Why these Korean Beauty products have developed a cult following

If you type 'Korean skincare' into any browser, it's sure to light up the internet. There are the TikTok hashtags (#koreanbeauty, #koreanskincare, #glassskin), the transformation videos, the what-to-buy lists, the must-buy lists, and then articles like this one: of the "what the hell is the deal?" variety.

We're keen to break down the hype (and let's face it, cult following) of the Korean Beauty trend. But before we do, we'll just make it clear that we're also huge fans. So this is definitely a biased explainer.

Read on and you'll see why.

What is Korean Beauty?

Korean Beauty is the blanket term for skincare and makeup products that are designed and manufactured in South Korea. It's big business over there. So much so that South Korea regularly ranks as one of the third or fourth largest cosmetics exporters in the world.

The other hallmark of Korean Beauty is that it typically follows a multiple-step routine, of cleansing oils, cleansers, essences, toners, masks and moisturisers. This is what's colloquially known as the Korean skincare routine.

Why is Korean Beauty so popular?

There are three big reasons why Korean Beauty is so popular:

• It's genuinely effective. What sets Korean Beauty apart from Western beauty is its focus on hydration and soothing properties. While Western beauty has traditionally focused on harsh chemicals to strip the skin, Korean Beauty focuses on building up the skin barrier, hydrating the skin and layering products to achieve what is known as a "glass skin" look. They do utilise acids and retinols but sandwich them towards deeply moisturising products to limit any sensitivities or reactions.
• It's experimental. Korean Beauty products regularly use ingredients that haven't quite been embraced in Western cosmetic manufacturing. Snail mucin is one example. Rice extract is another. Honey, Mugwort, Ginseng, etc.
• It's affordable. Generally, Korean Skincare has a much lower price point than other skincare brands that are just as effective and use similar ingredients.

In addition to the above, Korean Beauty has become an online trend. Not in a flash in the pan way either, but one that has dominated discussions about beauty for years. We remember when it first started gathering steam after the mega-viral Google Doc article in 2017.

Now, you can still see Korean Beauty recommended liberally across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. It's the staying power that gives it the most clout.

Should I invest in Korean Beauty?

Users of Korean Beauty have typically found success in tackling problems such as acne or dehydration. When coupled with strong actives like retinol, it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. If these are concerns for you, it's worth checking out.

Ultimately, if you're interested in skincare and want to try incorporating a few new products into your routine, there isn't much to lose in giving Korean Beauty a go. Especially considering the price point.

If you'd like to dip your toe, you can always try out a sheet mask (now a skincare staple, we have Korean Beauty to thank for the sheet mask trend) or serum.

How do I get started with Korean Beauty?

A typical routine starts with a cleansing oil (to take off makeup), a cleanser (to clean the skin), an exfoliator (to take off any residual nasties), an essence (for hydration), an active (such as a retinol or vitamin C), a mask (for extra hydration) and a moisturiser (to lock it all in). If it's the daytime, a sunscreen is also slathered on top.

But, look, this is a lot of steps. And we genuinely don't think you need to do all of them to get the results that these products promise. A simple cleanser, essence and moisturiser will do. Once you have these down pat, and your skin is used to the new ingredients, you can slowly build in more things as you choose. Perhaps an active like retinol for fine lines, or vitamin C for brightness and getting rid of dark spots. A mask for the cold winter weather. You get the idea.

Below, you can find some products worth checking out, based on our own good experience with the products or their stellar reviews.

Cleansers

CosRx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

On sale for $12.80

KLAIRS Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

Yours for $39

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Buy for $34

Essences, toners and actives

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

On sale for $18.49

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Get it for $39

LANEIGE Water Bank Blue HA Exfoliating Toner

Buy for $44

COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream

Now $57

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

Buy for $38

Masks

Innisfree Energy Sheet Masks

Acai berry for $4Centella for $4Yuzu for $4

Check out pomegranate here.

COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask

$24.20 on sale

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

$24.99 on Amazon$31 on Adore Beauty

I'm From Rice Mask

Buy for $46

Moisturisers and creams

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

Yours for $49

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream

Add to cart for $43

I'm From Mugwort Cream

Get it for $53

READ NEXT: The best hair-strengthening alternatives to Olaplex