Soko Glam's Best Korean Beauty Products, According to an Editor

K-Beauty skincare brands are elite. Korea's spa treatments are top tier, the best Korean sunscreens are far superior to offerings stateside, and Korean cleansing oils are the key to clear skin. And the beauty mecca manages to create all of the above while keeping prices affordable.

As a beauty editor, I've known for years that innovative new products and hardworking ingredients are guaranteed at any K-Beauty brand. But my fascination with K-Beauty is currently peaking between the viral Tirtir cushion foundation and the TikTok obsession with Mediheal’s glass skin mask. I’m consuming content on 12-step skincare routines and the skin-firming power of rice milk nonstop.

Every ounce of free time I can muster is being spent browsing my favorite K-Beauty retailer, Soko Glam. I’ve scoured all 21 pages of product offerings and tested countless products over hundreds of hours. Not to brag, but I’m a bit of an encyclopedia regarding K-Beauty sheet masks, cleansing balms, and exfoliating toners. Shop my 15 favorites (out of 700+ products!), below.

Mixsoon Bean Essence

Bean essence sounds like an unsexy skincare product—I get it. But trust me, the firming and renewing results will have you singing this essence’s praises. It has a thicker texture than you might expect and is multi-purpose by design. I like to use it as an exfoliator (just massage it into your skin in circles and wash away dead debris with warm water), but you can apply it like a traditional essence, too.

I'm From Rice Toner

As someone who has spent countless hours on K-Beauty TikTok, I have been deeply fascinated by the skin-transforming powers of rice water toner. The before-and-after photos are wild. Similar formulations have been K-Beauty staples forever, with experts claiming that the ingredient boosts skin hydration. I’m currently testing this viral I’m From toner. So far, so good.

Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [pha]

The key to achieving the baby-soft finish synonymous with glass skin is creating an even texture. Enter Hanskin Cleansing Oil. Formulated with a gentle acid suitable for sensitive skin types, this cleanser helps remove (and prevent) blackheads, while buffing away rough patches.

CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

I’ve been using this product since it first went viral two years ago. I can personally confirm it deserves every ounce of hype. The snail secretion, while a little gross in theory, has completely transformed my skin from dull to radiant. The texture is pretty sticky, but it instantly soothes inflammation when it hits my face.

Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream

Another snail mucin product and a 2014 Soko Glam Award Winner, this tried-and-true cream is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. It’s gentle while simultaneously promoting the skin’s renewal process. You should notice increased firmness and plumpness in just a few weeks. Just a note: It does have a fresh scent courtesy of synthetic fragrance.

Mediheal Collagen Essential Mask

Introducing: my newest obsession. I put this sheet mask on at night and let it set for around 30 minutes. Within that time, it becomes like a second skin—there’s no slipping or shifting. I keep it on while I sleep and by the time I wake up in the morning, my skin is so shiny, I can quite literally see my own reflection in my forehead.

IOPE Retinol Super Bounce Serum

In Korea, you’ll find radio-frequency, skin-tightening treatments at spas on every corner. I recommend scooping up this serum if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars stateside to reap similar results. It’s thought that the skin-firming technology can be replicated by using retinol to tighten and lift the skin over time. Unlike many retinol serums in the US, this K-Beauty innovation won’t cause dryness or irritation thanks to soothing and hydrating additions.

Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

I spent years trying to find a vitamin C serum that wouldn’t illicit redness or irritation on my sensitive skin. It wasn’t until I tried Naturium’s very affordable option that I discovered a winner. The lightweight serum leave my complexion glowing, more even-toned, and protected from free radicals.

Good Light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion

Milky textures are a common K-Beauty feature. They’re often gentle on the skin and packed with hydrating ingredients, which is exactly what you’ll get from this toner. I like to put a few drops on a cotton pad and sweep it over my skin before bed. Every time I use this, my skin instantly looks less red and glowier by morning.

Then I Met You Holy Grail Hydration Set

In America, you’ll typically find skincare routines comprised of numerous brands—a cleanser from here, a moisturizer from there. K-Beauty is consumed differently. In Korea, routines are often bought as a package. The products were deliberately designed to be used as a set and prevent pilling. Buy this six-piece set (at a great price!) and you’ll see incredibly results in just a few weeks.

Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick

This is my ultimate travel skincare product. The balm-like stick is infused with 13 different oils to effectively break down makeup and reveal a clean, fresh complexion. I just swipe it across my face (and eyes!), massage it into my skin for about a minute, and rinse with warm water. My skin feels soft, clean, and hydrated every time.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel Spf 30

It’s no secret that Korean sunscreens are the best. Korea has more sun-blocking filters available and has developed products with more elevated textures. Isntree ensures those production advancements are available stateside. This newly-launched product has a gel-like texture that feels cooling the second it hits the skin. It sinks in without a white cast—and provides SPF 30 protection.

Anua Peach 70 Niacin Serum Mask (single)

Don’t be distracted by the kitschy pink packaging—this serum is incredibly effective. The brand harnesses the power of prescription-strength niacinamide with fermented peaches to create a product that is just as brightening as it is soothing for sensitive skin. Just place it on clean skin, wait 20 minutes, and pat the remaining essence into the skin.

Superegg Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask (set of 5)

K-Beauty has recently been getting a ton of attention for its face masks, which can be worn out and about during the day. They’re essentially invisible to the naked eye. Sometimes I forget I’m wearing Superegg’s de-puffing patches. They’re lightweight and don’t slip. They instantly calm my skin and are perfect to pop on after a night out.

The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch

My biggest pain point with pimple patches is that they never stay put. But thanks to the beveled edges on The Klog’s design, these little guys don’t budge from breakouts that pop up on my chin or jawline.

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