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When you search the words “Korean skin,” it likely yields results of clear, bright, glass-like skin. It’s no wonder the beauty world is obsessed with K-beauty formulas—who wouldn’t want skin as smooth, dewy, and soft as a dolphin? Of course, the best Korean skin care brands, as well as Western favorites like retinol, play a major role, but results look different when you have acne-prone skin that requires formulas with a little more oomph.
“I've had some patients who tried traditional Western acne medications (like clindamycin and retinoids) to treat their acne but found that Korean beauty products helped the most to improve their acne,” says Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “Korean skin care products tend to be gentle and contain soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients that calm down the skin and may help reduce inflammatory lesions,” she adds. The secret lies within traditional ingredients that calm and soothe, like green tea extract, tea tree oil, centella asiatica, snail mucin and honey. These ingredients are well known for fighting inflammation, and many of these ingredients help support and repair the skin barrier, which also improves the quality of the skin.
Our top picks for the best Korean skin care products for oily skin of 2024
If you’re planning on taking the plunge into Korean skin care for acne, we polled Dr. Chang to narrow down the nine best Korean formulas. With the help of editors and beauty experts, as well as valuable customer reviews, we finalized the perfect lineup. Scroll down, and you’ll see everything from a deep-cleaning Korean oil cleanser to a soothing Korean moisturizer.
Pros
Brightens the look of scars
Cons
- Takes some time to see results
Once breakouts subside and the skin flattens, it’s time to address the dark marks left behind. Most of the time, vitamin C, retinol, or acids (whether AHA or BHA) are commonly used to lighten dark marks, but what about niacinamide and tranexamic acid? In this serum, the two powerhouse ingredients combine to brighten dullness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark marks. Simultaneously, hyaluronic acid and ceramides work to soothe and nourish the skin’s barrier.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Size: 1.01 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve accepted that my acne is going to take some time to disappear, regardless of how many supplements or skin care formulas I have in my arsenal. However, this serum has been a true game-changer for my skin, which is peppered with dark spots from past breakouts. Using only a few times a week, I've noticed how much brighter my skin is and how faded those old scars have become.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Strong scent
Sunscreen is the most important step of a skin care routine, not only because it protects from the sun’s harmful rays, but it also helps keep those signs of aging at bay. Neogen’s sunscreen is as nourishing as it gets; a blend of 20 different plant extracts coats the skin while protecting with no white cast or greasy film in sight.
Key ingredients: Plant extracts
Size: 1.69 fl oz
Soko Glam rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Soko Glam reviewer says: “Goes on light and doesn’t feel sticky. No white cast. I’ve repurchased and also had friends try and start using. Perfect product!”
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Pros
- Does not leave behind greasy residue
Cons
- Some may need to use several pumps each wash
You may be afraid to use an oil-based product like this, but some oils can significantly benefit your skin. “People with acne-prone skin do not necessarily need to stay away from all products containing oil, but they should be selective with their oils. It is important to check the ingredient list and only use products with non-comedogenic oils,” Dr. Chang explains. Thankfully, this oily-based cleanser is non-comedogenic and helps prevent further breakouts by deep cleaning and ensuring that every stitch of makeup, SPF, and excess sebum is melted away. Because it’s an oil that attracts other oils, the cleanser also can pull out blackheads from the skin.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil, camellia oil, evening primrose oil
Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
A beauty expert says: “Even on my laziest day, when I’m wearing sunscreen or makeup, I will double cleanse. And if I were only allowed to use one oil cleanser for the rest of my life, it’d be this one. The speed with which it breaks down my foundation and waterproof mascara is something to behold, and my once blackhead-filled nose is as smooth and bump-free as can be. No clogged pores here!”—Carol Lee, beauty writer
Pros
- Flexible
- Adheres well to the skin
Cons
- Not as effective on pimples under the skin
Acne patches are yet another product category popularized by Korean skin care companies, and they’re a true essential for anyone with acne. “I especially recommend patches for those who tend to pick at their acne. By covering the acne, the patches prevent you from picking or scratching, which can increase the risk of more inflammation and scarring,” Dr. Chang explains. Additionally Rael’s version is virtually invisible, effectively absorbing all of the pus and oils from the blemishes.
Key ingredient: Hydrocolloid
Size: 96 patches
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
A beauty expert says: “There was once a time when I’d apply at least ten pimple patches every night on various areas of my face. It was a time when one or two new ones would pop up daily without fail, so you could say that I have quite a bit of experience with hydrocolloid patches. Although they never prevented breakouts, they did help to heal them faster, and Rael’s iterations were among my favorite ones. They’re invisible, sticky, and effective, and that’s all you really need from a pimple patch.”—Carol Lee
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Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Can feel a little tacky at first
According to Dr. Chang, this is “a lightweight serum that is formulated with a powerful anti-inflammatory blend of green tea, mugwort, and panthenol to soothe and hydrate the skin.” If your skin is sensitive and prone to redness—things that usually go hand-in-hand with acne—try this serum.
Key ingredients: Green tea, panthenol, mugwort
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin with a lot of redness, burning, and itchiness from tretinoin and other product irritation. First, I tried centella-based products, but my skin didn’t love them, so I looked for something different. As soon as I used this watery serum, my face stopped burning and felt super moisturized, even though the serum was really light. Very calming and soothing. Green tea, mugwort, and panthenol are my new favorite ingredients. I generally use five drops and apply it all over my face and neck. It does not make my face sticky, and it has no scent.”
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- May take time to see results
Snail mucin is old news by now, but if you haven’t tested it on your skin yet, here’s your reminder. This essence from Cosrx deeply hydrates the skin while feeling lightweight. As a result, it’s perfect for dehydrated skin, as oiliness sometimes indicates that your skin is overcompensating for dehydration. Some have even said that it’s helped fade their hyperpigmentation.
Key ingredient: Snail mucin
Size: 3.38 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Amazing product for sensitive skin. I have acne-prone skin due to dryness, and this helped not only clear up existing acne but helped prevent breakouts. My skin is so much less dry because of this.”
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Pros
- Minimizes look of pores
Cons
- Can take time to see results
Dr. Chang explains that this product is a “gentle toner that combines multiple chemical exfoliants as well as anti-inflammatory tea tree extract and skin-brightening niacinamide.” Acne-prone skin is often already inflamed, so it’s best to go in with a milder formula like this one if you’re looking to exfoliate. But don’t let its gentleness fool you—the three different exfoliators still work hard to lift dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other impurities for glowier, clearer skin.
Key ingredients: AHA, BHA, PHA, tea tree leaf water, niacinamide
Size: 5.07 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using this for about two weeks now, and it has worked wonders for my skin! Prior to this, I was using all kinds of toner and acne medications, but my skin would clear up a little bit and then get bad again. I was so desperate, and I found this. This toner cleared up my acne, and now my skin is so clear, smooth, and hydrated. Even without foundation, it looks and feels great! I know everyone’s skin is different, and a product may be great for one person but may not be for others. This is working for me, and I hope it continues to work. You won’t know until you try.”
Best Barrier Cream
Etude SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
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Pros
- Soothing
- pH-balanced
Cons
- May not be suitable for very oily skin
Whether you have oily, dry, or acne-prone skin, you need to use a moisturizer to ensure that your face is well-hydrated; lack of moisture can cause all sorts of problems down the line. Because this moisturizer is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, it accommodates all skin types—even the most sensitive. Additionally, panthenol and madecassoside soothe any irritation that’s already there.
Key ingredients: Panthenol, madecassoside
Size: 2.02 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Unfortunately, I have to be extra careful with my skincare. Not only do I have sensitive and acne-prone skin, but I also have really severe allergies and chronic hives. A lot of things that are from nature in skincare products, I’m allergic to. My esthetician friend recommended this to me for a gentle but effective moisturizer that also protects against pollution. I’m ordering my second bottle now, and I’m loving it! I’ve seen an improvement with the moisture and hydration of my skin, and it doesn’t leave me itchy, irritated, or breaking out! Recommending this to everyone I know—especially those with bad allergies.”
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Pros
- Reduces sebum
- Instantly soothing
Cons
- Not as thick as some other toner pads
Many Korean women love using toner pads in the morning and at night to balance their skin and infuse it with hydration. These pads from Molvany are specifically designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin to simultaneously eliminate excess sebum, moisturize, and soothe blemishes. They also double as a quick mask in a pinch.
Key ingredients: Artichoke leaf extract, diarthea, calm green, aquateca, anti-sebum P
Size: 5.64 oz.
Soko Glam rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Soko Glam reviewer says: “I get a lot of redness around my cheeks and chin, and these toner pads helped soothe my face. I just leave them on like a face mask and it leaves my skin cool and hydrated. I love that you can split them in half—it makes them last a lot longer.”
Meet the Expert
Dr. Y. Claire Chang is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
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In what order should you apply skin care products?
Dr. Chang explains that generally, you should apply from thinnest to thickest, “with the most lightweight products first followed by thicker products.” She recommends following this order, although you don’t necessarily have to use every one of these products: cleanser, toner, essence, serum, active treatments, moisturizer, and sunscreen. “Everyone’s skincare routine should be tailored based on their skin type and skin needs at that particular time,” she adds.
How should you incorporate new skin care products into your routine?
When you have reactive skin, trying a new skin care product can be an intimidating and risky process. Dr. Chang suggests doing a small patch test on the later part of your face first. “New products should only be started one at a time so that in the case of a skin reaction, you know what product caused the reaction. Avoid starting multiple harsh, drying, or irritating products all at once. Be patient because it can take any skincare product four to six weeks to see results,” she says.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer and K-beauty expert Carol Lee spoke to a Korean dermatologist. She, along with beauty editor Nerisha Penrose, tested formulas and combed through customer reviews to find the best Korean skin care products for acne.
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