Byrdie Editors Name Top Korean Skincare Products

The publication's testers and editors provided recommendations based on personal use and expert insights, focusing on hydration and gentle exfoliation.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says Korean skincare is committed to constant innovation. "Korean skincare is committed to constant innovation while focusing on hydration and gentle exfoliation to achieve glowing skin," she told Byrdie. The testing process included collecting editor insights, speaking with K-beauty experts and dermatologists, and personal product trials.

Best Cleanser

The ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam was chosen as the best cleanser. Formulated with Heartleaf powder and salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates and deeply cleanses. Testers noted it leaves skin clean without stripping it, though its BHA content can increase sun sensitivity.

Tester Ayooluwa, who has combination skin, reported smoother skin and fewer whiteheads. "After using day and night, I noticed much smoother skin and fewer whiteheads," she said.

Best Daily Moisturizer

The Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream is the pick for daily moisturizing. Its formula contains niacinamide, beta-glucan, ceramides, and tea tree leaf water. A tester with combination skin found it provided long-lasting hydration and a radiant glow, though it may be too light for drier climates.

Best Sunscreen

The innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Lotion was named the number one sunscreen. It contains chemical UV filters avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate, plus soothing centella and vitamin E. The lotion hydrates without a white cast or sticky residue and is priced under twenty dollars.

Best for Anti-Aging

The celimax Vita A Retinal Shot is recommended for anti-aging. It uses 0.1% nano-retinal alongside Matrixyl 3000 and niacinamide. A tester saw smoother, firmer skin in one week with twice-weekly application, noting it did not cause dryness like other retinols.

Associate editorial director Lauren Pardee, who has dry skin, called it a great retinol. "This is a great retinol for tightening and reducing the signs of fine lines," she stated.

Best Sheet Mask

The viral Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is the top sheet mask. It is an overnight hydrogel mask with collagen extract, galactomyces, and hyaluronic acid. A tester reported significantly improved hydration and radiance after a single use.

**Best Essence**

The COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence is a signature K-beauty product. Its key ingredient is snail mucin, known for moisturizing and brightening. The essence has a bouncy, jelly-like texture that absorbs quickly, though it can feel slightly sticky initially.

**Best Serum**

The COSRX Peptide Skin Booster Serum features a light, fluid consistency. Its ingredients include copper peptides, niacinamide, adenosine, and allantoin to target signs of aging. Byrdie notes it may cause breakouts on acne-prone skin.

Other selected products include the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for baby-soft lips. The full Byrdie list covers seventeen products across categories like cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments.