25 Best Cheap Korean Skin Care Products Under $20 in 2024

Image Credit: @beautyofjoseon

You’re just getting started building a K-Beauty skincare routine, trying to save some money on Korean cosmetics shopping, or want to find a beauty gift that won't break the bank? Welcome to The Skin Special's 2024 K-Beauty Budget Guide! I curated it to feature affordable Korean skincare products all under $20 and by the time I'm writing this, some might even be on sale so check your favorite K-Beauty stores for the lowest price. I'm not a fan of suggesting products as "holy grails" simply because they worked well on my skin because even if my skin loves a certain product, that does not mean it won't make you break out EVEN if we have the same skin type or concerns. So here are the 4 principles for curating my affordable top picks:

#2 Novelty: Because I'm sure you're tired of seeing the same old "viral K-beauty products", I wanted to suggest lesser-known, smaller K-beauty brands, and standout products that deserve more hype not just for their low price but their high quality and their often impressive ingredients list. 

#1 Tolerability: There's never a guarantee that a product will work well for everyone but I tried my best to choose products that have mostly gentle, fragrance-free formulas with a medium strength when it comes to their active ingredients.

#4 Affordability: All products I picked are full size, so don't worry, I won't scam you and suggest minis as "affordable brands": As a cosmetics marketer, I always feel when blogs or influencers suggest minis as "cheap", it's a bit of a rip-off...

#3 Diversity: We also made sure to feature a variety of products, from sunscreens to serums & essences, sheet masks, cleansers, and exfoliators, and made sure to match them to different skin types/concerns so rather than trusting my experience with a product, you can pick what you feel will be the perfect fit for your skin. 

Disclaimer

This is an independent blog post that expresses my professional opinion as a cosmetics marketer. None of the mentioned brands compensated me for reviewing their products. I was not sponsored to write this post, nor did I receive any products/PR packages. All product prices are subject to change and do not lie within my control.

Sunscreens

First up we of course have a non-negotiable when it comes to skincare, the one essential step everyone should be using, no matter their skin concerns or skin type: SPF. The ones you'll find curated here are all SPF 50 and either use chemical filters or a mix of chemical and mineral filters: I wanted to make this as inclusive as possible and I simply cannot recommend a good mineral sunscreen under $20 when it comes to its whitecast on darker complexions.  

Dr. Althea:

Purifying Green Tea Sunscreen $16,95

Skin Type: Oily skin/Acne-prone & combination skin

Skin Concern: Frequent acne breakouts, clogged & enlarged pores

Image Credit: @doctoraltheeaglobal.com

This sunscreen which was newly launched in November 2023 has a lightweight formula that leaves no sticky residue behind while giving you that dewy skin we all crave. Now, I must point out that on very deep skin tones, it might leave a slight white cast, but it is still a very subtle and sheer sunscreen overall. Its ingredient highlights include pricy pearl extract, as the second (!) ingredient, meant to brighten your complexion. Plus, there's Boseong green tea water which helps control sebum, making it the perfect choice if you have acne-prone skin like me. Beauty fun fact: Boseong's green tea fields are scenic tea plantations in the South of South Korea, offering terraced fields, hiking trails, waterfalls, and different green tea snacks. It's an experience that almost rivals the green tea haven of Jeju Island, and trust me, it's worth a visit! I also love the clean, minimal design of the packaging and the product itself, it's something Dr. Althea, though still considered one of the smaller brands in the K-Beauty market, does so well and makes for a great gift. Last year, I gifted one of my best friends a Dr. Althea moisturizer and she not only loved the formula but also said it made her vanity instantly more ✨aesthetic✨.

SKIN 1004:

Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

$14,66

Skin Type: Normal skin, dry skin & sensitive skin

Skin Concern: Dry patches, sensitized/irritated skin

Image Credit: skin1004.com

This creamy sun serum which launched in the summer of 2023 and also comes in a stick format for almost the same price, combines hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica to sooth and deeply hydrate your skin without leaving a white cast which makes it a great pick if you have skin that's on the drier side. It gives you a very glowy, plump finish which looks stunning if your skin tone is on the duller spectrum but might be a bit too shiny if your skin tends to get oily throughout the day. Another ingredient that stood out to me because I don't see brands formulate with it a lot was broccoli extracts which provide antioxidant benefits to your skin. The SPF is also a great choice if you have sensitive or sensitized skin as it is formulated to help strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and has also been tested to be hypoallergenic. Overall, this is the most affordable sunscreen I have seen in recent years that has a beautifully luminous finish despite its low price point. 

Beauty of Joseon:

Matte Sun Stick $18,72

Skin Type: Oily skin/Acne-prone skin & combination skin

Skin Concern: Shiny skin, patchy/pilling base makeup

Image Credit: beautyofjoseon.com

Developed with cosmetic chemist and esthetician Ramón, this matte sunscreen stick doesn’t leave a greasy or clumpy finish even when you reapply it over makeup, which makes it a great choice, especially for all us oily, acne-prone girls and boys. What caught my eye in this chemical formula was silica powder which effectively absorbs and regulates excess sebum for a finish that stays matte but does not dry out your skin. It's a great product not only for us with oily or combination skin but also a great on-the-go, everyday sunscreen which makes reapplying throughout the day (2-3 times when exposed to direct light and to be adapted as you feel necessary when indoors farther away from windows) very effortless and chic even. Ramón has been one of my favorite sci-comm creators (science communication) for a while now: He truly does an amazing job on Instagram and TikTok in educating about the complex science behind beauty products in a fun way.

KAINE:

Green Fit Pro Sun SPF 50+ Sunscreen $16,86

Skin Type: Combination skin & sensitive skin

Skin Concern: Excess sweating outdoors & indoors

Image Credit: kaine.co.kr

Launched in April of 2023, this vegan hybrid sunscreen with a milky lotion-like texture combines chemical and mineral filters to create a sweat-resistant, cooling formula that's perfect if you have combination skin or sensitive skin. Two ingredients that stood out to me here were bamboo water and ectoin which are both great for soothing irritated skin and strengthening your skin barrier. The cooling effect is achieved by combining three plant extracts, namely thyme, green tea, and mint extracts. Keeping the skin cool so it does not get irritated, red, or form breakouts is quite a popular approach in Korean skincare. I'd recommend this sunscreen also to anyone who frequently does outdoor activities or works out a lot. Kaine does not conduct any animal testing and even donates a portion of their profits to animal rights organizations that are passionate about abandoned animals and animal welfare. 

Serums & Essences

Next up, we have our serums and essences: In cosmetics marketing, we tend to see that this is the category where people spend the most money, largely because of the higher concentration of actives in the formula compared to, say, moisturizers, which often leads to you seeing visible results faster. But don't worry: I worked my magic and managed to find you affordable, yet effective serums for whatever skin concerns you might have: 

COSRX:

The Retinol 0.1 Cream $20,80 

Skin Type: Normal skin, oily skin/acne-prone skin, combination skin  

Skin Concern: Acne, enlarged pores, signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, etc.)

Image Credit: empresskorea.com

This potent anti-aging cream formulated with 0.1% retinol has one of the most reasonable prices I have seen for non-prescription retinol products. Keep in mind to always use retinol very carefully and according to the instructions, especially if your skin is on the more sensitive side, as even a low dose like this can be irritating for some people.

That said, this cream is perfect if you're trying to combat first signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, and loss of firmness, while still caring for your skin: They formulated this serum by adding panthenol to counteract the irritation Vitamin A can often cause, which makes it a great way into the world of potent anti-aging products. 

JUMISO:

Snail EX Ultimate Boost Essence $20,19

Skin Type: Dry skin, oily skin/acne-prone skin 

Skin Concern: Dehydrated skin, dull skin texture, dry patches

Image Credit: songofskin.com

While Korean formulators have been using snail mucin for a long time, TikTok has been hyping the ingredient as something novel which made multiple serums, including the COSRX snail essence go viral.

Is it the one holy grail that will heal all skin troubles? Probably not but it is an amazing ingredient when it comes to achieving that plump, glowing glass skin. This nourishing, lightweight essence by JUMISO is 100% cruelty-free, meaning no snails were harmed in the process of producing it. Not only does this essence have snail mucin filtrate as the very first (!) ingredient at a low price point, but it also isn't sticky like many other snail essences which allows you to layer it in your routine.

I also like recommending this specific essence when it comes to snail mucin and not the COSRX one as there have been numerous fake COSRX snail essences circulating the market lately, which can lead to severe skin irritations and other scary skin complications I'd like to spare you. Also, a word of caution from a former cystic acne sufferer (me): In some people who tend to form cystic pimples, snail mucin can sometimes lead to painful, under-the-skin breakouts. Again, this does not have to be the case for you at all, I just wanted to share what not just me but others in Reddit forums have experienced. Don't let this stop you from trying snail mucin in any way, but rather let it make you make the best decision for your skin. Beauty fun fact to end this recommendation on a bright note: JUMISO's brand name is made up of the Korean words 주(다) "ju" which means to give and 미소 "miso" which means smile - may this serum give you many smiles, too. :) 

AMPLE: N

 Peptide Shot Ampoule 2x $18.71

Skin Type: Normal skin, combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin

Skin Concern: Signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, etc.), dehydrated skin

Image Credit: shopee.vn

The thing that'll immediately stand out to you with this ampoule and one characteristic that distinguishes it from other peptide products on the market are its visible peptide threads: Not only do they look cool but they effortlessly dissolve once you apply the serum to your skin, making the formula feel almost cushiony to the touch. The serum contains 6 types of peptides, which is a very generous amount given its low price for usually pricier peptide products. AMPLE:N is owned by Coreana Cosmetics, a company that has been formulating skincare since 1988 and specializes in serum ampoules. This serum is such a great choice if you're looking for a gentle, non-irritating anti-aging serum: Will it have the same strength as a retinol? Of course not, but it's a serum that'll visibly boost your skin elasticity and plump up fine lines. It has a very subtle scent but even if you don't like fragrance in your product, you might still be able to appreciate it because it's a very pleasant, even luxurious scent. 

Beauty of Joseon:

Light On Serum Centella + Vita C $17,68

Skin Type: Normal skin, oily skin/acne-prone skin, combination skin  

Skin Concern: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, pigment spots, dark circles

Image Credit: beautyofjoseon.com

Everyone always talks about Beauty of Joseon's "viral" sunscreens (me too, guilty!) but one product that rarely gets the spotlight yet deserves it all the way is their newly launched Vitamin C serum that's one of the most affordable vitamin C's I've seen recently. If you're looking for a Vitamin C serum, you most likely want to brighten dull skin, lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or even your overall skin tone.

This fresh, light serum has all these benefits but tries to lower the risk of irritation that often goes hand in hand with Vitamin C: Formulated with 10% 3-O-ethyl-ascorbic acid, a Vitamin C derivative that has a higher active ingredient stability and lower risk of skin irritation it's also suitable for the more sensitive of skin types amongst us. It feels quite fresh and light upon application 

I personally like to buffer every Vitamin C with a thin layer of moisturizer because I have extremely sensitive skin but if your skin is on the less sensitive side, you can use it as the second step of your routine after cleansing. 

AXIS-Y:

Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment $16,64

Skin Type: Oily skin/Acne-prone & combination skin  

Skin Concern: Frequent acne breakouts, clogged pores, emergency pimple care 

Image Credit: axis-y.com

This acne serum treatment doesn't just look cute: It also packs a mighty yet gentle punch against acne. The cruelty-free, vegan spot treatment is formulated with AHA glycolic acid, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells, BHA salicylic acid to reduce sebum production, and, my personal highlight, visible ceramide capsules that are meant to strengthen your skin barrier while you're treating your acne.

It also comes with one of K-Beauty's favorite ingredients against blemishes: 4-Terpineol, a primary constituent of tea tree oil, which is great at calming inflammation quickly, that's what makes it a great choice when you have to calm a breakout quickly before an important event, date, or special day. I would recommend not applying it to the entire face as it is a more highly concentrated serum but rather to your areas of breakouts. 

Sheet/Face Masks

Skin concerns can vary so much from person to person, that's why it is important to not only pick a sheet mask that works well for your skin but to consistently wear it. My dermatologist recommended a minimum of once a week up to a maximum of 3 or more times per week to improve your overall skin condition. But don't worry, I'll introduce a couple of my sheet mask top picks and mask sets that all target some of the most common concerns. I also chose different mask materials, because again: Every skin is unique and different and a tencel sheet mask might work better for your skin than say, a rubber mask. In my opinion, purchasing sheet masks overseas is way pricier as opposed to buying them at Olive Young, Korea's #1 beauty drug store, so I did my best to find the most affordable options that will give you visible results:

Dr. Jart+

 Dermask Ultra Jet Porecting Solution Mask

Set of 5 for $17,47

Skin Type: Oily skin/Acne-prone, combination skin, normal skin 

Skin Concern: Enlarged & clogged pores, excess sebum 

Image Credit: koreanksincare.co.uk

When you go to the sheet mask section at Olive Young, you'll see one brand over and over again: Dr. Jart. Acquired by Estée Lauder in 2019, the brand is well-known for developing products that stand out with their design and innovative formulations. Even the brand's name and history are unique: Dr. Jart combines dermatology with art by developing medical-grade products and frequently collaborating with designers. It was founded by dermatologist Jung Dr. Sung-Jae and his entrepreneur friend Lee Jin-Wook and was first only exclusively available in dermatological clinics before it took Korea and the world by storm. This sheet mask is as iconic as it gets and for its effectiveness quite affordable, especially when purchasing this set: The mask sheet is soaked in black charcoal which forms bubbles once you apply the mask, a process that's both fascinating and slightly terrifying at the same time. It purifies pores so well without stripping the skin of moisture, helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, and controls sebum, too.  

ISOI:

Bulgarian Rose Blemish Care Mask

Single Mask $6,14

Skin Type: Oily skin/Acne-prone, sensitive skin, combination skin 

Skin Concern: Frequent acne breakouts, clogged pores, emergency pimple care 

Image Credit: amazon.co.jp

ISOI is one of those Korean cosmetic brands that gets purchased a lot domestically but rarely promoted overseas. When you visit Olive Young, you'll see big shelves featuring ISOI products, usually with "bestseller" stickers attached. I also was introduced to the brand by Olive Young's beauty assistants when I asked for gentle acne products, and while ISOI is not among the luxury brands, it definitely has a higher overall price point.   

Image Credit: amazon.co.jp

This mask might be on the pricier end of single masks but I wanted to recommend it because you're getting a truly effective acne product with a very expensive ingredient (rosa damascena aka Bulgarian rose as the first ingredient, wow!) and can try the overall formula of ISOI's beloved Blemish Care Serum where the full-size serum retails for $30. I think this mask is a great way to try a very expensive formula before investing in a full-size product but be warned: You might end up falling for this amazing, pricy acne serum this mask was inspired by. The mask is made out of cotton which makes for a nice snug fit, feels very calming and its formula truly celebrates that natural products such as rose water can be incredibly beneficial in healing acne, especially in people with sensitive skin. Beauty fun fact: It takes 3,000 roses to extract one milliliter of Bulgarian rose oil…

Dr. Jart+

Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution

Set of 5 for $17,47

Skin Type: Normal skin & dry skin 

Skin Concern: Dehydrated skin, dry patches, sensitized/irritated skin 

Image Credit: empresskorea.com

Another evergreen sheet mask product hit by Dr. Jart, but this time, we're taking care of dehydrated skin. This sheet mask made from cellulose is soaked in a formula that features hyaluronic acid and seaweed extracts which will leave your skin feeling deeply hydrated, replenished, and plump.

Especially in this set, it's one of the most affordable but effective sheet masks out there that focus on hydration. 

Dear, Klairs:

2 Hydrating Masks $5,30

Skin Type: Dry skin, sensitive skin, normal skin 

Skin Concern: Dehydrated skin, dry patches, sensitized/irritated skin

Image Credit: @klairs.seoul

Everyone who started their K-Beauty journey outside of Korea probably knows Klairs: You'll be hard-pressed to find Klairs products at Olive Young stores because the brand has been focusing on marketing their gentle, mostly vegan products to the global market. This mask set for ultra-deep hydration packs two of their most beloved products, the Midnight Blue Calming Cream and the Rich Most Soothing Cream into sheet masks that are perfect if you have drier skin or are recovering your skin from drying acne products/medication.

The Midnight Blue Calming sheet mask is a perfect fit (literally haha) if you're trying to relieve redness, calm irritation, and cool your skin after a workout or increased sun exposure: It soothes your skin with licorice and Centella extracts.

Image Credit: @klairs.seoul

The Rich Moist Soothing mask is made from tencel material which has better breathability and 50% enhanced moisture absorption compared to a cotton sheet mask which makes it a great fit for extremely sensitive and sensitized skin. Its formula that combines calming panthenol, allantoin, and aloe vera leaf juice creates an environment in which your skin can take a breath from all the environmental stress it's exposed to on a daily. 

Pyunkang Yul:

Acne Dressing Mask Pack

Single Mask $3,95

Skin Type: Oily skin/Acne-prone, sensitive skin, combination skin

Skin Concern: Frequent acne breakouts, clogged pores, emergency pimple care 

Director Seo Hyo-seok. Image Credit: koreapost.com

Image Credit: yesstyle.com

Pyunkang Yul is one of these aesthetic, minimal Korean brands that deserve more hype but it makes me happy to see that slowly but surely, more people are discovering their products. The brand develops products based on the 40+ year history of the renowned Pyunkang Korean Medicine Hospital and you can tell how every product line was developed intentionally and mindfully. This sheet mask stands out in many ways:

For one, it has one of the lowest price points when it comes to acne sheet masks that actually deliver visible results but what's even more important is that it features not one, but four sheets.

This mask pack has four large patches that are generously soaked in an anti-inflammatory essence formulated with willow bark extract. It effectively lowers your skin temperature after only 15 minutes and doesn't just treat acne but deeply moisturizes and strengthens your skin, leaving it feeling calm and never stripped. 

Cleansers 

Ok hear me out: Many people claim cleansers as the least important skincare products as they're in touch with your skin for the shortest amount of time and are wash-off but if you have sensitive skin like me, you might have noticed as well that picking a cleansing formula that your skin hates can really damage your skin barrier and lead to many problems down the line such as excess oil production/oily skin, constantly red-ish skin, breakouts and dry patches. That's why I curated different cleansers all different types, from balms, foams, and gels but of course, all at a reasonable price, so let's find you your favorite new cleanser... 

heimish: 

All Clean Balm $20,96

Skin Type: Dry skin, sensitive skin, normal skin 

Skin Concern: Dehydrated skin, dry patches, sensitized/irritated skin

Image Credit: empresskorea.com

This balm has been a consistent favorite in the K-Beauty community for good reason: Its viscose, thick formula effortlessly removes even heavier makeup without leaving your skin feeling stripped. It contains "natural ingredients" like shea butter, as well as 10 different types of aroma oils. If you don't like fragrance, you might be alarmed but the balm itself has a very subtle, light scent so nothing on the perfumish side. It also comes with a convenient spatula which makes keeping your balm hygienic throughout your months of daily use. It's a thick consistency that turns slightly thinner and oily once you rub it onto your skin making cleansing your face a pleasant experience because nothing runs into your eyes or irritates them. Overall, I'd recommend this cleanser to people with drier skin and sensitive skin because, for acne-prone folks like me, its texture might be a bit too thick. 

Haruharu WONDER:

Black Rice Moisture Soft Cleansing Gel $17,68

Skin Type: Combination skin, sensitive skin, normal skin 

Skin Concern: Build-up oil, dehydrated skin, sensitized skin

Image Credit: ballagrio.com

Now, this cleansing gel is interesting: Its slightly acidic formula is made from coconut-derived surfactants that make for a thorough, deep cleanse. What also stands out is the hero ingredient fermented black rice which provides your skin with moisture and nourishment.

This gel also turns into a fine, soft, fancy-feeling foam but be aware that it contains Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) meant to exfoliate your skin. While exfoliating daily with a cleanser is just what some skin types need, this might be a bit too much if you have sensitive skin that doesn't react well to daily exposure to exfoliating ingredients. Its formula is also vegan and completely unscented which makes it a great pick for everyone who reacts to fragrance in cleansers.

Torriden:

DIVE-IN Cleansing Foam $17,68

Skin Type: Dry skin, sensitive skin, normal skin 

Skin Concern: Dehydrated skin, dry patches, sensitized/irritated skin

Image Credit: seoulplus.com

Cleansing foams can be tricky: Many tend to strip your skin but not this one: Torriden's cleansing foam is formulated with eight different kinds of micro-molecular hyaluronic acid to help penetrate the skin's dermal layer and effectively deliver supple hydration.

It's the best selection for you if you need a thorough, water-based cleanse but are scared to dry out your skin. Foams can feel so different depending on the surfactants used: Torriden's formulators truly achieved a beautiful, thick, luxurious foam that won't leave your skin feeling stripped or sensitized but clean and slightly moisturized. 

MIZON:

Rice Real Cleansing Foam $15,81

Skin Type: Dry skin, normal skin 

Skin Concern: Excess dead skin, dull texture

Image Credit: lavuucosmetics.com

This cleansing foam that starts as a white, creamy yet slightly chunky texture provides gentle physical exfoliation using rice bran and grains but don't worry: This is nothing like the feared and infamous St. Ive's Apricot Scrub. Rice has been used in Korean skincare for centuries and is loved for its brightening and hydrating properties. This cleanser is perfect if you want to gently exfoliate dead skin cells without irritating your skin. You can imagine the texture as soft with fine, tiny rice particles that don't hurt or irritate your skin but feel rather refreshing. That being said: This product has been around for quite a while now and seeing how there's very little content or chit-chat about it online and how there hasn't been an update in their visuals for this line, I could imagine that MIZON will either relaunch/rebrand its design, tweak its formula or even discontinue it. 

Dear, Klairs:

Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser $18,72$

Skin Type: Sensitive skin, dry skin, oily/acne-prone skin 

Skin Concern: Dehydrated skin, Irritation due to acne medication

Image Credit: yesstyle.com

Whether or not you hate the word "moist" as many of us do, I'm sure you will love this best-selling cleanser: Formulated with tea tree leaf oil, this hypoallergenic foaming cleanser was made to fit even the most sensitive of skins (and yes, this is the product that matches the sheet mask we talked about earlier).

It is formulated with amino acid surfactant and contains ceramides that help strengthen your skin barrier, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. This will be the perfect fit for you if you're looking for a mild cleanser that delivers a thorough cleanse or are currently or extremely drying acne medication such as tretinoin. 

Exfoliators

Exfoliation is essential in the world of K-Beauty Korean skincare as it helps free your skin from dead skin cells, smooths rough texture, controls oily skin, promotes skin cell turnover, unclogs pores, and promotes an overall more glowing, radiant complexion. But finding an exfoliating formula that delivers these results without irritating your skin while still beign within your budget can be rough. Well, let me make this journey smoother (sorry, couldn't help it haha) by presenting to you the most affordable, yet efficacious exfoliating toners, gels, and pads: 

ROUND LAB:

1025 Dokdo Toner $20,38

Skin Type: Normal skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, oily/acne-prone skin

Skin Concern: Sensitized/irritated skin, dry patches, rough texture

Image Credit: elbeauty.gr

First up, we have Olive Young's #1 bestselling toner that has been topping the toner category for 4 consecutive years: Ladies and gentlemen, the Dokdo Toner. I don't see it recommended outside of Korea a lot but this award-winning toner has taken Korea by storm. What makes this watery toner so versatile and beloved is that it's suitable for all skin types and a wide range of concerns: Its mild formula featuring panthenol, allantoin and deep sea water from Ulleundgo Island with 72 types of natural minerals helps gently refine skin texture without feeling heavy or sticky.

It also helps effectively decrease sebum production which makes it perfect for all of us oily skin girlies and boys and gently gets rid of dead skin cells using their patented ingredient HATCHING EX-07, which is said to be more gentle than AHAs, BHAs, and glycolic acid. Beauty fun fact: The toner has its name from the little island Dokdo, also known as the nation's sea treasure island that is protected by the Korean government as a natural monument due to its diverse marine wildlife. 

Dr. G:

Brightening Peeling Gel $20,38

Skin Type: Normal skin, sensitive skin, oily/acne-prone skin

Skin Concern: Sensitive skin, pigmentation, rough texture, acne scars

Image Credit: jolicosmetic.vn

Dr. G is another one of those brands that you'll see all over the Olive Young stores with large displays and celebrity endorsements (Hi there, Song Joong-ki!), but less hyped outside of Korea. Their Brightening Peeling Gel has been a steady #1 Olive Young bestseller for years now: Formulated with natural cellulose that forms little soft pebbles as you massage it onto your skin, it mildly exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving your complexion smoother and softer. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like honey that help soothe your skin while peeling, as well as Vitamin C to help brighten your overall tone. One detail I absolutely love about the packing is that it has a space where you can write the opening date with a marker so you can keep track of when it expires, so convenient! I think this would also be a great introductory exfoliator if you're looking to brighten pigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation but have sensitive skin. 

NEOGEN:

Calming Cicatree Toner Pad $21,84

Skin Type: Sensitive skin, oily/acne-prone skin 

Skin Concern: Excess dead skin, redness, dull texture

Image Credit: shopee.vn

Bare with me, I know this is a couple of dollars above the $20 mark but this NEOGEN exfoliating toner pad is a steal considering NEOGEN is a pricier brand and you're getting 90 pads that are generously soaked in a rich essence, which is a really good value. In my opinion, NEOGEN is one of the best Korean skincare brands when it comes to delivering visible results: This 2020 renewed toner pad version is infused with tea tree extract, zinc, and LHA which makes it a highly effective exfoliator for acne-prone skin. The 5 different types of Cica extracts and ceramides (an expensive ingredient on its own) act as a buffer that soothes your skin during exfoliation. The pads are made from fine microfiber and feature a rougher side as well as a softer side which both feel pleasant and not abrasive at all. 

ma:nyo:

Galactomy Peeling Gel $13,62

Skin Type: Dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin

Skin Concern: Flaky skin, sensitized skin, oily skin, rough texture

Image Credit: lyko.com

This rich, creamy exfoliating gel doesn't just lean into the power of plant-derived cellulose but contains fermented enzymes like galactomyces to give you gentle exfoliation and smooth, healthy skin. It is perfect if your skin tends to get easily dry and irritated after exfoliating due to its hydrating formula that also features seven types of hyaluronic acid and Aquaxyl, an ingredient derived from birch trees known for being a literal magnet for moisture. Manyo is one of the more affordable Korean skincare brands and is well-known for their bestselling Pure Cleansing Oil but this exfoliator really deserves more hype as it is so well fit for us more delicate skin girlies and boys. 

Benton:

Aloe BHA Skin Toner $19,76

Skin Type: Sensitive skin, oily/acne-prone skin

Skin Concern: Sensitive skin, cakey makeup base, rough texture

Image Credit: empresskorea.com

This vegan toner with a slightly acid pH and a more watery viscosity combines BHA and aloe vera water for a gentle, yet effective exfoliation. This is a great pick if you're looking to get rid of dead skin cells but your complexion tends to get easily red or irritated.

Important with this formulation is that you shake the bottle well, about 2-3 times, before using it. It's also a great mild toner to do longer, more intensive mask pack sessions with. Simply soak 3-4 cotton pads with the toner, place them on the areas of your face that need exfoliation, and leave them on for 10-15 minutes.  

innisfree:

Green Barley Gommage Peeling Mask $15,91

Skin Type: Sensitive skin, dry skin, normal skin, oily/acne-prone skin 

Skin Concern: Enlarged pores, access dead skin, dull texture

Image Credit: q-depot.com

Let me introduce you to this exfoliating mask that might be perfect for you if you've been curious about physical exfoliation but don't want to step outside your comfort zone entirely: This gommage peel (comes from the French word gomer which translates to erase ) combines chemical exfoliating agents with plant cellulose as the physical exfoliating agent and even features an ingredient you might not have come across yet: Green barley vinegar. Known for its Jeju green tea plantations, Innisfree also grows greens barley on Jeju Island. The botanical cellulose gently removes dead skin cells and excess oil, while green barley vinegar which contains three types of natural AHAs sinks deep into your pores to work its magic. If this is your first time using an exfoliating mask, here's how you do it: Simply apply a generous layer of the mask after cleansing, leave it on for no longer than 3 minutes, then gently massage it with your fingers and rinse with lukewarm water. 

Lisa is a Cosmetics Marketer & Science Writer with 10 years of experience in curating Korean skincare. When she isn’t taking care of Eucerin’s global brand messaging, she’s researching K-beauty's latest launches and Seoul’s places to be for The Skin Special blog and podcast.