GOOD FOR THE SEOUL

The Best Korean Skin-Care Products for Glowier-Than-Glowy Skin

Healthy, glass-like, and radiant skin is here to stay.
Cosmetic items overlapping on a dusty pink background. From left to right Yellowtinted clear bottle with spray cap white...
Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Courtesy of brands

If this all sounds appealing to you, you're not alone. Korean skin-care brands have long upped the standards for the global beauty industry—and if we're being honest, our standards as well. Double-cleansing has forever changed our skin (and the state of our pores) and Korean sunscreen formulas are second to none. Get comfortable because we gathered the most innovative, price-efficient, and all-around best Korean skin-care products to incorporate into your routine. Ready for glass-like skin? Dive right in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Cleansing Oil: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Anua

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Why it's worth it: Anua goes all in on heartleaf, a plant native to Southeast Asia prized in traditional Chinese medicine for its polyphenolic flavonoids, which have ample anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is gentle on the eye area and works to melt away makeup, excess sebum, and even blackheads as you emulsify the formula. The oil base can even break down waterproof and sweatproof makeup, making it especially helpful in warmer weather.

Editor's tip: Oil attracts oil, meaning an oil-based cleanser can be especially helpful if you're prone to breakouts. This cleanser does just that, effectively dissolving the gunk from your pores, which you then rinse down the drain.

Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, heartleaf extract | Who it's for: everyone, but especially those with sensitive or acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Cleansing Balm: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Beauty of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Why it's worth it: Nothing beats a balm cleanser when it comes to multitasking, and Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm is no exception. Not only does it remove makeup and deep-clean pores, but it also actively moisturizes skin, leaving it feeling soft and balanced (versus stripped and tight). It's infused with rice bran (a staple ingredient for the brand), which is beloved for its high content of amino acids, minerals, and vitamin E. The solid-balm-to-oil formula rinses cleanly and won't leave skin with a slick residue.

Editor's tip: It's intended to be paired with a water-based cleanser—for example, Beauty of Joseon's Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser—for a double-cleanse, which can help rinse away any residue and especially stubborn formulas (like sunscreen).

Key ingredients: rice bran oil, rise seed water, glycerin | Who it's for: dry skin | Fragrance-Free: yes

Best Foaming Cleanser: Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Etude House

Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Once you've used an oil-based cleanser to break down oil-based products, follow with a water-based formula, such as Etude House's ultra-gentle SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser. The entire Soon Jung line is formulated to have a pH of 6.5, a touch more basic than our skin's natural pH of 5.5. This prevents skin from feeling tight, stripped, or otherwise uncomfortable. Bonus: This fragrance-free, hypoallergenic foam also contains madecassoside (derived from cica) to repair skin damage and panthenol for deep hydration.

Key ingredients: madecassoside, panthenol, green tea extract | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Toner: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

Laneige

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is a lightweight, milky fluid unmatched at replenishing skin post-cleanse. (After all, it won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for that very reason.) Its versatile nature also makes it ideal for those who would prefer a minimal morning A.M. skin-care routine—just apply SPF and you're off—although you can layer it under moisturizer. It uses Laneige's straightforwardly named CeraPeptide complex, which comprises deeply nourishing ceramides and peptides, to support and fortify the moisture barrier.

Editor's tip: You can cut down on price and packaging by springing for a refill.

Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, white leaf tea extract | Who it's for: people who love a multitasking skin-care product | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Essence: Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Cosrx

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Why it's worth it: A Korean beauty best-seller that's all over your FYP and actually worth the hype it's garnered? That's Cosrx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This mega-hydrator is chock-full of, you guessed it, snail mucin to soothe blemishes, brighten acne scars, and even out hyperpigmentation. While the gooey stuff accounts for 96% of the formula, you'll also find hyaluronic acid and allantoin to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier—making it a great option if you're after the glass-skin look.

Editor's tip: We're also fans of the brand's Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream. "The cream melts easily into the skin, and doesn't leave a sticky residue," says deputy digital director Kara McGrath, who noticed a subtle brightening effect. "While the eye cream doesn't magically erase my dark circles, it does reflect the light without any sparkle, which can make you look more awake."

Key ingredients: snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-Free: yes

Best Vitamin C Serum: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum

Goodal

Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum

Why it's worth it: K-beauty has perfected one of our favorite brightening ingredients, vitamin C. Goodal's Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum contains a powerhouse blend of cold-pressed green tangerine extract (a whopping 70%, to be exact), niacinamide, and arbutin. But what makes this formula really stand out? This soothing gel also contains cica, green tea extract, and sodium hyaluronate to minimize any chance of irritation. Even better? The bottle is clear, but it's coated to protect the serum from UV light and has an airless pump—since both light and oxygen can break down vitamin C (notorious for its instability).

The more you know: The tangerines in question are harvested by hand only in July, when the levels of vitamin C in the fruits are at their peak.

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, green tangerine extract, green tea extract | Who it's for: those with dullness or hyperpigmentation | Fragrance-free: yes, but it contains lemon and orange peels oil, which are potential irritants

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Torriden

Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Why it's worth it: Nothing makes a splash quite like Torriden's popular Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is as refreshing and hydrating as its name implies. It goes all-out with not one, not two, but five molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid—each of which can reach a different layer of skin to plump and smooth it from the inside out. Its watery texture doesn't leave any residue, making it a seamless step ahead of moisturizer—not to mention great for layering with other serums.

The more you know: Damaged skin barrier? No sweat: Despite its lightweight feel, this serum is also packed with barrier-repair ingredients like madecassoside, allantoin, and ceramides. In other words, it's seriously soothing.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, madecassoside | Who it's for: dry and dehydrated skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol Serum: Iope Retinol Expert 0.1%

Iope

Iope Retinol Expert 0.1%

Why it's worth it: If you're looking to start retinol—which helps speed skin cell turnover and boost collagen production—but are worried about irritating side effects, we've got you: The Iope Retinol Expert 0.1% is a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner that's gentle enough to use on all skin types. Thanks to hyaluronic acid and panthenol—which act as a buffer—the retinol is tolerable for most people, even if you've experienced flaking and irritation in the past. (FYI: Once you've acclimated, you can graduate to a Retinol Expert 0.3%.) The packaging is genius, too, as there's a three-stage oxygen barrier system that prevents light and air from oxidizing the retinol.

The more you know: This serum has been through 10 iterations since its conception almost three decades ago, so you know it's been thoroughly tested and perfected. (Korean brands, if you didn't already know, are always reformulating and improving formulas based on the latest technologies.)

Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid, panthenol | Who it's for: anyone (in their late 20s or higher) concerned with signs of aging | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Post-Procedure Serum: Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule

Rejuran

Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule

Why it's worth it: Forget plant stem cells. The primary active in Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule is a growth factor derived from wild salmon, says Julie Chung, MD, cofounder of T3 Micro and board-certified ophthalmologist at Advanced Vision Care in Los Angeles, California, who notes that it's all the rage in Korea right now. "It can be injected into the skin but is also thought to be effective topically. It increases skin elasticity, decreases wrinkles, and improves hydration," Dr. Chung says. "I've been using this product for about three weeks now and do feel that my skin is now quite supple—but time will tell if it actually makes my face look more lifted!"

Editor's tip: It can be used after laser resurfacing and chemical peels to speed up your recovery and reduce scarring.

Key ingredients: blackberry leaf extract, licorice extract, adenosine | Who it's for: anyone who wants to address multiple concerns. | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Lotion

Aestura

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion

Why it's worth it: If you're not feeling a rich cream, reach for Aestura's Atobarrier 365 Lotion. Lightweight and quick to sink in, the formula hydrates like a dream and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. At the heart of the lotion are squalane, niacinamide, and a patented capsule containing ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, which give skin ample moisture without a heavy feel.

Editor's tip: If you need extra TLC for your skin—say, you have itchiness or flaking associated with retinol, accidentally got a sunburn, or simply have very dry skin—consider the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream instead; it's more of a barrier cream.

Key ingredients: squalane, niacinamide, ceramides | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Belif

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Why it's worth it: An intensely soothing formula that's perfect for sensitive skin, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb is powered by a blend of inflammation-fighting tiger grass, oat kernel extract, and comfrey leaf. It provides an instant burst of coolness upon application but the benefits of skin-plumping glycerin and squalane last for the entire day. This gel-like cream feels like a refreshing drink that skin slurps up—making it great for year-round use, but especially during warmer weather. "During the summer, The True Cream Aqua Bomb's consistency is a hydrating, lightweight dream come true," reports one tester. "The gel-like formula absorbs in seconds, leaving skin feeling instantly refreshed."

Editor's tip: We hear that many K-pop stars count Belif moisturizers among their favorite formulas, although they can't admit it due to endorsement deals for competitor brands.

Key ingredients: plantin, ceramides, shea butter | Who it's for: Those with combination or oily skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Sulwhasoo

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Why it's worth it: Sulwhasoo's Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream contains a proprietary Ginsenomics blend, which features ginseng in the form of saponin, peptides, roots, and flowers to visibly hydrate and lift skin. For the unfamiliar, ginseng is a do-it-all ingredient that addresses fine lines and wrinkles by boosting circulation, which then ramps up collagen synthesis—leading to firmer, plumper skin. Ginseng also guards your skin against environmental stressors like free radicals that could lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dark spot-causing pollutants, as previously explained by New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD.

Editor's tip: Ginseng's gentle profile makes it a great option for beneath the eyes. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, says that Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Eye Cream is ideal for anyone who needs extra hydration around their eye area.

Key ingredients: ginseng saponins, squalane, honey | Who it's for: mature or very dry skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Eye Cream with Retinol: Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

Some by Mi

Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

Why it's worth it: Even though it has "intense" in its name, don't be intimidated by Some By Mi's Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream. For those concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, this powerhouse formula pairs 0.1% retinol and retinal for a super-effective treatment—but minimizes side effects with soothing glacial water and madecassoside. And that's not all: This formula also contains plant-based collagen and peptides to plump and firm skin that's lost collagen over time, as well as niacinamide and tranexamic acid to brighten the under-eye area.

Editor's tip: In addition to retinol, it contains retinal, a different derivative of vitamin A that's more potent than the original.

Key ingredients: retinol, retinal, peptides | Who it's for: people targeting crow's feet | Fragrance-free: no

Best Retinol-Free Eye Cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Haruharu

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Why it's worth it: If retinol is too harsh for your skin, dial it back with HaruHaru Wonder's Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, which replaces the active with bakuchiol. As a refresher, "Bakuchiol functions similar to a retinol, increasing cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photodamage," Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained. This gentle, quick-absorbing formula is spiked with fermented black rice and bamboo shoot bark extract to promote a brighter and even skin tone, while madecassoside works to soothe and prevent irritation. Cho is a fan of this Korean eye cream and told us that it helps treat her milia.

Editor's tip: If you love the eye cream, scope out Haruharu Wonder's entire black rice lineup—including the Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil (a favorite of commerce editor Sarah Han) and Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner.

Key ingredients: black rice, bamboo shoot extract, bakuchiol | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Chemical Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Innisfree

Innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36 Sunscreen

Why it's worth it: All anyone wants in a sunscreen is a lightweight, hydrating, invisible, and white cast-free formula that goes on smoothly. Is that too much to ask? Not anymore, thanks to Innisfree's Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36. Coming in at under $20, this chemical sunscreen is infused with green tea and cica to soothe any signs of UV-induced (or otherwise) irritation, as well as sunflower seed oil for lightweight moisture. It even took home a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for its sheer, smooth finish.

Editor's tip: It has more of a radiant finish, so it might not be a great fit if you have very oily skin or are looking to tamp down shine. While the newly-released Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen only leaves a dewy-leaning finish, it has a cica-infused green tint that helps minimize redness.

Key ingredients: green tea, sunflower seed oil, cica | Who it's for: dry skin types | Fragrance-free: no

Best Mineral Sunscreen: Isntree Yam Root Milk Tone Up Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Isntree

Isntree Yam Root Milk Tone Up Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Why it's worth it: While the cards can be stacked against mineral sunscreens, which use mineral-based filters that often leave a white cast, that's not the case with Isntree Yam Root Milk Tone Up Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++. It has a universal beige tint that allows it to blend into every skin tone, even those on the deep end of the spectrum, and proactively nourishes skin with a blend of yam root extract and panthenol. It's also infused with velvet powders, which have a subtle blurring effect.

Editor's tip: The PA++++ on the label is a measurement of protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for signs of aging. (SPF in the US only measures protection against UVB rays, which lead to sunburns and skin cancer.) PA++++ is the highest level available.

Key ingredients: yam root extract, panthenol, rice extract | Who it's for: those who prefer mineral filters, or with sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sunscreen Patch: Franz Naked Sunshield Peptide Patch

Franz

Franz Naked Sunshield Peptide Patch

Why it's worth it: Dr. Chung has used lasers, retinol, hydroquinone, niacinamide, or some combination of the above to manage her melasma, a condition exacerbated by sun exposure. That's why she turns to the Franz Naked Sunshield Peptide Patch when she's outdoors. "In addition to sunscreen, I'll wear UV peptide patches when I play tennis to protect my upper cheeks from further UV exposure," she says. "It's a clear patch that more effectively blocks UV rays—and although I look a bit crazy on the tennis courts, it saves me from laser treatments in the future!" It's thin, breathable, and has a cooling effect on skin.

Editor's tip: Since it has to be applied to clean skin to adhere, stick this on first and then follow up with moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.

Key ingredients: peptides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: people looking to target sun protection | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sunscreen Stick: Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++

Tocobo

Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

Why it's worth it: Koreans are obsessed with sun protection, says Dr. Chung, which is why she's tried just about every formula on the market. Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50 PA++++ is her go-to for reapplication. "It glides on easily and has a clear, matte finish," she says. "Also, it has oil-absorbing properties, which is nicer for oily or combination skin. It's the only sunscreen that my children will apply by themselves since it's easy [to use], doesn't leave a sticky feel, and is unscented." It pairs sun protection with vitamin E and turmeric, which helps brighten your complexion.

Editor's tip: Sunscreen sticks are convenient to travel with and apply, but since you can't tell how much you've applied, they shouldn't be your first-line sunscreen—instead, save them for touch-ups only and make sure you swipe back and forth four times on each area for adequate coverage.

Key ingredients: aloe extract, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil | Who it's for: people who need to reapply SPF | Fragrance-free: no

Best Face Mask: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask

Dr. Jart+

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask

Why it's worth it: Since the rise of Korean skin care in the US, Dr. Jart+'s Cicapair line has been an editor-favorite for soothing sensitized skin. The Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask—a 2021 and 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner—is a fragrance-free gel treatment that provides a stressed complexion with an instant cooling, refreshing, and calming effect. It uses a blend of glycerin, niacinamide, and heartleaf to support sensitive skin—but all skin types can benefit from this deeply hydrating treatment.

Editor Tip: Try applying it after a sunburn for immediate relief. "It was like a veil of calm coating my skin," said our tester.

Key ingredients: heartleaf extract, niacinamide, glycerin | Who it's for: everyone, but especially those with sensitive or compromised skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lip Treatment: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Laneige

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Why it's worth it: Parched lips are no match for Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask, which has racked up three Allure Readers' Choice Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023. It coats cracked lips in moisturizing and protective ingredients, including shea butter, vitamin C, and glycerin. After one use, our tester's lips were "soft, supple, (kissable, if you will), and plump," she said. "What's more: Those tiny lip lines I don't love on myself appeared visibly diminished."

In case you weren't already sold, it smells like fresh berries. Laneige has tons of scrumptious flavors—both permanent and limited-edition—such as Gummy Bear, Vanilla, and Watermelon Pop.

Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, vitamin C | Who it's for: everyone | Fragrance-free: no

Best Splurge: Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence

AmorePacific

AmorePacific Vintage Single Extract Essence

Why it's worth it: This 2018 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, Amorepacific Vintage Single Extract Essence, comes with a heftier price tag, but it makes sense given the work that goes into it: The hand-picked leaves from South Korea's Jeju Island are fermented for 50 days, aged in traditional Korean earthenware for another 50 days, and then extracted for 24 hours to create a concentrated skin superfood. Green tea leaves are rich in antioxidants, which means they'll defend your skin against free-radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution—while allowing your skin-care products to soak in better.

Editor's tip: A little goes a long way: Tester and shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis only needed to dispense two to three drops for each application and found that it helped the rest of her products absorb more easily.

Key ingredients: green tea extract, glycerin | Who it's for: anyone targeting signs of aging | Fragrance-free: yes


Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Korean skin-care routine look like?

There's no one (or right!) way to use Korean skin care. Despite the popularity of the 10-step Korean skin-care routine, you don't need to go all-out every night to reap the benefits.
"While some still adhere to [the 10-step routine], many prefer a more streamlined approach with three to five products, focusing on functionality and efficacy," Cho explains. The three basic steps remain the same: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF (during the day). If you're unsure how to build your skin-care routine—using Korean products or otherwise—start with the fundamentals before adding the good-to-have steps, like toner and serum.

A huge benefit of Korean skin care is that many products are formulated to be multifunctional, combining steps while saving you time and money. Laneige's Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner listed in this story, is one such example. This milky formula soothes and softens skin post-cleanse while locking in moisture, thanks to peptides and ceramides.

The landscape of the Korean skin-care industry changes by what feels like the day—which is to say, the list of trending ingredients and treatments changes rapidly. However, Cho calls out PDRN (short for polydeoxyribonucleotide), a DNA chain extracted from salmon "that is a 95% match to that of humans," as we previously reported. "PDRN has captured attention across pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries in South Korea," Cho notes. While she says it's "lauded for its tissue regeneration properties and is a popular cosmeceutical injection," you can find it in some topical products such as Iope PDRN Caffeine Shot Serum. What's more: "The emergence of vegan PDRN, extracted from wild ginseng, caters to the growing demand for plant-based and cruelty-free skin-care options," Cho adds.

Microneedling treatments, which utilize fine needles to puncture the skin, are also big in South Korea because they "stimulate natural healing and collagen production," Cho explains. Don't be surprised as you start seeing more topicals like VT Cosmetics' Cica Reedle Shot and Medicube's One Day Exosome Shot 2000 popping up on your TikTok FYP that incorporate a much milder form of microneedling into your everyday routine.

Can I trust buying Korean skin-care products online?

Korean skin-care brands are most readily available on Amazon so, as with anything else you buy on the site, you need to do your due diligence surrounding retailers and sellers. Amazon stock, pricing, and listed sellers can be volatile, so at Allure, we don't include any products that are not sold by either Amazon or the brand itself at the time of writing. (Bear in mind: The "seller" is sometimes listed as the parent company. For example, Dear Klairs products are sold by Wishtrend.) There are other options, of course. Soko Glam is a stateside e-retailer that meticulously curates its selection, and then there are Asia-based retailers such as Yesstyle and Olive Young that will most likely take longer to ship.

Amazon or not, one big exception to this online shopping discourse is Korean sunscreens. "The reality is that [many sunscreens from popular brands such as] Beauty of Joseon and Round Lab are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is why they're not sold on Soko Glam—since we import [our products] into the U.S. and have to go through FDA checks," Cho explains. "I caution people buying off of Amazon, as it is rife with counterfeit products since Amazon U.S. would not be able to sell these either (it's a matter of import)." Take heed!

Meet the experts

  • Charlotte Cho, cofounder of Soko Glam and Then I Met You
  • Julie Chung, MD, cofounder of T3 Micro and board-certified ophthalmologist at Advanced Vision Care in Los Angeles, California
  • Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City's Union Square Dermatology
  • David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City and founder of Lightsaver
  • Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean skin-care products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.


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