Anyone who has ever dealt with acne can tell you that finding the right products that work for your skin is an uphill task. You have to look for the ones that are effective, yet extremely gentle. The ingredients need to help control sebum production without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The formulations need to be strong enough to treat the inflammation, but gentle enough to not mess with your skin’s pH balance. It’s complicated. So we did the hard work and curated a list of K-beauty products that are packed with calming ingredients that treat breakouts and unclog pores, all while ensuring no more future blemishes.
When COSRX launched its now-iconic snail mucin essence, the internet had a collective moment—and for good reason. First, there’s the headline ingredient: 98% snail secretion filtrate (yes, really). Then, there’s the slime-like texture that makes applying it strangely satisfying. But what really caught people off guard wasn’t the snail factor—it was how nourishing it turned out to be. Packed with skin-forward hyaluronic acid, it sinks in fast, leaving skin feeling plump, bouncy and deeply hydrated. Bonus: it’s lightweight enough for summer days and delivers that dewy, glass-skin glow without feeling sticky.
This one’s a no-brainer. This viral Cosrx essence is a staple in so many routines for a reason—it hydrates, repairs and gives your skin a soft, dewy feel. The lightweight formulation is also known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and soothe irritation. Besides, it helps enhance skin elasticity, making it a go-to for anyone dealing with dry, damaged or acne-scarred skin. Whether you're looking to smooth out rough patches or boost overall skin health, this is a product you'll want to keep on hand in multiples.
Whether you are looking for moisture retention, plumping or nourishment, this widely loved essence can do it all—and it doesn’t choose to stop there, either. By dialling up exfoliation and cell turnover, the snail mucin in this multipurpose essence helps get the upper hand on hyperpigmentation, as well.
When you need a deep clean without the harsh scrubbing, this cleansing foam is a lifesaver. The BHA formula clears out pores and removes excess oil while still being gentle. It’s an easy product to use every day, which is why you’ll definitely want a few extra tubes stocked up.