Top 10 Korean Skincare Brands in 2025
Korean skincare has evolved from a niche trend to a global beauty standard and in 2025, its influence is stronger than ever. With a focus on innovative ingredients, gentle formulations, and results-driven routines, K-beauty brands continue to redefine how we care for our skin. From centuries-old herbal traditions to cutting-edge dermatological research, Korean skincare blends the best of both worlds, making it a top choice for beauty lovers worldwide.
| Rank | Brand |
|---|---|
| 10 | Then I Met You |
| 9 | Goodal |
| 8 | Mediheal |
| 7 | Torriden |
| 6 | Round Lab |
| 5 | Anua |
| 4 | SKIN1004 |
| 3 | Laneige |
| 2 | Beauty of Joseon |
| 1 | COSRX |
10. Then I Met You
- Price: $32-68
- Rating: 4.5/5 (Based on 500+ reviews)
- Best For: Those seeking a premium, eco-conscious skincare brand with proven results.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
Founded by Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam, Then I Met You combines luxury with sustainability, making it the perfect choice for skincare connoisseurs.
Specifications:
- Size: 200 ml (6.76 fl oz)
- Texture: Lightweight, slightly milky texture
- Absorption: Absorbs quickly with a fresh finish
- Packaging: Elegant glass bottle
Key Ingredients:
- Birch Sap – Hydrates and nourishes skin.
- AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) – Gently exfoliates to brighten skin.
- Beta-Glucan – Calms and strengthens the skin.
9. Goodal
- Price: $18-32
- Rating: 4.6/5 (Based on 1,000+ reviews)
- Best For: Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dullness.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
For the bright, radiant skin that’s essential for HD filming, Goodal’s stable vitamin C formulations deliver impressive results without irritation.
Specifications:
- Size: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
- Texture: Lightweight, serum consistency
- Absorption: Absorbs quickly, non-greasy
- Packaging: Glass bottle with dropper
Key Ingredients:
- Green Tangerine Extract (70%) – Brightens and smooths skin.
- Niacinamide – Evens skin tone and brightens dark spots.
- Arbutin – Inhibits melanin production to reduce pigmentation.
8. Mediheal
- Price: $1.50-35 (individual masks to sets)
- Rating: 4.5/5 (Based on 4,000+ reviews)
- Best For: Acne-prone and irritated skin that needs a quick solution for calming and soothing.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
With Hyun Bin's endorsement and its professional-grade formulations used in dermatology clinics, Mediheal is a trusted name in K-beauty for its efficacy and reliability.
Specifications:
- Size: 1 sheet mask (single use)
- Texture: Soft sheet mask material
- Absorption: Absorbs quickly in 15-20 minutes
- Packaging: Foil packaging for individual masks
Key Ingredients:
- Tea Tree Oil – Antibacterial and soothing for acne-prone skin.
- Willow Bark Extract – Exfoliates and calms skin.
- Rosemary Extract – Soothes and reduces redness.
7. Torriden
- Price: $11-20
- Rating: 4.8/5 (Based on 2,500+ reviews)
- Best For: Dehydrated skin in need of deep hydration and a plump, refreshed look.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
Torriden’s lightweight yet deeply hydrating formulas make them perfect for on-set touch-ups, ensuring skin stays hydrated without interfering with makeup.
Specifications:
- Size: 50 ml (1.69 fl oz)
- Texture: Lightweight, watery serum
- Absorption: Fast-absorbing
- Packaging: Clear plastic bottle with pump dispenser
Key Ingredients:
- Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid – Provides multi-layered hydration.
- Glycerin – Retains moisture.
- Beta-Glucan – Strengthens the skin barrier.
6. Round Lab
- Price: $14-26
- Rating: 4.7/5 (Based on 2,000+ reviews)
- Best For: Dry, dehydrated skin that needs deep hydration and nourishment.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
Round Lab’s commitment to clean, ocean-inspired products appeals to environmentally conscious celebrities who appreciate both quality and sustainability.
Specifications:
- Size: 200 ml (6.76 fl oz)
- Texture: Liquid, watery consistency
- Absorption: Absorbs quickly
- Packaging: Clear plastic bottle with flip-top cap
Key Ingredients:
- Dokdo Island Mineral Water – Rich in minerals, helps hydrate and protect skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration.
- Glycerin – Draws moisture into the skin.
5. Anua
- Price: $13-22
- Rating: 4.7/5 (Based on 500+ reviews)
- Best For: Acne-prone and oily skin that needs soothing and hydration.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
With its cult following built on TikTok and its ability to deliver stunning results on camera, Anua has quickly gained popularity in the world of K-beauty.
Specifications:
- Size: 200 ml (6.76 fl oz)
- Texture: Light, watery consistency
- Absorption: Absorbs quickly
- Packaging: Clear plastic bottle with a flip-top cap
Key Ingredients:
- Heartleaf Extract (77%) – Soothes inflammation, balances oil.
- Centella Asiatica Extract – Soothes and heals skin.
- Tea Tree Oil – Has antibacterial properties, helpful for acne-prone skin.
4. SKIN1004
- Price: $15-28
- Rating: 4.5/5 (Based on 3,000+ reviews)
- Best For: Sensitive, irritated, and acne-prone skin in need of relief and hydration.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
Sensitive-skinned actors often gravitate toward SKIN1004 due to its high-quality centella sourced from Madagascar, known for its soothing properties.
Specifications:
- Size: 100 ml (3.38 fl oz)
- Texture: Light, watery texture
- Absorption: Quick absorption with a refreshing finish
- Packaging: Glass bottle with dropper
Key Ingredients:
- Centella Asiatica Extract – Calms irritation, accelerates wound healing.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Moisturizes and plumps the skin.
- Adenosine – Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Laneige
- Price: $18-45
- Rating: 4.8/5 (Based on 30,000+ reviews)
- Best For: Dry, chapped lips that need overnight repair and hydration.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
Laneige’s iconic Lip Sleeping Mask is one of the most beloved products in Korean skincare, thanks in no small part to Song Hye-kyo’s long-standing partnership with the brand. Laneige’s products, known for their luxurious hydration, continue to grow in popularity, even after her switch to Sulwhasoo in 2018.
Specifications:
- Size: 20 g (0.7 oz)
- Texture: Thick, creamy balm
- Absorption: Slowly absorbs overnight
- Packaging: Small jar with a spatula for easy application
Key Ingredients:
- Berry Complex (Cranberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Blueberry) – Hydrates and nourishes lips.
- Vitamin C – Helps repair and brighten lips.
- Moisture Wrap – Forms a moisture barrier to lock in hydration.
2. Beauty of Joseon
- Price: $12-25
- Rating: 4.6/5 (Based on 1,000+ reviews)
- Best For: Anyone looking for a gentle yet effective anti-aging solution for the delicate eye area.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
Celebrating traditional Korean medicinal ingredients (hanbang), Beauty of Joseon offers a fusion of centuries-old beauty secrets with modern skincare science. Historical drama actors especially favor this brand for its authenticity.
Specifications:
- Size: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
- Texture: Lightweight serum
- Absorption: Fast-absorbing
- Packaging: Glass bottle with dropper for easy application
Key Ingredients:
- Ginseng Extract – Energizes and revitalizes skin.
- Retinol – Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and promotes skin regeneration.
- Niacinamide – Brightens dark circles and improves skin texture.
1. COSRX
- Price: $15-30
- Rating: 4.7/5 (Based on 10,000+ reviews)
- Best For: Sensitive, acne-prone skin, and anyone in need of skin repair and hydration.
Why K-Drama Stars Love It:
COSRX is known for its simple, effective formulations that work wonders on sensitive skin. K-drama stars trust this brand for its gentle yet potent products that won’t interfere with the long filming days, giving them radiant skin under those harsh studio lights.
Specifications:
- Size: 100 ml (3.38 fl oz)
- Texture: Lightweight, gel-like consistency
- Absorption: Fast-absorbing, non-sticky
- Packaging: Plastic bottle with pump for easy dispensing
Key Ingredients:
- Snail Secretion Filtrate (96%) – Repairs, hydrates, and soothes irritated skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – Soothes and aids skin healing.
Disclaimer:
The rankings and brand selections in this article are based on publicly available data, consumer trends, expert opinions, and market presence as of 2025. Skincare product effectiveness can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns. This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dermatological advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before starting a new skincare regimen.
