After speaking with Cho and testing dozens of formulas, Cosmo rounded up the very best K-beauty products to help you get that glass skin glow.
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Pros
- Super hydrating while still feeling lightweight
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- Not sold at many U.S. retailers
This soothing sunscreen is loaded with rice water and hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin while simultaneously protecting it from the harshest of rays. The texture is also fantastic—really light and fast-absobring but still sufficiently hydrating too.
- Product type: Sunscreen
- Size: 1.69 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Rice extract, hyaluronic acid
One Cosmo editor says: “When I visited Seoul, it was my goal to pick up all the cool Korean sunscreens. Of everything I tested, this was the best for my oily skin. It’s probably one of the lightest SPFs I’ve ever tried. It doesn’t even feel like sunscreen; just a serum.” — BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
2
Best Hydrating Korean Face Mask
BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Pros
- Visibly hydrates the skin
- Comfortably fits on the face
Cons
- A bit hard to sleep with
Chances are you’ve seen this glass skin-inducing mask on your social media feed at some point (it also has more than 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon). You simply put it on your face before bed, and you’ll wake up with drenched and glossy skin thanks to the loads of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
- Product type: Facial mask
- Size: 4 count
- Key ingredients: Vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid
One Cosmo editor says: “I could go on forever about how much I love this viral mask that you leave on overnight for glowy skin. It’s already cut in two pieces to help it fit perfectly over your face (which I loved sm). Then, just go to sleep. That’s it. In the morning, you’ll notice the mask has absorbed and is completely clear, leaving you with the smoothest skin ever.”—BG
3
Best Korean Essence
Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Simple ingredient list means the active is stable and long-lasting
Cons
- Best when paired with other skincare products
Single-ingredient essences are ideal for layering and make it super easy to customize your skincare routine. This one is made solely with a powerful galactomyces ferment, which targets hyperpigmentation and helps restore skin elasticity for a smooth, bouncy finish. Pair it with other essences, or use it as a skin booster in your existing routine.
- Product type: Essence
- Size: 3.5 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Galactomyces ferment
One Cosmo editor says: “If you really want glass skin, the best way to do so is by loading up on products with a single skin-loving ingredient. Mixoon makes amazing essences with one ingredient, so you can layer a bunch on and have them work in tandem for your specific skin type. I personally love this one alongside the Bfida Ferment one to improve my overall skin barrier health.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
4
Best Korean Face Moisturizer
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream Moisturizer
Pros
- Great for all-over use
- Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- Has a few pore cloggers
Aestura is one of the hottest K-beauty brands right now—and we Cosmo editors are v grateful that it’s finally landed on shelves in Sephora. This ultra-hydrating cream is so rich and cushiony, it can even double as an overnight mask.
- Product type: Moisturizer
- Size: 2.7 fl oz.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, squalane
One Cosmo editor says: “I love the concept of slugging so much, but basically every slugging product on the market is a nightmare for my acne-prone skin. Instead of a ointment-y formula, I started using this ultra-rich cream from Aestura. It’s fantastic for sensitive skin (doesn’t break me out or irritate me at all), but it also moisturizes the eff outta my skin. I even will put it on my elbows, knees, and any dry patches on my body too since it’s that hydrating.”—BG
5
Best Korean Lip Balm
LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm
Pros
- Comes in a lot of different shades
- Hydration lasts for hours
Cons
- We wish the tubes were bigger
This lip balm from Laneige doubles as a hydrating lip balm and a glowy tint. It comes in a bunch of different shades and flavors, so you’re sure to find one that will make your lip color pop for hours on end.
- Product type: Lip balm
- Size: .35 oz
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, blueberry
One Cosmo editor says: “I have one of these on my bedside table, one on my desk, one in my work bag—okay, you get the point. I always have one of these hydrating lip balms at my disposal because it’s the only tinted lip color I actually trust for both long-lasting hydration and a glossy pigment.”—JH
6
Best Korean Spicule Serum
VT COSMETICS Cica Reedle Shot 100
Pros
- Helps all your other skincare absorb deeper while simultaneously moisturizing
Cons
- Has a bit of a tingling sensation, but it goes away
Okay let me give you the rundown on spicules if you’re unfamiliar. This serum is filled with teeny tiny particles found inside marine sponges that microscopically punctures the skin to create near-invisible channels that increase ingredient absorption. Hence why these are also referred to microneedling in a bottle. You might feel a little tingling, but that means it’s working!
While creating a deeper penatration and absorption for your skincare, this formula is also filled with cica and hyaluronic acid to replenish the skin’s moisture.
- Product type: Toner pads
- Size: 1.69 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Cica, hyaluronic acid
One Cosmo editor says: “When I went to Seoul, I stocked up on this ‘liquid microneedling’ serum I’d seen all over TikTok. When I spread the serum across my face, it actually feels prickly, but that dissipates over a few hours. I usually swipe this on, then opt for an active ingredient like my go-to exfoliating serum. Using it once a week seriously has helped smooth the hell outta my skin, just as getting microneedling in office does for me.”—BG
7
Best Korean Collagen Mask
ANUA Heartleaf Soothing Collagen Mask
Pros
- Split mask design is ideal for staying on the skin
- Works in just a few hours
Cons
- Not ideal for overnight use
This mask is jam-packed with hydrating ingredients to help pull water into your skin to make it look plump and glass-like, while collagen helps your face look glowy and feel bouncy. Simply throw it on for a few hours (or even wear it overnight) and once it turns white, you’ll know all the ingredients have been absorbed. It’s so good that it won a 2025 Cosmo Holy Grail Award for best sheet mask.
- Product type: Facial mask
- Size: 4 count
- Key ingredients: Heartleaf, collagen
One Cosmo editor says: “It’s true—K-Beauty brands just do sheet masks better. Case in point: Anua’s collagen mask, which isn’t just the neatest/least drippy sheet mask I’ve ever used, it’s the most plumping too. I leave it for an hour while I catch up on emails, and when I take it off? My face feels baby freaking soft.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
8
Best Korean Overnight Mask
Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Mask
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Gives the epitome of glass skin
Cons
- We wish the bottle was bigger, it’s easy to use up
Another TikTok favorite, because virality is basically synonymous with K-beauty at this point. You simply squeeze out some of this collagen-filled gel, lather it on your face, and it turns into a peel-off mask overnight. It truly creates the glassiest finish that you won’t even wanna put makeup on top of.
- Product type: Gel mask
- Size: 2.53 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Collagen extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
One Cosmo editor says: “As much as I loooooveeee the idea of wearing my collagen sheet masks overnight, I am a side sleeper so they fall right off. This peel-off mask, though, does basically the same thing without the frustration. My face looks so freaking smooth and buttery by morning. I do it before every big event.”—BG
9
Best Korean Milky Toner
PEACH & LILY Bio Rice Wine Softening Toner
Pros
- Leaves the face smooth and hydrated
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Might not be the best option for oily skin
You can’t have a solid K-Beauty routine without a milky toner. This rice formula from Peach & Lily smoothes and sweeps the skin without the dryness that typical toners usually have. It creates a smooth and bouncy canvas, ideal for moisture absorption. It also was crowned best toner in our 2025 Holy Grail Awards.
- Product type: Toner
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Rice water, rice extract
One Cosmo editor says: “My friends have been complimenting my skin nonstop lately, and I credit this bb. I apply a few drops almost every morning and night (it’s gentle!) after cleansing and it gives my skin the most plump and glowy look. It also really helps with skin texture, which wasn’t something I necessarily thought I needed help with, but the effect is really something. I would give this toner a 100/10 if I could.” —HEATH OWENS, DEPUTY COMMERCE EDITOR
10
Best Korean Toner Pads
Medicube Zero Pore Pads
Pros
- Sweeps the skin without dehydrating
- Great for acne
Cons
- Not the most travel-friendly since the jar is quite big
Alix Earle’s derm recommended these toner pads, and now they’re quite literally all over TikTok. (But team Cosmo has loved them for years.) They’re filled with two types of exfoliants—AHAs to help smooth the top layer of the skin and BHAs to go deep into pores to help clean out clogged oil or dirt.
- Product type: Toner pads
- Size: 5.46 fl oz
- Key ingredients: AHA, BHA, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
One Cosmo editor says: “I picked these up after suffering a gnarly travel breakout upon my arrival in Asia, and by the time I left, my skin was back to its usual state with all of my zits healing. I really love swiping these all over my face in the mornings (followed with sunscreen, ofc). I legit feel like my skin starts to look better as the day goes on—it’s kinda magic.”—BG
11
Best Viral Korean Toner
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner
Pros
- Doesn’t dry out the skin
Cons
- Watermelon scent might be too much for some
Glow Recipe is one of the internet’s favorite skincare brands, but the pretty packaging isn’t all that the shelf-worthy products have to offer. The fruity formulas are actually great for cleansing, hydrating, and treating the skin all while giving the eponymous glow. This toner won a Cosmo Readers’ Choice Award winner two years in a row, and our editors love the skin-sweeping formula as well.
- Product type: Toner
- Size: 5 oz
- Key ingredients: Watermelon extract, willow bark extract
One Cosmo editor says: “This toner is v gentle on my skin and is great for wiping the day off my face. I love using it at night after taking off my makeup when I feel like my pores need some extra love. It also isn’t overly drying which my skin appreciates.”—JH
12
Best Korean Snail Mucin
COSRX Snail Mucin Essence
Pros
- Great for overnight use
- Acne-safe
Cons
- Leaves behind slight residue
Snail mucin is beloved for its power to deeply hydrate the skin (it sounds gross, but it works) and it’s great for slugging the skin without clogging pores.
- Product type: Essence
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Snail mucin
One Cosmo editor says: “This essence has def been a worthwhile addition to my skincare routine. It’s relatively affordable and can be easily incorporated into any existing regimen if you’re looking to add some ~vitality~ to your face and soothe damaged skin. The product is incredibly gentle and not a huge investment, so you can use it generously and daily too.”—IMAN BALAGAM, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
13
Best Korean Nourishing Mask
Sulwhasoo Vitalizing Mask
Pros
- A little bit of product goes a long way
Cons
- Not the best option for acne-prone skin
This rich mask has more hydrating ingredients than I can possibly count (but shea butter, glycerin, and squalane to name a few). It helps combat dryness all while improving the overall skin barrier.
- Product type: Mask
- Size: 4 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Shea Butter, glycerin, squalane
One Cosmo editor says: “The thick yet oddly soft and plush texture is perfect and sinks into skin beautifully to reveal a plump, radiant complexion by morning. I brought this on a girls’ weekend, let everyone try it once, and then they all purchased it the next morning. If that’s not the ultimate sign of approval, then IDK what is!” —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
14
Best Korean Body Lotion
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion
Pros
- Great for any skin type, especially sensitive and reactive-prone
- Works well on body and face
Cons
- Product recently jumped up in price
This incredibly moisturizing (yet still lightweight feeling!) lotion is loaded with ceramides, which are key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It’s also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and doesn’t contain any potentially triggering ingredients that sensitive skin may dislike.
- Product type: Lotion
- Size: 2.3 or 12 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin E, glycerin, fatty acids
One Cosmo editor says: “Seriously, since finding this, I haven’t found another body lotion that quite compares—it’s hypoallergenic, meaning it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any potentially triggering ingredients that sensitive skin may dislike.”—SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITOR
15
Best Korean Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Pros
- Great for retinol users, especially with the “sandwich method”
- Ideal for sensitive skin types
Cons
- The cap is unique and sometimes testers have trouble closing it/keeping it closed
This next pick is for anyone with sensitive, dry, or combo skin looking for a moisturizer that is gentle and hydrating without the feeling of heaviness or greasiness. It’s filled with super-hydrator, glycerin, and a series of three wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing ingredients (shout out to panthenol, madecassoside, and green tea extract).
- Product type: Face moisturizer
- Size: 2.02 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Panthenol, vitamin E, madecassoside, glycerin
One Cosmo editor says: “I recently began using prescription-grade tretinoin, and I attribute my lack of retinol side effects (i.e., minimal dryness, peeling, irritation) to this barrier-supporting face moisturizer. —SIENA GAGLIANO, FORMER ASSOCIATE EDITOR
16
Best Korean Growth Factor Moisturizer
Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream
Pros
- Pretty inexpensive considering the ingredients
Cons
- Only available on a few retailers
This face moisturizer contains four different growth factors, which are the buzziest anti-aging ingredients right now, thanks to their ability to signal your skin cells to repair and regenerate themselves.
- Product type: Moisturizer
- Size: 1.01 or 1.69 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Alaskan glacier water, Icelandic moss, ferment extract, amino acids
One Cosmo editor says: “My skin is patchy as hell, and it’s difficult for it to retain moisture. But, alas! I have found my cure: the Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream. The gel-like formula feels so lightweight yet still manages to pack a powerful hydration punch.”—SG
17
Best Korean Color Corrector
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Pros
- Contains SPF 30
- Helps to neutralize redness, rosacea, acne, etc.
Cons
- Some testers had a hard time blending it in
We at Cosmo have a long history of lovin’ Dr. Jart’s Cicapair Tiger Grass line (we tested it, after all!). If you haven’t seen the TikTok review videos of the product, you’re in for a treat. “Once I apply it to my skin and blend it out, the treatment totally neutralizes my redness and gives me a super-even skin tone. Plus, it’s got SPF 30, so win-win.”
- Product type: Color-correcting treatment
- Size: 0.50 or 1.69 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica (tiger grass), SPF, niacinamide, glycerin
What shoppers are saying: “I have some redness and hyperpigmentation I’m not too thrilled about. For the longest time, I was self-conscious about this; so much so, that I used to always feel the need to wear foundation. This product perfectly helped me transition to going foundation-free a majority of the time. The color-correcting element blends perfectly into my skin and blurs the redness around my nose.”
18
Best Korean Eye Cream
GOODAL Green Tangerine Vitamin C Eye Cream
Pros
- Layers well with makeup without pilling
Cons
- Might want to use a different one at night since the effects this provides are best for daytime
A vitamin C-infused eye cream is ideal for brightening and awakening the eye area. Whether you’re looking to combat puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines, this formula has got you covered.
- Product type: Eye cream
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C
One Cosmo editor says: “Whenever I use anything from Goodal, I wake up with skin that feels refreshed, hydrated, and glowy. TThis eye cream is thin, but hydrating, so it doesn’t feel heavy and still gets the job done!”—OLIVIA TRUFFAUT-WONG, EDITOR
19
Best Korean Toner for Acne
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use due to a slew of hydrators
Cons
- You may run out of product rather quickly
“I’ve suffered from hormonal acne for years, and since incorporating the Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner into my routine every day, I’ve seen my acne disappear,” says Cho. It’s formulated with hydrating milky birch juice and the optimal 1 percent AHA/PHA that can be used daily without over-exfoliation or drying out your skin. As a result, breakouts will be minimized, and your skin will feel smooth and soft to the touch.
- Product type: Toner
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronate
What shoppers are saying: “The other day I walked into a sandwich shop and the woman at the front counter said, ‘Your skin is literally glowing.’ That’s how I know this line is the best—I have sensitive, acne-prone skin that endured a lot of sun damage during my teen years. Then I Met You + sunscreen and two years later…my skin is like new.”
20
Best Korean Cleanser
Zeroid Foaming Cleanser
Pros
- Deeply cleanses without stripping your skin
Cons
- Can sometimes be hard to find in stock
Foaming cleansers are notorious for drying out your skin because they contain surfactants (i.e., the active foaming agent that penetrates your skin) that work to lift dirt and debris from your pores quite rapidly. What makes this foaming cleanser so different is that it balances your pH and blasts it with a shot of moisture thanks to the ceramides, so you won’t have to worry about it lacking moisture.
- Product type: Cleanser
- Size: 8.12 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts, ceramides, orange extract
What shoppers are saying: “This is actually—and truly—a mild care cleanser for sensitive and dry skin. Who knew it actually does what it says on the bottle?! This gets my first vote for cleaning my face without making me feel like [my skin is stripped]. Second vote for honest marketing—is there such a thing nowadays, or ever has been?”
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
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