Why Is Korean Beauty So Popular? Plus The 10-Step Korean Beauty Routine Designed For You
The Korean beauty market has grown rapidly in the past few years. The explosive growth of the K-beauty industry is a result of many factors, including the rise of social media influencers, increasing popularity of ‘new’ glass-like, natural beauty standards, and an increase in users taking interest in other cultures. With more and more westerners becoming increasingly interested in asian beauty products, brands, and culture in general – it’s no surprise that we now have a booming global market for all things K-beauty related. So what exactly is K-Beauty? Let’s take a look at why K- Beauty has become increasingly popular and how you can incorporate their products to your routine.
Reasons Why K-Beauty is So Popular
K-beauty products promise a range of skincare solutions and benefits. Customers looking for natural skincare products are being drawn to the abundance of choices in the Korean market – where a wide selection of products are available that contain little to no harmful chemicals. For many years, Korean consumers have had access to a wide range of ‘clean’ skincare options that are not only effective but also safe to use. The primary reason why there is such a large selection of safer products available in South Korea is due to the government’s strong regulation of harmful ingredients such as parabens and nitrates. In addition to the health benefits of Korean products, Korean skincare routines are also very aesthetically appealing. Korean beauty products are often associated with being trendy, high-quality, innovative, and appealing to customers of all ages.
To put it concisely, here are 3 reasons why K-Beauty products are so popular:
Use of innovation and technology
The Korean beauty industry is known for its use of advanced, innovative technology and ingredients. In fact, they are ahead of the western world when it comes to cosmetic technology. For instance, the use of snail mucin (excreted from snails), known for its healing properties, used in the COSRX Snail Muscin Essence. K-Beauty is also hailed for for inventions like the BB cream, sheet masks, eye masks and cushion compacts.
Unique set of ingredients and gentler formulas
The cutting-edge formulations are also gentler than the western products as they include natural, unique and harsh-free ingredients. Some of these ingredients include Green Tea( known for its detoxifying properties), Ginseng (full of antioxidants and anti-ageing properties), Turmeric (known for reducing lines and wrinkles), Rice (best as a cleanser and its helping for toning and firming the skin).
Effective, Affordable and High Quality
The Korean Beauty industry is booming which means that brands have to be more competitive with their pricing, innovations and efficacy.
This makes it another great reason to experiment with Korean skincare and see what suits your skin the most. Especially, during the living cost crisis, why not try the best Korean beauty alternatives that target your skincare needs?
But Wait, There's More: The Beauty of The Korean Skincare Routine
One of the most crucial aspects of Korean beauty routines is the importance of an effective daily skincare regimen. A consistent skincare routine paired with the use of high-quality products is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your skin is healthy and glowing. Most Korean skincare routines include double cleansing, toner, essence, serum, face masks, eye cream, face oil, and moisturizer. Korean skincare products are often packed with nutritious ingredients such as antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are great for the skin.
Your Routine Built For You To Get Started:
So if achieving that natural, glass-like glow is your goal, then you must incorporate these products in your routine.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser
MANYO Factory Pure Cleansing Oil
A skincare item made to eliminate impurities, dirt, and makeup from the face without removing its natural oils.
- Olive oil: The vitamin E and antioxidant, which is excellent for face care.
- Sunflower oil: Helps to soothe and hydrate the skin
- Jojoba oil: Mimics the natural oils in the skin, making it an effective moisturizer
- Macadamia seed oil: Contains fatty acids that help to hydrate and protect the skin
- Rosehip oil: Contains vitamin C and fatty acids that help to brighten and even out the skin tone
.
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Ginseng Cleansing Oil
50% of the oil used in this cleanser is soybean oil, chosen for its light texture and proven efficacy in removing all traces of pollution, grime, and makeup without irritating the skin.
- The Ginseng Seed Oil: helps to shield the skin from environmental aggressors, while the grassy aroma and calming effects make for a relaxing and rejuvenating cleansing experience.
- This cleansing lotion from Joseon Beauty is made with Miceller Cleansing Technology.
- Micellar is a particle made up of both water and oil. When applied to the face, the oil’s molecular structure acts like a magnet, drawing in and absorbing dirt and leftover makeup while penetrating deeply to hydrate the dermis.
KLAIRS Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
All-natural black grain extract creates a gentle yet thorough cleanse. A supple, lightweight cleansing oil that effectively removes impurities and makeup and de-clogs pores and moisturizes. It contains Black Soybean Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Black Currant Seed Oil, that are rich in antioxidants that protect the skin.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This cleanser provides a hydrating cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It helps remove impurities, protect skin’s barrier, and restore its optimal pH level. It targets dry, dull, uneven textured skin. Key ingredients include:
- 5% Betaine Salicylate (BHA, a light exfoliator that improves skin tone, increases cell turnover and prevents skin clogging)
- Tea Tree Leaf Oil, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and great for acne
COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Snail mucin is the primary component of this cleanser, a well-liked skincare item. This gel cleanser’s functions include deeply cleansing, hydrating, and offering anti-aging benefits to the face. The key benefits of this product include:
- Hydrate the face and shield the skin’s natural defenses
- Rejuvenate skin for a more young, radiant appearance.
- Giving a gentle, smooth lather that reduces stimulation is ideal for people with delicate skin that is prone to sensitivity or redness.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
A skincare item made to thoroughly clear and unclog pores.
- 5% Salicylic acid, which acts as a mild exfoliant.
- Clears dead skin cells and stops breakouts.
- Suitable for all skin types without creating dryness or irritation, and it can be used every day.
This cleanser can help your skin feel clean, renewed, and clear with frequent use.
Step 3: Exfoliator
AXIS-Y PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel
A powerful skincare product that uses:
- 10% PHA: Gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells
- Centella Asiatica: Soothes and reduces inflammation
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin
- Tea Tree Leaf Oil: Provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Use once or twice a week for best results. The product works well with even the most sensitive of skin types.
CORSX One Step Original Clear Pad
A skincare product called the CORSX One Step Original Clear Pad is intended to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and calm the face all in one motion. Salicylic acid, one of several natural chemicals used in the formulation of these pads, can assist in removing dead skin cells and clearing clogged pores. All skin types, including greasy and acne-prone skin, can use this product.
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates and unclogs pores
- Tea Tree Leaf Oil: Soothes and calms inflamed skin
- Willow Bark Water: Contains natural salicylic acid and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin
NEOGEN Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling- Green Tea
NEOGEN Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling- Green Tea is a skincare product designed to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Except for very sensitive skin, this product is suitable for all skin types.
- Green Tea Extract: Soothes and hydrates the skin
- Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Exfoliates and promotes cell turnover
- Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection and nourishment to the skin.
Step 4: Toner
HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner for Sensitive Skin
This hydrating toner helps to soothe and nourish the skin. Use after cleansing and before applying your serum or moisturizer.
- Black Rice Extract: Brightens and improves skin texture
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin
- Centella Asiatica: Soothes and reduces inflammation
- Licorice Root Extract: Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
This toner is a great way to achieve a healthy and radiant complexion.
IM FROM Rice Toner
A hydrating toner that helps to brighten and improve skin texture. Niacinamide, which helps in brightening the skin and enhances its general look, is another ingredient in the product.
- Provides hydration and nourishment to the skin
- Helps to brighten and improve skin texture
- Soothes and calms irritated skin
ETUDE HOUSE Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner
A mild, non-irritating toner that helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Contains panthenol to protect against environmental stressors
- Madecassoside helps to reduce redness and inflammation
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
- pH balanced at 5.5 to maintain the skin’s natural acidity
This toner is a great way to achieve healthy and well-nourished skin.
Step 5: Essence
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
This essence is formulated with 96% snail mucin, which can help to hydrate, repair and protect the skin. Gives your skin an immense dose of moisture and nourishment.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Helps to deeply moisturize and plump the skin
- Panthenol: Soothes and calms irritated skin while providing additional hydration
- Arginine: An amino acid that can help to improve skin elasticity and firmness
- Allantoin: A skin-soothing ingredient that helps to calm irritation and redness
BENTON Snail Bee High Content Essence
A lightweight, fast-absorbing essence that helps to hydrate and soothe the skin.
- Snail Secretion Filtrate: Provides intense hydration, repairs and protects the skin, and improves skin texture
- Bee Venom: Provides relief for irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities.
- Niacinamide: Helps to brighten and even out skin tone, while improving the skin’s barrier function.
The essence is suitable for all skin types and can be used morning and night after cleansing and toning.
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Ginseng Essence Water
A nourishing and hydrating essence that helps to brighten and firm the skin. The essence is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including:
- Ginseng Water: A powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten and firm the skin
- Niacinamide: Helps to brighten and even out skin tone, while improving the skin’s barrier function
- Beta-Glucan: Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles by helping to calm and hydrate the face.
Step 6: Serum/Ampoule
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule
A lightweight, fast-absorbing ampoule that helps to hydrate and brighten the skin.
- Propolis Extract: An all-natural remedy for calming irritated skin due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities
- Honey Extract: A natural humectant that helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin
- Panthenol: Soothes and calms irritated skin while providing additional hydration.
This potent ampoule from COSRX also helps to improve skin texture and elasticity, making it an excellent addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Serum
The serum is made from a variety of organic components, such as:
- Ginseng extract, a potent antioxidant, can be used to improve skin tone and firmness.
- The skin’s protective function is enhanced, and its appearance is improved by niacinamide, a nutrient that is also used to lighten and even out the skin’s tone.
- Pearl extract’s mineral and amino acid content make it an effective skin brightener and tone stabilizer.
- Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can be used to rehydrate and plump up the epidermis.
Using this serum regularly can improve the skin’s brightness, evenness, smoothness, and elasticity.
Step 7: Mask
IM FROM Honey Mask
A luxurious, nourishing mask that helps to hydrate and soothe the skin. Made with premium honey from Jirisan Mountain, this mask is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Propolis Extract: Helps to heal and soothe the skin while protecting it from environmental stressors.
- Niacinamide: Helps to brighten and even out skin tone.
- Royal Jelly Extract: Rich in vitamins and minerals, this ingredient helps to nourish and protect the skin.
For best results, use once or twice a week.
I'M FROM Rice Mask
A gentle exfoliating mask that helps to brighten and smooth the skin. Made with premium rice grains, this mask provides a physical exfoliation that helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities.
- Rice Bran Extract: Helps to brighten and even out skin tone while providing antioxidant benefits.
- Shea Butter: Nourishes and hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
- Betaine: Helps to improve skin’s texture and retain moisture.
To use, simply apply a generous amount to the skin after cleansing and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Step 8: Eye Care
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
An advanced eye serum that lightens dark shadows and smooths out fine lines. The serum is infused with the power of ginseng and retinal, two key ingredients that work together to deliver a powerful anti-aging effect.
- Adenosine: Reduces the look of wrinkles and fine lines by boosting the skin’s elasticity and stiffness.
- Niacinamide: Brightens the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles and other discoloration around the eyes.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration to the delicate skin around the eyes, leaving it looking plump and youthful.
SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
A powerful eye cream that targets signs of aging and fatigue around the eyes. The retinol, adenosine, and niacinamide in the ointment work synergistically to lighten dark circles under the eyes and smooth out fine lines.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration to the delicate skin around the eyes, leaving it looking plump and youthful.
- Shea Butter: Nourishes and soothes the skin, reducing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
- Centella Asiatica Extract: Reduces the look of redness and soreness on the skin by calming and soothing it.
GOODAL Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Circle Eye Cream
This cream is specially formulated to brighten and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes, while reducing the appearance of dark circles.
- Contains green tangerine extract and vitamin C, which work together to brighten the skin and improve overall skin tone.
- Improves the skin’s texture and tone, making black circles under the eyes less noticeable.
- Nourishes and hydrates the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps to firm and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 9: Moisturiser
INNISFREE Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream
A lightweight gel-cream moisturizer that hydrates and brightens the skin. Infused with Jeju Cherry Blossom extract, this cream helps to improve the skin’s radiance and vitality while providing long-lasting hydration.
- Betaine: Helps to protect and soothe the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation.
- Niacinamide: Brightens the skin and improves its overall texture and tone.
- Adenosine: Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
ETUDE HOUSE Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
An intensive hydrating cream to restore and heal damaged and irritated skin. Great for those with sensitive skin.
The best-selling hypoallergenic cream is formulated with 93% naturally derived ingredients to help restore your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Some key ingredients include:
- Panthenol (aka Pro-Vitamin B5) which aids the skin’s lipid production for a healthy barrier function and deeply hydrates.
- Madecassoside, which restores and heals damaged and irritated skin
- Green Tea- an anti-inflammatory, helpful for those with acne-prone skin.
This cream is great for those with sensitive skin. It has a low pH and is free of any irritants like fragrance, artificial color, and parabens.
Step 10: Suncream
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun SPF50+ PA++++
Relief Sun is a non-nano, organic sunscreen that applies like a light moisturizing lotion but leaves no white residue on the skin. Rich in moisturizing vitamins B, C, and E, as well as amino acids and minerals, it also includes 30% rice extract and fermented grain extracts. In general, it hydrates and nourishes the epidermis.
Skin is shielded from the sun’s beams thanks to SPF 50+ and PA++++. In ancient times, rice was widely used as a part of Korean beauty regimens. Rice bran water was commonly used as a toner during the Joseon Dynasty when it earned the name Beauty Water. Because of its high nutrient and amino acid content, rice bran can be used to relieve dry skin.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Protect your skin from sun damage caused by UVA and UVB radiation with the help of Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun Cream. Aloe arborescens (aloe vera) leaf extract is a key ingredient in this product because of its calming and moisturizing effects. There is no white residue left after it absorbs into the epidermis.
ROUNDLAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+PA++++
A Korean sunscreen that offers hydration and protection from harmful UV rays. The key ingredients and their benefits include:
- Birch juice: Hydrates and soothes the skin
- Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate: A chemical UV filter that protects the skin from UVB rays
- Titanium dioxide: A physical UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection
- Niacinamide: Improves skin tone and diminishes the look of creases and fine lines.
- Adenosine: Has anti-aging benefits and helps to improve the elasticity of the skin.
All skin kinds can use it, even the super-sensitive ones. It is free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, making it a good choice for those who are concerned about the use of potentially harmful chemicals in their skincare products.
Conclusion
Many people are drawn to the K-beauty trend because they are looking for a skincare routine that is safe, natural, and effective. If you are looking for a skincare routine that is free of harmful chemicals, Korean skincare products are a great place to start. However, one thing to keep in mind is that Korean skincare routines can vary from person to person depending on a person’s skin type. The important thing is that you tailor your skincare routine to your specific needs and desires. With the rise of social media influencers and bloggers promoting Korean skincare products, the K-beauty trend has become a global phenomenon and shows no signs of slowing down.There is so much more to this topic, so stay tuned for our upcoming posts on Korean Beauty.
