Top 10 Korean Skincare Brands Loved Worldwide
Annyeonghaseyo, beauty enthusiasts! If you’ve ever wondered how Koreans achieve that famous ‘glass skin’ look, the answer lies in a meticulously layered routine and innovative products. K-Beauty isn’t just a trend; it’s a global industry leader, constantly introducing groundbreaking ingredients and formulations.
As your Korean insider, I’ve compiled the definitive list of the Top 10 Korean Skincare Brands Loved Worldwide—the products dominating shelves and social media in 2025. These are the brands you need to know, whether you’re a beginner or a K-Beauty veteran.
1. COSRX
Why It’s Loved: Famous for its minimalist, clinical approach and high concentrations of active ingredients. COSRX excels at targeted treatments for acne and sensitivity.
Must-Try Product: The Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Yes, it contains snail secretion filtrate, and no, you won’t regret trying it. It’s legendary for hydration and repair.
2. Laneige
Why It’s Loved: A hydration powerhouse, known for its focus on water science and patented water-based ingredients. It sits at the sweet spot between accessible and luxurious.
Must-Try Product: The Lip Sleeping Mask. This has achieved true global icon status, healing dry lips overnight for millions worldwide.
3. Sulwhasoo
Why It’s Loved: The pinnacle of luxury Hanbang (한방) beauty. Sulwhasoo uses traditional Korean herbal medicine, like ginseng, to deliver powerful anti-aging and regenerative results.
Must-Try Product: The First Care Activating Serum. Used immediately after cleansing, it’s designed to boost skin’s absorption of all subsequent products.
4. Innisfree
Why It’s Loved: Known for its commitment to natural ingredients sourced primarily from Jeju Island. It focuses on clean formulas and environmentally conscious practices.
Must-Try Product: The Green Tea Seed Serum. A daily hydrating serum that harnesses the power of Jeju green tea for intense moisture.
5. Beauty of Joseon
Why It’s Loved: This brand fuses historical Korean skincare practices (from the Joseon Dynasty) with modern formulation science. It’s accessible, gentle, and highly effective, especially for sensitive skin.
Must-Try Product: The Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics. A viral sensation for its lightweight texture and powerful sun protection without the white cast.
6. Etude House
Why It’s Loved: While often known for makeup, their skincare lines are hugely popular for their effectiveness, affordability, and adorable packaging. It’s a great entry point for younger K-Beauty fans.
Must-Try Product: The SoonJung Line. A minimal, sensitive-skin focused range that cuts out irritants.
7. Dr. Jart+
Why It’s Loved: A brand built on dermatological science and innovation. Dr. Jart+ specializes in calming and protecting sensitive or compromised skin.
Must-Try Product: The Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment. Perfect for neutralizing redness and calming irritated skin.
8. MISSHA
Why It’s Loved: Offers great quality at affordable prices, often providing dupes (similar formulations) for higher-end products. They are widely known for their superior BB creams.
Must-Try Product: The Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. A highly effective fermentation essence that promotes radiance and smoothness.
9. ROUND LAB
Why It’s Loved: Known for its clean, simple formulas that highlight natural Korean ingredients, particularly from Dokdo Island (deep sea water) or Birch Juice. They are consistently top-rated for sensitive skin.
Must-Try Product: The 1025 Dokdo Toner. A gentle exfoliating and hydrating toner that is famous for calming troubled skin.
10. The History of Whoo
Why It’s Loved: Another luxury Hanbang brand focused on anti-aging and royal palace medicinal recipes. It is known for its exquisite packaging and potent ingredients, often targeted at an older demographic.
Must-Try Product: Products containing Gongjinbidan, their signature complex for balance and firmness.
These brands represent the best of K-Beauty—mixing tradition with cutting-edge science to deliver results that have truly captured the world’s attention.