We all know about the magic of Korean skincare products, renowned for their ability to tackle virtually any skin woe and for pioneering the coveted “glass skin” trend. Living in India, getting our hands on these products and knowing which ones are worth it can be a bit of a challenge. I remember resorting to a friend to bring back a year’s supply from her short vacation to South Korea, only to realise there had to be an easier way. So, I did some digging and put together a curated list of the best Korean skincare gems available in India. You will find the links to purchase these products in this article and don’t worry, we’re not just talking about products like Cosrx snail mucin.
Axis-YDark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
This is my favourite dark spot treatment. It’s ideal for hyperpigmentation and dark spots. So I’ve had severe acne my entire life, and while it’s improved with medication and lifestyle changes, the dark spots have persisted, and I’m working on them. With the goal of reducing my dark spots, I went on a search for the perfect spot serum, and of course, I turned to Korean skincare bands to find my answer. I use this right before applying my peptide moisturiser and going to bed, and it works great.
Available here: amazon.in
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
What comes to mind when you think about a snail? To me, it’s dinner in France, but did you know snail mucin is a Korean skincare ingredient for dry skin? If you have dry skin, focus your attention on the latter—it’s a skincare ingredient you’ll probably want to incorporate into your routine. It’s ideal for retaining and locking in the hydration from serums and moisturiser. While it is primarily used for hydration, there is evidence that it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and aid in wound healing.
Available at: nykaa.com
Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Line
I want every Dr. Jart+ product in my vanity, especially those from their Tiger Grass line, and you should as well, but if you had to start with one, I would recommend Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask; it’s a clear winner. The formula’s cica boosts hydration while reducing inflammation, while moisturising glycerin, texture-smoothing niacinamide, and anti-inflammatory heartleaf wrap your skin in moisture overnight, repairing and maintaining hydration levels.
Available at: k-skinbeauty.com
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence
When you hear Thank You Farmer, it becomes one of those names you can’t forget. And you shouldn’t, because this line includes some of the best Korean sunscreens on the market. Skin-soothing ingredients found throughout the lineup include rice, green tea, aloe vera, and sunflower seed. Simply put, the Sun Project Light Sun Essence meets all of our needs for a daily SPF. This chemical formula absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a glowy, semi-matte, and never greasy finish that is free of any cast. Aloe leaf, lotus flower water, and soybean lipids can also help strengthen your barrier.
Available at: nykaa.com
Innisfree Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream
If you know anything about K-beauty, you’ve probably heard of Innisfree. They have great products such as Innisfree Youth Enhancing Serum Mist with Black Tea and Intensive Hydrating Serum with Green Tea. There are numerous products worth mentioning in Innisfree’s extensive lineup, but we’d like to focus on the Dewy Glow Jelly Cream right now. This delightfully bouncy gel moisturizer provides a lightweight, cooling layer of hydration to your complexion thanks to cherry blossom flavonoids, niacinamide, and sugar beet betaine. Never sticky; always refreshing.
Available at: tirabeauty.com
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
This honey-like serum contains propolis and niacinamide to help control sebum production, reduce the appearance of pores, and even out skin discoloration. The gentle Glow Serum, which is best suited for acne-prone skin, harnesses the power of anti-inflammatory propolis and turmeric, as well as brightening niacinamide, to clear up breakouts over time and maintain the skin’s healthy bounce.
Available at: tirabeauty.com
ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
This product is an absolute must. This cleansing oil is highly effective at removing makeup residue, blackheads, and sebum while preventing pore congestion. It is an essential step in double cleansing, resulting in glowing glass skin.
Available at: amazon.in
The Saem hydrating eye stick
An excellent treatment for dehydrated skin. This eye treatment contains Icelandic glacier water, which provides your skin with the refreshing hydration it requires on days when you’ve hit the snooze button too many times which I do everyday so I will be ordering this now.
Available at: k-beautyskin.com
Medicube Age-R Booster H Facial Glow Booster
A TikTok-viral Medicube facial device that Ms. Hailey Bieber herself uses. This skincare tool uses gentle electrical stimulation to improve product absorption, allowing your skincare to soak in more deeply for maximum effectiveness. It’s a little pricey, but it’s the best investment for your skin. I don’t have it right now, but it’s on my beauty products wishlist.
Available at: amazon.in
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
We’re back with Beauty of Joseon because it’s that good. I’m currently using their anti-aging eye cream, which contains powerful ingredients like ginseng root, which hydrates and promotes healing, liposome-stabilised retinal, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles for younger-looking skin, and glycerin, which hydrates and restores the skin. It’s the ideal formula for plumping and firming the delicate under eyes, resulting in nourished and brighter eyes.
Available at: tirabeauty.com
Unfortunately, some of the brands and products we love, such as Peach and Lily, Watermelon Glow Recipe Range, and Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner, are not available in India; however, if you, a friend or family member traveling abroad, you should picked these up.