The Top Korean Skincare Products with Anti-Aging Benefits (2024)

"In Korea, a lot of dermatologists will say half of your skin concerns will actually disappear if you just get your cleansing routine right," says Yoon. Of course, she's partial, but that's why she recommends starting any skincare routine with her own sulfate-free, low-PH hydrating cleanser that's made with deionized water as well as peach, camellia, chamomile, and centella asiatica extracts. According to Yoon, it's "powerfully calming" and "won't disrupt your skin barrier."

Chang recommends this oil-based balm cleanser, which she notes is "great for your double-cleansing routine, removing oils, impurities, and makeup from the surface of your skin." Containing a mixture of fatty acid-rich sea buckthorn oil, olive oil, persimmon extract, and vitamin E, Chang particularly likes that the cleanser has "anti-aging and skin-brightening antioxidants."

Acne spot dots are helpful, especially if you get hormonal acne or stress breakouts every now and then. "They're small, round, and discreet, so you can easily wear them during the day, or stick them on while you're sleeping at night," says Yoon, adding, "and they really work!"

A facial toner pad is an easy way to start off the morning skincare routine. Chang recommends this COSRX one because it "promotes exfoliation using betaine salicylate and willow bark water," adding that "the active ingredients help dissolve dead skin cells and de-clog pores." Plus, it contains tea tree leaf oil, which Chang says will help fight inflammation and reduce those pesky breakouts.

If you have acne-prone skin or you're looking to stop blackheads and whiteheads from forming on your face, Chang recommends this clarifying toner with mild AHA and BHA that will "help gently exfoliate and renew the skin surface." Spray it onto a cotton ball or pad and swipe it across your skin after cleansing.

This essence, formulated with hydrating lotus seeds, is highly rated on Sephora. "A total game-changer," wrote one reviewer. If you're following the 10-step Korean skincare routine, pat this essence on after your toner, and let it sink in before moving on to serums and creams.

According to Chang, "cream skin" is the new emerging K-beauty trend. "Cream skin actually refers to a type of skincare product, which is a hybrid of a toner and lotion, to achieve more hydrated, luminous skin," she explains. Bonus: This two-in-one combo helps simplify your routine, without sacrificing important steps.

Trying to achieve that perfect "glass skin" that's been trending in the Korean beauty world? This refining serum gets you one step closer with a combination of ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peach extract. "Whenever I use this serum, people always ask me what highlighter I'm wearing," says an Oprah Daily editor "They're usually shocked to learn that it's actually a skincare product that's responsible for my glow and not a shimmery cosmetic! It shines through my tinted moisturizer, making my skin look smoother and more radiant."

Bae loves Sulwhasoo's range of beauty options, "especially their activating serum," noting that this premium Korean skincare brand makes "great products that are also cosmetically elegant." This lightweight serum is perfect for putting on first thing post-cleanse and toner, as the JAUM Balancing Complex™ (a proprietary blend of five Korean herbs) will help prep your skin for the rest of your routine.

Help your skin get its daily dose of vitamin C with this mask, recommended by Chang. "The hydrating sheet mask is loaded with antioxidants like vitamins C and E to help repair, revitalize, and brighten the skin," says Chang. "Vitamin C has been shown to fight harmful free radicals, protect the skin from sun damage and environmental pollution, lighten brown spots, and stimulate collagen."

If you love matcha green tea, good news—Yoon says the superfood ingredient is also great for skincare. "Matcha's actually one of the world's richest sources of antioxidants," she emphasizes, explaining why it's the star ingredient in this moisturizer. "Antioxidants have to be in the picture." Lightweight enough for all skin types, Yoon says it's particularly great for sensitive skin.

This skincare set is the perfect way to sample Glow Recipe's bestselling products all in one. Comprised of the radiance-boosting avocado retinol eye sleeping mask, pore-tight toner, plum plump hyaluronic serum, and the soothing watermelon glow pink juice oil-free moisturizer, it's a great intro to the cruelty-free, fruit-friendly K-beauty brand.

It's pricey, but this powerful eye cream—formulated with Korean red ginseng—might be worth the splurge. According to Chang, "Panax ginseng is an antioxidant that has been found to have skin hydrating and anti-aging properties, including increasing collagen and improving wrinkles." Plus, as Chang points out, this eye cream also contains caffeine, which helps reduce swelling.

Yoon highly recommends this eye essence from the Korean mega spa to the stars, Eco Your Skin. "It's a hero product," gushes Yoon. One of the key ingredients in this product—volufiline—helps plump up the skin, reduce crow's-feet and wrinkles. Plus, the silky texture makes it a great primer before putting on your makeup.

"The Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is great for anyone dealing with red or irritated skin, including those with rosacea," explains Chang. "It contains centella asiatica complex, which helps protect the skin from stress, reduce redness, and even out skin tone." Chang recommends you use it after cleansing and moisturizing, before applying your makeup.

Don't forget, sunscreen is skincare! In the K-beauty world, Chang is seeing more "combination sunscreens"—products that don't just deliver the SPF you need but also come packed with skincare benefits. For example, Chang recommends this Dr. G option because "it's loaded with active ingredients, including hydrating hyaluronic acid, calming centella asiatica, and protective green tea and witch hazel."