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All about K (English)

Best K-Beauty Brands You Need to Know

by luckygirl 2025. 3. 19.

(This is purely my personal opinion, but these are the best K-Beauty brands that I believe you need to know!)

K-Beauty has taken the world by storm, revolutionizing the skincare and cosmetics industry with its innovative formulas, natural ingredients, and unique beauty philosophy. Whether you’re a K-Beauty beginner or a long-time fan, knowing the top brands will help you find the best products for your skin. Here’s a guide to the best K-Beauty brands you need to know!


1. Laneige (라네즈) - Hydration Experts 

Laneige is known for its hydration-focused skincare, making it a favorite among those with dry or dehydrated skin. Their products use water science technology to provide deep moisture and nourishment.

Best-Sellers:

  • Water Sleeping Mask – An overnight mask that intensely hydrates and brightens the skin.
  • Lip Sleeping Mask – A cult-favorite lip treatment that softens and smooths overnight.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: If your skin craves hydration, Laneige is the ultimate go-to!


2. Sulwhasoo (설화수) - Luxury Herbal Skincare 

Sulwhasoo blends traditional Korean herbal medicine (Hanbang) with modern skincare science. Their products contain premium ingredients like ginseng and lotus extract to promote anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

Best-Sellers:

  • First Care Activating Serum – A pre-serum that boosts skin hydration and absorption of other products.
  • Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream – A luxurious anti-aging cream infused with powerful Korean ginseng.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those who want luxurious, age-defying skincare rooted in Korean tradition.


3. COSRX - Minimalist & Effective Skincare 

COSRX is a dermatologist-loved brand that focuses on simple yet powerful formulas for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Their products use high concentrations of active ingredients with minimal irritants.

Best-Sellers:

  • Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Hydrates, repairs, and soothes the skin.
  • BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – A gentle yet effective exfoliant that clears pores.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: If you have sensitive or breakout-prone skin, COSRX is a game-changer.


4. Innisfree (이니스프리) - Nature-Inspired Skincare 

Innisfree sources its ingredients from Jeju Island, focusing on eco-friendly, natural skincare. Their products are affordable, effective, and perfect for everyday use.

Best-Sellers:

  • Green Tea Seed Serum – Hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier.
  • Volcanic Pore Clay Mask – Deep-cleanses and minimizes pores.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: Great for those who love nature-based skincare with sustainable packaging.


5. Dr. Jart+ - Dermatology Meets Skincare 

Dr. Jart+ bridges the gap between dermatology and skincare, offering clinically tested formulas that cater to different skin concerns, from redness to dryness and sensitivity.

Best-Sellers:

  • Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream – A redness-reducing moisturizer with centella asiatica.
  • Ceramidin Cream – Strengthens the skin barrier and deeply hydrates.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: If you have sensitive or irritated skin, Dr. Jart+ has products designed to calm and repair.


6. Etude (에뛰드) - Fun & Trendy Makeup 

Etude is a playful and youthful brand offering affordable yet high-quality makeup and skincare. It’s the perfect brand for beauty beginners and trend-followers.

Best-Sellers:

  • Dear Darling Water Gel Tint – A lightweight, long-lasting lip tint.
  • Double Lasting Foundation – A buildable foundation with a semi-matte finish.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those who love fun, trendy, and affordable K-Beauty makeup.


7. Missha (미샤) - Affordable Yet High-Quality Skincare 

Missha is known for high-quality skincare and makeup at an affordable price, making K-Beauty accessible to all. Their products often rival luxury brands in terms of performance.

Best-Sellers:

  • Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence – A powerful hydrating and anti-aging essence.
  • M Perfect Cover BB Cream – A high-coverage BB cream with skincare benefits.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking for budget-friendly yet effective skincare, Missha is a great choice.


8. Klairs - Gentle & Vegan-Friendly Skincare 

Klairs focuses on vegan, cruelty-free, and gentle formulations, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin and eco-conscious consumers.

Best-Sellers:

  • Supple Preparation Facial Toner – A deeply hydrating toner for all skin types.
  • Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop – A gentle vitamin C serum for brightening.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: Ideal for those looking for vegan, fragrance-free, and sensitive-skin-friendly products.


9. Banila Co (바닐라코) - The Best Makeup Remover 

Banila Co is famous for its cleansing balms, which effortlessly remove even waterproof makeup while nourishing the skin.

Best-Sellers:

  • Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm – A sherbet-textured balm that melts away makeup without stripping the skin.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: If you wear makeup daily, this is a must-have cleanser!


10. Amorepacific - Luxury Skincare Innovation 

Amorepacific is the powerhouse behind many top K-Beauty brands, but its own luxury line focuses on advanced skincare science using premium ingredients like green tea and bamboo sap.

Best-Sellers:

  • Vintage Single Extract Essence – A highly potent anti-aging essence.
  • Moisture Plumping Nectar Cream – Deep hydration with plant-based nutrients.

👉 Why You’ll Love It: If you love luxury skincare backed by science, Amorepacific is worth the splurge.


Final Thoughts: Which K-Beauty Brand Will You Try First?

Whether you're looking for deep hydration (Laneige), anti-aging power (Sulwhasoo), or gentle skincare (Klairs), K-Beauty has something for everyone. These brands have revolutionized skincare by focusing on innovation, natural ingredients, and affordability.

Which K-Beauty brand is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! 😊💖