I love Korean skincare, and have been using it since I was a pre-teen. Now I’m a beauty writer who specializes in K-beauty, and I've even traveled to Korea for the love of the game. This Amazon Prime Day is a great time to pick up some of my personal favorites and holy grails. Many are beloved classic pharmaceutical-grade skin care products, many of which I have used for years. Ahead, find the K-beauty products I'm shopping right now.
Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse
My current night cream has been working overtime to soothe my overheated skin. The key ingredient is a highly concentrated centella asiatica called TECA, which calms stressed skin. A true Korean pharmaceutical skin care product developed by Dongkook Pharmaceutical.
Celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum
If you are spending more time outside like me, this serum can help reduce dark spots caused by UV rays. The genius combination of niacinamide and tranexamic acid aids in balancing uneven skin tone and reducing enlarged pores.
numbuzin No.9 NAD+ Retinol Eye Cream
I have been slowly chipping away at the milia, small white hard keratin-filled cysts, under my eyes. One ingredient that has been in my arsenal has been retinol eye creams like this one from numbuzin. It is not only gentle but formulated with NAD+ to calm the skin and help the retinol work better.
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream
The holy grail I will buy over and over and over. If your skin is reactive, dry, or has a broken skin barrier, look no further. The encapsulated ceramides deliver long-term hydration while soothing any irritation.
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing UV LOCK SPF 45
One of the best chemical sunscreens around. The lightweight formula doesn't have a white cast and leaves a dewy glow. With a texture closer to lotion than the traditional sunscreen, it doesn't feel like a mask but simply another step in your skincare routine. Just remember to use two fingers' worth of sunscreen to stay protected.
Madecassoside Blemish Care Toner Pad
No time to do a full sheet mask? Use these toner pads on your forehead, cheeks, and under your eyes for a quick boost of hydration before doing the rest of your skincare. The soothing madecassoside works well for all skin types, but especially for those with acne-prone skin or with damaged skin barriers. I love using these as an extra step after double cleansing to make sure my skin is clean.
MANYO Pure Cleansing Oil
Summer is the season of sunscreen (although you should be wearing it year-round!), thus double cleansing is a necessity to achieve a truly clean face. This oil cleanser from MANYO is a classic. Made of fourteen plant-based oils, it will help remove even the most stubborn waterproof mascara. Make sure to apply it to dry skin and really take the time to massage the oil.
REJURAN® Dual Effect Ampoule, DOT DUAL c-PDRN®
While PDRN may only be a recent discovery for many in the States, Rejuran has been pioneering the ingredient for over ten years. It is the PDRN brand in Korea. And what can’t PDRN do? It helps all skin types, but especially those with mature skin. The serum sinks into the skin, and the consistency is neither too thick nor too thin. My skin has been glowing ever since using it.