Unusual Korean Skincare Ingredients You Need to Know About

It is about time I added another instalment to my series on Asian Skin Care. In my previous article about Top Korean Skincare Products, I introduced a few of my favourite K-beauty brands and some of their star products. Korean beauty is notorious for its highly innovative formulas and cutting-edge ingredients. In this post, I will be introducing a few interesting Korean Skincare Ingredients you need to know about. Some of these Korean skincare ingredients are a little unusual, but they are all worth keeping an eye out for, next time you are shopping K-beauty.

Snail Secretion Filtrate

What it is:

This is perhaps one of the most infamous Korean skincare ingredients. And it is exactly what it sounds like: snail slime produced by edible snails. (Fancy some escargot, anyone?)

Because South Korea now bans the testing of beauty products on animals, the harvesting snails is done with this in mind. Therefore, a number of quality K-beauty brand harvest their snail mucin as “gently” as possible. This is done in an attempt to apply as little external stress as possible to the snails.

Snails are left to roam around, leaving little trails of slime behind them. Then, once they go back home to chill after their stroll, the snail mucin is collected and processed for cosmetic use.

If snail welfare is a concern for you, I would recommend you do your own research before purchasing from certain brands.

Benefits:

• Some of the key nutrients of snail slime include hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein enzymes, glycolic acid and peptides.
• If you have read my complete guide to hyaluronic acid, by now you would be familiar with all its benefits. It helps keep skin hydrated, provides antioxidant benefits, and assists with wound healing.
• Glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of skin and helps to diminish dark spots, as explained in my post all about glycolic acid. It will also help boost collagen production, fight blemishes and signs of ageing.
• Glycoproteins and peptides work to reinforce skin’s barrier function. They keep skin smooth and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

What would Korean skincare be without beloved snail secretions?

Shop Snail Secretion Filtrate Skincare

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Oh K! Snail Sheet Mask

24K Golden Snail Hydro Gel Sheet Mask

Aloe BHA Skin Toner with Snail Secretion Filtrate

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

What it is:

Galactomyces is a type of nutrient dense yeast and by-product of the fermentation process.

I am a huge fan of fermented products, both for cosmetic and ingestion because fermentation processes introduce a number of friendly bacteria and probiotics necessary for a healthy microbiome.

Benefits:

• Galactomyces ferment filtrate exhibits powerful antioxidant activity, combatting the reactive oxygen species responsible for premature ageing. Read this article about the importance of antioxidants for skin for more on why you need antioxidants in your routine.
• It also fights against acne-causing bacteria and reduces the number of enlarged pores and blackheads. Therefore it is a great ingredient to use if you struggle with blemishes and enlarged pores.
• Galactomyces is a great moisturising agent. It will thus keep skin hydrated and encourages hyaluronan production in skin cells.
• K-beauty is all about bright, bouncy, clear skin, so it is no wonder that galactomyces is so widely used in Korea. It brightens the complexion and evens skin tone by reducing melanin synthesis in the skin.

Shop Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Skincare

COSRX Galactomyces Alcohol Free Toner

Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

Benton Fermentation Essence

Neogen Agecure 3D Lifting Wrinkle Neck Mask

Volcanic Clay

What it is:

Volcanic clay is one of the more mystical sounding Korean skincare ingredients. It is essentially mineral-rich clay, collected from volcanic areas.

Because clay is relatively alkaline, it should be mixed with a liquid such as apple cider vinegar before being applied to skin.

Benefits:

• Clay is rich in minerals that draw out impurities and remove toxins from the skin. Clay’s detoxifying properties are important for fighting against premature signs of ageing, as the accumulation of toxins will contribute to ageing.
• If you struggle with clogged pores and blackheads, volcanic clay is a godsend for oily skin individuals and people struggling with blackheads. This is due to the fact it absorbs excess sebum, can aid in exfoliation and de-clogs pores.
• Clay is worth considering if you are acne prone. Check out my post on how to get rid of blackheads for more tips on getting rid of blemishes and enlarged pores.
• Due to various antioxidants and its mineral rich profile, it can also help with skin healing.

Shop Volcanic Clay Skincare

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

The Face Shop Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam

Acne Pore Control Mask

Ginseng:

What it is:

Ginseng is a herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years. It is an adaptogen herb. Adaptogens essentially help to support hormonal function and your adrenal system. There are many types of ginseng and they each have a multitude of transformative properties.

Benefits:

• Ginseng is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Inflammation and overexposure to free radical damage are major contributors to premature ageing. Ginseng helps to quell this inflammation and combat free radical damage.
• Brightens skin. Ginseng is energising and invigorating. Paired with its antioxidant properties, it can help brighten and tighten a dull complexion. There are various eye creams on the market that like to incorporate ginseng for its de-puffing and brightening effect on dark undereye circles.
• Ginseng boosts blood circulation, which encourages a natural glow.
• Ginseng’s antibacterial activity and ability to impede excess oil production make it great for those struggling with oily or acne-prone skin.

Shop Ginseng Skincare

Erborian Ginseng Infusion Total Eye

Erborian BB Creme Eau Ginseng

Missha First Essence Booster

Banila Co Clean It Zero Nourishing

Bee Venom

What it is:

Bee venom, or apitoxin, is essentially the poisonous liquid bees release when they sting. This bee venom contains a number of compounds with potential medicinal applications and skin benefits.

The process of collection of bee venom is both expensive and laborious, which makes this ingredient a hot commodity in the skincare space.

Benefits:

• Bee venom contains a combination of peptides, enzymes and amino acids which all have impressive anti-ageing benefits for skin.
• As an anaphylactic, bee venom has the potential to temporarily relax facial muscles, in a similar way to botox.
• It can help to smooth out wrinkles and improve blood flow to help diminish visible signs of ageing.
• Because the ingredient is merely topical, I wouldn’t say it’s a miracle replacement for actual injections of botulinum toxin into the skin. However, it is worth a try if you have the cash and aren’t too enthused about actual botox injections.

Shop Bee Venom Skincare

Benton Snail Bee Mask

High Content Steam Cream

Propolis

What it is:

Propolis is another bee-related ingredient. It is the substance produced by bees to varnish, protect and keep honeycombs together.

Rich in flavonoids, propolis has extremely impressive antibacterial properties that are crucial in maintaining a sterile environment for the hive.

Propolis can also be taken internally to boost the immune system.

Benefits:

• Propolis provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to aid against environmental aggressors. It can therefore help calm redness from inflammation and post-acne marks.
• The antimicrobial, antibacterial activity of propolis makes it highly favourable for acne-prone skin.
• It also has wound healing properties, helping to smooth out and regenerate skin, while speeding up skin recovery from scars and sunburn.

Shop Propolis Skincare

Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Essence

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule Serum

Leegeeham Grow Vita Propolis Ampoule

Egg Whites

What it is:

Quite literally, the whites of an egg that has had its yolk removed. Egg whites are rich in protein and collagen essential for healthy skin function.

Benefits:

• Tightens skin. The albumin protein is a film forming agent, which will help to firm and tighten skin when applied. As a result, it can aid in firming loose, ageing skin. This can be especially helpful before special occasions when your skin needs a pick-me-up.
• Egg whites may also be beneficial for dealing with acne and oily skin types.
• The tightening action can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Shop Egg Whites Skincare

Skinfood Egg White Pack

Holika Holika Smooth Egg Skin Egg Soap

Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam

Tony Moly Egg Pore Tightening Cooling Pack

Too Cool For School Egg Cream Pore Tightening Mask

Have you tried any of these Korean skincare ingredients before? What other unusual Korean skincare ingredients have you come across?

Remember to Subscribe to the Blog for more Skin Care and Beauty Articles. I will also give you access to my free skin care essentials checklist when you Subscribe. 

And before you leave, I suggest checking out these posts for more these skin care tips:

Top Korean Skincare Brands You Need To Try

How to Properly Layer Skincare Products

How to Get Rid of Blackheads for good

Skincare Products You Should Only Use At Night

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material is strictly prohibited.

The post Unusual Korean Skincare Ingredients To Know appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

Sephora VIB Sale Skincare Recommendations

It is the time of year where Sephora is having their Beauty Insider Appreciation event. I like to take advantage of sales like this to stock up on some of my favourite skincare items. I also like to take the opportunity to possibly try out higher priced products that I would not necessarily feel so comfortable purchasing at full price. In this post I will be giving some of my Sephora VIB Sale Skincare Recommendations. Beauty Insiders will be able to get 10% off their purchase as of August 30^th. As of a few days ago, Rouge members have been able to get 20% off. While this post may be a little late for VIB Rouge members, there is still time for everyone to make a few more purchases before the sale ends on the 4^thSeptember. 

I have decided to do a rundown of just a few of the best skincare products to check out at Sephora. Come next sale, I promise I will publish this post well in advance of the sale date so you can be fully prepared. But for now, here is a list of some of my favourite Sephora VIB Sale Skincare products at the moment. If you do not have access to Sephora, I have included links to where you can get these products internationally. These recommendations are not solely exclusive to those who have access to Sephora. This post is applicable to anyone in search of some great skincare product recommendations.

Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner

I have previously mentioned this toner in my How to Layer Skincare Products post. Toners can be incredibly tricky. If you are not careful with your selection of toner, you may end up with something alcohol-laden, drying, astringent, and overly fragranced. This toner contains no alcohol and is not excessively fragranced. So it does not incite a tight, dry feeling in skin.

It incorporates several soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile and cucumber which is perfect for skin like mine that can be easily sensitised. If you read my post about hyaluronic acid, you would be aware of its benefits and why its inclusion in this toner is beneficial for skin. Not to mention, the inclusion of antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 provides protection against environmental aggressors. For all the details about antioxidant skincare, make sure to read this article about antioxidants and what they do for skin.

You can find the toner available internationally here.

Drunk Elephant Glycolic Night Serum

I purchased this serum during a trip to New York, only a couple of months after Drunk Elephant first hit the market. At the time, the packaging was entirely different, and the nozzle did not twist up as it does now. There was little buzz around the product yet, but sure enough word about this highly effective serum spread like wildfire. Just a few years on, Drunk Elephant now has somewhat of a cult following, and for good reason.

This serum makes use of chemical both AHA and BHA exfoliants. As you would know from my previous post about BHA exfoliants, the inclusion of such exfoliants allows dead skin cells to slough off skin’s surface to reveal a radiant, fresh complexion. Glycolic acid, tartaric acid and other AHA’s will help to target visible signs of ageing. All the while, salicylic acid helps clear and refine pores. If you are struggling with acne and skin discolourations, a product like this will be invaluable in your routine.

Blithe Vital Treatment Essence for Hydrating

This essence was included in my rundown of the Top Korean Skincare Products. As aforementioned in that post, this line is a great choice if you are on the search for great essences. It will help to balance skin, lessen uneven skin tone and diminish dark spots. If your skin is feeling a little tired and lacklustre, reaching for a product like this will help skin feel uplifted and rejuvenated again.

This particular product contains a number of root extracts – ginseng, burdock root, Indian lotus root – to help combat signs of dullness and dehydration. I did remark in my Korean Skincare post that I even consume burdock and ginseng internally as they are a key part of Chinese medicine. If you would like to start using more K-beauty skincare products, this is a great essence to begin with.

Get this essence sold internationally here.

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate

I have mentioned this product in a number of previous posts, including my post about the best hyaluronic acid products. I picked this up in a pinch last year, when I found myself forced to fly to the other side of the world for three weeks with nothing but a small backpack – no clothes, no makeup and no skincare. Ever since, this product has been a staple in my routine.

It is extremely lightweight, absorbs quickly and is my perfect summer skin hydrator. It leaves skin feeling hydrated and refreshed without an occlusive or greasy film. Your skin will feel airy, breathable and nourished. A perfect product for ance-prone or oily skin types. If this product it too light for the upcoming colder months, or you have a drier skin type but would still like to try it out, wear a thicker moisturiser or oil over the top of this product. I do this at times when I feel as though my skin needs some extra moisture.

You can also find Clinique Moisture Surge here. 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

We all know the feeling of dry, parched lips in the morning when we have forgotten to slather our lips in lip balm the night before. During the summer, air conditioning will leach the moisture from our lips while the cold winter air also does not allow for smooth supple lips. Another product mentioned in my Korean Skincare post, this lip sleeping mask is an overnight mask for lips.

Because our lips are most susceptible to drying out at night, it is important to make sure they are protected. This mask protects lips, nourishes and prevents the uncomfortable, dry feeling come morning. You will never need to reach for a lip scrub again and it makes your morning lipstick application so much easier. It keeps your lips supple so that lip products will apply smoothly and evenly.

Laneige Sleeping Mask also sold here

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel

This two-step peel has been revolutionary in the skincare space. Dr Dennis Gross made it very easy for anyone to achieve chemical peel-like results without a dermatologist office visit. Unlike high strength in-office peels, this peel is far gentler and can be used on a daily basis. It can really help to improve skin texture, eliminate blackheads and reveal radiant glowing skin.

Step 1 contains chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, to reduce signs of ageing and keep pores clear. In my post about salicylic acid, I went into detail about all the benefits of salicylic acid. So, if you would like to learn more about what this peel does, make sure to read that salicylic acid post. Step 2 contains vitamin C and retinol which will greatly help with reducing discolourations, anti-ageing and diminishing fine lines. I wrote an entire post dedicated to vitamin C skincare benefits so make sure you have taken a look at that too.

Find the peel available on this international site.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement

This water-based serum is definitely an underrated skincare item. It contains multiple antioxidants, skin repairing, and skin hydrating ingredients packed into one bottle. The texture is lightweight and will not disagree with oily or acne-prone skin. If you have read my post about antioxidants, you will know why it is great that this serum contains several. Vitamin E, grapefruit extract, and vitamin C in the form of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, are a few such antioxidants. To get an idea of what this amazing ingredient does for skin, read my vitamin C article.

The serum also contains ingredients that will soothe skin such as green tea extract, an antioxidant too. Its hydrating properties and skin replenishing properties are due to the inclusion of ingredients like acetyl glucosamine and sodium hyaluronate. Make sure to read my complete guide to hyaluronic acid for more about sodium hyaluronate. It does also contain ceramides and cholesterol to restore skin. If you are in search of a well-rounded anti-ageing serum, you will not be disappointed.

This serum is available internationally here.

Youth To The People Antioxidant Cleanser

If you have been in search of a “clean beauty” cleanser, look no further. This gel cleanser is a powerhouse of antioxidant ingredients while being gentle and non-stripping. Do not allow the word “gentle” to fool you though. This cleanser is still an extremely competent makeup remover. Your skin will not feel tight or dry after cleansing and you do not have to worry about going in with several different products just to remove your makeup.

Often with “natural” or “non-toxic” products, the inclusion of essential oils will induce redness and dermatitis on my face. However, that is not the case with this cleanser. For those with easily irritated skin that usually gets red easily after cleansing, this product is great. It contains green tea and aloe vera to soothe redness and I do not find it irritates my skin. If non-toxic, cruelty free, vegan products are important to you, you can’t go wrong with this cleanser.

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Want More Recommendations?

I hope you found my Sephora VIB Sale Skincare Recommendations helpful. These are just a few of the very best skincare products I am loving and using at the moment. Obviously, my love of skincare means that there an incredibly long list of products I have tried and loved from Sephora. However, I did not want this post to be overly extensive and wanted to include a few products that you may have never considered before. There are certainly a number of skincare products I have tried and loved that no one else ever mentions. 

If you would like more skincare recommendations, I regularly suggest several tried and true products throughout all my skincare posts. In previous posts I have listed the best hyaluronic acid products, great vitamin C products, Korean skincare, the best skincare for travel, and so much more. So, if you would like some additional product recommendations, consider taking a look at those posts. And remember to Subscribe to the Blog for more upcoming skin care posts like this.

What are you most excited about purchasing from the Sephora VIB Sale? Do you have any Sephora skincare product suggestions? Happy Shopping!

Wishing you boundless love, endless light and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

The post Sephora VIB Sale Skincare Recommendations appeared first on Shannon Feetham.

The Top Korean Skincare Products On The Market

In recent years, there has been an increasing fascination with Asian Beauty products in the West. Korean beauty products in particular have risen in prominence for their effective, advanced formulations, unusual textures, and downright adorable packaging choices. We have become fascinated with the seemingly elaborate skincare routines from places like Korea and want in on it too. A mere few years ago, you were only able to find these beauty products on shelves in Asian countries. Today, some of the top Korean skincare products are increasingly being brought over and introduced into mainstream Western beauty stores. The availability of Korean skincare from online retailers is also escalating. With the broadening selection, what are the top Korean skincare products you need to try?

In This Post

Click the brand name to jump to a particular section of this post.

• COSRX
• Blithe
• Dr Jart
• Erborian
• Laneige

Korean Beauty Expanding Worldwide

When I return to Asia, I relish being able to browse the skincare shelves of beauty stores such as Sasa. Everything from snail mucin face masks, to egg pore masks and miracle-working BB creams are immense fixtures in Asian beauty stores. The kind of peculiar formulations that would have made us wince at the sound a few years ago, are now beginning to adorn the shelves of our beauty stores in the West as well.

It is a dream of mine to be able to go to Korea and immerse myself into all their top Korean skincare products and beauty offerings. For now, the wonderful phenomenon of the internet means that we are able to indulge in the same products, without having to splash thousands of dollars on an air ticket and accommodation. The distance most definitely has not stopped me from investigating the beauty of all things K-beauty.

While in the West we are greatly reliant on the makeup and beauty products we put on our faces, in Asia women place a great deal of significance on fostering a good skincare routine. In the West we tend to splurge on the detailed makeup routine, false lashes and beauty treatments. Asian women will keep their makeup more minimal, emphasising proper skin care before any makeup or additional embellishments.

First Part of the Korean Skincare Series

In this post, I have compiled a list of some of the hottest K-beauty skincare brands and their star products. Because there are so many Korean skincare lines to choose from, this blog post sums up five of my top Korean skincare products that are also available online globally. Unfortunately not every retailer will stock every product from a certain brand, and many online retailers offer a limited selection from each line. In this post I will also be letting you know the exact destinations you can source each product, from reputable retailers.

The purpose of this blog post is to act as a little introduction to some of the star Korean brands and their hero products. Perhaps you are already familiar with Korean skincare or would like some guidance so you can dip your toe into it. In subsequent posts I will be following up with additional K-beauty brands that you need to look out for and introducing more K-beauty products to be aware of.

So, whether you are planning a trip to Asia, or would like a little introduction to these brands before making an online purchase, this blog post has you covered. Make sure to keep an eye out for my upcoming articles about more of the top Korean skincare products, and posts all about K-beauty makeup. If there is a particular brand you would like to know more about, please leave me a request and I will happily look into it for you in my upcoming posts.

COSRX

Top Korean Skincare Products

COSRX is a Korean brand that incorporates some seriously interesting ingredients into their formulations. With a minimalistic packaging design, the brand’s main focus is their formulas. They include a substantial array of acne products, chemical exfoliants, and the ever-famous snail secretion filtrate. I am a fan of this brand because while presenting innovative formulations, they do not include overly fragranced options or many harsh preservatives in their products.

Top Korean Skincare Products from COSRX

Acne Pimple Patches

How can we mention COSRX without a tribute to their highly acclaimed pimple patches? They are a top Korean skincare product because of the smart concept behind them. These patches treat blemishes as a wound using a hydrocolloid material similar to that of the dressings used for wounds. The hydrocolloid patches will keep you from touching your blemishes and eliminates the acne-causing bacteria without drying out skin. Stick them on overnight and wake up to find your raised spot has flattened or your whitehead has disappeared entirely. An absolute gamechanger in your acne fighting tool kit.

Acne pimple patches available here internationally, from one of my favourite beauty sites. You can also find the acne pimple patches at Beautytap. 

Galactomyces Alcohol Free Toner

Galactomyces is quite an obscure skincare ingredient in the Western world but is used in Asian beauty products. It is a type of yeast that has undergone a filtration and fermentation process. If that sounds a little gross to you, have no fear. Although I am a little sick of learning about filtration, fermentation and other chemical processes from my Chemical Engineering degree, I absolutely love fermented products. I am a huge fan of fermented food products and I love that these ingredients are increasing in popularity in skincare. I will give you all the details for exactly why I love fermented ingredients in a future post. But for now, trust me when I say that fermentation is awesome.

Galactomyces has been shown in dermatological studies to reduce skin pigmentation and oxidative stress. For more details about oxidative stress, click here. It has an antioxidant effect and hydrates the skin. Aside from galactomyces, this COSRX toner also contains skin soothing allantoin, hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol for additional moisture. Read this article for more of the best products containing hyaluronic acid and pathenol. This toner is perfect if you are wanting to try the seven-skin toner method (more on that in an upcoming article) and is also free of any stripping or drying denatured alcohols.

You can check out the Galactomyces toner on this beauty site. Also available here.

Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

If you are in search of some deep moisturisation, this rich COSRX cream will certainly give you just that. It contains humectants like glycerine and hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin while containing various non-fragrant plant oils. It provides intense hydration without feeling overly occlusive or heavy on and contains no fragrance or very irritating preservatives. Read this complete comprehensive guide to hyaluronic acid.

Available here (currently out of stock) or from Beautytap. 

If you would like to save some money, click on this link to save $15 off all orders over $100 with code BEAUTYTAP100 at Beautytap. They ship globally for orders over $60 and stock a huge range of K-beauty products. 

Low PH PHA Barrier Mist

I wanted to include this product with the top Korean skincare products to check out because it contains the polyhydroxy acid gluconolactone. You do not commonly find PHA products in many Western brands, which tend to focus more heavily on AHA and BHA products instead. However, PHA is included in some of the top Korean skincare products for a reason. Gluconolactone is far gentler than regular alpha hydroxy acids but has similar benefits. This makes it ideal for those with extra sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea prone skin. 

COSRX PHA mist can be used for “sandwiching” between skincare steps. Damp skin allows greater penetration of subsequent product ingredients so it is great for this purpose. It works to hydrate the skin, chelate metals, and provide antioxidant activity. If you want to know why I’m so crazy about antioxidants, check out this post about antioxidants.

Mist available here.

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Blithe

Top Korean Skincare Products from Blithe

Blithe has some of the top Korean skincare products available. The brand places an emphasis on protecting from this concept of “polluaging” (that is, ageing as a result of environmental pollution). It has been designed for the women who leads an urban lifestyle, with a view to combat everyday environmental and city stressors. Blithe has got you covered to maintain glowing skin regardless of your environment. From luxurious pressed serums to its ingenious splash masks and essences, they are amongst the top Korean skincare products. The entire line is free of parabens and synthetic fragrance, which is fabulous for those of us who have problematic or highly reactive skin.

Top Korean Skincare Products from Blithe

Patting Splash Mask

The Koreans love their face mask ritual. And some of the top Korean skincare products available are the face masks. These Blithe splash masks are intended to give similar benefits of regular face masks and sheet masks without having to wait 20 minutes for your mask to work its magic. These masks are designed to be added to water then splashed and pat onto the face after cleansing for instant visible results. You can choose between the Energy Yellow Citrus and Honey, Soothing and Healing Green tea, or Rejuvenating variety.

I prefer the Rejuvenating Purple Berry because it does not contain lavender or peppermint, both of which I find have the tendency to aggravate my skin. Each variation of the splash mask contains lactic acid to help exfoliate for a brighter skin tone. I do not advocate for relying on face masks over a regular consistent skin care routine, but you have to admit they do add some fun into your regimen.

If you are in the UK, I like to purchase my Blithe products over here. In the US, they are available at Sephora online.

Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum

A pressed serum is Blithe’s serum and moisturiser hybrid. It can be used in as a replacement to the separate serum and moisturiser steps in your routine. This product comes with a spatula for a more hygienic application of the serum. It has a pudding-like texture that melts into skin on application.

This serum contains 60% Chaga mushroom extract and various oils like argan and olive oil. Chaga mushrooms are rich in nutrients and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. If you want to know why you need antioxidants, read this article. There is also interesting research showing these mushrooms may have some cancer fighting properties!

You can find Chaga Serum in the US and Chaga Serum in the UK.

Vital Treatment Essence

My blog post all about what essences are is coming up. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek recommendation for a great Korean essence line. The Blithe 8 Nourishing Beans essence contains a number of beans, such as soybeans, black beans and kidney beans, which are rich in amino acids and vitamins. It is very hydrating and contains vitamin E for additional healing and antioxidant benefits.

This formula does contain a small amount of peppermint. As I previously mentioned, peppermint can be a little sensitising to my skin. I do not find that I have too much of a problem with this essence relative to other peppermint containing products I have tried. But it does depend on how my skin is behaving on a particular day. If you aren’t quite as ridiculously sensitive as I am and are on the hunt for an essence to add to your routine, I don’t think you will be disappointed in this choice.

More options

The slightly more underrated variety, Blithe 9 Essential Seeds essence, agrees with my skin a little more. I love it for its brightening properties. As an acne-prone individual with Mediterranean/Asian skin, I tend to deal with a great deal of hyperpigmentation after I have had a blemish. What I love about the top Korean skincare products and ranges, is the emphasis on brightening and correcting the uneven skin tone I struggle with.

The Hydrating Essence with 5 Energy Roots is also a wonderful choice. Not only will it combat dull, dehydrated skin, but also works to calm inflammation. It contains some of my favourite ingredients like burdock root and ginseng. I consume both herbs on a regular basis and they are popular ingredients in Asian medicine. Let me know if you would like a blog post about more Asian herbal remedies and ingredients like these!

Shop Blithe

Dr Jart

Top Korean Skincare Products from Dr Jart

The Dr Jart brand is the result of a Korean dermatologist’s foray into skincare back in the early 2000s. The line now has developed somewhat of a worldwide cult following. I was first introduced to this line after hearing about their outstanding BB creams, which if you haven’t heard, are pretty fantastic. 

Dr Jart has a vivid selection of products ranging from sheet masks to ceramide-rich creams to beauty balms. The brand has definitely introduced some of the top Korean skincare products to the market. The line is not heavy on irritants and the clean packaging takes on somewhat of a pharmaceutical quality.

Top Korean Skincare Products from Dr Jart

Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45

This Dr Jart product instigated the BB cream craze of a few years ago when it was brought to the West. Its introduction catalysed every other brand’s jump on the Beauty Balm bandwagon. It provides a light tint although the shade range is a little limited. As opposed to pink or yellow undertone shades, Korean beauty lies within a more neutral spectrum. You will find many K-beauty BB creams lean towards a somewhat grey, neutral undertone, and this BB cream is no exception. 

On days when you simply don’t have the time to go through an elaborate skincare routine and makeup application, BB creams are a great, easy option. This product works just fine without a moisturiser and I don’t find I need a primer. Like many top Korean skincare products, it also provides a good amount of SPF. Be aware that you would need to use a significant amount of product to achieve sufficient protection. You may not want to rely on this as your sole SPF on particularly sunny days. Make sure to read this post about sun damage and the fundamentals of SPF.

Ceramidin Cream

This cream contains a number of ceramides, a few variations of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and other hydrating ingredients. If you struggle with dry, flaky skin, this product is worth trying. It does not feel overly greasy while still providing deep moisturisation. If you are experiencing a lot of irritation from overdoing the active ingredients and retinols, this cream is good to use to dilute the effects of harsher ingredients. Ceramides help the skin to retain moisture and enforce skin barrier function. This in turn helps to combat signs of irritation and dehydration.

You can get Dr Jart Ceramidin in the UK at Selfridges, or in the US at Sephora online. 

Masks

Although I don’t believe sheet masks will ever be a substitute for an adequate daily skin care ritual, Korean skincare brands are huge on masking. Dr Jart offers a vast array of such sheet masks. These types of masks are designed to give you instant results, which is great for use before a big occasion. In the event you want to temporarily fill in lines or brighten skin, sheet masks are a must have. They also help makeup apply a lot more smoothly and are the perfect fix if you are feeling in need of a pamper session.

Aside from sheet masks, Dr Jart has recently introduced rubber-like masks to their line. The Dr Jart Shake and Shot Rubber masks are so much fun to use. They are rubbery and dry down to later be peeled off the face. The brightening mask contains the antioxidants sea buckthorn and Vitamin C to even skin tone (which, as I said, I absolutely love). Make sure to read more about antioxidants here. The rubber masks are even available in the UK.

Shop Dr Jart

Erborian

Top Korean Skincare Products from Erborian

This line is inspired by ancient Korean traditions and herbs, coupled with new technologies to create innovative formulations and skincare products. Erborian features an expansive range of BB and CC cremes in different textures and finishes. Ancient herbs like ginseng and purifying ingredients like charcoal are a recurring theme in the line.

There is a particular focus on luminous skin, which is highly coveted in Asia, and of which I am a huge fan. Luminous skin is youthful, vibrant and full of life, as opposed to a dull, or overtly mattified look. The packaging is exquisite, and while certain products in the range can creep up in price, the line as a whole is not too overly pricey for the generous packaging sizes available.

Top Korean Skincare Products from Erborian

CC crème

Following the BB cream was the dawn of the CC cream. This particular skin perfecting cream has a luminous finish and leaves your skin with an extremely dewy finish. In Asia the transluscent, especially radiant “glass skin” is very popular. The Erborian CC cream will assist in achieving that look. It seamlessly blends into skin, correcting uneven tone and texture. It may not be officially a “skincare” product but its skin multitasking benefits do earn it a place with the top Korean skincare products. 

Although the shade range is very limited, the finish of this product will aid in blending into a multitude of skin tones. It would be great to have a broader range of shades that more accurately match a variety of skin tones. However, it is important to note that many Asian brands tend to cater for a limited shade range. If you were to look at the market of people they are serving in Asia, skin tones tend to be particularly light in shade. Because these brands originated in Asia, they were originally intended for this Asian market.

Fortunately for us UK consumers, we can find this CC cream in a number of places. Available at:

SPACE NK

Feelunique

Selfridges

And of course, US readers can easily purchase it from Sephora. 

Eau Ginseng

This is a ginseng infused “lotion” that can be used as your toner or essence step. It contains soothing ingredients like licorice root extract and ginger. The addition of ginseng is great for energising and brightening. You can pat this onto clean skin before moisturising for additional hydration and to ensure a greater penetration of consecutive skincare ingredients.

This website is the only place you can reputably find Erborian Eau Giseng here in the UK (be quick because they are about to go out of stock!) In the US, get your Eau Ginseng here.

Black Cleansing Oil

Erborian’s Black Cleansing Oil contains charcoal for drawing out impurities from pores. It is to be massaged onto a dry face and is gentle enough for use on eyes. On contact with water, it transforms into an emulsion and dissolves your entire face of makeup. Cleansing oils and balms are great for when you have a face of heavy makeup on. With a full face, you do not want to have to use up endless makeup wipes or cotton pads soaked in makeup remover just to remove your makeup. It is an easy, one-step affair that does not leave your skin feeling stripped or excessively taut.

This brand also offers a broad range of konjac sponges for use with cleansers. These sponges are a brilliant, gentle, natural alternative to cleansing brushes and other abrasive facial tools.

In the UK, I have purchased my cleansing oil through this well-loved beauty store. If you’re in the US, get yourself over here for your black cleansing oil. 

Shop Erborian

Laneige

Best of Laneige Skincare

Laneige is a brand under the branch of AmorePacific, a South Korean beauty conglomerate. The company also produces brands such as Etude House, a very popular makeup line in Asia. I was made familiar with this brand as a result of encountering their cushion foundation five or six years ago, on a trip to Sephora in Asia.

It is a line that is primarily focused on hydration and adopting trendy new skincare concepts. Laneige products capitalise on the Asian fixation with glowing, sparkling skin. Their innovative products are created to help you achieve just that.

Top Korean Skincare Products from Laneige

BB Cushion Hydra Radiance SPF 50

Cushion foundations and BB creams are extremely prominent in Korea and other parts of Asia. While the trend has not quite taken off with the same enthusiasm in the West, in Asia you will find BB cushions from every beauty brand. Even brands that are available globally such as Urban Decay produce a BB cushion that is exclusive to the Asian market. The Laneige BB Cushion is a high-quality option with sturdy, beautifully chic packaging. I would not usually include makeup products in a post dedicated to skin care. However, these BB cream options I have been listing are more makeup/skincare hybrids.

The Laneige BB cushion is perfect for brightening a dull skin tone and improving signs of dehydration. If you find your skin is looking a little lacklustre, a radiance boosting base product like this is perfect. It is great for women of any age who would like to restore radiance to their complexion and maintain a youthful glow. The fact that it comes in a cushion compact makes it convenient for touch ups. Because it contains SPF 50, it is great for SPF top ups throughout the day. This version contains fine pearls, but if you don’t love the look of dewy skin, the regular BB cushion is less radiant in finish. You may also wish to set it to minimise shine. If you are extremely oily, this type of product will likely not be to your taste because of its luminosity.

Korean Beauty is all about radiance

Many Asian base products focus on enhancing skin and improving tone, rather like skincare, before providing coverage. Western beauty brands tend to focus on the level of coverage and longevity. They may then include additional selling points such as certain skin-friendly ingredients. By contrast, you will find that Asian products will provide less coverage and be less of that bulletproof staying power. They prefer to endorse the skin benefits you will be achieving from wearing the product. After all, they were the pioneers of the BB cream, which was intended as the original fusion of skincare and makeup. Basically, with Western brands the skincare benefits are just a bonus. With Asian brands, the coverage or tint is the bonus. 

LANEIGE BB Cushion (UK)

Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance (US)

Water Sleeping Mask

Sleeping Masks are hands down one of the top Korean skincare products invented. I mentioned this product in my previous post about travel skin care hacks. A Sleeping Mask is like an intense overnight moisturiser. But rather than feeling thick and occlusive as is typically the case with rich moisturisers. For those of you who have struggled with eczema like me, you know exactly how thick and greasy moisturisers can be. Instead, it feels rather replenishing and nourishing. I would liken it to a drink of water in terms of quenching dehydration, rather than a weighty barrier of petroleum.

This Laneige sleeping mask is rich in humectants such as glycerine and sodium hyaluronate to attract water to the skin. It even contains some vitamin C derivatives for extra brightening properties. Use this product as the final step in your night-time skin care routine. You can apply it a couple of times a week after moisturiser, on days your skin is feeling particularly parched. After being left on overnight, you will wake up with plump, bouncy skin.

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack (Sleeping Mask) (UK)

Water Sleeping Mask (US)

Lip Sleeping Mask

As I have said time and time again, K-beauty are King of masks. And now they have nailed lip masks too. Rather than mess with lip scrubs and exfoliators on my lips, I make sure that I am actively preventing my lips from drying out. During sleep your lips are at their most likely to become dry. It is therefore critical that you do not leave lips bare overnight. A good lip balm or moisturiser will act as a barrier, preventing the evaporation of moisture from lips.

This Laneige lip mask is designed to work in the same way as the facial sleeping mask. It retains moisture overnight and prevents the drying out of skin. Unlike the Water Sleeping Mask, which you may not want to be using every single night, this lip mask is great for your nightly routine. I really appreciate that both this mask and the water mask come with spatulas for sanitation purposes.

Lip Sleeping Mask (US) and the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in the UK.

Shop Laneige

More K-beauty to come

I could talk K-beauty and top Korean skincare products all day, but I will spare you from information overload in one post. Keep an eye out for the upcoming instalments to my Korean skincare series. This has been the first part in my Asian and K-beauty series and there are many more articles to come. I hope you found this informative and were introduced to some great failproof K-beauty brands and top Korean skincare products you need to try.

Subscribe to the Blog for more upcoming skin care and beauty posts. You also get instant access to my Skincare Essentials Checklist when you sign up. So what are you waiting for?

Please share if you found this article helpful. Follow me on Pinterest, where I post daily skin tips to keep you up to date with the latest in skincare. You can also pin this article so you are able to refer back to it next time you are in the mood to shop K-beauty.

Have you tried any K-beauty brands? What are your top Korean skincare products? 

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

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