6 Korean Skincare Products, Tested By The Team

Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide

This product is halfway between a cream and a toner. It works wonders (especially after exfoliating your face, neck and décolleté), because it moisturizes while being lightweight. The travel size is a must-have for your kit to calm your skin after a long day outside.

Sephora, $48.50

SKIN1004 MADAGASCAR CENTELLA LIGHT MAKEUP REMOVER OIL

This oil is used for the first step (of 10!) of a famous Korean skincare ritual. Start without water and use just one pump to massage your face and melt away your makeup. Gradually add water to your face and continue massaging to gently remove your makeup. Finally, rinse and continue the ritual with a water-based cleanser. 

Amazon, $22

NACIFIC VITA CERAMIDE HYDRATING MASK

This sheet mask is a favourite of professional makeup artist and content creator Cynthia Dulude, and we can see why after testing it out ourselves. It’s hydrating, which is what you need to achieve a “glass skin” effect. 

Amazon, $46 (pack of 10)

SKIN1004 MADAGASCAR CENTELLA Face Cream

This is THE day cream to wear during the hot season. It has a light texture and is hydrating, making a perfect base to apply makeup on.

Amazon, $35

COSRX HYALURONIC ACID INTENSIVE CREAM

This is one of the most popular Korean brands. Its quality/price ratio is quite impressive. We prefer to apply this intensive cream in the evening before going to bed, as its texture is richer than the SKIN1004 cream. It gave us complete hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid, and we woke up with a remarkably clear complexion.

Amazon, $30

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Sunscreen

After several years of searching for a good sunscreen that works well under makeup, we can finally say that Beauty of Joseon's is one of our favourites. You won't even feel like you're applying sunscreen because the product is so light and non-sticky. 

You should know, however, that Korean brands cannot present their sunscreen products as is. The owner of TheKShop, Irina Kan, explains that she hides the sun protection factor (SPF) indicated on the Korean sunscreen lotions she sells because Health Canada does not approve the chemical filters these products contain. This does not mean that they are not safe for the skin, only that the ministry has not yet conducted its own tests of the innovative filters proposed by South Korean scientists. In the meantime, Canadian companies can sell these products without presenting them as sunscreen lotions, but rather as daily moisturizers.

The K Shop, $25