Why Korean Skincare?

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Korean skincare products and makeup have been around for a very long time now, but it has had a big uproar in the Western and European markets in the pasts years. Who hasn’t seen a Korean lady’s skin and wonder how they got that luminous, clear, almost perfect, porcelain looking skin? It’s obvious that the genetics and way of living play an important part since Koreans are thought to take care of their skins from a very early age. But why have their cosmetics products have made such a big impact on our culture? Well, let’s break it down:

INNOVATION:

It goes without saying that the Korean beauty and skincare industry has changed the whole game and for companies around the world is getting harder and harder to keep up. Their use of advanced technology when developing new products gives them an advantage when creating new formulas and textures. The most unique products and packaging we have seen come from Korean brands like for example DR. JART+ who introduced the famous BB creams to the American market. The Korean industry is also credited for creating and introducing the cushion foundation which was first presented to the market in 2011 in Korea. Normally foundation comes in a bottle and we are supposed to apply it using a brush or our fingers, but the cushion foundation changes everything. It’s an easy application and the fact that it hydrates and has SPF made this revolutionary product a hit around the globe.

GENTLE FORMULAS:

Koreans are known for their use of natural ingredients that are normally passed down from generation to generation. This has inspired Korean chemists and dermatologists to avoid the use of harsh chemicals and instead opt for natural ingredients thus creating products that are gentle to the skin. 

UNIQUE & NATURAL INGREDIENTS:  

Contrary to other countries, in Korea, there are very few restrictions when it comes to ingredients in skincare products. The beauty industry is so focused on utilizing natural and unique ingredients that you normally wouldn’t find in other countries like the USA, Canada or Spain to name a few. They combine the most effective Western ingredients and groundbreaking ingredients like snail mucin, bee venom, and ginseng, among many others.

One prime example is the snail mucin which has been used in toners, serums, masks, and creams. According to Korean dermatologists, the snail mucin helps in the fading process of acne scars or hyperpigmentation while at the same time it provides a moisturizing and firming effect.

When developing their products, Koreans, swear by key components that usually come from natural sources such as the Jeju volcanic clay -Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Clay-, the Centella Asiatica -which is very commonly used in Dr. Jart+ products+ or the most famous one snail mucin. 

PERSONALIZE:

Most skincare products we find on drugstores or high-end stores are formulated to a specific skin type: normal to dry, acne, oily or sensitive (which is not an actual skin type, but rather a symptom), but other than that we do not find a great a variety when it comes to ingredients or formulas that will target your skin concerns.

Now Korean skincare offers a wide range of options. From two-step cleansing that includes oil-based and water-based (more on that here) to scented and unscented serums and creams that target specific concerns. Thanks to its wide variety consumers can shop according to their skin type and needs.

BEAUTY IS THE MAIN FOCUS:

One of the main facts that makes Korean products stand out is their focus on beauty before anything else. As I mention, Koreans are taught from a very early age to take care of their skin. They believe in preventing before treating meaning they are thought to take care of their skin to prevent wrinkles, acne, clog pores, or any other skin concern instead of waiting for them to appear. Most of the people might see doing a skincare routine as a chore, but Koreans, especially women, see their beauty routine as part of taking care of themselves. They see it as another way of giving their mind and body love and care.

AFFORDABLE:

There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on skincare products to achieve beautiful skin. Korean products, most of them, are sold at a very low price compare to the rest of the products on the market. For some people, cheap prices equal bad and low-quality ingredients, but that is far from true. In fact, Korean masks (sheets, sleep, and wash-off) are considered the best of the best for their natural non-harsh ingredients.

You are able to stock up on products like sheet masks, eye and lip masks, toners and even face creams without having to spend thousands of dollars. If you want to stock up on serums you will have to spend a little bit more since serums and ampoules are more expensive no matter what because they are concentrated formulas you use to treat a specific concern.