Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
In 2015, Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam, told our colleagues at the Cut that Korea’s beauty products were emerging as one of the country’s top exports. Since then, K-beauty has only grown in popularity, becoming a major movement not only Stateside but also in the global skin-care industry. Many Korean-made products focus on treating (and preventing) concerns such as dullness, dryness, or acne, Cho says, while incorporating gentle ingredients like healing snail mucin and moisturizing ginseng. Complexion-first practices such as double-cleansing and “glass skin” — which refers to a luminous, poreless finish, says Peach & Lily’s founder, Alicia Yoon — also originate from Korea, as do many Strategist-favorite brands, including CosRx, Laneige, and more.
Since the start of the K-beauty boom, we’ve written about many staples, from the best vegan ones to vlogger and blogger favorites to spa mitts for baby-soft skin. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best Korean-beauty products that have appeared on the Strategist, as recommended by dermatologists, drag queens, and makeup artists plus our own writers and editors. And because K-beauty runs the gamut from serums to sheet masks, this list covers a range of skin-care (and hair-care) categories.
Updated on April 22, 2026
We still stand by all of these K-beauty picks, which have been updated with the latest pricing and availability. We have added several new products to this list, including Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Firming Cream, and Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick.
Mild-scented formula that leaves skin thoroughly cleansed but not stripped.
Gentle yet strong enough to remove heavy-duty eye makeup.
Rio Viera-Newton’s cleansing balm.
Deeply nourishing balm packed with fermented grains.
Popular lightweight oil cleanser.
Oil-free cleanser for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Oily skin–approved for a deep clean without harsh stripping.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Ego Nwodim’s favorite dewy and non-pore-clogging sunscreen.
Lightweight formula that feels more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen.
Nonsticky sunscreen stick for quick application on the go.
Mineral SPF featuring cooling eucalyptus extract.
Zinc-based formula with a color-correcting green tint.
Our best mask for very dry lips.
Yowie founder Shannon Maldonado’s favorite lip balm.
Hybrid lip oil and tint with buildable coverage that lasts up to 12 hours.
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