Looking to expand your skincare horizons? Well as luck would have it, you might be able to get some overseas inspo right here on our very own sunny shores. Korean skincare has gone from fad to the full-blown foundation of thousands of skincare routines across Australia. Find out what K-beauty is all about and see which products you should think about picking up to help you get on the path to dewy, fresh skin.
What's Korean skincare, you say?
Korean skincare is a well-rounded method of caring for your skin. As opposed to some of the more reactionary, temporary fixes that don't end up remedying your skincare concerns, Korean skincare is all about prevention. The ethos of Korean Skincare is to take better overall care of your skin to keep those skincare concerns from getting you down in the first place. The goal is to create an environment in which your skin's natural beauty can shine its brightest – through a focus on natural ingredients and amazing formulas.
Another reason to try K-beauty is the fact that product development tends to centre around concepts like purity, minimalism, and cleanliness. That means Korean skincare is big on clean beauty concepts like those embraced by ethical beauty brands that make vegan, natural, and certified organic products.
What are the Korean skincare steps?
In general, K Beauty routines involve 10 steps, which we won't dive all the way into here. Just remember that you don't have to do them all every day, which is one of the best things about Korean skincare. Instead, listen to your skin to determine which ones you need to tick off. However, it's always nice to take some time for yourself and indulge in a little TLC, so don't be afraid to do so.
6 of the best Korean skincare products in Australia
Whether you're finally ready to get up and running on your clean beauty journey or looking to add to your beloved K-beauty process, here are six dynamite Korean skincare products we recommend, all of which you can buy in Australia.
You're not going to get anywhere with your K-beauty routine if you don't know where to start. Generally, the first two Korean skincare steps involve using cleansers – an oil-based one and a water-based one to be precise. After you've started with an oil-based cleanser, you can follow it up with this deep-clean foaming cleanser from Laneige. The brand's background in Water Science™ makes it one of the best Korean skincare brands out there.
This bad boy has the power to get through your makeup and other debris to help purify your skin so it's ready to accept the good things it's got coming to it throughout the rest of your Korean skincare routine.
After you cleanse and exfoliate, it's time to tone. Not sure what toner does for your skin? It's another big player in the cleansing and cleaning game, removing dead skin cells and other build-up helping clear up your skin. It can play a big role in fixing up dehydrated and dull skin so it gets that ideal Korean glass skin look.
So, what's this I'm From toner all about? As they say, it's right there on the tin. This cruelty-free toner is made from almost 80% Yeoju rice extract, which plays right into the hands of the clean, pure, additive-free element that's key to the whole K-beauty concept. If you're looking for artificial colours or fragrances, you'll have to look elsewhere.
Now, this is where we start to get into the real essence of Korean skincare, if you know what we mean. Essence isn't necessarily a staple of everyday self-care routines, but it slots into a K-beauty routine just after the toner. Essences are generally a super-powerful (yet gentle) product that helps hydrate your skin while promoting the turnover of dead skin cells.
Innisfree calls itself Korea's number-one skincare brand, and we're not going to put up too much of an argument there. This essence is packed with the majestic Jeju orchid and green bean extract, as well as two of our absolute faves – hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It mirrors some of the features of the best niacinamide serums for Korean skincare, including pigmentation and uneven skin tone assistance, extra protection for your outer layer, and some sun protection.
You better believe a 10-step skincare routine is going to have some time for a bit of R & R. Sheet masks not only let you feel pampered, but also help purify your face. It's kind of like an enforced chill-out session but you're still productive – the best of both worlds, really.
While we may not be your GP, please indulge us as we prescribe you some Dr.Jart+ goodness for your K-beauty routine. The brand's name comes from a combination of the phrase doctor joins art. And that's what Korean skincare is all about! Founded in Seoul in 2005, you'll get the goods straight from the source. This facial mask can help protect and repair your skin barrier – a great way for those with dry skin or sensitive skin to wrap up using their toners, serums, and treatments.
So, that little snail in the name there caught your eye, huh? OK, you might want to sit down for this one. Snail mucin (also known as snail filtrate, snail oil or snail serum) is indeed slimy stuff that comes from those little crawly creatures. But instead of making you cringe, it can actually make you shine. Snail mucin is backed by some hard science, benefits include moisturising (which, if you haven't figured out by now, is a huge facet of K-beauty) and plumping your skin. These both help to prevent aging skin and reducing the appearance of acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, giving you that supple, dewy look.
These snail secretions are included in some of the best Korean skincare products out there, including this eye cream from Tonymoly. It can help you tackle those fine lines and wrinkles that sneak into your skin around your peepers. And if you don't want to blow up your routine and start over, the best Korean eye care creams can add some K-beauty action to your existing regimen quickly and easily.
Some By Mi is certainly fine by us! This Korean skincare collection gives you many of the staples of K Beauty (and other skincare routines) such as a cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturiser. Formulated with nature-oriented ingredients, this pack comes with a heaped helping of cosmeceuticals that can help you clean up your act. Pumped with AHAs, PHAs and BHAs which are the hallmarks of K-beauty, you'll be able to dissolve dead skin cells before they can cause unwanted build-up in your pores.
The foam cleanser in this collection makes it a great option for alleviating acne, while you can also top off your efforts with 30 Days Miracle Cream, which does what many of the best Korean moisturisers do – hydrate and nourish your skin after all the hard work you've put in.
Oz Hair & Beauty is home to some of the best Korean skincare brands in Australia, giving you a chance to switch up or pump up your skincare routine with just a few clicks or taps. Pick up your favourite Korean skincare products online today.
