Best Cleanser

ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

$13 at Amazon$8 at Ulta

$14

$12 at Stylevana.com

Key Ingredients: Heartleaf extract, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Size: 5.07 oz| Cruelty-Free: N/A

Before reaching for any toners or serums, a thoroughly cleansed complexion should be top of mind in your skincare routine. That’s why an efficient face cleanser is the most important, and we love this one from Anua. Formulated with Heartleaf powder to gently exfoliate while deeply cleansing, it has a soft, creamy consistency that soothes—making it safe for sensitive skin types. The lightweight feel spreads easily across the skin, and it rinses off without stripping, leaving the complexion nourished and hydrated. Our tester loved how clean her skin felt after using it, and she noticed her skin was more even with fewer blemishes. It’s a great cleanser for deep cleaning, but because it contains salicylic acid, it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Ayooluwa, tester with combination skin: “After using day and night, I noticed much smoother skin and fewer whiteheads. I would say after the first use, I noticed fewer whiteheads, and over time, I saw my skin looking generally smoother and brighter.”

Best Sunscreen

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen

$18 at Amazon$32 at Sephora

$18

$32 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Named our #1 sunscreen after testing dozens, this option from Innisfree checks all the boxes. It has a creamy consistency that hydrates the skin, similar to a rich moisturizer, but it absorbs instantly without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. Alongside chemical UV filters, it also contains soothing centella, camellia extract, and vitamin E—so it’s a great pick for sensitive skin types who might find sunscreens irritating or heavy. It sits on the skin comfortably and doesn’t make the complexion look greasy or oily (as some sunscreens tend to) throughout the day. The best part is that it doesn’t leave a white cast at all; it dries completely clear on the skin. It gets extra points from us for being under $20, so you can reapply as much as you desire without breaking the bank.

Best Sheet Mask

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

$19 at Amazon$5 at Sephora$19 at Stylevana.com

Key Ingredients: Collagen extract, Oligo hyaluronic acid, galactomyces | Size: 4 sheet masks | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You’ve most likely seen this mega-viral sheet mask on your feed, and we’re happy to report that the hype is well-deserved. Meant to be worn overnight, it deeply fortifies the skin with collagen extract, galactomyces (an antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient), and hyaluronic acid so that you wake up with radiant, bouncy skin. The hydrogel sheet stays firmly in place, so it remains comfortable and mess-free while sleeping. Our tester saw noticeable results after one use, and it instantly became a staple in his routine. If you’re not a fan of overnight masks, no problem. It fully absorbs in three to four hours for daytime wear—you’ll know when it turns completely clear.

Mikey, tester with combination skin: “This is my new go-to sheet mask! Even after just one use, my skin felt heavenly. I’ve noticed significant improvements in the hydration of my skin, along with a more radiant glow. I could not love this sheet mask more if I tried!”

Best Essence

COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence

$25

$20 at Amazon$9 at Ulta$25 at Target

Key Ingredients: Collagen extract, Oligo hyaluronic acid, galactomyces | Size: 4 sheet masks | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This jelly-like essence from Cosrx is a signature K-beauty product and a longtime Byrdie editor favorite. Its key ingredient is snail mucin, aka the slime snails produce, which is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare for its moisturizing and brightening properties. It has a bouncier texture than many other essences, making it fun to apply and easy to absorb—and you can feel its hydrating power instantly. Even though it’s a bit sticky at first, it sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a residue so you can easily layer more products on top without feeling too heavy. With continued use, you should notice brighter, clearer skin that feels plump and healthy.

Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor (not shown): “It’s a great multitasker that addresses a range of skin concerns, but I find it best for hydrating and brightening. It’s a little thinner than a serum but thicker than a toner. When I use it consistently, it overall makes my skin look brighter and better.”

Best Serum

COSRX Peptide Skin Booster Serum

$25

$23 at Amazon$25 at Ulta

$47

$38 at Onebioshop.com

Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, niacinamide, adenosine, allantoin | Size: 5.07 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

“Korean serums often target pigmentation, wrinkles, or dehydration,” says Dr. Garshick. “They are formulated to layer seamlessly and are often lightweight but potent.” This serum-toner hybrid from Cosrx is a perfect example—our tester was able to easily layer it with other products in her routine without any pilling or irritation. She was a fan of the weightless consistency, and it kept daily dryness at bay. The peptide-rich formula works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles over time, and it also has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and even.

Ecleen, tester with combination skin: “I noticed an overall increase in hydration and brightness about three weeks in, which remained pretty consistent after. With the transition into winter, my skin was getting dry and dull, and this was a nice addition for the season to combat those two things.”

Best for Anti-Aging

celimax Vita A Retinal Shot

$24

$23 at Amazon$24 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Nano-retinal, Matrixyl 3000, niacinamide, panthenol | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for an easy and gentle addition to your routine to smooth lines and firm the skin, we recommend this gel booster from Celimax. Made with 0.1% retinal (a more potent version of standard retinol), peptide complex Matrixyl 3000, niacinamide, and more, the potent formula quickly treats signs of aging—our tester saw results in one week—without causing sensitivity. It has a lightweight, gel-like texture and absorbs into the skin without leaving a sticky residue. Our tester also loved that it didn’t lead to dryness, as other retinols tend to. She applied the formula twice a week during the testing period, and she noticed that her skin was smoother overall and felt supple to the touch. Even though it doesn’t come with that much product, she only needed a little bit for effective application.

Lauren Pardee, senior editor with dry skin: “This is a great retinol for tightening and reducing the signs of fine lines. I also love that it’s not super drying like other retinols I’ve tried.”

Best Exfoliator

Dr.Melaxin Peel Shot Ampoule

$39

$25 at Amazon$45 at Target

$31

$26 at Stylevana.com

Key Ingredients: Rice water extract, salicylic acid, niacinamide | Size: 2.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Modern Korean skincare is all about creating a sensorial experience, and this peel-exfoliant hybrid is the perfect example. It applies as a serum, but as you rub it into the skin, it works to loosen dead skin for a smooth, glowing complexion. Also included are salicylic acid and gluconolactone (a polyhydroxy acid) to further exfoliate. Our tester loved seeing the product work as she used it, and she noted it didn’t cause irritation or sensitivity. She noticed a difference immediately, and she liked how easy it was to incorporate into her routine.

Madison Barber, writer with combination skin: “I love how you can tell that the product is working right away, as the flakes form on your skin after rubbing the serum in. Also, my skin felt amazing right after using it—super smooth and radiant.”

Best Mist

d’alba Piedmont White Truffle First Spray Serum

$24

$17 at Amazon$26 at Ulta$26 at Stylevana.com

Key Ingredients: White truffle, vitamin E, glycerin | Size: 3.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A face mist is a must if you deal with dry, dehydrated skin, and this option from d’Alba is a shopper favorite for a reason. Firstly, the mist itself is even and fine, making for an enjoyable application. Its texture settles into the skin beautifully, adding moisture without feeling sticky. Its star ingredients are white truffle and vitamin E to firm and deeply hydrate, as well as a blend of natural oils for extra moisture and a subtle glow. Our tester loved how refreshing it felt on the skin, and it soothed her redness and dryness immediately. She uses it day and night, and it’s even replaced her go-to moisturizer since it’s so nourishing. It does have a somewhat strong fragrance, but it never irritated our tester’s rosacea-prone skin.

Chelsea, tester with sensitive skin: “I noticed its hydrating benefits within the first week, and my redness improved throughout the second week of testing. My skin feels prepared for the day and night with just this product.”

Best Lightweight Moisturizer

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

$43

$28 at Amazon$40 at Sephora$21 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, plum, ice willowherb | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

“Lightweight gel-cream moisturizers are much more popular in Korean skincare,” says cosmetic chemist Dr. Michelle Wong. “These don’t feel as heavy in humid climates and sink in more easily.” One of our favorite gel-cream formulas is this moisturizer from Glow Recipe. Formulated with polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid, it adds noticeable hydration even though it’s lightweight. As the name suggests, it promotes a plump, bouncy complexion and can boost radiance on dull skin types. We also love that it comes in a refillable jar, so you can simultaneously reduce your plastic use and moisturize your skin.

Olivia Hancock, senior beauty editor with dry skin: “This whipped formula is incredibly lightweight, but it delivers intense hydration. After slathering this on, I’m always left with skin that looks plump, dewy, and healthy.”

Best Daily Moisturizer

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream

$27

$23 at Amazon$27 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, beta-glucan, ceramides, tea tree leaf water | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This soothing cream from Dr. Althea is a great pick for everyday, as it keeps the complexion calm and nourished. The formula is filled with multiple ingredients necessary for healthy, nourished skin, including ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and beta-glucan. While it’s lightweight, our tester noticed that the hydration it provided lasted all day, and it left her skin smooth and comfortable. She also loved that it gave her skin a radiant glow. Drier skin types may need a richer option for the colder weather, but it’s a great pick for all skin types that need a daily moisturizer.

Destinee, tester with combination skin: “The hydration is long-lasting, and it left my face smooth all day long. Instead of looking oily, my skin had a glow to it, which is hard to find in a product.”

Best Lip Mask

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

$24 at Amazon

$25

$23 at Target$24 at Laneige.com

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, shea butter, coconut oil, berry complex | Size: 0.7 oz| Cruelty-Free: No

You can’t always trust the Internet, but this wildly popular lip mask from Laneige is just as good as everyone says. With shea butter, murumuru butter, vitamin C, and coconut oil, it nourishes the lips while you sleep (though it also works for daytime wear) to keep the skin soft and free of irritation. Our tester was a big fan of the creamy texture, and she found it easy to spread across her lips. She also gave it extra points for the lovely smell and taste. With continued use, she noticed that her lips peeled less often and looked plumper.

Ayooluwa, tester with cracked lips: “After using it a few times, my lips felt much softer and less susceptible to peeling. I noticed no itchiness, redness, discomfort, etc.—just soft, plump lips.”

Best Tinted Lip Balm

Laneige Tinted Lip Serum

$22

$16 at Amazon$22 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Polypeptides, ceramides, polyglutamic acid | Size: 0.42 oz| Cruelty-Free: No

Tinted lip balms have been all the rage this year, and this skincare-gloss serum from Laneige is an inventive take on the trend. It has an ingredient list full of heavy-hitters, including polypeptides, argan ceramides, and polyglutamic acid to keep the lips soft and moisturized. Writer Anna Traver thought the mid-weight consistency was just right, and she loved how the donut-shaped applicator made for a smooth glide. It leaves a glossy, glazed finish on the lips, and it comes in nine dessert-inspired shades that complement all skin tones. While it could be slightly more hydrating, it’s still a great product to keep in your purse when you need a hint of color.

Anna Traver, writer with dry, chapped lips: “You notice results pretty much right away, as the gloss feels buttery and glazy immediately upon application. I found myself applying this multiple times throughout the day.”

Best Toner/Essence Hybrid

numbuzin No.3 Essence Toner

$22

$17 at Amazon$19 at Target

$41

$33 at Onebioshop.com

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, adenosine, natural fermented ingredients | Size: 6.8 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

“Toners and essences in Korean skincare are used to hydrate skin and prepare it for more intense skincare steps,” says Dr. Wong. “They work well as lightweight moisturizers and often contain active ingredients.” Looking to combine the two? Try this essence toner from Numbuzin. It has a viscous texture that instantly cools and soothes the skin, leaving it moisturized and smooth. It’s made with a variety of fermented ingredients to keep the skin barrier strong and the complexion healthy, as well as niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate for even, hydrated skin. A few drops of this after cleansing would immediately bring my dry, tight skin back to life, and it looked dewier and more radiant with continued use. I was initially worried it would trigger breakouts on my acne-prone skin, but it actually calms active blemishes and soothes redness.

Best Product for Glass Skin

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum

$39

$26 at Amazon$59 at Ulta$19 at Target

Key Ingredients: Peach extract, niacinamide, madecassoside | Size: 1.35 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Flawless skin is impossible, of course—but this refining and brightening serum from Peach & Lily can get you pretty close. As the name suggests, it promotes a clear and radiant complexion, thanks to niacinamide, peptides, and peach extract, which keep the skin hydrated and luminous. It’s excellent at calming redness and soothing irritation and can soften and smooth the skin while treating wrinkles and fine lines. We love that it feels so light and refreshing on the skin, so it’s a joy to use day and night. And it’s a must if you want that glass-skin look.

Lauren Pardee, senior editor: “I always turn towards this product when I’m feeling really good about my skin and want to show it off. It hydrates and elevates my skin so it’s not dull and lackluster—plus it’s cooling.”

Best Product for Mature Skin

KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Balm Stick

$25

$16 at Amazon

$30

$23 at Kahicosmetics.com

Key Ingredients: Fermented Jeju oil, sodium DNA, salmon collagen | Size: 0.32 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

This multitasking stick from Kahi is the perfect on-the-go hydrator for dry, crepey skin. It can be applied under or over makeup to instantly treat dry patches and smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Our tester loved the lightweight balm texture, which hydrated without feeling greasy, and it glided smoothly across the skin. Throughout the testing period, she noticed that her skin became more radiant and healthy, and her usual dry areas (around her mouth and nose) were increasingly smooth and moisturized. She loved the stick for everyday use, and she would throw it in her purse to apply throughout the day. The formula itself relies on signature Korean ingredients to add hydration, including PDRN and camellia oil. Another plus is that it can be applied all over, including the lips, eyelids, and neck.

Gillian, tester with normal skin: “With regular use, my skin looks super smooth and dewy. It feels more hydrated, too, especially in areas that tend to dry out easily (like around my mouth and eyes).”

Best Overnight Mask

medicube PDRN Caffeine Wrapping Mask

$19

$19 at Amazon$21 at Ulta$24 at Medicube.us

Key Ingredients: PDRN, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides | Size: 2.53 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

Peel-off masks are not just fun to play with—they can offer real skin benefits. This one from Medicube, for example, works to brighten and smooth the skin while you sleep. With caffeine, salmon collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, it’s meant to treat morning puffiness by keeping the skin ultra hydrated and plump. While testing, Traver found the formula easy to apply—it felt light and thin on her complexion. When she peeled it off the next morning, her skin was super glowy and looked more “awake.” Since she usually wakes up with dull skin, this was a major difference. While she could feel the mask on her face while sleeping, she noted that it was still more comfortable than an overnight sheet mask.

Anna Traver, writer with oily skin: “My skin looked glowier and brighter in the mornings once I removed it, even before applying my morning skincare products.”

Best Sunscreen Stick

Abib Airy Sunstick Protection Bar Broad Spectrum SPF50+

$17

$16 at Amazon$28 at Abib.com$28 at Sokoglam.com

Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, allantoin, ectoin | Size: 0.81 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes

Derms recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, but obviously, that’s easier said than done. Fortunately, this sunscreen stick from Abib makes reapplication effortless. The slim, roll-up container is easy to throw in your bag or travel with, and the super-soft balm consistency absorbs into the skin seamlessly—no greasy residue in sight. Most Korean sunscreens have a glowy finish, but this one leaves a satin finish that dries down without any sticky feeling. There’s no white cast whatsoever, and I loved that it didn’t lift any of the skincare I had previously applied.