While we bustle around addressing skincare concerns after they show up, the Koreans have been quietly treating their skin to proactive care for centuries. Looking to get in on the action? Here’s everything you need, to put together a Korean skincare kit.
A beginner’s guide to understanding the philosophy behind Korean skincare
One of the first things you will notice as you begin your initiation to K-beauty is that skincare isn’t just about quick fixes for the Koreans. Instead, it’s a necessity, an act so deeply ingrained in their everyday routines that generations of Korean girls have grown up watching their moms patting in serums and slathering on creams at the end of each day. Long-term benefits are prioritised over gimmicky, here-today-gone-tomorrow skincare products. Given the time and effort that Korean beauty enthusiasts are willing to lavish over tending to their skincare needs, it comes as little surprise that the country was synonymous with multi-step regimens for the longest time.
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Korean skincare beginner kit: All the powerhouse skincare ingredients to know about
When shopping for Korean skincare products, it helps to be armed with a list of skincare saviours that the Koreans have turned to over the ages for blemish-free skin. Ahead, we list all the superstar ingredients—and the products—that deserve a spot in your K-beauty starter kit.
Ginseng
You’ve seen this multitasking ingredient pop up frequently on your screen while watching K-dramas; and likely already know that the Koreans don’t just favour it for its dietary benefits. A treasure trove of antioxidants, ginseng features prominently in Korean skincare for its potential to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you want to pick just a few things for your starter kit, definitely consider this ingredient.
Tira recommends: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum Ex
ClayCo Ginseng & Bakuchiol Brightening Eye Cream
Centella asiatica
Also commonly known by the moniker gotu kola, centella asiatica is a crucial weapon in your Korean skincare kit. By flooding the skin with antioxidants, it helps the skin stay firmer and more elastic for longer, while also boosting collagen production.
Tira recommends: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick (20 g)
Snail mucin
What snails excrete for lubrication purposes may not sound particularly appetising, but the payoff for including snail mucin in your Korean skincare starter kit comes in the form of brighter skin that feels smooth and supple to the touch.
Tira recommends: COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
Rice water
For piecing together the best Korean skincare kit, you won’t want to sleep on the benefits of rice water. A handy agent for soothing inflamed skin, it also helps brighten uneven patches and balance your skin tone.
Tira recommends: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Korean skincare beginner kit: All the must-have products to invest in
All armed with the best ingredients to add to your Korean skincare routine? It is now time to consider the finest skincare exports from the country for the radiant, glass skin of your dreams.
Cleansing oil
The notion of adding more oils to acne-prone skin might make you pause, but don’t worry. Cleansing oils have emerged as an effective candidate for making stubborn makeup pigments, dirt and grime dissolve from the skin—all packaged in a non-comedogenic formula that is kinder to clogged pores.
Tira recommends: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Toner
Fact: toners are to Korean skincare what cheese is to pizza. Peek into any skincare starter kit from the country and you’ll find a toner beaming back at you, ready to take off any residual products and balance the skin’s pH levels.
Tira recommends: Innisfree Green Tea Hyaluronic Skin Toner
Essence
You’ve followed the hype around serums, now it is time to hop on the skincare essence bandwagon. As a lightweight, watery formula, essence helps dial up your skin’s hydration—making it a non-negotiable for dry skin.
Tira recommends: Belif Numero 10 Essence
Rinse-off mask
Sheet masks had their day in the sun, but now it’s time for rinse-off face masks to assume the spotlight. A steady influx of hybrid masks is ensuring that you can tick off exfoliation and cleansing from your skincare to-do list in one go.
