What is the best
Korean skincare brand?
COSRX, Aromatica, Klairs, Anua, Tirtir… it’s not easy to find your way around. We’ve put together a complete guide to help you see clearly, whatever your skin type. Let’s glow!
History & figures
Why K-beauty has become a global benchmark
@ariana_bonita
Korean women didn’t wait for Instagram to take care of their skin. Beauty rituals in South Korea date back to the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), when ginseng, green tea and lotus root were already used to keep the complexion radiant. Today, this heritage is combined with cutting-edge technology to create state-of-the-art formulas that suit every skin.
K-pop group BTS at the 2019 Grammy Awards — unwitting ambassadors of K-beauty worldwide
The international boom of K-beauty is closely tied to Hallyu (the Korean wave): K-dramas, K-pop, fashion and food. The glowing faces of actresses and idols have inspired millions of fans to recreate their routines.
What truly sets K-beauty apart? Its preventive philosophy: hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier and treat gently — rather than correcting after the fact. Its products are also formulated at a low pH (4.5–6), respecting the skin’s hydrolipidic film.
🔬 Study: “Effect of pH on skin barrier function”, Elias PM, 2012, Journal of Dermatological ScienceThe criteria
What makes a “good” Korean brand?
Before talking about the “best”, let’s lay the groundwork. A quality Korean brand ticks several fundamental boxes:
Cruelty-free brands available at Haru & Bom:
The 2025 guide
Our top Korean brands by skin type
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas packed with gentle actives: centella asiatica, aloe vera, vitamin E. The go-to for reactive skin and Korean skincare beginners.
✅ Cruelty-free · Fragrance-free · Sensitive skinShop the Klairs collection
A young brand with sensorially perfect textures and clean, vegan, minimalist formulas. Its Glow Drops Vitamine C is a little gem for dull, sensitive skin.
✅ Vegan · Cruelty-free · MinimalistShop the Meisani collection
Famous for its powerful, targeted formulas: BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. The skincare experts’ favourite brand.
🔥 Enlarged pores · Acne · ShineShop the COSRX collection
Balancing skincare enriched with snail mucin, propolis or centella. Perfect for skin that reacts to harsh formulas.
🌿 Centella · Propolis · Reactive skinShop the Benton collection
THE ECOCERT-certified Korean brand: 100% vegan, aromatherapy + botanicals. Its aloe vera gel is brilliant for calming redness and deeply hydrating. Recyclable packaging, recycled glass.
✅ ECOCERT · Vegan · Eco-consciousShop the Aromatica collection
Miguhara combines innovation with brightening actives (niacinamide, peptides, glutathione). Milk Touch offers an excellent SPF50+ sunscreen with no white cast, perfect for combination to oily skin.
🌟 Niacinamide · SPF · Radiant complexionSkincare freedom
Should you stick to just one Korean brand?
Not necessarily! The strength of Korean skincare lies precisely in mix and match. Nothing forces you to buy everything from the same brand: you can happily use a Klairs toner, a COSRX serum and an Aromatica cream. What matters is choosing products suited to your skin type and your needs right now.
“Skin first, makeup second.”
K-beauty philosophy — skin first, makeup second- K-beauty is built on prevention and respect for the skin barrier — not on aggressive correction.
- Sensitive skin: Klairs, Meisani. Oily/acne-prone skin: COSRX, Benton. Dry skin: Aromatica. Dull complexion: Miguhara, Milk Touch.
- Mixing and matching brands isn’t just possible — it’s recommended.
- Favour cruelty-free, vegan brands that comply with European regulations.
- All Haru & Bom products are imported through legal channels and approved for sale in Europe and on Reunion Island.
Need help choosing? Explore our full K-beauty selection →
- Lee, B.H., “Traditional Korean Medicine: Its History and Future”, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004
- “The Korean Skincare Bible”, Lilin Yang & Leah Ganse, 2020
- Korea Customs Service — cosmetics exports 2021
- Elias PM, “Effect of pH on skin barrier function”, Journal of Dermatological Science, 2012
