I’ll admit, any skincare products that promise to smooth fine lines or plump the skin, I’m immediately handing over my credit card. After all, who doesn’t want to look a few years younger?
That being said, it hasn’t always benefited me to do so. The constant rotation of retinol, bakuchiol, peptides and glycolic acid ended up overwhelming my skin. I was left with a compromised skin barrier and my skin had never been so sensitive.
So what happens when brands and products focus more on skin health than skin concerns?
Enter, Korean skincare. Quite possibly one of the most innovative and fastest growing beauty markets in the world, the products are quickly gaining popularity in Australia.
What are the benefits of Korean skincare products?
Korean skincare products are generally focused on ‘slow-ageing’ rather than anti-ageing, Mintel reports. Often incorporating soothing and repairing ingredients like centella asiatica and green tea, these products tend to be suitable for most skin types and less harsh on the skin.
Sadaf Razi, Senior Beauty Editor for Adore Beauty said, “Korean skincare is praised and famously known for its surge of hydration and focus on well-ageing, often at very accessible price points”.
A focus on keeping the skin healthy and hydrated is key for Korean skincare products, as our skin can dry out as we age. Products are also technology forward and offer advanced delivery systems. This means that important ingredients like hyaluronic acid are often encapsulated, keeping the active ingredient fresher and at its most efficient for longer.
Typically, Korean skincare products are also fragrance free, which reduces the risk of irritation.
What does a Korean skincare routine look like?
Over the last few years, Korean skincare has gone viral on TikTok, with nearly 1 million videos posted with the hashtag #koreanskincare. Soon enough, people all over the world started trying the 10-step Korean skincare trend.
While 10 steps may seem like a lot, the results speak for themselves with dewy, glass-like, glowing skin. It requires some serious dedication, however not all steps are completely necessary, so choose what works for you.
Korean skincare routines often start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and skincare, followed by a water-based cleanser to clean the skin.
Follow up with an exfoliator (only once or twice a week), then a toner or toner pads. Apply an essence and any facial oils or serums next, followed by a sheet mask 2 to 3 times a week to lock all the products in.
Finish off with eye care, a hydrating moisturiser, and SPF if doing this routine in the morning.
Can you buy Korean skincare in Australia?
You can! The wave of popularity has meant that there are plenty of ways for you to get your hands on Korean skincare products in Australia.
Innisfree has just launched in selected Priceline stores, as well as having their own free standing stores around the country. Adore Beauty and LOOKFANTASTIC offer a large range of Korean skincare products on their website, as do Beauty Amora.
If you prefer shopping in store, W Cosmetics have 30 (and counting) bricks and mortar stores in major cities across Australia.
What are some recommended Korean brands?
According to Sadaf, brands like Laneige, InnisFree and Anua are trending on Adore Beauty. The Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is great for easily breaking down and removing makeup without any irritation to the eyes.
For a boost of hydration, look for products like the MEDIHEAL Watermide Moisture Pads to add moisture to the skin after cleansing and exfoliating. Not only will a toner pad like this one hydrate your skin, but it will also help regulate your skin’s natural pH.
Innisfree offer a 3 piece hydration set, which is a great way to dip your toes into Korean skincare products. This trio is fragrance free and includes green tea which aims to boost skin elasticity.
Popular Korean brand CosRX have a range of snail mucin products (yes, you read that right). From essences to moisturisers, these products offer hydration and healing properties for those with acne prone skin.
There are an inundated amount of other great Korean skincare brands like Skin1004 and Round Lab, so don’t be surprised when they take over your bathroom shelves!
