15 Essential K-Beauty Skincare Items I Incorporate Daily, Featuring Serums and Sun Protection

Admission: I’m obsessed with K-Beauty. Most of my skincare and beauty collection comes from Korea, as I’ve found that K-Beauty brands deliver exceptional quality without breaking the bank. From barrier-repairing creams to cutting-edge serums that enhance radiance and firmness, I’ve extensively tried and tested Korean skincare. It’s also the first thing I shop for when I arrive in Seoul, as I’m always excited to explore the latest innovations in the K-Beauty scene. 

Currently, in my 30s, my skincare priorities revolve around hydration, maintaining a robust skin barrier, and achieving an even skin tone (including reducing dark spots). If these goals resonate with you, I suggest checking out some of my top recommendations below. 

Top K-Beauty Skincare and Makeup Picks 

• VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot 100 Essence, $22 (originally $31); amazon.com.
• Purito Centella Unscented Serum, $16 (originally $23); amazon.com.
• Fwee Lip and Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot, $16; amazon.com.
• EasyDerm Quick Calming Microneedle Pimple Patch, $30 with discount (originally $37); amazon.com.
• Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-fit Sun Serum SPF50, $11 (originally $21); stylevana.com.
• D'Alba Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum, $24 (originally $35); amazon.com.
• Rovectin Aqua Cleansing Gel, $19; amazon.com.
• Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum, $17 (originally $20); amazon.com.
• Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion, $30;
  amazon.com.
• Innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum, $36 (originally $37); amazon.com.
• Mediheal Madecassoside Cotton Facial Pads, $24; amazon.com.
• Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask 10-Pack, $20; amazon.com.
• Numbuzin No.4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner, $18; amazon.com.
• Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion Foundation, $29 with discount (originally $32); amazon.com.
• Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick SPF50, $11 (originally $13); stylevana.com.

VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot 100 Essence

A standout in the latest Korean skincare innovations, this Reedle Shot Essence features ultra-fine microneedles designed to penetrate pores, enhancing the absorption of both the serum and your other skincare products. Despite its intimidating name, the experience is gentle, offering a tingling sensation akin to a mild exfoliation. This essence has transformed my skin texture, particularly addressing my T-zone pores and dark spots. Used nightly, it leaves my skin glowing and supple by morning. Over months, my skin has become smoother, dark spots fade quicker (thanks to improved product delivery), and it feels firmer. Beginners should start with the 100-level essence, available up to 1000 on Amazon. 

Purito Centella Unscented Serum

I’m a huge fan of Centella for its skin-soothing properties. Whether it’s redness or irritation from product overload, Centella is my go-to. The Purito Centella Serum is a recent addition to my skincare routine, and I’m already planning to stock up. Its thicker consistency initially surprised me, but it quickly absorbs, leaving skin deeply hydrated. Ideal for summer, especially for outdoor enthusiasts, it soothes skin from environmental stressors and sun-induced redness. Currently discounted to just $16, it’s a must-try. 

Fwee Lip and Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot

This Fwee product has recently gained immense popularity in Korea for its unique, soft, and bouncy texture that delivers vibrant color. Unlike traditional pot makeup, which often feels heavy and creamy, this Fwee Lip and Cheek product has a lightweight, dense mousse-like consistency. When applied to cheeks or lips, it blends seamlessly, creating a powdered, blurred effect. With 30 shades available—from subtle nudes to vibrant pinks and rich berries—it offers a soft matte finish without any dryness. You can apply it effortlessly with your fingers or use a silicone brush for more intensity.

EasyDerm Quick Calming Microneedle Pimple Patch

Dealing with adult acne has taught me how to handle those deep, painful pimples that linger for days. I stumbled upon EasyDerm’s microneedle pimple patches a while back, and they remain unmatched for treating cystic acne. Each patch features dissolving microneedles that deliver active ingredients directly to the problem area. When paired with the included Cica serum (apply a drop to the needle side), the patch works to soothe and heal deeper layers of the skin. If I catch a breakout early, these patches can nearly eliminate it overnight—though results may vary depending on your skin type. 

Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50

Korean sunscreens are a cornerstone of K-Beauty, and in my view, they’re unmatched in the beauty world. The Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is tied for first place in my sunscreen favorites (alongside two others). Its formula includes soothing Centella Asiatica extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. As someone with oily-combination skin, I appreciate that it never feels greasy. It leaves a soft, dewy finish—more of a subtle sheen than a glow—perfect for daily wear. Even under full makeup, it stays put without pilling or interfering with foundation and concealer. Plus, it leaves no white cast and is gentle on the eyes. 

I’m constantly exploring K-Beauty, searching for the latest products to soothe irritation and combat signs of aging. If you’re looking for more K-Beauty skincare to hydrate, calm, and revitalize your skin, check out my top picks below.

D'Alba Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum

Rovectin Aqua Cleansing Gel

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion

Innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum

Mediheal Madecassoside Cotton Facial Pads

Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask 10-Pack

Numbuzin No.4 Hydrating Glow Mineral Toner

Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick SPF50