K-beauty was once seen as a niche trend, but then it put sheet masks and BB creams on the beauty map (the map being country-wide #shelfies) and everyone wanted in. K-beauty made its mark here in Britain thanks to its innovative products that often promise clear, glowing, glass-like complexions, as well as novel delivery mechanisms and quirky packaging (we’re looking at you, The Ooozoo, Tony Moly and Laneige).
Blackpink’s Jennie Kim – who recently performed alongside her bandmates in their UK festival debut at BST Hyde Park – even gave away her K-beauty secrets. Taking to the Korean show “Get it Beauty”, via Hello! India, Kim revealed that she double cleanses: first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a water-based one. Even Sydney Sweeney has fallen in love with K-beauty, as the face of skincare brand Laneige.
And, despite Korean beauty having been on our radar for a while now, its popularity sees no signs of waning. That’s because the active formulas really work, and the brands constantly innovate. These days, clean beauty is top of many minds, and if you’re trying to clean up your beauty act, K-beauty brands like Saturday Skin and Thank You Farmer deliver results without compromise.
Keep reading to discover the 11 K-beauty products that we think are well worth adding to your shopping list.
– Additional reporting by Amy Lawrenson
Cult Beauty
Best K-Beauty Serum
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence (£35)
For someone who suffers with combination skin (somehow, my skin manages to be both oily and dry at the same time), this serum has been a blessing. Formulated with Green Mineral Water infused with vegetable extracts (cabbage, beet, and watercress), it makes skin smooth and toned. The gel texture quickly absorbs into the skin, which is perfect for using under your day or night cream, and the innovative twist and pump system is cool af.
pureseoul.co.uk
Best K-Beauty Oil Cleanser
Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm – BHA (£25)
Perfect for emulating Jennie Kim’s two-step cleansing routine, this K-beauty oil cleanser by Hanskin is formulated especially for oily skin with BHA and plant-based oils. The product also includes eucalyptus and rosemary oil to help prevent future breakouts (which is a win for us!). Use with the Foreo Luna (£270) for the ultimate skincare treat.
beautybay.com
Best K-Beauty Shine Control Gel Cream
TonyMoly Tako Pore Sebum Control Gel Cream (£15)
OK, the packaging doesn’t scream “sophisticated skincare formula inside,” but it is downright adorable. The product does contain marine plant extracts that balance your sebum production, whilst also mopping up and mattifying without leaving skin looking flat or makeup cake-y.
spacenk.com
Best K-Beauty CC Cream
Erborian CC Red Correct (£21-£41)
If redness is something you want to tackle, then look no further than this K-beauty CC cream. If your skin tone is in the light to medium range, the green-hued formula knocks out redness and adapts to your skin tone as you blend it in. Your complexion will look brighter, more luminous, and more even – you may just need a little concealer here and there.
cultbeauty.co.uk
Best K-Beauty Sleep Mask
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (£19-£37)
This mask is a much-loved beauty buy – and for good reason. Rich in vitamins, minerals, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and brightening AHAs, this fruity-scented gel mask soothes and brightens the skin when left on overnight.
cultbeauty.co.uk
Best K-Beauty Exfoliating Serum
Saturday Skin Pore Active Treatment (£28)
Saturday Skin is a brand focused on giving your skin that well-rested weekend glow every day. This lightweight K-beauty pore treatment visibly refines and gently exfoliates the skin without the need for intense scrubs. The serum combines 4% Glycolic Acid and the Pore Care Complex, as well as Niacinamide. The result? Smoother, and clearer looking skin. Just make sure you use suncream on your face, as AHA can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
cultbeauty.co.uk
Best K-Beauty Hydrating Mask
Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask Hydration (£11)
For skin that’s feeling a bit out of whack – whether dry, sensitive or just a bit confused – this K-beauty mask is the SOS it needs. Containing vitamin-rich egg extracts, hydrating coconut water, and brightening niacinamide, this sheet mask leaves skin looking and feeling nourished and luminous in just 20 minutes.
lookfantastic.com
Best K-Beauty Pimple Patches
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches (£6)
These K-beauty pimple patches are a great thing to keep in any bathroom cabinet – just in case of an unexpected breakout (some beauty editors even keep them stashed at their desk in the office). The patches come in various sizes and prevent bacteria that feeds spots and makes them grow, whilst also breaking down blackheads and helping to absorb whiteheads. Leave on overnight for best results.
beautybay.com
Best K-Beauty Under Eye Patches
Oh K! Awakening Ginseng & Eucalyptus Under Eye Mask (£4)
Even after the worst night’s sleep, you can kiss tired eyes goodbye with these K-beauty under eye masks. Enriched with 12 skin hydrating extracts (including ginseng, eucalyptus and peppermint), these K-beauty under eye patches brighten and even out skin tone.
amazon.co.uk
Best K-Beauty Peeling Gel
Neogen BioPeel Gauze Peeling Wine (£17)
This K-beauty must-have features textured pads that are presoaked with a “wine” gel that is rich in resveratrol, a potent antioxidant found in grapes. The pads exfoliate in two ways: the naturally-occurring AHAs nibble away at dead, dull skin cells, while the gauze helps to gently buff them away, leaving your complexion glowing and protected. Just don’t forget suncream after!
cultbeauty.co.uk
Best K-Beauty Sunscreen
Thank You Farmer Sun Protect Light Sun Essence (£24)
K-beauty is known for its advanced SPF formulas, with Korean consumers integrating high-factor SPF into their routines to prevent pigmentation and skin damage that can leave skin looking dull. This K-beauty sunscreen boasts an SPF of 50+, it’s incredibly lightweight and packed with soothing aloe vera. It sinks right into skin, creating a base that’s ready for makeup.
