Missed the K-Beauty craze? No problem! Our top Amazon picks will help you effortlessly dive into the world of Korean skincare and beauty, no matter when you start.
Lately, K-beauty has been everywhere—from viral snail mucin serums to TikTok’s 10-step skincare routines, the buzz around Korean beauty products is undeniable. Elise Hu’s recent book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital, sheds light on South Korea’s influential beauty industry, highlighting trends like "glass skin" that have captivated global audiences.
For years, I’ve been a devoted fan of K-beauty, appreciating its innovative formulations, top-notch ingredients, and affordable prices. Previously, acquiring these products meant navigating lengthy shipping times and steep costs from Korean online stores. Fortunately, Amazon now offers a selection of Korea’s most popular beauty products, making it easier than ever to experience the magic of K-beauty.
If you’re new to K-beauty and curious about the hype, dive in below to explore some of the best Korean beauty exports available right at your fingertips on Amazon.
1. An antioxidant-rich cleansing oil
Most Korean skin care routines start off with an oil-based cleanser in order to effectively break down and remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities from skin before following up with a more traditional cleanser. This one by Ma:nyo is one of the most popular emulsifying cleansing oil options in Korea and is composed of 14 essential oils like argan, jojoba seed and camellia, all of which offer antioxidant benefits and can deeply cleanse skin without leaving it feeling stripped.
2. A niacinamide and propolis glow serum
Formulated to soothe troubled skin, this Beauty of Joseon serum contains niacinamide, a workhorse ingredient capable of treating a number of concerns from skin dullness to acne, as well as a 60% concentration of propolis extract. Propolis , which is made by bees, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can impart a healthy, hydrated glow to skin.
3. A pH-balanced gel cleanser
This daily gel-to-foam cleanser is mildly acidic to help skin maintain the optimal pH. The moisture-retaining formula contains a gently exfoliating beta hydroxy acid to help clear congested pores as well as tea tree oil to help soothe inflammation. It's suitable for all skin types, but especially oil and acne-prone complexions.
4. A barrier intensive cream
Parched and compromised skin will benefit from this comforting, shea butter-based facial cream that's packed with skin barrier-strengthening ingredients like panthenol and an oil-based complex. The pH-balancing formula also contains madecassoside to soothe and repair irritated skin.
5. A moisturizing birch juice sun cream
True to many Korean sunscreen formulations, this hydrating daily sun cream by Round Lab is lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing and completely white cast-free. The broad spectrum SPF 50 formula feels cool and refreshing on the skin and contains both birch tree sap and hyaluronic acid to help keep skin moisturized throughout the day.
6. An internet-famous snail mucin serum
The Cosrx Advanced Snail Mucin Power Essence has achieved iconic status in the world of Korean beauty, becoming one of its most renowned products. This remarkable serum features a potent blend of six types of concentrated snail mucin, renowned for its ability to repair a compromised skin barrier, deliver intense hydration, and aid in wound healing. Additionally, the formula includes allantoin, known for its soothing properties that help reduce inflammation and irritation.
7. An exfoliating acid toner
Another beloved Korean solution for acne-prone skin is the daily Miracle Toner by Some By Mi which features niacinamide along with a gently exfoliating blend of skin care's favorite acids. Together, dead skin cells are removed, congested pores are cleared, moisture loss is minimized and overproduction of sebum managed.
8. A brightening and nourishing rice water toner
Rice water is a staple in K-beauty for its brightening and nourishing properties, and this moisture-boosting toner leverages it to great effect. With 77.78% Goami rice extract, known for its superior nutrient density, this toner provides exceptional hydration and radiance. Its soothing, milky texture forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture and enhances your skin's natural glow.
9. A highly concentrated essence
This concentrated and fast-absorbing essence contains seven essential ingredients including milk vetch root extract for deep hydration and isoflavonoids for skin health and tone. The fragrance-free formula is soothing and a great option for dry, sensitive skin types.
10. A hydrating cleansing balm
Another popular oil-based cleanser is this buttery-textured balm that emulsifies into a conditioning oil that breaks down everything from excess sebum to waterproof makeup. The ultra-soft formula also contains nourishing active botanicals and antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E to impart even more skin care benefits as it cleans skin without stripping.
11. A daily white cast-free sunscreen
Calming and hydrating, this daily defense sunscreen by Innisfree offers broad spectrum SPF 36 protection and a completely white cast-free finish. Unlike other sunscreen formulas that you might be used to, this product performs and feels closer to a fresh and lightweight lotion and contains soothing green tea extract and centella asiatica, which are good for addressing irritation and redness.
12. Hydrocolloid acne-reducing patches
These acne dots are a great option for those that are acne-prone or are just prone to picking at blemishes. These medical-grade and ultra-thin hydrocolloid patches help accelerate the healing process of pimples by drawing out impurities and protecting spots from bacteria and wandering fingers. They can even be worn beneath makeup to help conceal blemishes even better.
13. A reparative snail mucin cream
Packed inside this reparative and decadent cream is a 97.5% concentration of snail secretion filtrate that can help improve a damaged skin barrier, offer deep hydration and even promote wound healing . The formula is also boosted with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, nourishing shea butter, jojoba oil and soothing aloe.
14. A hydrating lip oil
This conditioning and never-sticky lip oil offers the glass-like shine of lip gloss and the hydrating comfort of a balm. Gently tinted a flattering pink shade, this lip oil contains moisturizing jojoba oil, softening apple seed oil and plum extract for an added dose of plumpness.
15. A brightening and elasticity-boosting eye cream
The potent complex of fermented filtrates used in this eye cream by Benton is intended to address crepey fine lines, under-eye dullness and overall dryness. Fermenting ingredients such as collagen and enzyme-rich galactomyces are popular in Korean skin care and can be useful for strengthening the skin barrier and for providing beneficial nutrients. This eye cream also contains six different peptides to help support moisture and elasticity to the under-eye area.
