If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, you may be interested in exploring the world of Korean skincare. The country’s renowned beauty industry offers a wide range of products that can help alleviate various skin concerns, including cystic and hormonal acne, as well as acne scars.
In this post, we’ll delve into some of the most effective Korean skincare products for acne-prone skin, covering toners, face masks, serums, and cleansers that cater to different age groups, from teenagers to adults.
Korean Skincare for Acne
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NEOGEN – Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick
The Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick from Soko Glam, Beauty Bay, Neogen, or Yesstyle is an excellent choice for those with acne-prone skin. This innovative product won the 2017 Teen Vogue Acne Awards and was praised as one of Korea’s coolest creations. To use it, simply twist the stick to reveal the formula, apply it to damp skin, massage until a lather forms, and then rinse off with warm to cool water.
This cleansing stick boasts an impressive 13 natural oils that effectively break down SPF and makeup. Its low pH level ensures gentle cleansing, while green tea leaves help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. With regular use, you can expect a clearer and brighter complexion.
As a travel-friendly, all-in-one cleanser created by Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho, this product is packed with natural ingredients that promote clear skin and reduce excess oil.
It’s an ideal solution for those seeking a convenient and effective skincare routine.
THEN I MET YOU – The Skin Balancing Duo
Soko Glam and Shopee both offer the Skin Balancing Duo, a two-product set comprising a toner and an essence. This pair of products is designed to be used after cleansing with The Cleansing Duo, with the birch milk refining toner serving as the first step. To use, simply shake the toner well, apply a small amount to your hands, and then gently pat it onto your face and neck. Once the toner has dried, repeat the process with the essence.
The two products are formulated to work in tandem, promoting a firmer, clearer complexion when used together. The birch toner is the key player here, boasting an impressive 75% concentration of birch juice that teams up with squalane and marshmallow root extract to lock in moisture. Additionally, it contains a gentle 1% blend of AHAs and PHAs to help gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.
The essence, meanwhile, has a luxurious, velvety texture that helps to seal in even more moisture when applied over the toner. It’s also packed with over 80% naturally fermented ingredients, which are renowned for their anti-aging benefits. This duo is particularly recommended for acne sufferers looking to achieve a radiant, ‘honey skin’ complexion.
BENTON – Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream
For those seeking a gentle yet effective skincare solution, consider purchasing from reputable retailers like Soko Glam, Skinsider, or Yesstyle. This particular cream is highly recommended for acne-prone and sensitive skin types, as it features snail mucin – a natural ingredient that not only soothes but also helps retain moisture in the skin.
The product’s unique ‘steam-cream’ formula utilizes steam to create a silky emulsion that effortlessly absorbs into the skin, leaving no greasy residue behind. Additionally, the incorporation of bee venom promotes collagen production, while hyaluronic acid contributes to enhanced hydration levels.
SOME BY MI – AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Toner
If you’re on the hunt for a reliable Korean toner to combat acne, Soko Glam, Beauty & Seoul, Stylevana, and Yesstyle are all great places to start. One product that’s gained a cult following is an exfoliating toner that claims to sell one bottle every three seconds! This miracle worker combines three types of exfoliants (AHA, BHA, and PHA), along with witch hazel, papaya, tea tree water, niacinamide, and adenosine.
The result is a formula that not only clears the skin but also soothes inflammation and leaves it looking brighter. Its optimized pH level of 5.5 makes it suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin. What’s more, this toner is free from fragrance, colours, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oil, and silicone, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
THE KLOG – Soft Shield Pimple Patch
When it comes to tackling acne, Soko Glam offers a unique solution in the form of overnight patches. These gentle yet effective patches absorb impurities from beneath the skin, promoting a faster healing process. The beveled edges ensure a secure fit, making them ideal for curved areas like the nose, chin, or jawline.
Developed to accommodate all types of acne – including hormonal and cystic acne – these patches blend seamlessly into the natural skin tone, creating a discreet appearance that works on all skin types and tones.
DR ORACLE – A-Thera Cream
For those with acne-prone skin, finding the right moisturizer can be a game-changer. Enter Dr Oracle’s A-Thera Cream, a lightweight, non-greasy formula that not only soothes and heals the skin but also won’t clog pores. One of its key ingredients is bamboo extract, which has been shown to aid in wound healing. When incorporated into your skincare routine alongside other acne treatments, this cream can help reduce the appearance of scars.
Its gel-like texture absorbs quickly, leaving a matte finish that effectively hydrates and moisturizes the skin.
BENTON – Snail Bee Ultimate Serum
Looking for a reliable Korean serum to tackle acne issues? The Snail Bee Ultimate Serum from Soko Glam, Feel Unique, or Stylevana is an excellent choice. This best-selling product boasts a unique blend of snail secretion filtrate, fermented and filtered to promote skin healing. Its benefits extend to reducing acne scars and dark spots, leaving your complexion looking brighter and more even.
The serum’s efficacy also lies in its inclusion of bee venom, a prized ingredient in Korean skincare for its calming effects on breakouts. Tea tree and camellia sinensis leaf further soothe the skin, combating inflammation while adenosine and niacinamide work to brighten and smooth out your overall complexion. For a clearer and more radiant look, give this serum a try. Check out the current price and make it part of your daily skincare routine.
BENTON – Tea Tree Cleansing Water
To effectively remove makeup, look no further than this versatile cleaning water from [Brand Names: Soko Glam, Feel Unique, Yesstyle]. As a first cleanse in your routine, it’s designed to dissolve the initial layer of cosmetics and leave your skin feeling refreshed. To use, simply soak a cotton pad with the product and gently sweep it across your face. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly makeup comes off onto the pad.
With its impressive 70% concentration of tea tree leaf extract, this water boasts remarkable soothing and acne-fighting properties. As you sweep it across your skin, dirt and impurities will be effectively removed, while antibacterial ingredients work to prevent pores from clogging and spots from forming. As an added bonus, the presence of tea tree oil provides a natural defense against acne, courtesy of its dual anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
For those seeking a natural remedy for troubled skin, this product is an excellent choice, proven to prevent breakouts and leave your complexion looking radiant.
ACWELL Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser
NEOGEN – Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Green Tea
When it comes to shopping, consider checking out Soko Glam, Yesstyle, Beauty Bay, or Neogen for your skincare needs. Neogen, in particular, is a popular brand that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality products. Did you know that the company’s Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine was originally designed to address the specific concerns of acne-prone skin?
More recently, they’ve introduced a Green Tea version, which is specifically formulated to tackle the unique needs of sensitive complexions. The product itself consists of 30 single-use exfoliating pads that you can apply in a gentle, circular motion across your face and neck. As you do so, the pads work to remove dead skin cells and dirt, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
What’s more, the Green Tea formula contains powerful antioxidants that help soothe and calm inflamed acne-prone skin, preventing future breakouts from occurring. If you’re interested in learning more about this product or checking out its current price, simply click the link provided.
MISSHA – Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream
When dealing with acne-prone skin, snail mucin extract is often the unsung hero. The MISSHA cream stands out for its impressive concentration of 70% snail mucin, which not only helps to heal and soothe acne scars but also reduces inflammation, leaving the skin feeling moisturized and radiant. This lightweight gel formula absorbs seamlessly into the skin, resulting in a matte finish that’s perfect for those looking to keep their complexion under control.
The cream’s effectiveness didn’t go unnoticed, earning it top honors at the Soko Glam Beauty Awards back in 2014. Currently, you can [View Current Price] and experience the power of snail mucin for yourself.
ACROPASS – Trouble Cure
For this two-step acne treatment designed to tackle hormonal and cystic acne, three reputable retailers offer the solution: Soko Glam, Yesstyle, Stylevana, and iHerb. The treatment consists of a pair of patches, with the first one pre-soaked in a combination of salicylic acid and tea tree leaf oil to cleanse the affected area. The second patch is a pimple-specific treatment that utilizes microneedle technology to deeply deliver anti-bacterial ingredients into the skin.
Each microneedle is incredibly thin, roughly one-third the width of a human hair, ensuring a pain-free experience, albeit with some slight stinging sensation. Wearing the patch overnight allows for optimal results, as you’ll wake up to find the targeted area significantly flatter and less inflamed.
KLAIRS – Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop
If you’re in the market for a top-notch Korean skincare product to tackle acne scars, look no further than the KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop. This gentle yet potent serum is specifically designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin types, and its unique formula works wonders in fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, preventing further damage, and evening out your complexion.
The serum’s star ingredient, vitamin C, plays a crucial role in boosting collagen production, rebuilding healthy skin, and accelerating the healing process for acne wounds and scars. As a result, it not only helps to reduce the appearance of existing blemishes but also prevents new ones from forming.
/nWhen shopping for this product, you can find reliable retailers like Soko Glam, FeelUnique, Beauty & Seoul, Stylevana, or Yesstyle, all of which offer competitive pricing and timely delivery. Be sure to check current prices before making your purchase!
DR ORACLE – A-Thera Tea Tree Peeling Sticks
Soko Glam, Yesstyle, and iHerb are just a few reputable online retailers offering this targeted acne treatment. This innovative product utilizes potent bacterium-fighting acids to effectively unclog pores and eliminate blackheads and excess sebum, leaving skin looking smoother and more even-toned. The large cotton swab allows for precise application directly onto the affected area, allowing users to target specific blemishes with ease.
A blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree extract, lemon extract, and bamboo extract work in harmony to exfoliate the skin, reducing dead skin buildup and inflammation. This treatment is specifically designed to tackle various types of acne, including blemishes, cystic acne, and hormonal acne, helping to reduce their appearance and promote a calmer complexion.
BENTON – Aloe BHA Skin Toner
For those seeking effective solutions to combat acne-prone skin, Soko Glam, Beauty & Seoul, Yesstyle, and Stylevana are reputable sources to explore. This particular toner stands out due to its impressive formulation featuring snail mucin, salicylic acid, and aloe vera.
The synergy between these ingredients provides remarkable benefits: the aloe and snail mucin work in harmony to soothe and hydrate the skin, while the salicylic acid gently exfoliates, reduces sebum production, and minimizes inflammation. As a result of this toner’s priming properties, subsequent skincare products will be better absorbed, allowing for optimal penetration and effectiveness.
By incorporating this toner into your routine, you’ll create a solid foundation for a healthy, radiant complexion.
ACWELL – Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist
Soko Glam, FeelUnique, and Stylevana are just a few of the reputable online retailers where you can purchase the ACWELL essence mist. This innovative product is an extension of the brand’s popular Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner, and its milky texture allows for an ultra-fine, even spray that effortlessly glides across the skin.
The formula combines saccharomyces ferment filtrate, licorice water and root extracts, bamboo water, and centella asiatica leaf water to provide a powerful blend of soothing and rebalancing properties. When used regularly, it can effectively calm inflammation and restore the skin’s natural balance, resulting in smoother, more hydrated, and clearer complexion. Check out the current price for this amazing product.
BENTON – Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
For those struggling with oily or congested skin, Soko Glam, Beauty & Seoul, FeelUnique, Yesstyle, and Stylevana offer a range of gel products that cater to these specific needs. One such product stands out for its unique blend of ingredients, including propolis, which boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties ideal for acne-prone skin. Aloe vera, in particular, is an excellent addition for oily skin types as it won’t exacerbate greasiness or clog pores.
Instead, it soothes irritation, fades acne scars over time, and gradually leaves the skin looking brighter and more even.
BENTON – Snail Bee High Content Mask
For those dealing with acne, Soko Glam, Beauty & Seoul, and Yesstyle offer a range of excellent sheet masks that cater to specific skin concerns. One standout product is this beautiful cotton mask infused with snail mucin and bee venom extract. The latter combination provides unparalleled benefits for acne-prone skin. The snail mucin deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it clearer and more even-toned, while the bee venom extract soothes inflammation and improves overall texture.
This sheet mask is perfect as a spot treatment or as part of your daily routine. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective solution for acne-prone skin.
KLAIRS – Midnight Blue Calming Cream
KLAIRS – Supple Preparation Facial Toner
When it comes to this toner, I’m a big fan of using products from trusted retailers like Soko Glam, FeelUnique, Beauty & Seoul, or Yesstyle. They offer a range of high-quality skincare products that cater to different skin types and concerns. This particular toner stands out for its ability to effectively remove any remaining dirt or sebum that might have been missed by your cleanser.
Not only does it eliminate impurities, but it also helps restore the skin’s natural pH balance, making it an essential step in preparing your skin for the next product in your routine. The inclusion of aloe and licorice extract provides additional benefits, such as soothing any redness or irritation, while their antioxidant properties help to combat signs of aging like fine lines. Overall, this toner is a must-have for maintaining healthy, radiant-looking skin.
KLAIRS – Rich Moist Soothing Cream
When it comes to sensitive acneic skin, finding a rich cream that can effectively soothe and calm irritated skin can be a daunting task. However, Beauty & Seoul’s offering is a game-changer. Enriched with yeast-derived beta glucan, jojoba oil, and ceramides, this cream strengthens the skin’s natural protective barrier while helping it to repair itself more efficiently. As one of the 2017 Soko Glam Best of K-beauty Award winners, its impressive credentials speak for themselves.
With a focus on calming inflamed skin, this product has earned rave reviews from users and beauty enthusiasts alike. And, as you can expect from such an effective formula, it’s now available at popular online retailers like Yesstyle, Stylevana, and Beauty & Seoul.
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FAQs on Korean Skincare for Acne
Which Korean skincare brand is the best?
In the world of Korean skincare, there’s a plethora of exceptional brands that have gained popularity globally. Among them, nine standout names are worth mentioning: Klairs, Neogen, Then I Met You, Benton, Some By Mi, The Klog, Dr Oracle, Acwell, and Missha. Each of these brands has carved out its own niche in the market, offering unique products and formulas that cater to diverse skin types and concerns.
What skincare products do Korean celebrities use?
South Korean stars are known for their flawless skin routines, and two notable examples are singer Sunmi and model Lee Sa-Bi. While they may have different approaches to achieving that coveted glow, there’s one common thread: a reliance on high-quality skincare products from international brands. For instance, Sunmi has confessed that Dr. Jart’s Cicapair Cream is one of her go-to staples for addressing specific skin concerns.
Similarly, Lee Sa-Bi relies on a range of products to keep his complexion looking radiant.
His arsenal includes Ceramiracle Cell Soldier Cleansing Balm, Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser, Koconoi Bora Bora White Sand Face Scrub, Cosrx Hydrium Watery Toner, Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Mist, Madeca Derma Revitalizing Serum, Lapcos Aloe Sheet Mask, Julep So Awake Depuffing Gel Eye Cream, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, Ipkn Big Apple Sun Cream SPF 50, and May Coop Raw Concentrate Night Cream.
When do you use a clay mask in the Korean skincare routine?
For optimal results, incorporate a regular routine that involves using a clay mask at least two to three times per week. To begin, start by double cleansing your skin, followed by the application of a toner and an essence. Allow each product to absorb fully before moving on to the mask. This multi-step process will help create a clean canvas for the mask to work its magic.
Why does Korean skincare take so many steps?
The Korean skincare approach is characterized by layering products in a specific order that maximizes their effectiveness on the skin. Each product sets the stage for the next, allowing subsequent layers to interact with the skin more efficiently. A key example of this is the role of toner in preparing the skin for essence application.
By balancing the skin’s pH and removing any impurities, toner enables essence to be absorbed more deeply, creating a strong foundation for subsequent products to build upon.
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