“In my nightly skin care routine, I consistently opt for a double cleanse,” says Erica Choi, creative director, licensed esthetician and founder of skin care brand Superegg. This is her go-to choice for the initial oil-cleansing step. “The indulgent texture removes all my makeup — even stubborn waterproof mascara — and leaves my skin feeling soft and thoroughly cleansed,” she says.

“This may be my favorite skin care product of all time,” says Rowena Tsai, co-founder and co-host of the “Beauty Within” podcast. “This unassuming jelly oil cleanser smells divine and does the absolute most to gently melt off the day’s impurities,” she says, “including sunscreen and waterproof makeup, without blinding you or turning you into a panda.”

Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw has been using this oil cleanser for a year as her first face wash step. She loves the thicker, oil-gel consistency that creates a satisfying lather and effectively washes away makeup and grime.

“This is the first cleansing balm I ever used and fell in love with,” says Ava Lee, founder of byAVA and a beauty influencer credited with coining the “jello skin” trend. She describes it as the perfect starter cleaning balm and a great pick that’s much more affordable than competitor options on the market. Plus, it’ll last you a long time.

This innovative exfoliating cleanser comes highly recommended by Felicia Lee, co-founder and co-host of the “Beauty Within” podcast. “It contains just the right amount of both chemical (BHA) and physical exfoliation (rice powder) to keep my oily combination skin bright and unclogged every day,” she says. “The packaging is travel friendly and designed with a smart dosage-dispersing mechanism that releases the perfect amount for every cleanse.”

A great option to address signs of aging, Kim and Ko Lamm recommend this hydrating ampoule. (An ampoule is generally a more concentrated form of a serum.) It’s made with PDRN, a powerful skin care ingredient derived from salmon DNA. Ko Lamm says it’s a “game changer for boosting hydration, improving elasticity and supporting barrier repair, making it ideal for those looking to rejuvenate and repair damaged or aging skin.”

Jin Koh recommends this serum for targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation. “It contains antioxidants and brightening ingredients like glutathione, vitamin C, niacinamide and tranexamic acid to help even out skin tone,” the dermatologist says.

“Made with noni fruit extract, this ampoule is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals,” Ko Lamm says. “It provides deep hydration, soothes inflammation and leaves the skin looking radiant and plump. I love how it caters to sensitive and dull skin, giving it a natural glow without feeling heavy.” Although, the dermatologist says the green ampoule can feel a bit tacky on the skin.

Anyone can benefit from a hydrating serum. Jin Koh likes this one that has a light, watery consistency. Jin Koh says it stands out because of its “combination of high-, medium- and low-molecular weight hyaluronic acids, panthenol and allantoin to soothe and hydrate skin.”

“Calming serums with centella and hyaluronic acid are good to incorporate to soothe skin,” Jin Koh says. Shaw learned about this one on social media and was pleased to find that it’s worth the hype. She reaches for the affordable gel serum whenever her skin is feeling stressed or irritated. The formula’s centella asiatica, allantoin and peptides never fail to calm her skin.

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or a mother figure in your life, Tsai recommends this luxe, antioxidant-packed essence — a favorite of both hers and her mom’s. “The fermented green tea extract beautifully hydrates to help give us a clear, glowing and radiant complexions,” she says.

“Retinol usually doesn’t agree with my skin, but I’ve discovered that this gentle retinol treatment is the best option,” Choi says. “I’ve noticed gradual improvements in skin texture over time, and the silky feel of the product makes it suitable for anyone with sensitive skin.”

When it comes to affordable and effective retinol products, Ava Lee recommends this eye serum. “Nothing at Sephora can compare to this price,” she says, adding that it works without any skin irritation. “That’s the power of Korean skin care.”

If your skin is feeling dehydrated — whether due to lack of sleep, stress or hormonal changes — Felicia Lee recommends this serum, which she describes as “the perfect oil-water blend that my skin instantly drinks up to rebalance itself.” In addition to micro-capsules of oil that work to nourish and brighten the skin and lessen hyperpigmentation, the proprietary Yolk Duplex is perfect for building your skin barrier back up. 

Tsai calls this hyperpigmentation-targeting serum her favorite skin care discovery of the year. “This lightweight, pure ascorbic acid serum works to fade the most stubborn dark spots and brighten overall complexion,” she says. And best of all, it’s under $25.

“This Korean essence is an iconic product renowned for its ability to brighten and refine the skin,” says Choi, crediting its elevated concentration of saccharomyces ferment filtrate — a popular skin care ingredient that works to improve overall skin health and appearance — for its popularity and efficacy. “Its patented Bio-Redox formula helps to promote natural cellular turnover, resulting in a brighter complexion and improved skin texture after consistent use for four weeks,” she says.

“Ginseng is one of my favorite ingredients, and Sulwhasoo offers the highest quality ginseng infused with remarkable research and technology to enhance firmness, minimize fine lines and reduce wrinkles,” Choi says. “Whenever I use this serum, I can’t help but notice a subtle radiance in my skin.”

“This is a pricey pick but one I’ve had in my vanity for over five years nonstop,” Ava Lee says. “I have yet to come across a liquid serum with this kind of texture that’s this versatile.” She adds that you can “use it on its own, morning or night,” or blend it with a BB cream or foundation for “a more dewy, wet look.”

“Perfect for new and seasoned retinol users alike,” Tsai says, “this small but mighty bottle of skin-plumping goodness will help you achieve the jello skin of your dreams.”

“This innovative retinol cream comes with a roller applicator, making it easy to apply directly to areas needing targeted treatment, like fine lines or uneven texture,” Ko Lamm says. “It combines the power of retinol with soothing ingredients to minimize irritation, making it a great choice for those new to retinol or seeking a gentle yet effective anti-aging solution.”

Recommended by Tsai, Kim, Jin Koh and Ko Lamm, you can’t go wrong with this simple skin barrier-building moisturizer. Jin Koh says it “contains capsuled ceramides and lipids to strengthen the skin barrier.” Tsai adds that it’s a bestseller in South Korea for good reason. “This gorgeous cream became an instant favorite as soon as it touched my face,” she says. It’s also a favorite of Kim, who uses this cream in his own routine and recommends it for those with dry or eczema-prone skin. “It’s super hydrating without feeling heavy, greasy or oily,” the dermatologist says.

Ko Lamm recommends this moisturizer for stressed skin dealing with dryness, dullness or sensitivity. “Packed with resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, it helps protect against environmental damage while supporting skin repair,” the doctor says. “Despite its rich benefits, it feels lightweight and absorbs beautifully, making it a go-to for anyone looking to restore their skin’s health and glow.”

For those with oily or combination skin, Ko Lamm recommends this gel moisturizer that acts as a lightweight, ceramide-packed hydrator. Ko Lamm says the gel formula has a cooling effect that’s “incredibly soothing, especially for redness or post-sun exposure, and it absorbs quickly without any sticky residue.”

Shaw recently started using this straightforward Korean moisturizer and says its a great choice for daytime use. The formula is rich enough to keep her skin hydrated throughout dry winter days, but she also thinks it’s lightweight enough to keep in her routine all year round. It gives a dewy finish to the skin and acts like a primer for makeup too.

Recommended by cosmetic chemist Ginger King, this nourishing cream features the buzzy K-beauty ingredient snail mucin, which we have an entire guide on. She describes it as “interestingly emollient” and a great option for the wintertime or for those with chronically dry skin.

For those who prefer a lightweight moisturizer, Kim recommends this option from Laneige. The 2-in-1 formulation works to prep and soften your skin as a toner would while ensuring it receives all the moisture and hydration benefits of a cream.

“I face hormonal skin issues quite frequently, so my skin is always in a state of rebalancing itself,” Felicia Lee says. “This gives my skin the perfect dose of hydration and nourishment it needs to look elastic, plump and alive again.” Formulated with the healing and nourishing qualities of propolis and royal jelly, “the consistency is lightweight,” she says, “but when applied to the skin, feels like a comforting veil that instantly softens skin and gives back that glow like I magically got eight hours of sleep.”

“This versatile moisturizer gives the skin a radiant, bouncy glow,” Choi says. It’s enriched with potent ingredients and essential ingredients for optimal skin protection and brightening, also working to smooth, hydrate and soothe for long-lasting comfort. “It melts into the skin,” she says, “making it perfect for layering under SPF or creating a flawless canvas for makeup.”

For those needing a richer moisturizer, Shaw recommends this skin barrier cream. It’s made with five ceramides to help reinforce the skin’s ability to retain moisture. When applied, it feels like a creamy shield on the skin. It keeps your skin hydrated underneath and protected from dry environments.

If you’re on the hunt for a calming and noncomedogenic everyday cream, Kim recommends this option from the brand Dr.G. “It’s light, gentle and soothing,” he says, “and it’s very popular in Korea.”

A Korean sunscreen Shaw keeps returning to, this serum-like formula feels truly weightless on the skin and gives a soft, glowy finish. It’s like a sunscreen that doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing sunscreen.

Kim formulated his own K-beauty sunscreen, Lightsaver, which Shaw uses in her skin care routine. “This lightweight non-tinted mineral sunscreen is gentle and supple,” Kim says. From Shaw’s experience, she enjoys its whipped texture and how it primes the skin. It’s also approved by the National Eczema Association for people with sensitive and eczema-prone skin and comes in a sheer tinted version.

Jin Koh calls this a “lightweight, calming sunscreen.” It has a soothing formula infused with cica, heartleaf and licorice root extracts, which help calm irritated skin. To top it off, it provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection.

“I adore Korean sunscreens for their texture, the lightweight sensation they provide and their consistent SPF rating of 50+ PA++++,” Choi says. This gentle option from Round Lab is her and her husband’s go-to choice for everyday wear. “It strikes the perfect balance between a semi-matte finish and ample hydration, leaving the skin with a lovely, silky texture.”

Another pick from Jin Koh, the dermatologist says this hybrid mineral and chemical sunscreen is loaded with ceramides and peptides. It feels light on the skin yet hydrating. However, Jin Koh notes that due to its hybrid formula, some white cast might be noticeable on darker skin tones.

Ava Lee recommends this sunscreen for those who hate wearing sunscreen. “This is a dream to apply and feels like a hydrating moisturizer,” she says, adding that it breaks all the assumptions people have about sunscreen — sticky, difficult to blend and leaving that undesirable white cast. “It’s best for everyone because everyone needs their daily dose of SPF,” she adds.

“The best type of sunscreen is one you’ll actually reach for and put on daily,” Tsai says. “This one is weightless, moisturizing and has the most elegantly dewy finish without being sticky, oily or greasy.”

While many overnight face masks end up being a goopy mess, this one from Medicube dries down and creates a smooth layer that you don’t have to worry about getting on your pillow. Shaw was surprised at just how comfortable it was the first time she tried it; she’s able to leave it on overnight and sleep as normal. It helps seal in the other layers of skin care applied before the mask and ensures better absorption, leaving you with glass skin. Shaw says it’s also wickedly satisfying to peel off in the morning.

Another overnight mask that’s a pick-me-up for dry skin, this Sulwhasoo mask is one of Jin Koh’s picks. It’s packed with antioxidants from natural extracts like jujube and pomegranate, and Jin Koh says it “doesn’t feel too thick but leaves skin hydrated in the morning.”

Yet another skin care category that South Korea popularized, toner pads are an easy-to-use product that allows you to pick your own adventure. The saturated pads can be used as a wipe or placed on the face and left on like a sheet mask. Mediheal’s pads come in different options tailored to specific skin concerns, so you can mix and match them. Shaw likes the collagen ones for a plumping effect and immediate glow.

“For those days [when] you’re staring at your pores in the mirror and whispering a prayer to have them disappear,” Tsai recommends having this sheet mask on hand. “It gently but effectively helps to minimize the look of pores,” she says, “and it’s also incredibly soothing and hydrating.

“Red beans contain unique saponins that can help to subtly control sebum secretion and work perfectly for my oily-combination skin,” says Felicia Lee. This pore mask is great for when your skin is feeling dull or congested, and it’s made from a base of kaolin clay, a soft clay that won’t completely dry out your skin. “My skin always feels softer, brighter and clarified each time I use this,” she says. “It’s an essential in my weekly routine.”