Top 10 Korean Cosmetic Brands You Need to Know

If you’re headed to Korea (or even just obsessed with that glass skin look), knowing the best cosmetic brands is essential. Korean beauty isn’t just hype — it’s innovation, quality, and results wrapped in beautiful packaging. Whether you’re after skincare that transforms your skin or makeup that gives you that natural radiance, here are 10 iconic Korean brands to add to your beauty radar.

1. Sulwhasoo (설화수)
   Luxury meets tradition. Known for: high-end skincare infused with Korean herbal medicine. If you’re into anti-aging, deep hydration, and an indulgent skincare routine, Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum is a holy grail.

2. Laneige (라네즈)
   Hydration heroes! Their Water Sleeping Mask and Lip Sleeping Mask are cult favorites. Perfect for anyone dealing with dryness or looking to achieve that dewy, plump glow.

3. Dr. Jart+
   Science-forward skincare. Dr. Jart is known for its Cicapair Tiger Grass line (amazing for calming redness) and the Ceramidin line for dry, sensitive skin. Think of it as skincare with serious derm-level results.

4. Innisfree
   Natural, affordable, and eco-friendly. Innisfree sources many ingredients from Korea’s Jeju Island. Their Green Tea Seed Serum and volcanic clay masks are long-time K-beauty staples.

5. COSRX
   Minimal ingredients, maximum effect. COSRX is beloved by skincare purists for its gentle, effective formulas that target acne, pores, and sensitivity. Try their Snail Mucin Essence or BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.

6. Hera
   If you love makeup with skincare benefits, Hera is your brand. Based in Seoul’s beauty capital, Gangnam, they’re known for their elegant foundations, lip tints, and cushion compacts that create flawless, glowing skin.

7. Beauty of Joseon
   Traditional meets trendy. This viral brand uses ingredients inspired by Korea’s Joseon dynasty — like ginseng, rice water, and honey — to create gentle, effective skincare with gorgeous packaging.

8. 3CE (Stylenanda)
   K-beauty cool girl vibes. 3CE is all about trendy makeup looks — gradient lips, shimmery eyes, rosy cheeks. Their Velvet Lip Tints and Eye Switch glitters are perfect for experimenting with soft, dreamy looks.

9. Missha
   A longtime favorite known for high-quality skincare at reasonable prices. The Time Revolution Essence (a dupe for SK-II) is a fan favorite for boosting radiance and improving texture.

10. Mediheal
    Mask it up! Mediheal is the ultimate go-to for sheet masks that target everything from dryness to dullness to acne. Affordable, effective, and easy to pack in your suitcase.

1. Bonus: Olive Young (올리브영)
   While not a brand itself, Olive Young is Korea’s #1 beauty store — think of it as Sephora-meets-drugstore. You’ll find all these brands and more in one place, with testers galore and tons of travel-friendly sets.

   —

   Whether you’re planning a K-beauty haul while in Korea or just starting to explore the world of Korean cosmetics, these brands are a great place to begin your glow-up journey. And if you're not sure where to start — Seoul Glow is here to help you shop smart, not just cute

   Want to book a beauty shopping tour with us during your recovery time in Korea? Let us know!

   → Ready to glow? Contact us to start planning your personalized K-beauty experience.