Korean skin care has a way of setting the bar—and then raising it again. From first-of-their-kind textures to innovative ingredients that actually deliver, K-beauty has consistently earned a place in our routines. Over the years, Allure’s Best of Beauty Awards have recognized the Korean skin-care products that truly stand out: the cleansers that melt makeup away, the milky toners that deeply hydrate, and the serums and creams that keep skin looking like glass all day (without crossing into oily territory). This list is a roundup of the very best of the best Korean skin-care winners from across Best of Beauty history—tested, debated, and crowned for good reason—and the ones we keep reaching for long after the trophies were handed out.
Our Top Korean Beauty BOB Winners
- Best Oil Cleanser: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil, $18
- Best Cleansing Balm: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, $23
- Best Depuffing Eye Cream: Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel, $32
- Best Dewy Setting Spray: Tirtir Mrask Fit Makeup Fixer, $15
- Best Mist for Sensitive Skin: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist, $21
- Best Mineral Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45, $22
- Best Acne Spot Treatment: Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Clearing Solution, $19
- Best Moisturizer: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion, $32
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Oil Cleanser: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Ma:nyo
Pure Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Ma:nyo’s Pure Cleansing Oil uses 14 plant-based oils to melt away sweat and makeup without clogging pores, transforming into a silky wash that’s easy to rinse and leaves skin balanced and hydrated. It works for every skin type—even acne-prone. “Tea tree and melaleuca oils help manage excess oil and bacterial buildup, which is perfect for blackheads and whiteheads,” Westlake Village, CA-based dermatologist Justine Park, MD, previously told Allure. Meanwhile, argan, jojoba, and vitamin E–rich olive oil nourish and replenish moisture, so your skin feels soft and clean (not dry or tight) after every wash.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
“By the time I’m ready to take off my makeup, I’m usually exhausted—so the moment I walk through the door, it needs to come off fast and easily. This cleansing oil melts off my makeup in just a few swipes without irritating my acne-prone skin. And although it’s fragrance-free, the natural scent from the oils gives off a subtle, spa-like vibe that makes for the perfect way to unwind after a long day out and about.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil, tea tree oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Cleansing Balm: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Dr. Althea
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm makes removing makeup and grime feel effortless. Its twist-up dispenser lets you grab exactly the right amount of product—more for heavy makeup days, less for just sunscreen or moisturizer—without ever having to stick your fingers in a jar. Beyond the smart packaging, the formula is packed with soothing, redness-calming ingredients like madecassoside and Centella asiatica extract, making it a nighttime routine essential for skin that feels clean and calm.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“My main metrics for cleansing balms are how easily they remove makeup (specifically eye makeup) and how soft my skin feels afterwards. Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm checks both of those boxes. The formula emulsifies so well and melts mascara, eyeliner, and the rest off like a total dream. My skin feels baby smooth and perfectly soft every time I use it. Plus, the grinder dispensing method means no searching for an applicator spoon and no dipping my hands into a pot of product (something I’ve always found semi-gross). Genius.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
- Key ingredients: camellia sinensis seed oil, grapeseed oil, madecassoside, Centella asiatica (cica) extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Depuffing Eye Cream: Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
Belif
Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
Why it’s worth it: True to its name, Belif’s Aqua Bomb Eye Gel delivers an instant wave of hydration that sinks in fast, leaving under-eyes looking plump and awake. This pick is a favorite among our editors because it does more than moisturize: Caffeine and hyaluronic acid depuff, while niacinamide and vitamin C help brighten dark circles. Adenosine and collagen smooth and boost elasticity, giving tired eyes a lifted, refreshed look. And, the pen-style applicator has a cooling ceramic tip that makes it easy to treat your eyes anytime, whether it’s mid-morning or post-red-eye flight.
Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
“The applicator for this eye cream is incredibly smooth and easy to use. This is one of my favorite products to bring with me when traveling or on the go. It’s so gentle and hydrating, instantly adding moisture to my undereyes. I also have very sensitive skin under my eyes, and this has never given me an ounce of irritation.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics
More to know
- Key ingredients: caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, adenosine, collagen
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Dewy Setting Spray: Tirtir Mask Fit Makeup Fixer
Tirtir
Mask Fit Makeup Fixer
Why it’s worth it: Think of Tirtir’s Mask Fit Make Up Fixer as a hybrid between a setting spray and an oil-absorbing powder. It keeps your dewy glow in place without sending your makeup sliding within the hour, and its innovative, powder-based formula lightly mattifies without sucking out all of your skin’s natural radiance. Green apple–derived polyphenols help control excess oil, making it ideal for oily and combination skin, while Centella asiatica soothes and hydrates, keeping skin calm all day long. We also love that the mister has a wide-angle spray that covers your entire face without missing any patches.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I can’t recommend Tirtir’s fixing spray enough for my combination skin. I still get a glowy finish—literally instant radiance, as you can see from the clip above—but the sebum-regulation properties keep the pores along my T-zone in check and prevent my makeup from settling into them throughout the day.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: green apple polyphenols, Centella asiatica extract, polyvinylpyrrolidone (polymer)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Mist for Sensitive Skin: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist
Aestura
Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist
Why it’s worth it: Aestura’s Ceramide Cream Mist is the perfect stand-in when your favorite moisturizer isn’t nearby for a midday pick-me-up. This ultrafine spray delivers ceramides and a lipid complex—a mix of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol that mimic your skin’s natural lipids—to calm skin, lock in moisture, and strengthen the barrier. It’s great for on-the-go because there’s no need to use your fingers, shake a bottle, or unscrew a cap. Its specially emulsified formula keeps the ceramides evenly dispersed, so every spritz is packed with skin-loving ingredients. Spray it anytime, anywhere, for instantly hydrated skin.
Tester feedback from Hoffmann
“This face mist has not left my bag since the day I got it. When it’s hot in New York, I can’t tell you how many times (and in how many public places) I whip it out for a quick dose of cooling hydration. And, it’s great in the winter when my skin feels tight and dry for a mid-day burst of moisture. I love Aestura because the entire line is very sensitive skin-friendly and this mist is no exception. No matter how often I use it, it never irritates or over-saturates my prone-to-clogging pores.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
- Key ingredients: ceramides, squalane, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Moisturizer: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion
Aestura
Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion
Why it’s worth it: From the same brand as our beloved Cream Mist, Aestura’s Atobarrier 265 Ceramide Lotion is the moisturizer you need if you want lightweight hydration that lasts. Infused with the same micro triple-lipid capsules—ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—that replenish the skin barrier on contact, it’s specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin. The fast-absorbing formula lets you slather it all over (yes, face and body) without worrying about any sticky residue. It’s the everyday cream that keeps skin soft, calm, and comfortable from head to toe.
Tester feedback from consumer revenue manager Hannah Brower
“During the winter, my skin needs extra hydration, but I still want something lightweight and this checks every box. It keeps my skin soft, smooth, and supple without causing breakouts.” —Hannah Brower, consumer revenue manager
More to know
- Key ingredients: ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lip Tint: Peripera Ink The Velvet Lip Tint
Peripera
Ink The Velvet Lip Tint
Why it’s worth it: Peripera’s Ink The Velvet Lip Tint is buildable enough for full-coverage color, yet easy to sheer out into a soft, blurred stain that sticks around for hours. Packed with marine collagen, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid, it glides on with a velvety matte finish and locks in vibrant color that’s food-, coffee-, and even kiss-proof. Want something lighter? Try the brand’s weightless Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint, which comes in a softer color range, or add some shine with the Ink Mood Glowy Tint.
Tester feedback from Han
“While I’ve dabbled in many K-beauty lip tints over the years, I have a very soft spot for Peripera and consider it my desert island matte lip stain. They’re incredibly affordable (you can build a collection without feeling too guilty!) and last the entire day—even after plentiful smooches and messy meals. The wear is super comfortable too, despite how long-lasting the formulas are. However, prepping my (very dry) lips with a clear lip balm (I sometimes wipe away the excess after a few minutes) is non-negotiable for an even finish—otherwise, your lip lines will likely show through.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, marine collagen
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Splurge: Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil
Sulwhasoo
Gentle Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: Sulwhasoo is known for its ginseng-packed creams and high-tech serums, but this gentle powerhouse is a winner for a reason. The brand’s Gentle Cleansing Oil effortlessly melts away even the most stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. The secret? A cushiony, Korean oil-to-milk formula infused with the brand’s Hydra Capture Complex, a blend of four herbal extracts (including mulberry leaf and mountain yam) that soften skin and lock in hydration while you cleanse. It’s an investment, yes, but one pump does the work of an entire double-cleansing routine—we’d say that’s well worth it.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
“I’m pretty heavy-handed with waterproof eye products (my go-to liner is basically budgeproof), so finding a makeup remover that melts down every last bit of mascara and liquid liner in seconds is wildly satisfying. Even better, it rinses off feeling completely hydrating—and while it doesn’t claim any brightening benefits, my skin somehow always looks a little glowier afterward.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: Hydra Capture Complex, mulberry leaf extract, mountain yam extract
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Essence: Laneige Cream Skin 2-in-1 Toner & Moisturizer
Laneige
Cream Skin 2-in-1 Toner & Moisturizer
Why it’s worth it: This 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner pulls double duty as both an essence and a lightweight moisturizer, delivering instant comfort with just a few sprays. “You can’t talk about milky toners without mentioning Laneige—this is the blueprint,” Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Soko Glam, told Allure. Designed with dry, flaky skin in mind, the formula leans on ceramides and peptides to support the skin barrier, while white tea leaf extract helps calm stressed-out skin. The result? A silky spritz that leaves skin plump and hydrated in one easy step. If you’re chasing soft, supple, well-moisturized skin, this mist truly delivers.
Tester feedback from Han
“I like a face mist as much as the next person but using one only feels worthwhile if I can drench my skin in it. Laneige’s Cream Skin does the trick in just a few spritzes, alleviating any tightness I’m feeling immediately. I love using it as a setting spray during the colder months, in addition to the usual moisture replenishment throughout the day.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, white leaf tea
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Chemical Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Innisfree
Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Why it’s worth it: Yes, we want our sunscreen to absorb quickly. Yes, we want serious protection. Yes, we want zero chalky cast. But for redness- or irritation-prone skin, sometimes that’s not enough. Enter Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36, a featherlight chemical sunscreen that goes beyond basic sun care. Calming green tea and cica work to dial down redness, while sunflower seed oil keeps your complexion comfortably hydrated. And it certainly doesn’t skimp in the SPF department: The formula combines three different chemical filters that deliver powerful protection against UVA and UVB rays, sans white cast.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
“This is the sunscreen I truly can’t live without—I have 2 or 3 tubes on hand at all times. It’s so comfortable to wear—it blends in quickly with no white cast and feels just like applying moisturizer. It also gives me a glow, but doesn’t make me greasy (important!). Even better, I can layer skin care and makeup on top without any pilling or feeling like I have a thousand layers of product on my face. Innisfree for life!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone (2.5%), Homosalate (7.0%), Octisalate (4.3%), green tea, cica, sunflower seed oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Line-Smoothing Serum: Iope Retinol Expert 0.1%
Iope
Retinol Expert 0.1%
Why it’s worth it: The Iope Retinol 0.1% Expert feels more like a moisturizer than a typical retinol because it’s packed with panthenol to soothe, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and shea butter to protect your skin barrier. The gentle formula and a relatively low 0.1% retinol concentration make this perfect for retinol newbies—and yes, it’s even safe to use around the eye area. This 2023 winner also features a slim nozzle for precise application: Dot, blend, and go—no retinol scaries in sight. What’s super smart about the package is that there’s an air-tight, three-stage oxygen barrier system to prevent oxidation.
Tester feedback from Han
“I first tested Retinol Expert 0.1 the year it won its Best of Beauty Award, and have since graduated to the Retinol Expert 0.3%. I was a little worried the jump would be too much on my skin, but it ended up being totally fine. Very initially, my skin would look a little red during application, but it’d fade away within minutes. Like its predecessor, this retinol is gentle, probably because it’s cushioned with a ton of nourishing ingredients, such as glycerin, vitamin E, vitainmin B5, and shea butter. When I use this consistently (every other night), my skin is super smooth and even-toned, and my forehead lines are pretty much nonexistent.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol, shea butter
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Acne Spot Treatment: Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP Clearing Solution
Aprilskin
Carrotene IPMP Clearing Solution
Why it’s worth it: Aprilskin’s Carrotene IPMP Clearing Solution takes spot treatment to the next level. It combines salicylic and polyhydroxy acids to gently exfoliate, while niacinamide helps calm irritation and fade post-acne marks. Dab it on inflamed areas overnight, and wake up to clearer, calmer skin that’s ready for the day ahead. Unlike some spot treatments, this one won’t leave dry or flaky patches behind—so you can apply makeup worry-free.
Tester feedback from social media coordinator Lex Goldstein
“I use the clearing solution when I notice new breakouts or redness, and with a small (but relatively generous) pump I can see a difference within the day of application. I genuinely feel the my skin relax at the target spot after slathering it on. I haven’t had great success yet with acne scars, but that’s a more gradual change. I love how compact the tube is! It’s like a chic ointment. I also really appreciate that it blends in easily, as the yellow hue is a little daunting at first glance.” —Lex Goldstein, social media coordinator
Tester feedback from senior manager of analytics and audience development Monica Perry
“It’s one of those rare overnight acne treatments that actually works. I had a red, medium-size zit on my cheek, and 12 hours later, the redness and swelling subsided. It was like 90% gone. It’s that K-beauty magic.” —Monica Perry, senior manager of analytics and audience development
More to know
- Key ingredients: 2% BHA + PHA, 1% zinc oxide, 5% niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Best Clean Skin-Care
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Why it’s worth it: Even in winter, daily sunscreen is a must—and this mineral formula makes it easy to stick to the habit. Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 shields skin from UV rays without leaving that heavy, chalky feel behind. It glides on like skin care, thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalene and soothing Centella asiatica (noticing a trend here?), leaving a subtle, healthy glow. And, it has a barely-there green tint, which helps counteract redness while remaining invisible on the skin, so you get protection, a more even skin tone, and a naturally radiant finish in minutes.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
“My biggest issue with mineral sunscreens is how they can sometimes interfere with my makeup. I was immediately drawn to this formula, not just because as someone with mild rosacea, I love anything that neutralizes redness, but also because when it dries down, it doesn’t leave a greasy film or chalky residue, meaning it doesn’t get in the way or react funny with anything you layer on top of it.” —Sophia Panych, content director
More to know
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (17%), hyaluronic acid, squalane, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Hair Product: I Dew Care Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder
I Dew Care
Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder
Why it’s worth it: This is the dry shampoo you want to keep in your bag. I Dew Care’s Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo Powder is compact, mess-free, and made for quick touch-ups when your hair starts to look limp or oily. The Best of Beauty Award winner comes in a petite jar with a built-in sponge that dispenses just the right amount of powder—simply tap the puff onto your roots and go. The lightweight formula soaks up oil without leaving hair looking dry or stiff, and it’s available in both translucent and tinted versions for blonde, brown, medium brown, dark brown, and black hair, so it blends in seamlessly. It’s perfect for your purse, carry-on, or desk-drawer emergencies.
More to know
- Key ingredients: black ginseng, biotin, betaine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Powder Cleanser: Tony Moly I’m Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser
TonyMoly
I’m Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Exfoliating is key for keeping skin soft and smooth—but the days of using aggressive scrubs are long gone. Allow us to introduce TonyMoly’s I’m Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser. You only need a tiny pinch of this Best of Beauty Award–winning powder-to-paste formula to bring tired skin back to life. Once activated with water, rice powder and rice extract gently buff away dullness, while papaya enzymes dissolve dead skin cells without any harsh scrubbing. Together, they deliver a fresh-from-a-facial glow—and, at just $13, it’s proof that a great exfoliating cleanser doesn’t have to cost a fortune to deliver impressive results.
More to know
- Key ingredients: rice powder, rice extract, papaya enzyme
- Fragrance-free: yes
Meet the experts
- Charlotte Cho is the co-founder of Soko Glam.
- Justine Park, MD, is a dermatologist based in Westlake Village, CA.
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best Korean best of beauty winners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Read more K-beauty coverage:
- The Best Korean Skin Care for Dry Skin to Get Lasting Hydration
- 25 Best Korean Skin-Care Products on Amazon for Glass Skin, Stat
- 9 Best Korean Toners to Give Your Skin a Moisture-Drenching Reset
Now, watch Stray Kids spill secrets after sipping the truth serum:
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Source URL: https://www.allure.com/story/korean-best-of-beauty-award-winners