I Tested the Best Korean Skin Care on My Sensitive Skin for a Month. These Are the Products I Recommend

Why we like it: If you're familiar with K-beauty, chances are you have heard of Beauty of Joseon. This brand went especially viral on social media. It is known for having a diverse product lineup for all skin concerns. I tested the popular Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel and the Ginseng Essence Water on my dry and sensitive skin. I highly recommend the peeling gel. Its grittiness is made of plant-based cellulose that gently exfoliates the skin and addresses texture issues. It has a slight scent, but the ingredients have never been too harsh or irritating to my skin. I love how soft my face feels after using the gel. 

Who is it best for: This brand is great for those with sensitive skin, like me. I haven’t had any reaction to the products that I have tested, and according to my extensive research online in K-beauty forums, this resonates with many others with sensitive skin. Since the brand has so many products to offer, this might be a good brand to try for newcomers.

Who should not get it: Those with acne-prone or extremely oily skin may be a bit wary of some of the oil-based products, especially products that contain coconut oil. It may clog pores or irritate the skin. 

Why we like it: The Cosrx brand has taken off in the US thanks to its popular Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. Snail mucin is exactly what it sounds like -- secretion from snails. It sounds gross, but I have been using this product for years, and I even use the corresponding snail mucin All-in-One moisturizer from time to time. Both products were a lifesaver during the dry, cold winter months. As someone who struggles with hydration retention, I can’t recommend Cosrx enough. The serum feels a bit slimy, but it gives a dewy finish over makeup or skin care. I love to use it to “slug” or lock in my moisturizer. 

Who is it best for: I have found that this K-beauty brand has products for all skin types. While I have had an especially good experience with the hydrating products, there are plenty for those with oily or sensitive skin as well. Oily or acne-prone skin types highly praise the Low pH Good Morning gel cleanser online. I consider Cosrx a great, affordable brand to try out if you're new to Korean skin care. 

Who should not get it: Since a lot of Cosrx products use snail mucin, the brand is not for vegans.

Why we like it: Peach and Lily offers a variety of products for sensitive skin troubles such as eczema, redness or extreme dryness (to name a few). As someone who deals with all three, I have found the products from Peach and Lily to be both soothing and gentle. My favorite products are the Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream and the Glass Skin Refining Serum. Both contain niacinamide, which is used to battle dryness.

Who is it best for: I would recommend this brand to anyone looking to add more hydration and treatment to their skin care routine. Peach and Lily is known for its “glass skin” products, meaning that its skin care lineup is intended to shrink pores, clear texture and redness and brighten and restore the skin’s natural barrier. These products should appeal to dry, combination and sensitive skin types who aren’t stuck to a strict budget. 

Who should not get it: Those with oily or acne-prone skin should be cautious when using thick serums and moisturizers from Peach and Lily. 

Why we like it: House of Dohwa is one of the few brands on this list that is both vegan and cruelty-free. However, it further stands out by being all-natural. The products incorporate rice bran extract, a traditional Korean skin care ingredient. Rice bran has been used for centuries as an exfoliant, and it contains plenty of antioxidants for the skin. My favorite product by far is the Rice Bran Powder Wash. I have only tried gel or water-based cleansers before, so the powder wash was new to me. It is one of the gentlest exfoliants I have ever used -- a huge plus for my sensitive skin. It took off my minimal makeup and impurities with no issues.

Who is it best for: House of Dohwa’s philosophy is to bring traditional Korean skin care to a wider world audience. So, this brand should appeal to those looking for traditional products that can be easily purchased and shipped to the US. The all-natural and gentle ingredients are ideal for sensitive skin types. 

Who should not get it: Oily and acne-prone skin types may want products with ingredients intended for a deeper clean. The brand’s sunscreen is also not for someone looking for a typical American chemical sunscreen. While it does contain UV-protectant properties, the chemicals have not yet been reviewed by the FDA. 

Why we like it: Tonymoly has some of the best affordable products, readily available on Amazon and in-store and online at Ulta. I would describe the brand as fun; it plays around with color, and the packing features baby animals. I tested the Green Tea Superlight Daily Defense sunscreen and the Plum Bum Gentle Daily Exfoliating Bar. I love how hydrating and light the sunscreen feels on the skin and how it doesn’t leave any white cast. In addition to green tea extract, it also contains niacinamide, vitamin B and vitamin E. 

Who is it best for: Tonymoly’s designs incorporate bright colors, adorable animations and playful packaging. While intended for all audiences, it skews younger, making it a great choice for anyone just starting a skin care journey. There are also plenty of gentle products for sensitive skin. 

Who should not get it: Those with mature or dry skin may need more intense ingredients.

Why we like it: Dr. Althea is one of my new favorite skin care brands, and it gets extra points from me for being clean, vegan and cruelty-free. I tested four Dr. Althea products: a cleanser, two serums and a moisturizer. The standout product has to be the Gentle Vitamin C Serum. It is the gentler version of the popular Vitamin C Serum. The gentle serum is intended to improve dark spots, uneven tone, moisture, elasticity and firmness. It is fast-absorbing, and best of all, I have never had a negative reaction to it. 

Who is it best for: This brand is suitable for oily, normal, dry, sensitive and combination skin types. It is especially appealing for sensitive skin since the products don’t contain fragrances, artificial colors or parabens. The Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm is also a great product for removing makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. 

Who should not get it: Those with acne-prone skin may want to avoid the 345 Relief Cream as it may clog pores. I found it to be a bit greasy, and some users have reported having issues with it.

Why we like it: Superegg is a clean skin care brand that is based in New York but produced in Korea. Its products are made without over 2,700 harmful ingredients such as alcohol, mineral oil, PEGS and artificial dyes. I’m a fan of the Infinite Layers Lip Care lip balm. It’s clear, glossy and hydrating. The lip balm contains peptides that aid in collagen production, smoothing fine lines and plumping. Superegg also offers serums, sheet masks, essences, creams, a cleanser and an eye cream.
Who is it best for: Superegg is great for those who are cautious about the ingredients in their skin care products. The website does a great job of listing each ingredient and the benefits of the main ingredients. It’s also great for those who don’t have a strict budget when it comes to trying new products. 

Who should not get it: Superegg might not be for skin care lovers who enjoy having lots of products to try. It's limited. 

Why we like it: Mediheal is known for its toners and toner pads. These products treat and prep the skin for the next steps in your skin care routine (usually, the next step is moisturizer). Toners treat irritation, blemishes, uneven skin tone, dark spots and dull skin. One of my favorite aspects of Mediheal is that it offers seven types of toner pads for different skin types. I was able to test four toners, and I especially liked the Watermide Moisture Pads. It’s the most hydrating of the toners, and I love how cooling it feels on my skin. Best of all, neither toner irritated my skin. 

Who is it best for: This brand is suitable for all skin types since Mediheal offers a diverse collection of products. I would also highly recommend this brand for those looking for high-quality, semi-affordable sheet masks that actually give you results. I tested the Hyper Collagen sheet mask, and after 30 minutes, my skin looked and felt softer. I even thought my skin was glowing the next day. 

Who should not get it: Mediheal doesn’t offer thick moisturizers, so those with dry skin looking for barrier-repairing products should try another brand.