening ingredient that is very familiar in Korean skincare, which has been used in everyday life since the Joseon Dynasty. With Arginine, Allantoin, and Betaine, it protects, soothes, and moisturizes the skin gently. You can apply it at the last step in your skincare routine.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Niacinamide
• Hydrating: Arginine, Betaine
• Soothing:  Allantoin

9 step. Lip Mask

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

• LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
• 20g
• $11 ~ $15
• Skin Concern: Dryness/ Hydration
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily
• Paraben-free, Essential oil-free

Lip care is essential especially in dry weather for better lip makeup to complete a glowy natural look. You simply apply it evenly on lips at the end of your night skincare routine and leave it on until the morning. It makes your lips super smooth and hydrated with Sodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter and Beta-glucan.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Brightening: Ascorbyl Glucoside
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate, Shea Butter
• Soothing: Beta-glucan

10 step. Sunscreen

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
• 50ml
• $14 ~ $23
• Skin Concern: Dryness/ Hydration, Sun Damage
• Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oily
• Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Essential oil-free

Its soothing aloe formula combined with botanical mixture ingredients keeps the skin moisturized, smooth and provides nutrients to the skin along with proper sun rays protection. 

This is a chemical + physical sunscreen for dehydrated skin. It contains a green complex including Aloe Leaf Extract to soothe irritated skin caused by UV rays. With a Lightweight and moisturizing texture, it does not leave a white cast and greasy at all that makes it suitable for oily skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS :

• Soothing: Aloe Leaf Extract
• Sunscreen: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide

Where to Buy Korean Cosmetics with International Shipping

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