Our 10 K-beauty revelations

A true viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram, K-beauty – or Korean beauty – is now considered one of the most advanced skincare routines in the world. Deep cleansing, hydration, protection and affordable prices are its pillars. Here, we share the best products we have tested and approved, packed with hyaluronic acid, collagen and peptides, for radiant skin.

If there’s one step that Korean skincare never sacrifices, it’s hydration! And for good reason: successful make-up always starts with perfectly hydrated skin.
Aestura, the brand that has just arrived in France, is already overshadowing some well-established references. Its moisturizing cream, formulated to restore and strengthen the skin barrier, combines richness and lightness without ever feeling sticky. Thanks to its patented ceramides that reinforce the skin barrier, it stands out as the savior for dry skin.

Impossible not to have noticed it: Tatcha has taken over the skincare world and intends to impose its signature. If its first cream divided opinions — between those who couldn’t live without it and those who were left wanting more — the brand seems determined to win everyone over. With The Dewy Milk Moisturizer, it delivers an incredibly lightweight formula that absorbs instantly while helping regulate excess sebum. Because no, hydration is not responsible for shine: it’s all about the right formula.

If there’s one skin concern we can’t stand anymore, it’s visible pores. And no more masks that promise miracles only for pores to reappear hours later… Instead, we turn to one of the kings of K-beauty, Beauty of Joseon. With 60% propolis extract and 2% niacinamide, this treatment regulates sebum production while maintaining optimal hydration. It visibly tightens pores without ever drying out the skin, proving that matte and hydration can perfectly coexist. Bonus: a subtle glow and a very gentle price.

Impossible to talk about Korean skincare without mentioning our favorites Laneige, whose products have never disappointed us. Among the latest tested: the firming and plumping sleeping mask, the perfect ally when the complexion looks dull and the skin needs a real boost. Its formula, enriched with a peony-collagen complex and probiotic lysate, works overnight to revitalize and plump the skin. Apply a thin layer before sleeping… and in the morning, guaranteed sleeping beauty effect, ready to face the day. 

Acne remains one of the most difficult skin concerns to treat: acne-prone skin does not tolerate everything. Dr. Jart+, already iconic for its masks, hits again with its Cicapair range. Its formula based on Centella Asiatica (Tiger Grass), niacinamide and probiotics soothes, hydrates and helps the skin regain balance.
And the game-changing bonus: this treatment also works as a corrector. Its green tint may surprise, but it naturally adapts to the skin to neutralize redness discreetly.

At the editorial office, we love testing products to then tell you about them. But when a brand almost replaces our entire routine, both skincare and make-up, we don’t hesitate to approve. And that’s exactly what Glow Recipe has achieved. Today, focus on their watermelon toner: a gentle formula infused with PHA and BHA, that hydrates the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores. The right move: a few drops in the palm of your hand, gently tapped onto the face.

Of course, we also gave in to the pad trend! These small discs soaked in skincare, to be placed on strategic areas of the face, have become a real habit. Medicube made it its signature: their dual-texture pads, infused with BHA to unclog pores, AHA to refine skin texture, and patented Anti-Sebum P to regulate excess sebum, do everything in one step. Two options: if you have time, leave them on for a few minutes. Otherwise, a simple swipe over the face is enough for an express effect.

Erborian is one of the pioneers of K-beauty in France, and we owe them the introduction of an essential step: double cleansing. A classic technique in Korea… that has clearly changed our routines. We tested it, and we understand the hype. Step 1: cleansing oil. Often feared, yet one of the most effective textures to dissolve make-up, SPF and impurities without damaging the skin. Step 2: a gentle cleansing gel with Centella Asiatica to soothe and complete the cleanse. Result: no greasy feeling, perfectly clean skin… and that natural glow that comes through.

With sunny days arriving, one thing is clear: no way to start the season with winter-damaged skin. Yepoda understood that well. With The Glow Hero, the brand delivers a hybrid between oil and serum, that intensely nourishes while revealing radiance. Enriched with bakuchiol, it stimulates collagen production and smooths the first signs of aging. A true glow cocktail that the skin quickly adopts.

If there’s one secret we’d love to steal, it’s that baby skin that seems to defy time. So when Korean formulas reveal treatments capable of slowing down signs of aging, we jump on them. Innisfree relies on vegan green tea PDRN™, a regenerating active that stimulates cell renewal while boosting elasticity and hydration. Added to this is a Triple Retinol Complex™, a cocktail of pure retinol and two retinoids, known for its anti-aging effects. In short: a real magic potion that seems to put time on pause.

Also discover : 10 face masks to refresh your skin and 10 products to keep your skin deeply hydrated