Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm, offering innovative products that focus on hydration, gentle ingredients, and effective results. With their emphasis on natural ingredients and scientifically-backed formulas, Korean brands have made it easy for people to maintain healthy and radiant skin. From luxurious serums to soothing sheet masks, there are numerous brands leading the charge with their unique beauty philosophies and stellar results. To explore some of the best Korean skincare brands that have captivated beauty enthusiasts worldwide, read on below.
Illustration of korean skin care
Best brands of korean skin care in 2025
Innisfree
Innisfree, founded in 2000 by AmorePacific, is a leading Korean skincare brand renowned for its natural and eco-friendly products, with a significant market share of 4.1% in 2016. The brand sources many of its ingredients from Jeju Island, emphasizing green tea and volcanic clay in its formulations. Innisfree reported sales of 552 billion won (~$490.6 million) in 2019 and has expanded globally, opening its first U.S. store in 2017. The brand's commitment to environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction has made it a favorite among K-Beauty enthusiasts, with products addressing various skin concerns. Innisfree's sales revenue in 2023 was around 274 billion South Korean won, reflecting its ongoing presence in the global skincare market.
Laneige
Laneige, a premier Korean skincare brand launched by Amorepacific in 1994, has cemented its position as a global leader in hydration and moisturization. The brand has achieved significant growth, with an 80% increase in sales in North America in the first quarter of 2023 and a more than 90% year-on-year sales growth in Europe during the same period. Laneige's products, such as the Lip Sleeping Mask and Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Collection, have become best-sellers among Millennials and Gen Z consumers. The brand has expanded its presence to 18 countries across Asia, North America, Australia, and Europe, and has recently launched in the UK through Space NK and in the Middle East through Sephora. Laneige's Advanced Water Science technology and innovative products have made it a frontrunner in the K-beauty market. For more detailed insights, visit Laneige's strategic growth on Premium Beauty News.
Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo is a pinnacle in Korean skincare, renowned for its innovative blend of traditional Asian wisdom and modern science. Since the 1960s, the brand has been at the forefront of ginseng research, creating products like the First Care Activating Serum, which has won numerous awards, including ELLE's First Class Beauty and Future of Beauty Awards. In 2023, Sulwhasoo's Essential Comfort Balancing Water led the South Korean market with sales of 1,207 billion Korean won. The brand, under Amorepacific, continues to evolve, appealing to younger generations while maintaining its premium image. With a legacy spanning over 90 years, Sulwhasoo remains a favorite among all skin types.
Etude House
Etude House, a prominent brand under the Korean cosmetics giant AmorePacific, has rebounded strongly in the first quarter of 2023 by posting a record operating profit of KRW 5.3 billion (EUR3.57 million), attributed to its strategic shift towards ecommerce and wholesale distribution. After facing losses in recent years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand reduced its store count from over 500 to 67, focusing on online sales through platforms like T Mall, Wechat, and Lazada. This strategy has paid off, reflecting the brand's adaptability and the growing demand for K-beauty products. Etude House is particularly popular among Generation Y for its high-performance skincare and beauty products. The brand's success is a testament to the thriving K-beauty market, which is one of the world's top 10 beauty markets, valued at over $12.81 billion. For more information about their innovative product line, visit the Etude House website.
COSRX
COSRX is a renowned Korean skincare brand, celebrated for its effective and science-backed products that address a wide range of skin concerns. Founded in 2013 by Jun Sang Hun, COSRX has garnered numerous awards, including being ranked No. 1 in the skincare category by the YouTuber Research Institute in 2019 and achieving a 138% year-on-year revenue growth in the first half of 2023. The brand is known for its affordable yet high-quality products, with most items priced under PS30. COSRX has also secured top positions on Amazon, with products like the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream ranked as best sellers. Recently acquired by Amorepacific for $559.7 million in October 2023, COSRX is poised for further innovation and global expansion. For more information, visit their official website.
Dr. Jart+
Dr. Jart+, a pioneering Korean skincare brand founded in 2004 by Lee Jin-Wook and dermatologist Jung Sung-jae, has been a driving force in the global K-beauty movement. Known for its innovative products like BB creams and the Cicapair franchise, Dr. Jart+ has seen significant growth, with its revenue reaching 7 billion won by 2008 and expanding to sell 50 products at Sephora outlets globally. The brand was acquired by Estee Lauder Companies in 2019 and has continued to innovate, despite recent challenges in Asian markets, with net sales more than doubling in EMEA and increasing double digits in the Americas in fiscal 2024. Dr. Jart+ is celebrated for its fusion of skincare, dermatological science, and art, reflecting its philosophy of "Doctor Joins Art." The brand has recently re-launched in Japan, focusing on products like the Vital Hydra Solution series and the Cicapair lineup. For more information on their top-selling products, visit the Dr. Jart+ Best Sellers page.
Missha
Missha, a leading Korean skincare brand, has made significant strides in the global market, particularly in Japan where its cushion foundation sales exceeded 20 million units in just 63 months, with daily sales of over 10,000 units. The brand's "M Magic Cushion" and "Magic Cushion Neo Cover" products have been highly acclaimed, with the former selected as one of the best-selling products by Nikkei Trendy and the latter recognized by Japan's @Cosme and LIPS. Missha's products are available in up to 25,000 stores across Japan, contributing to their widespread popularity. The brand's success is also attributed to its global marketing campaigns, such as the 'Beauty is Reality' campaign featuring Elizabeth Olsen, which saw a 106% increase in Amazon Prime Day sales in the US in 2023. Missha's commitment to quality and reasonable pricing has solidified its position as a key player in the Korean skincare market.
Klairs
Klairs is renowned as one of the best producers of Korean skincare, known for its gentle, effective, and natural formulas that cater to all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. The brand has gained significant traction globally, particularly in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, where its products have seen a 20% increase in sales compared to the average 2% for regular cosmetics. Klairs' Supple Preparation Facial Toner is nationally recognized as the No.1 facial toner on Glowpick, a popular Korean cosmetic ranking application. The brand's Rich Moist Soothing Sheet Mask boasts an impressive 89% repurchase rate, highlighting its quality and customer satisfaction. With a strong presence on social media and collaborations with influencers, Klairs continues to expand its global reach.
Banila Co
Banila Co is a leading Korean skincare brand, renowned for its innovative and effective products that cater to all skin types, textures, and tones. Founded in 2005, the company has gained significant popularity with its 'Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm,' which has sold over 75 million jars as of November 2023. This vegan, alcohol-free product includes vitamins C and E, reflecting the brand's commitment to natural ingredients. Banila Co's products are part of the thriving Europe K-Beauty market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.61% from 2024 to 2032. The brand's strong digital marketing and global distribution have enhanced its consumer engagement and modern brand image.
Skinfood
Skinfood is a renowned Korean skincare and cosmetics brand known for its innovative use of food ingredients, such as egg, tomato, and royal honey, which has contributed to its global success. Founded in 2003, Skinfood expanded rapidly, operating approximately 350 stores in South Korea and over 5,000 stores worldwide by the time of its financial struggles. Despite facing significant competition and financial difficulties, including a 25% sales decline in 2017, Skinfood was once the third most popular Korean cosmetics brand in terms of sales. The brand's unique concept and high-quality ingredients have maintained its appeal, particularly in the global market where it has a presence in 16 countries. Skinfood's products are celebrated for their skin-friendly and natural ingredients, aligning with the growing demand for K-beauty products, which dominated the market with over 65.8% of revenues in 2022. For more information, visit their official website.
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