20 Best Korean skincare products to try in 2025

Korean skincare continues to be a favorite in the U.S. for its innovative formulations and effective ingredients. As we enter 2025, many new and cult-favorite products are gaining traction. Whether you're looking for hydration, anti-aging solutions, or gentle exfoliation, there's a K-beauty product. Below is a curated list of 20 Korean skincare products that have stood out this year. These options cater to different skin concerns and routines without overhyping their effects.

1. Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm has gained recognition for its ability to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while leaving the skin soft. Formulated with seaberry oil, persimmon extract, and vitamin E, it nourishes and hydrates without feeling heavy. Unlike many oil cleansers, it rinses off easily, making it a favorite for double cleansing. It's particularly suited for dry or sensitive skin, as it doesn’t strip moisture. The original price is $38, and it's currently on sale for $32.

2. CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

A mild, gel-based face wash that maintains the skin’s natural pH balance while effectively removing dirt and excess oil. Tea tree oil and BHA, this skincare product, help keep breakouts at bay without over-drying. This makes it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It lathers lightly and has a fresh scent, making morning cleansing refreshing. The original price is $14, but you can get it on sale for $11.

3. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum

A serum designed to achieve the coveted “glass skin” look—hydrated, clear, and glowing. This skincare product contains niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, which work to brighten and smooth the skin. It absorbs quickly, making it a great base before makeup or moisturizer. While it’s suitable for all skin types, it’s particularly effective for dull or dehydrated skin. The original price is $39, with a current discount bringing it down to $34.

4. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

A rich yet lightweight moisturizer that combines traditional Korean herbal ingredients like ginseng and rice bran water. This skincare product provides intense hydration while improving elasticity and evening out skin tone. The texture is creamy but absorbs well, leaving the skin plump without a greasy finish. This makes it an excellent choice for nighttime use, especially for those with dry or mature skin. The original price is $28, now available for $24.

5. CosRx Retinol 0.5 Oil

A beginner-friendly retinol oil that targets fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. This skincare product features 0.5% pure retinol, potent yet balanced with soothing ingredients like squalane and vitamin E. Unlike harsh retinol creams, this formula is lightweight and nourishing, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It’s best applied at night and followed with SPF during the day. The original price is $25, but it’s currently on sale for $20.

6. Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner

This fragrance-free toner is packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, licorice root extract, and hyaluronic acid. This skincare product is designed to balance the skin's pH level and hydrate deeply, making it perfect for sensitive or dry skin types. Its formula absorbs quickly, providing a smooth base for serums and moisturizers. If you’ve been looking for a calming, soothing toner without artificial fragrances, this product is a solid choice. The original price is $21, and is on sale for $16.

7. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Repaired Serum

Formulated with tiger grass (Centella Asiatica), this serum is designed to soothe irritated and inflamed skin. This skincare product is especially effective for sensitive skin or post-sun exposure, providing immediate relief and hydration. The formula helps to repair the skin barrier, reduce redness, and promote healing, making it a go-to for acne-prone or sensitive skin. The lightweight serum absorbs quickly and layers well with other skincare products. The original price is $48, with a sale price of $38.

8. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

A cult favorite, the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask provides intense hydration overnight, leaving skin refreshed and rejuvenated by morning. This mask uses a blend of hydro ionized mineral water and apricot extracts to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture. This skincare product is perfect for dry skin, especially during colder months. The non-greasy, refreshing texture makes it suitable for both oily and dry skin types. The original price is $28, currently reduced to $24.

9. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

This nourishing serum is packed with green tea seed oil, which is rich in antioxidants and offers deep hydration. This skincare product is perfect for dry and sensitive skin, providing a moisture boost without feeling heavy. The serum has a light, refreshing texture that absorbs easily into the skin. It can be used daily as part of your skincare routine to maintain healthy, dewy skin. The original price is $28, and is available for $23 during the sale.

10. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

This exfoliating solution combines AHA and BHA to provide a powerful exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. The result is smoother, more even-toned skin with a natural glow. While this skincare product is not technically a K-beauty product, it’s loved in the K-beauty community for its effectiveness and affordability. Use it once a week to target dullness, breakouts, or uneven texture. The original price is $8.70, with discounts bringing it down to $6.

11. Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

A multi-purpose essence packed with fermented ingredients that work to improve skin tone and texture while providing deep hydration. This skincare product is often compared to SK-II’s Essence due to its similar ingredients but comes at a more affordable price. The formula helps to enhance skin cell turnover, making it perfect for anti-aging and brightening purposes. This essence also prepares the skin to absorb the following layers of skincare more effectively. The original price is $49, and it’s on sale for $39.

12. Etude House SoonJung 10-Free Moist Emulsion

This moisturizing emulsion is designed for sensitive skin, offering a simple yet effective formula with 10 free ingredients. This skincare product contains madecassoside, great for calming and healing the skin. The lightweight texture makes it easy to layer with other products, and it’s perfect for those who need gentle moisture without feeling heavy. The product is suitable for oily and combination skin as well. The original price was $24, currently on sale for $18.

13. Tonymoly I'm Real Sheet Masks

Tonymoly’s sheet masks are a favorite for their fun packaging and effective formulations. Each mask targets specific skin concerns like brightening, hydration, and soothing. These skincare products come in various options, each containing beneficial ingredients such as aloe, honey, and pomegranate. Perfect for a quick skincare boost, these masks are affordable and ideal for pampering yourself once a week. The original price was $3, and are currently available for $2 each.

14. Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief

This soothing moisturizer is made to restore the skin's protective barrier using ingredients like tamanu and sunflower seed oils. This skincare product provides much-needed hydration while healing skin irritation and redness. It’s a great option for sensitive, dry, or reactive skin, offering a calm and smooth finish. The product absorbs well, leaving no greasy residue. It’s perfect as a daily moisturizer or a calming post-treatment cream. The original price was $28, now on sale for $22.

15. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Banila Co’s iconic cleansing balm is perfect for those seeking a simple yet effective way to remove makeup and impurities. This skincare product transforms from balm to oil and helps cleanse the skin without stripping it. Enriched with vitamin C, the formula brightens while cleansing, making it ideal for tired, dull skin. This product is a top pick for double cleansing routines. The original price was $22, currently on sale for $16.

16. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum

Known for its luxurious feel, this serum helps to balance and hydrate the skin while promoting a radiant complexion. This skincare product's formula includes Korean herbs such as ginseng, which supports skin regeneration and enhances texture. Perfect for mature or dry skin, this serum can be used as a first step in your skincare routine to enhance the effectiveness of other products. The original price was $92 and is currently available for $76.

17. Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence

This fermented essence is known for its ability to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. This skincare product uses a combination of fermented ingredients, which help boost the skin’s texture and tone. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it suitable for layering with other skincare products. Over time, it brightens the skin and helps diminish dark spots. The original price was $42, and is on sale for $35.

18. A'PIEU Madecassoside Cream

This soothing cream is formulated with madecassoside, a powerful ingredient derived from Centella Asiatica, which helps to calm and repair the skin. This skincare product is ideal for sensitive skin prone to redness or irritation. The cream provides lightweight moisture while supporting skin recovery. It’s perfect for those looking for a gentle but effective moisturizer. The original price was $22, now on sale for $16.

19. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

This Japanese skincare favorite uses multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin. The texture is light and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for layering under other products. This skincare product is perfect for all skin types, especially those with dry or dehydrated skin. This product leaves the skin feeling soft and bouncy without any greasy residue. The original price was $18, and is on sale for $14.

20. The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Cream

This moisturizer is enriched with rice extract and ceramide, both known for their ability to deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. This skincare product is perfect for dry and combination skin, offering long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy. The cream provides a smooth and dewy finish, making it a great addition to your nighttime skincare routine. The original price was $30, with a sale price of $24.