A staple in any well-thought-out Korean skincare routine, this watery essence from Beauty of Joseon is powered by 80 percent ginseng root water. Known for its antioxidant-rich and circulation-boosting benefits, ginseng has been a treasured part of traditional Korean medicine for centuries. The addition of niacinamide helps brighten skin tone and improve overall texture. Despite its potent ingredients, the formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing and ideal for layering. It hydrates without stickiness and leaves skin looking visibly refreshed—making it a great choice for those with dehydrated or dull skin.

If you’re looking for a cleansing water that goes beyond makeup removal, COSRX delivers with this low pH, niacinamide-infused micellar formula. Designed to respect your skin barrier, this cleanser has a gentle pH of around 5.5 and includes 3 percent niacinamide to help reduce oiliness and improve uneven skin tone. It removes dirt, sunscreen and makeup effortlessly without leaving a greasy film or stripping your skin. Free from drying alcohols and artificial fragrances, it’s especially well-suited for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.

These best-selling hydrocolloid pimple patches from COSRX are must-haves for anyone battling whiteheads or surface-level breakouts. Each patch creates a protective seal over the blemish, drawing out impurities overnight while preventing bacteria from entering. The patches come in multiple sizes, are ultra-thin and can be worn under makeup during the day. They’re discreet, effective and an essential part of every Korean skincare emergency kit.

Formulated with five types of hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica extract from Madagascar, this sleeping pack deeply hydrates and soothes the skin while you sleep. The gel texture feels light on the skin yet delivers intense moisture, making it perfect for those who want hydration without any heaviness. It also includes ceramides to support the skin barrier; and is ideal for dry, irritated or barrier-compromised skin types. This will help you wake up to plump, calm and refreshed skin by morning.

This lightweight ampoule is designed for oily and congested skin and for those struggling with enlarged pores. It contains centella asiatica to calm inflammation, along with pink Himalayan salt to help purify the skin. The watery texture allows it to absorb quickly without any stickiness, making it ideal for daytime or layering under richer formulas. Over time, it works to rebalance oil production and refine skin texture, especially around the T-zone.

A true classic among Korean beauty products, this emulsion from The Face Shop blends rice extract, rice bran oil and ceramides to create a lightweight moisturiser that softens and brightens the skin. The formula absorbs easily and offers long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy, making it suitable for both dry and combination skin types. Rice extract is a well-known brightening agent in Korean skincare; and this product is especially helpful for those dealing with uneven tone or rough texture.

A toner and moisturiser in one, because who has time for layers when it’s 35°C outside? This fluid formula delivers deep hydration with ceramides, peptides and white tea leaf to calm and strengthen your skin barrier. Pat it on after cleansing, and your skin stays soft, plump and prepped for whatever comes next—whether that’s makeup or just SPF.

This innovative toner-moisturiser hybrid by Laneige delivers the benefits of a cream in a lightweight, fluid format. It features the brand’s signature Cerapeptide complex—a blend of ceramides and peptides—to deeply nourish and strengthen the skin barrier. Ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin, the formula calms irritation and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple without the need for an additional moisturiser. Use it as a first step after cleansing or layer it to customise your hydration levels.

This Lip Glowy Balm is the perfect daytime companion to Laneige’s famous Lip Sleeping Mask. With a glossy yet non-sticky finish, it hydrates chapped lips using ingredients like murumuru and shea butter—while also delivering a subtle blueberry scent. Vitamin C adds antioxidant protection and the smooth texture makes it a great base under lipstick or a standalone lip moisturiser throughout the day. It’s compact, nourishing and stylish enough to be your go-to balm on the go.

This Round Lab sunscreen is packed with birch juice and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin not just protected, but also fresh, dewy and calm through the day. The lightweight texture melts in without stickiness, layers perfectly under makeup and gives you broad-spectrum protection. A little niacinamide adds a little glow; and your skin stays soothed and balanced. It’s the kind of sunscreen you’ll actually look forward to using. No white cast, no fuss, just a healthy-skin finish.

Considered a holy grail in Korean sun care, this lightweight sunscreen from Round Lab uses birch sap and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, while offering broad-spectrum protection. The lotion-like texture spreads easily without leaving a white cast and it doesn’t pill under makeup—a huge win for daily wear. Birch juice is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making this sunscreen especially suitable for sensitive skin. If you’ve been looking for a daily SPF that feels like skincare, this is it.

This gentle cleansing oil is the perfect first step in a Korean double cleanse routine. It effectively removes waterproof makeup, sunscreen and daily grime with a blend of nourishing oils like sunflower and macadamia seed oil. What sets it apart is the inclusion of mineral-rich deep sea water from Ulleungdo Island, known for its ability to soothe and balance the skin. It emulsifies beautifully and rinses off clean, leaving the skin soft and residue-free.