South Korea stands firmly at the forefront of the skincare industry. The famous 10-step Korean skincare routine has captivated audiences for years, sparking a viral trend that continues to evolve with numerous new products flooding the market.
Here are seven Korean products that have recently taken TikTok by storm. These items have garnered widespread acclaim and have become staples in the routines of beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
1. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
South Korea has popularized the use of snail mucin, the secretion produced by snails, in skincare products. Among the viral products featuring this powerful ingredient is the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, known for its skin-hydrating properties.
According to the Korean brand, the lightweight essence swiftly absorbs into the skin, imparting a natural radiance from within. Marketed as ideal for dull, rough or damaged skin, its touted benefits include fading dark spots, enhancing skin texture, reducing signs of aging, and providing intense hydration.
2. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Centella asiatica extract emerged as another viral skincare ingredient, frequently gracing the formulations of various skincare essentials such as toners, creams, and cleansing oils.
Skin1004, an acclaimed Korean skincare brand known for its hypoallergenic and natural products, has dedicated an entire line to formulations enriched with this particular ingredient. One standout product from this range is the Madagascar Centella Ampoule, which gained traction on TikTok in the previous year.
This product boasts the ability to soothe the skin and enhance hydration levels. Additionally, according to the brand, it aids in calming the skin and rectifying imbalances caused by harsh environmental factors.
3. Anua Heartleaf Soothing Toner
Another skincare gem dedicated to sensitive skin gained immense popularity in the past months. The Anua Heartleaf Soothing Toner, named after its key ingredient, heartleaf, a plant celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, emerged as a standout.
This Korean lifestyle brand's toner is touted as one that provides soothing effects without any harsh irritants. With its lightweight, watery texture, it delivers hydrating layers to the skin. It promises clarified skin, evened-out skin tone, and hydration across different skin types.
4. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Korean skincare products are known for their gentle nature, steering clear of harsh active ingredients that could potentially irritate the skin. Given the weather conditions, there's a strong focus on addressing dry skin concerns.
Take the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser by COSRX, for instance. This cleanser has gained popularity for its mild cleansing abilities, ensuring it removes dirt, makeup, and other impurities without compromising the skin's natural barrier.
In addition to cleansing, it promises to help refine skin texture, provide hydration, and rebalance pH levels. It is tailored for dry, dull, and tired skin and caters to uneven skin textures and sensitive skin.
5. Goodal Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
The Goodal Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is another viral skincare product designed for sensitive skin. It features a potent mix of 70% green tangerine extract, 4% niacinamide, and arbutin. This serum targets dark spots and post-acne hyperpigmentation while preventing new blemishes.
This serum claims to offer hydration and nourishment without typical vitamin C serum irritations. It also promises to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier as it is enriched with centella asiatica extract.
6. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) took the skincare community by storm. This sunscreen boasts a non-sticky, hydrating finish akin to a light moisturizer, offering a natural glow sans any white cast, even with multiple generous applications.
Crafted with a powerful blend featuring 30% rice extract and fermented grain extracts, it hydrates and enriches the skin. It's a nutrient powerhouse, delivering vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that effectively moisturize, soothe, and comfort the skin.
7. Soko Glam I'm From Rice Toner
A skincare product that has become a staple in many skincare routines is the I'm From Rice Toner from Korean skincare brand Soko Glam. This best-selling toner claims to have multiple benefits; it hydrates, imparts a radiant glow, forms a protective skin barrier to prevent water loss, eliminates dead skin cells, and helps restore the skin barrier.
Featuring a robust 77.78% rice extract, this toner aids collagen production and enhances water retention, resulting in plumper, more supple skin. Known for its brightening effects, this particular ingredient helps diminish pigmentation and revitalizes dull skin tones.
The toner also has antioxidant properties that shield the skin from free radicals, effectively slowing the signs of aging. It also contains vitamin E, an ingredient that nourishes and maintains skin softness.
Although many of these products have garnered substantial positive reviews and generated hype online, some of these have also encountered negative reviews from users. Skin reactions can be highly individual, meaning these products might yield different results for various users. It's recommended to seek advice from your dermatologist before incorporating them into your skincare routine to account for potential variations in effectiveness or adverse reactions based on your skin type.