The Best Asian Skincare Products You Need to Try

COURTESY OF ENVATO ELEMENTS

The American skincare industry would not be where it is today without the influence of Asian skincare. The popularity of Asian skincare has risen recently due to the harsh-free ingredients that help build a natural glow and hydrate the skin barrier to achieve healthy skin. Below is a thorough list following the Asian skincare routine so you can include some into your routine as much as desired. And just a note: all products can be used day and night excluding sunscreen of course. 

Cleansing balm

Cleansing balms remove makeup and impurities by massaging the product into your skin with dry hands and adding water once you start to see makeup breaking down. You can indeed double cleanse with one of the cleansers mentioned below. This step is pretty much optional. 

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm ($38)

While massaging the product into your skin, without water, you will quickly notice the thick formula turning into an oil substance. Rich in vitamin E and olive oil, this balm removes makeup and debris in a matter of seconds. The sea buckthorn oil softens and protects the skin while the balm also provides anti-aging ingredients. You may add warm water to mix the product in even more and wash it off. The price may be a lot, but a little goes a long way, and this tub is massive! 

Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm ($19)

The Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm works for all skin types especially those with dull, dry, or sensitive skin. Its new and improved formula is firmer for more resistance against environmental changes. To avoid irritation, this sherbet-textured product is free from parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, animal products, mineral oils, essential oils, colors, and silicone. Its rice and grain extracts help improve skin hydration and is a gentle formula which removes makeup and any sebum activity. You will feel replenished in no time.  

Cleanser

The first thing you should do before applying any skincare is wash your face with a cleanser that is best suitable for your skin.

CocoKind Oil to Milk Cleanser ($18)

This cleanser can be used on all skin types. Plus, it is plant-based, sustainable, and suitable for acne-prone skin. The product starts off as a balm and then transforms into a rich milk that soothes the skin. The formula contains a base of sunflower seed oil, baobab oil, grapeseed oil, and oat kernel oil- all organic oils, which work to rid any oil-based skincare and makeup products from the day.  There’s also a prebiotic fermented oat extract to support healthy skin barrier function. The oatmeal that is present is additionally proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect while reducing itchiness and sensitivity. 

Tonymoly Clean Dew Foam Cleanser ($7.50)

Tonymoly has a multitude of foam cleansers you can choose from under the same “Clean Dew” line depending on your needs. Starting on the left, is the Acerola Cherry Vitality cleanser that helps revitalize dull skin with its abundance in Vitamin C while also removing sebum and excessive irritants for younger looking skin. The Aloe cleanser includes 96% aloe extract to replenish hydration and also has a calming effect on the skin. Blueberry contains antioxidants and other minerals that improve skin texture for a softer complexion while also unclogging pores. Lemon is infused with Vitamin C clarifying uneven skin tone with a brightening effect. Finally, the red grapefruit is a refreshing cleanser rich in antioxidants promoting skin elasticity. 

Exfoliator

You can exfoliate day or night depending on your schedule, to remove dead skin cells. It is a more abrasive texture, so it is recommended to exfoliate only two times per week in place of using a cleanser.

Dear Klairs Youthful Glow Sugar Mask ($19.79)

The Dear Klairs exfoliator is not your typical abrasive exfoliator, but it is important to note that this should be used minimally throughout the week. Its softening effect comes from key ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba seed oil. It also contains grapefruit extract and raspberry seed oil which helps reduce redness and improves hydration. You can use this as a scrub and wash it off immediately or treat it like a mask and leave it on for ten minutes. Either way, the gentle exfoliator buffs away dead skin cells for an bright, even skin tone.

Neogen Dermatology Wine Bio-Peel Gauze Pads ($24.30)

If you want to opt for something as simple as swiping a gauze pad across your face to exfoliate, Neogen has got your back. The hypoallergenic pads are designed for professional exfoliation to even skin tone and tighten skin elasticity to prevent aging. They also contain red wine extract which is good for reducing redness and leaving a rejuvenating effect. Another key ingredient included is hyaluronic acid, one of the best moisturizing ingredients to have in a skincare product. The more consistent you are with exfoliating, the smoother, firmer, brighter, and healthier your skin will be. Plus, it is free of silicones, parabens, and mineral oils. 

Toner

To avoid dehydration, toner helps balance the skin’s pH levels to better absorb the products that will be applied next. It also eliminates any lingering makeup and residue on your face from the day.

Good Light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion ($22)

This super hydrating toner is always selling out. It nourishes and soothes skin to promote a healthier skin barrier with its key ingredients. Meadowfoam seed oil helps heal damaged skin barriers through its gentle hydration, snow mushroom holds water 1000x more than hyaluronic acid in its tiny particles, niacinamide helps reduce redness, minimize pores, protect against sun damage, and regulate oil, and ceramides locks moisture into the skin to prevent dryness and irritation. 

I’m From Rice Toner ($21.25)

With just a swipe of I’m From Rice Toner, you will find your skin hydrated and glowing. It rebalances dry and tired skin barriers while removing dead skin cells and improving collagen production. Its high antioxidant presence helps slow down the appearance of aging. Vitamin E helps nourish and keep the skin soft as well. And of course, rice extract lightens pigmentation to even out dull skin. 

Essence

Essence is often mixed up with the purpose of toner. However, essence is a completely different product that can be used on top of toner. Essence is uniquely different because of its ability to create a smoother and healthier complexion. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($99)

While this essence is on the pricey side, it is world-renowned and is known to sell a bottle every two seconds. Within 28 days, it is proven to give an even skin tone and reduced amount of fine lines due to improved skin elasticity. It also accelerates skin cell turnover and enhances products that come after this step with its yeast-derived formula. On top of it all, the essence boosts the skin’s radiance making it crystal clear. 

Amore Pacific Vintage Single Extract Essence ($175)

Now this is definitely on the pricier side too, the mini size is available for purchase ($95), but it does wonders. The lightweight liquid contains a green tea leaf extract which helps clear skin’s impurities, texture, and elasticity. The strong antioxidants also help against aging and fine lines. 

Serum

Serums are usually water-based, some oils are marketed as serums, but ultimately they do the trick of hydrating even more. Although they have numerous moisturizing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid, serums are not a moisturizer as moisturizers have a richer consistency. Serums are not only hydrating, but they target specific skin concerns such as reduced redness, anti-aging, brightening skin, or reduced blemishes. 

Peach & Lily Glass Serum ($39)

Peach & Lily’s Glass Serum does just what the name says it does- it achieves a glassy and luminous look for your skin with its clean formula. It checks off all the skin concerns you may have from acne to anti-aging, dryness, wrinkles, oiliness, redness, dullness, everything. The peach extract is full of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that increase firmness and radiance. Niacinamide helps with inflammation creating a brighter appearance while targeting dark spots. East Asian mountain yam extract is also present which is the ultimate ingredient for a natural glassy look. The peptide complex helps boost collagen production and reduces the looks of fine lines further promoting a glassy look for your skin. 

Topicals Faded Brightening and Clearing Serum ($38)

Another name that abides by its label, Topicals Faded serum fades dark spots, blemishes, scars, redness, and acne with its promising formula. Niacinamide reduces redness as priorly mentioned and evens out skin tone. Azelaic acid brightens skin tone and reduces the look of blemishes while tranexamic acid minimizes spots and dark patches on the skin. In a study it was found that 100% of the 32 participants found that their skin has improved. Also can we mention how cute this packaging is? 

Moisturizer

Moisturizers typically come in a lotion, cream, or balm that keeps your skin hydrated, smooth, and protected from environmental irritants. Moisturizer is one of the most important steps you should do in your skincare routine. 

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer ($69)

This rich cream is packed with nutrients for anyone with normal to dry skin. If you have concerns over uneven skin texture, dryness, dullness, and/or loss of elasticity, this is the moisturizer for you. It contains Japanese purple rice which is known for surviving harsh environments, so we can rely on the protection from this moisturizer to keep our skin safe from any pollutants in the air. Anthocyanin is also present to restore stressed skin and protect it from future damage and UV sun rays. Okinawa algae blend and hyaluronic acid do the trick when you need a hydration boost. The botanical extracts also are there to create a dewy glow while retaining and releasing moisture as needed. 100% of 20 participants in a study said that they saw improvement in multiple areas in their skin such as hydration, radiance, plumpness, texture, and firmness. 

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream ($260) 

Sulwhasoo provides a silky-soft formula that helps skin look fresh and new with its ginsenomics,  the brand’s signature ginseng saponin. Skincare lovers have raved about this moisturizer as it has only delivered dramatic results claiming it is “worth every penny”. Any skin type is able to use this cream. It nourishes, protects against aging while lifting the skin, and creates a glowing complexion. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is necessary anytime you are outside no matter the weather. Those sun rays peek through the clouds no matter what and if you are spending money on products to get rid of dark spots, you are doing yourself an injustice by not purchasing sunscreen. This can be used before you put on makeup, after your moisturizer. 

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen ($48)

Ummm hello… Oil-free and hyaluronic acid in a sunscreen with an SPF of 42? Sold. Shiseido strikes again with their Urban Environment sunscreen that is suitable for all skin types. It is a lightweight liquid that not only protects against UV rays, but also targets fine lines, dryness, and oiliness. I mean, what more can we ask for? 

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen ($15)

Innisfree makes a lightweight sunscreen with SPF 36. Its green tea ingredient nourishes the skin while cica rids any sign of irritation which is perfect if that sun is really getting to you. Its soothing and protective features also leave room for a natural glow. 

Eye Cream

Eye creams are good if you want to reduce any puffiness surrounding the eye area or prevent future aging marks and dark circles. Just like any other cream, it also helps restore hydration.

Innisfree Hydrating Eye Cream with Green Tea Seed ($24)

Calling everyone with concerns of dark circles and dryness. This is the eye cream for you. The jeju green tea extract replenishes hydration to overcome that harsh dryness you may be experiencing. To retain that moisture so your skin does not go back to that dryness, the jeju green tea seed oil nurtures it. Additionally, panthenol helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. The organic ingredients are plucked from the stem in Korea’s Jeju Island organic farm. Your skin will benefit greatly from this product with such reliable ingredients.

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream ($15.40)

Containing 80% snail mucin, this cream is delicate around the eyes providing moisture, diminishing wrinkles, dullness, dark circles, and dryness. If you are looking for an eye cream with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and olive oil while also containing niacinamide to reduce redness, this eye cream will do the trick.

Face Masks

There are an endless amount of face masks out there to support any skin concern you may have. Whether a sheet mask, a gel, clay mask, you name it, there is definitely one out there for you to restore anything you may need.

Glow Recipe Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask ($45)

All you have to do with this mask is gently apply two scoops onto your face and go to sleep. In the morning, all you need to do is rinse it off and voila, your face is as smooth as a baby’s butt. With its watermelon extract you can expect instant vitamins to fill up the pores of your skin along with hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits. AHA is also there to remove dead skin cells to reveal that gorgeous layer of skin underneath for a brighter complexion. Peony root then reinsures a brightness to your skin while also soothing it. We can;t forget our infamous ingredient, hyaluronic acid, the go-to ingredient when it comes to hydration. Safe to say, you will wake up the next morning with glowing skin.

The Creme Shop Power Up Skin Sheet Mask ($4)

For a fun way of hydrating and soothing your skin, try a sheet mask by the Creme Shop. There are many brands out there that can do the job. This one particularly has so many fun, effective masks to choose from. This one is called “Power Up, Skin!” hinting at the “Power of Greens” in which all the ingredients are green and powerful. The avocado, matcha, kale, and spirulina blend hydrates, minimizes breakouts, reduces inflammation, and brightens your skin tone. The site is filled with a bunch of masks to choose from depending on what you want to target. 

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C ($22)

Can’t forget about the lips… Afterall, they are still considered skin too. Apply this like a lip balm, go to bed, and that’s it. It is as simple as that. You do not need to wash it off as it is a leave-on mask. The berry mix complex nourishes your lips with vitamin C and antioxidants. The moisture wrap technology then locks in the moisture so you can have hydrated lips forever and ever. It comes in different scents such as the original one, sweet candy, vanilla, or gummy bear.