Latest news with #glassskin
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
COSRX Snail Mucin skincare review: Get over 50% off the K-beauty brand this Amazon Prime Day
GLASS skin is the Korean beauty trend that doesn't seem to be faltering any time soon, with one brand at the helm: COSRX. It's been praised all over social media for its super-hydrating properties, so I knew I had to review COSRX snail mucin to see the results for myself. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream Korean Snail Mucin Face Cream, £23.99 £11.80 BUY HERE When I visited Seoul last year, I was struck by the fact that the brand's bestselling products champion one key ingredient: snail mucin. 'It's a nutrient-rich byproduct compatible with all skin types that can help improve a damaged skin barrier by offering deep hydration,' says Julia Marinkovich, the UK COSRX representative. 'This can help contribute to a plumper and more glowing complexion, and there's also research to support the claim that snail secretion filtrate can promote wound healing and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.' With this in mind, I decided to test the five most popular snail mucin products from the K-beauty brand, including the hero Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, to see if I could heal my dry and sensitive skin. So read on to find out what happened when I tested COSRX. Pros Intensely moisturising Non-irritating Repairs the skin's barrier Cons Not suitable for shellfish allergy Not vegan Sticky texture Overall Rating: 4/5 How I tested COSRX Snail Mucin Skincare I have combination skin that's on the drier side with an oily T-zone. My skin has also become sensitised over the years due to over-exfoliation and testing out hundreds of beauty products. I swapped my current skincare essentials with five COSRX products and tested them for over a month, every morning and night. As I didn't try out a cleanser or SPF from the brand, I used existing products in conjunction with the tested products. COSRX Snail Mucin Skincare review: Quickfire Q&A How much is COSRX? The cheapest item in the COSRX range is the £5.99 COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches. The most expensive item is the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule serum, which costs £33.99. Who's it best for? While suitable for all skin types, the range is particularly good for anyone with a damaged skin barrier who wants to restore their complexion. What we loved: I immediately felt a difference using a number of the products. My skin instantly felt hydrated and moisturised for longer thanks to innovative ingredients that really work. Affordability is another positive. What we didn't: Whilst the products work really well together, those who like to mix-and-match brands may find that thicker formulas don't sit as well on top of certain products in the range. COSRX Snail Mucin Skincare review: The Nitty Gritty Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml, £25.99 £18.59 BUY HERE Spoiler alert: Snail 96 Power Essence is well worth the hype. While it's labelled as an essence, I think it's better to categorise this as a serum as its viscous texture is similar to Hyaluronic Acid serums, but is less watery in texture, which makes applying it much easier. The trick to getting the most hydration out of it is to apply it on damp skin, so after cleansing, I spritz a facial spray over my face and wait a few seconds before applying the essence. A little goes a long way; you only need one to two pumps to cover the entire face. It's got a super-high concentration of snail mucin, and I've noticed almost immediate effects since using this; my skin feels instantly hydrated and stays moisturised for longer throughout the day. Moreover, I'm impressed with how it's managed to soothe my skin's barrier and even take down some redness I have. Personally, I prefer using this over Hyaluronic Acid as it keeps my skin hydrated for longer, and the texture works for my dry skin. However, oilier skin types may find it too heavy, and I used less on my forehead than on my cheeks. It does take a bit of work to figure out how to layer it. While it worked perfectly with its snail cream and light moisturisers, it didn't absorb as well when I layered an E45 face cream over it, as it was too occlusive. But it's been over a month since I started using this essence, and it's become part of my daily routine, and when I finish this bottle, I'm immediately getting another one. Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream Korean Snail Mucin Face Cream, £23.99 £11.80 BUY HERE Pros: Gives a glowy finish, hydrating, soothes dryness and redness, works under make-up Cons: Sticky texture, not moisturising enough for dry skin, messy application Rating: 3.5 / 5 If you want glass skin immediately, then the all-in-one snail cream will deliver just that. Similar to the essence, this cream is infused with a whopping 92% of snail mucin, and when you open the jar, it looks exactly like slime. I didn't mind the look of it too much, but I did find that it's a bit messy to use. It's super sticky to the touch, which makes it tricky to extract the right amount, so you'll want to start small and then apply more if needed. But it's amazing value for money, as only a small amount is needed to cover your entire face. Surprisingly, when I massaged it on, it didn't feel greasy at all and left my skin with a glossy sheen, almost filter-like, and I absolutely loved the look it gave. It also works well under make-up, but make sure you layer it with more cream-based products, as opposed to powder, to emphasise the glow. Despite the glowy look, I actually found that it wasn't moisturising enough to keep my dry skin hydrated for long periods, and I had to apply an emollient cream over the drier parts of my face. I've since moved this to my nighttime routine as it's slightly too fussy for me to use in the daytime, and I prefer using a richer cream to really lock in that moisture. mouth and eye area and press the remaining residue in with fingers. COSRX Master Pimple Patch BUY HERE Even though COSRX is known primarily for its snail mucin products, its pimple patches are one of its bestsellers. Having used these patches in the past, I was excited to test out a fresh pack of them as I loved them so much on my first go. Happily, these didn't disappoint. They were great for targeting spots and have a transparent look, so they look invisible on. They're also comfortable to wear, and I liked wearing the stickers to bed or when I would be working from home. They are a bit fiddly at first as you can only apply them onto dry skin, so it's best to wait until after your skincare products have been absorbed before putting them on. My partner has acne-prone skin and enjoys using the pimple patches as they help prevent dirt from touching the spot and allow the skin to properly heal. The patches were effective in reducing any redness and excess oil and definitely minimised the appearance of spots. Plus, you can get up to 90 in a pack, which is excellent value for money. Size: 36-90 pack Skin type: All How to Apply: Apply gently with the sticky side down. Leave on overnight. AHA / BHA Exfoliating Facial Treatment AHA / BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, £20 £15.38 from Lookfantastic BUY HERE Having over-exfoliated my skin in the past, I was a bit hesitant about using this COSRX treatment. The AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is an exfoliator wth an ingredient list that includes 0.1% glycolic acid (AHA) and 0.1% Betatine Salicylate (BHA), but since it's got a low concentration of both acids, it's gentle to use even on sensitive skin. I was surprised to discover that it didn't irritate my skin and actually helped to clear my blackheads, particularly on my nose. Over time, it helped to slough away dead skin cells, leaving my skin more radiant, and when I layered the essence or an active ingredient on top of it, it didn't sting. The instructions state that you should spray the exfoliator on a cotton pad and then swipe the pad across the face. However, I found it easier to spray the product directly onto my face as the cotton pad wasted a lot of product, and I could target the exfoliator on areas of my face that needed it more, like my T-zone. While you could use it every day, I prefer to use it once or twice a week, as I don't suffer from active breakouts, so that's why it became my least-used product of the ones I tested. But if my skin breaks out, this will be the first product I'll be reaching for. Size: 150ml Skin type: All How to Apply: Spray on a cotton pad after cleansing, then wipe over or spray directly onto the face. Retinol 0.5% Oil BUY HERE I love using the COSRX retinol in my skincare routine as its anti-inflammatory properties really benefit my skin. In the Cosrx product, there is quite a low concentration of retinol, making it best for beginners as opposed to regular retinol users or those looking for a low dosage, but I love its formula. More similar to an oil, it feels nourishing thanks to the blend of Vitamin E and Squalane, and it didn't dry my skin out. It also pairs well when layered over the essence and under both thicker and lighter moisturisers. It has an earthy scent which isn't too pleasant, but it does dissipate. It's too early to truly tell the difference, as you need at least three to six months to see whether it's made a real impact, but I've had fewer blemishes and redness since using it without having to go through purging. Oiler skin types may prefer a retinol cream, but I now use this every evening as I love how soothing it feels. After using COSRX for over a month, I'm a snail mucin convert. I've really noticed that both the essence and the cream helped to soothe a lot of redness that I experience from dry weather and also keep my skin hydrated. Not to mention, it creates a glass-skin-like effect on your face that's pretty perfect for glowy skin lovers. While it's not vegan, COSRX is cruelty-free, and a good option if you've been let down or have suffered from sensitivities to Hyaluronic Acid. Most of the products I tried from COSRX are geared towards drier skin, but I believe every skin type can benefit from them. Particular highlights for me were the Advanced Snail Mucin Essence and the retinol; those two are going to become staples in my skincare routine. What is snail mucin and is it good for the skin? It might sound like something out of a horror film, but snail mucin (aka snail slime) is the gooey stuff snails naturally secrete to protect themselves. In skincare, it's filtered, purified, and packed into serums and creams thanks to its barrier-boosting and glow-enhancing properties. Whether you're dry, oily or somewhere in between, snail mucin can boost moisture, repair damage and leave your skin looking bouncier than ever before. It's gentle too, so even sensitive types can get in on the action. What are the benefits of snail mucin? Snail mucin is rich in hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, peptides and antioxidants, meaning it helps plump the skin, fade acne scars, smooth texture and calm inflammation. Hydration, healing, glow: it does the lot. Think of it as your skin's new overachieving best friend. It is best to apply snail mucin after cleansing and toning, but before your heavier creams or oils. Pat a few drops into damp skin, let it soak in, then carry on with your routine. Use morning or night, or both if you're feeling fancy. Is snail mucin good for acne? Snail mucin is GREAT for acne. It helps calm redness, fade leftover marks and keep your moisture barrier strong (which is key when dealing with breakouts). It won't clear your spots overnight, but it's a solid add-on in your anti-acne arsenal. Is Cosrx cruelty-free? Yes! Despite the snail connection, Cosrx does not test on animals, and the mucin is collected from happy, stress-free snails in a lab, with no squishing involved. Where can I buy COSRX in the UK? Originally from South Korea, COSRX is now available globally, with plenty of beauty retailers stocking it in the UK. Here's where you can shop the K-beauty brand.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I tried the viral Korean skincare routine to get glass skin – a Boots serum with unusual ingredient made a difference
IT seems that no matter where you look these days, K-Beauty has taken over. In fact, there are almost 2 million videos on the subject on TikTok and the Korean skincare industry has taken over the UK's beauty scene. 9 9 A Boots spokesperson told Fabulous that one Korean beauty product sells almost every 15 seconds at Boots and represents over a tenth of all skincare sales. And it seems for good reason, many beauty experts have said that South Korea is estimated to be 10-12 years ahead of Europe and the US in terms of skincare and aesthetic treatments. Here, Fabulous reporter Leanne Hall, tries out the viral Korean skincare routine for two weeks to see whether she ends up with glass skin and which new ingredients are worth the hype. For context, I love South Korea and its culture and even visited earlier this year, and yes, I took home lots of skincare goodies. But I had no idea that many of the products were now readily available to buy in the UK, thanks to Boots, and I was eager to see what was on offer and how well they worked. I retired my normal skincare routine - opting for a new six-step routine using only K Beauty products for two weeks. My skin is on the combination side and pretty sensitive, meaning active ingredients, fragrance and sunscreen all tend to break me out quickly. Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam - £13 9 This is a relatively basic foaming cleanser, but one that does the job. With somewhat oily skin, I prefer a foam cleanser to others, and while this left my skin feel squeaky clean, it didn't dry it out. I don't think this did much to make my skin have that shiny glass finish, but it was the perfect building block to start my skincare routine with. Rating: 4/5 Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 - £24 BUY IT NOW These Medicube pore pads are constantly coming up on my TikTok timeline so I was eager to try them out. They promise to gently exfoliate the skin with a blend of chemical exfoliants - 4.5% AHA Lactic Acid & 0.45% BHA Salicylic Acid. The pads are super easy to use, and I did see a difference with blackheads and clogged pores after using the toner. It also promises to help shrink pores, but I'm yet to see the difference there. Rating: 3/5 Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum - £20 BUY IT NOW Once the toner has been absorbed into the skin, it was time for a serum. A serum was not something I used before this experiment but is now something I can't live without. This Anua PDRN serum is super lightweight but packs a punch with its active ingredients. The blend of PDRN (salmon DNA taken from it's semen) and hyaluronic acid gives your skin a well-needed boost of moisture, increases collagen and help skin rejuvenate quicker. What is PDRN? Leanna Zaman, Boots Beauty Specialist, explains: 'PDRN is hitting the headlines for all the right reasons. "Derived from salmon DNA, which surprisingly shares a lot of similarities with our own DNA, PDRN-based skincare is great for most skin types and suitable for all ages. "In fact, anyone experiencing skin damage, dryness, or dehydration can benefit from PDRN's skin-loving properties. "I recommend pairing it with other humectants, such as Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, to enhance its hydrating and barrier-restoring effects." I'm fully aware the thought of putting salmon semen on your face is weird, but it works and has become a holy grail ingredient in South Korea for a reason. Rating: 5/5 Tocobo Multi Ceramide Cream - £21 BUY IT NOW When I first tried this moisturiser I was nervous. It has a thick whipped texture which is often too heavy for my skin type and clogs my pores. But after two weeks of using it I am pleased to report that I haven't had any issues with it. Instead, my skin has never been softer or more hydrated thanks to it being enriched with ceramides to moisturise the skin. I've often suffered with flaky dry skin around my chin but this immediately cleared it up, a total must-have. Rating: 5/5 Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics - was £15.50, currently £13.95 BUY IT NOW I know sunscreen is important to wear, but this is another product that I tend to skip. I have tried too many SPFs to try and count them all and each one has had my skin breaking out almost immediately. But I'm pleased to report this doesn't seem to have caused any acne since using it every day. Not only has it kept my skin clear, it absorbs quickly, leaves skin glowing and doesn't hurt when it goes near my eyes. Rating: 4/5 Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask - £26 BUY IT NOW This particular Medicube buy has been going viral on TikTok with many praising it for giving you instant glass skin, so naturally, I had to try it. You simply do your usual skincare routine before applying a thick layer of this clear mask to your face. You then want to let it dry for 15 minutes to dry down and then you can sleep. Not only is this super fun to peel off (don't worry, it doesn't hurt like the ones in the 90s) it also instantly makes your skin glow. After peeling it off you are left with the softest skin you've ever had which reflects when the light hits for the perfect glass skin. Rating: 4/5 Final Thoughts Using these products together has absolutely made a difference in how my skin feels and looks. My skin genuinely feels more hydrated than it has ever been. (Trust me, I can say this with confidence, as I was berated for how dehydrated it was when I went to a facialist in Korea.) Not only was it so much more hydrated, making fine lines (hello 30) disappear but it left my skin more plump and glowy. While moisturising the skin, I also found I didn't break out as often as I normally would. For those wanting an extensive skincare routine, I would recommend all of these products. For those wanting to splurge on one wonder product, the collagen wrapping mask is a must-have to give skin an instant lift, perfect for prepping for big events. 9
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Korean skincare cured my acne, made my skin softer & banished redness – now I'm opening Scotland's first K-beauty shop
IF you've been keeping up with the goings on in the world of skincare in the last couple years, then Korean trends will certainly be on your radar. It has been popular in the West for decades, but TikTok has taken the craze to a whole new level. 2 2 The trending 'glass skin' look is perhaps why K-beauty is on every beauty fan's radar, but it's the quality of the products that keeps them buying. And nobody knows this better than Korean skincare expert Lauren Miller who has been using the innovative buys for five years. Lauren first discovered K-beauty while working in the operating theatres at a busy hospital during Covid. The Scots mum's skin "really suffered" from wearing PPE all day so when she stumbled across an advert for Korean products she decided to give them a go - and they have completely transformed her skin. She told Scottish Woman Magazine: "My acne improved, my skin was softer, and my redness and irritation were gone. It changed my life, and I wouldn't use anything else on my skin now. "It's almost addictive, with so many brands and products to choose from – but with ingredients to treat so many skin problems, there really is a product for everyone." And Lauren is now opening Scotland's first Korean skincare store, Wee Ghost Beauty, in Glasgow later this month. She said: "In Scotland, we can have all four seasons in one day and our skin can really suffer. I believe Korean skincare is the answer we've all been looking for. I want my customers – no matter what their budget is – to be able to buy from Wee Ghost Beauty. Quality skincare should be accessible to all, and I believe that is where Korean skincare stands out from the crowd. "Even in the less expensive brands you will still find the best ingredients and a huge range of products, so it appeals to beginners and enthusiasts of all ages and budgets." I let my kid start wearing make-up aged 3 - I've spent £1.5K on her 200 products & her skincare regime has 9 steps Korean skincare places particular emphasis on hydration, skin barrier repair, brightening, and anti-ageing. The use of microbiome and probiotic ingredients is also popular. Korean skincare routines can be up to 10 steps and double cleansing is always a must. And sought-after K-beauty products often contain innovative ingredients you might not have come across before, such as snail mucin - the mucus secreted by snails. You might be put off by the idea, but lovers of this slimy skincare craze claim products containing snail mucin leave their face glowing and hydrated. Other ingredients you might not have seen incorporated into skincare before include ginseng and bean essence.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Transform your skin in DAYS with the 'amazing' resurfacing treatment that leaves you glowing and youthful - see the photo proof here!
There is nothing like a multitasking skin care treatment to completely transform your complexion. ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads are the perfect example, as in a single swipe they exfoliate, brighten, and renew your complexion. With their cocktail of enzymes and probiotics, these powerful pads work quickly to give you the visual glow-up you're after — and you'll get 60 pads per jar for just $65! ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads Give your skin the ultimate makeover with these deeply nourishing pads. Powered by patented tri-enzyme technology, they contain lactic acid and a probiotic ferment complex to slough away dead skin, reduce dark spots, and brighten your complexion. A stunning 100 percent of users saw a remarkable improvement in tone and texture, noting they also achieved the coveted 'glass skin' effect. $65 for 60 Pads Shop Like a little megadose of goodness for your skin, each pad is packed with a patented tri-enzyme blend that works on contact to slough away dead skin cells and reveal a smoother surface. They're also loaded with lactic acid, which gently reduce visible imperfections like dark spots and other types of hyperpigmentation while brightening your tone. With a probiotic ferment complex added to boost radiance, these ELEMIS pads are truly all-in-one multitaskers. The clinical results speak for themselves. A whopping 100 percent saw an improvement in tone and texture, with all participants also noting they achieved the coveted 'glass skin' effect using the pads. Plus, 97 percent thought their skin was softer and smoother, and 93 percent expressed that their skin looked more radiant. The best part is that these results shine through in as little as 28 days — that's literally just weeks to the complexion of your dreams, whether your goal is to smooth away stubborn rough spots or you're tired of dealing with lackluster, tired looking skin. These ELEMIS pads do it all, reducing dullness and roughness to rejuvenate, renew, and revitalize. They're such a treat to use, too. Just glide the textured side over your face and neck to exfoliate, then apply the smooth side to cleanse and hydrate. People cannot believe how well it works. One shopper noted that they're 'simply amazing. You need to try to believe!' 'The gentle yet smooth pads are perfect for my routine,' reported another. 'I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin's texture and radiance since I started using these pads. They effectively add a glow without any harshness.' A third shopper raved, 'My skin feels baby soft to the touch! I like that my skin has an almost glass-like appearance to it since using this product. My skin has a glow!' Get your glow going with ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads — they're perfect for elevating your routine and rebooting your skin just in time for summer.
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
9 Best Korean Moisturisers for K-Drama Worthy Skin in 2025
Your dry skin will drink up these Korean moisturisers, packed with 'hydrating and soothing' ingredients. These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more The world of K-Beauty is taking over the skincare industry thanks to the impeccable range of innovative formulas and exciting new product categories. In particular, Korean-made moisturisers are very attractive for their low price points – and who doesn't love that in a cost-of-living crisis? Plus the skin-loving formulas are widely regarded for their ability to address deep-rooted issues with dry skin and breakouts. One Korean moisturiser you absolutely need to add to your list? It just so happens to be a pick that's also gone viral over on TikTok for its incredibly hydrating and soothing properties. is our shopping writer Harriet Amurao's personal favourite as it works wonders to give her a 'glass skin-like glow'. Keep on scrolling for the best K-Beauty moisturisers your skin is going to absolutely adore. OUR TOP PICKS Why we love it: Offers a super lightweight gel-like texture that soaks into the skin with ease. What to consider: Nothing we can think of. Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer If you have dry skin like me, this moisturiser by Torriden is a must-have. Formulated with 5D-complex hyaluronic acid, blue complex, allantoin and panthenol – the formula is lightweight and cooling, and not only deeply hydrates the skin but also soothes and strengthens the skin's moisture barrier. It has a gel-like texture that isn't too thick and heavy, and it absorbs into the skin effortlessly without feeling sticky. The best part is that it layers nicely under my makeup, leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated, and overall gives me a healthy glass skin-like glow. Why we love it: Provides a deeply nourishing texture that helps to support the skin barrier. What to consider: Higher price tag than others on our list. Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor With winter well and truly here, my skin has been crying out for an extra hydration hit. I've got dry skin so as soon as the cooler weather sets in, I know I have to change up my face moisturiser. I was excited to try Tir Tir, a wildly popular K-beauty brand that's all over socials. Their Ceramic Cream combines polyglutamic acid, shea butter, and witch hazel, a blend of ingredients that deeply nourishes, protects your skin barrier, and minimises the appearance of pores. The texture is so nice – it's smooth, rich, and velvety. Even though it's a thicker cream, it melts beautifully into the skin without feeling too heavy. Right after applying, my face feels plump, soft, and radiant. You can really tell it's locking in all that moisture! Because it's on the richer side compared to your everyday moisturiser, I've been using it as a night cream. Every morning I wake up with super soft, supple skin that still feels hydrated. For the price, it's well worth it and holds its own to some of the more expensive options out there. The Tir Tir Ceramic Cream has definitely become a winter skincare staple for me. Why we love it: This fragrance-free cream provides an instant glow to the skin. What to consider: Some users may not enjoy the consistency of the oil beads. Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, Social Media Producer I only really have one main skin concern and that's the oil refinery in which my face has been producing for the last 32 years. The oiliness factor definitely affects the decisions I make around skincare – specifically primers, foundations, cleansers and moisturisers. In saying that, I've been dying to jump on the Korean skincare trend so, after reading the reviews (4.8 out of five star average), I jumped at the opportunity to review the d'Alba Italian White Truffle Oil Capsule Cream. This moisturiser promises a 'brightening and radiant glow' which is achieved through its double penetration of vitamins – the cream (vitamin C, glutathione and niacinamide) and the oil capsules (vitamin E, vitamin K and ceramide NP). My first impression? While the oil beads look abrasive in the tub, they melt into the skin straight away and leave your skin feeling supple, bouncy and provide an instant subtle glow. It's also odourless, which is always a bonus in my opinion. After trialling the Capsule Cream for a week, I can confirm my skin has fallen in love and has been a little extra glowy since first use. I've also found the hydrating power of the moisturiser hasn't interfered with my makeup and with the right primer and setting spray, my makeup has stayed in place throughout the day. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Why we love it: Incredibly hydrating for super dry skin types. What to consider: May not be suitable for those with oily skin. What You Need To Know If you didn't know, Laneige were the first to release the concept of a sleeping mask, and it all started with the cult-favourite Water Sleeping Mask. This ultra-hydrating gel formula is packed with a probiotics-derived complex, squalane and a hydrating ingredient that mimics the skin's natural lipids, in turn, providing deep hydration. Plus it's perfect for all skin types, as it's so gentle on the skin. The Water Sleeping Mask has racked up an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of five on the Adore Beauty website, with happy shoppers calling it a 'cult classic' and their 'holy grail'. 'I've been using this for years and it is so effective at deeply hydrating and when l wake up my skin feels moisturised, plump and softer,' said another five-star user. Why we love it: This is a double-duty product, working as both a sleeping mask and daily moisturiser. What to consider: Some users may not enjoy the texture. What You Need To Know Dry skin sufferers – you are going to absolutely love this double-duty 'miracle' product. Working hard as a sleeping mask and daily moisturiser, the formula combines the power of vitamin E and niacinamide to pump your complexion with loads of skin-loving antioxidants. 'This helps keep my skin bright and hydrated', said one five-star BONIIK user, with another noting it 'works amazing for dry skin'. Why we love it: One of the more budget-friendly picks on our list. What to consider: May not be suitable for those with dry skin. Formula: Gel-like cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Centella asiatica What You Need To Know If you've got oily or acne-prone skin, it's important to not shy away from a hydrating moisturiser, because you still need to nourish and protect your skin's barrier. Packed with centella asiatica, AHA, BHA and PHA, this 'go-to' moisturiser from SOME BY MI works hard to replenish moisture while also balancing excess oil production. Plus the lightweight gel-cream texture is perfect for those looking for something not too thick and heavy. One five-star rating Adore Beauty shopper said 'after a few weeks of using this everyday, my skin looks clearer and I definitely witnessed some improvements with my acne'. Why we love it: You won't find anything else on the market like this pick. What to consider: Some users may not enjoy the unique texture. Formula: Unlike anything you've tried before | Size: 100g | Key ingredient: Snail mucin Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer When I say this cream lives up the hype, I truly mean it. This highly regarded cream is hydrating, gentle and soothing – ideal for my dry and sensitive skin. Although it has a goopy and snotty texture, it blends out into a lightweight watery texture that doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin at all and absorbs into the skin effortlessly. It also has a very subtle scent that isn't overwhelming. I've been using it for a few weeks – morning and night, and my skin has noticeably been more plump, hydrated and glowy with less redness. A little goes a long way with this guy so it's totally worth the price, and it works great as a base for your make up too. The COSRX All in One Snail Cream is genuinely a game-changer and truly deserves a spot in your staple skincare routine. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, $48.99 at Priceline Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream Why we love it: This skin-loving moisturiser offers an incredible oil-moisture balance. What to consider: Some users felt the texture was too thick. Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Rice bran water, ginseng root water and honey extracts What You Need To Know K-beauty isn't just about hydration, you can also find great anti-ageing benefits, specifically with the Dynasty Cream from Beauty of Joseon. Formulated with rice bran water, ginseng root water, honey extracts, squalane and ceramides, this moisturiser not only hydrates but helps to firm the skin. While you won't find any intense active ingredients to address fine lines and wrinkles, the nourishing moisturiser will work hard to protect your skin's barrier. It's received over 2600 five-star ratings on Amzaon, with users claiming this 'instantly plumps and hydrates your skin'. 'This will change you life,' said another Amazon shopper. WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A KOREAN MOISTURISER When choosing Korean moisturisers to include in our list, we evaluated several factors: Age: Depending on your age, you may want to consider whether you'd like anti-ageing benefits in your Korean moisturiser. Price: You don't have to break the bank when it comes to K-beauty – all the moisturisers on our list are under $60. Skin type: Oily skin, dry skin, mature skin or sensitive – these are all factors that will contirbute to what sort of ingredients you'd like in your Korean moisturiser, and the sort of texture you'd prefer for it to be. HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS With hundreds of Korean moisturisers available, it's impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best one, we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best Korean moisturisers for your skin type. We also spoke to Austin Kim, Laneige's Brand Expert, to understand why a Korean moisturiser could be the right choice for your skincare routine. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A KOREAN MOISTURISER AND A WESTERN-STYLE MOISTURISER? There's something special about Korean moisturisers and it all comes down to the philosophy behind K-Beauty. There's a large focus on hydration, and you'll hear the words 'glass skin' get thrown around constantly. Austin explains, 'Korean moisturisers take a more comprehensive approach to hydration, focusing on deep, barrier-strengthening moisture rather than just surface hydration. They typically incorporate multiple active ingredients that work together to balance, fortify, and protect the skin.' WHAT'S SO UNIQUE ABOUT KOREAN SKINCARE? If you're yet to dive into the brilliant world of Korean beauty, you should know that there's a major focus on innovation, creating new product categories and truly nourishing the skin's natural moisture barrier. Austin shares, 'Korean brands think beyond conventional beauty norms, creating multifunctional products with unique textures and sensory experiences. The philosophy is holistic, addressing skin health from multiple angles rather than single concerns.' If you're thinking about building a K-beauty skincare routine, there are a few steps you should take. 'Korean skincare focuses on long-term skin health through consistent, gentle care rather than quick fixes. For those new to Korean skincare, start with one well-formulated moisturiser suited to your skin type – like the LANEIGE Water Bank range which is suitable for all skin types – then build your routine gradually.' Austin continues, 'the key is finding products that work harmoniously together to build skin resilience over time.' When you're shopping around for Korean moisturisers, there's a few key ingredients you should look out for. According to Austin, fermented hyaluronic acid is commonly used for deeper hydration, as well as peptide complexes for barrier repair. It's also common to find ceramides, squalane, probiotics and botanical extracts. Sign up to our weekly shopping newsletter to get the best deals, shopping tips and guides delivered to your inbox.
