Best Korean skincare in SG: Innisfree, Laneige, COSRX & more
South Korea has taken over the cultural landscape over the last few years. From K-pop to hit TV shows like Squid Game, they are a well-oiled machine and aren’t stopping anytime soon. Riding this wave of hype, Korean brands have started expanding to international markets, including beauty and skincare. Thanks to this, we have some of the best Korean skincare brands in Singapore.
The effortless beauty of South Korean actresses and idols draws us to these brands. Their skin is radiant and glowy, and there is not a single pore in sight. If you dream of having flawless skin like them you should give these Korean skincare brands a try.
1. Innisfree
Innisfree had quite a rebrand recently. Its packaging and logo have been tweaked to suit the classic minimalist style that most skincare brands have adopted.
I loved the original green Innisfree jars. However, I do see the need. The skincare market is growing every day and this keeps them relevant, allowing them to compete among other giants in the industry.
The key ingredient in Innisfree products is the meticulously harvested green tea leaves from Jeju Island. These leaves contain antioxidants, amino acids, and polyphenols, which help to protect the skin and promote hydration.
Some must-try Innisfree products include the new Retinol Green Tea Skinbooster Ampoule with PDRN (S$53). It targets skin ageing, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pores. It also helps to retain the skin’s elasticity, creating a long-lasting youthful look.
We are also exposed to a lot of sun in Singapore. So, it is good to invest in the Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 (S$26.96). It is a lightweight cream that shields against UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white cast. Furthermore, the mixture of green tea, cica and sunflower seed oil soothes and hydrates the skin which keeps it feeling fresh throughout the day.
2. Laneige
Laneige is another recognisable Korean skincare brand. It focuses on innovative skincare and pushes the envelope on what skincare products can be. The team is always adapting and finding something new, either improving their current formulas or combining different forms of skincare.
Their products use exclusive water-based ingredients, making everything from serums to creams deeply hydrating.
Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask (S$47.94) is one of their best-selling products. It is a moisturiser that promotes healthy sleep and leaves the skin feeling firm and bouncy. Perfect for the sleep-deprived, this mask will help revitalise your skin and renew your nighttime routine. Additionally, the mask works as a base for your makeup.
Another great Laneige product is their Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum (S$82.90). It is a 3-in-1 serum that tackles all symptoms of ageing. The top layer undoes wrinkles and promotes soft skin, which is then followed by a layer of firming, oil-in-water emulsion. The base is a water gel that brightens the skin. It is an all-in-one method of achieving fresh and youthful skin.
3. COSRX
If you intend to educate yourself on the best ingredients for your skin, COSRX is a good place to start. Their products often highlight the key components, allowing consumers to better understand what they’re putting on their skin.
It is a noble effort on their part. The world of skincare can be very overwhelming, with the many brands and products available in the market. COSRX tackles this by prioritising clarity and understanding.
Some of their best products include the Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (S$17.20). Yes, you heard that right. The product contains Snail Secretion Filtrate, more commonly known as Snail Mucin, which contains key ingredients like glycolic acid. Snail Mucin helps to even skin texture and pigmentation, address skin sensitivity and reduce skin blemishes.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can also try The Niacinamide 15 Serum (S$29.50). It contains 15% active niacinamide that prevents the excessive production of sebum.
Sebum is a natural substance that your body produces to keep the skin hydrated. However, too much of it causes your pores to be clogged, making your skin acne-prone and oily. So, if your skin has any of these symptoms, give The Niacinamide 15 Serum a shot.
Buy now: Amazon
4. Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo’s main philosophy is to tackle skin problems beyond the surface, right down to the root. Their approach is unique in that they focus on activating the skin’s naturally rejuvenating system. This unveils the skin’s potential which allows it to sustain itself for a longer period.
For first-time users of their products, they recommend the First Care Activating Serum VI (S$130.94). Our skin can often be stressed after cleansing which causes rapid ageing. This serum, in turn, is a fast-acting agent that helps prevent that by increasing skin hydration, reducing the size of the pore area and improving skin texture, among other things.
Another component that Sulwhasoo is known for is its incorporation of concentrated ginseng. This ingredient is key in boosting collagen in the skin, allowing it to maintain a youthful appearance. One of the newer concentrated ginseng products that Sulwhasoo offers is the Rejuvenating Eye Cream (S$150).
5. Round Lab
Round Lab strongly emphasises its commitment to providing clean and pure skincare for the masses. They do so through the use of natural ingredients from the Dokdo and Ulleungdo islands and Taebaek Mountains in the Korean Peninsula.
They wish to cultivate the gift their land has bestowed upon them and spread it to the rest of the world.
Round Lab is very popular among beauty influencers on TikTok. Many skincare product reviews on the platform feature Round Lab products. The Birch Moisturising Cream (S$27.40) regularly makes an appearance. It is a lightweight moisturiser that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation and nourishes the skin.
Another TikTok favourite is the Dokdo Toner (S$16.10). Many people online are raving about its ability to clear the skin. It acts as a gentle skin exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and replenishes them, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.
Buy now: Amazon
6. Torriden
Torriden is very new to Singapore, having just been released here in October 2024. Currently, they have 4 different skincare ranges: Dive In, Cellmazing, Balanceful and Solid In. Each range addresses various skin care needs like deep hydration, anti-ageing and solutions for acne-prone skin.
The Dive In range is a favourite among users. It features 5D Hyaluronic Acid that seeps deep into the skin, tackling key issues right from the root. The main goal of this range is to provide deep moisturising for the skin and it works on many skin types.
With the hydration factor, it is particularly beneficial for those who are plagued by dry, dehydrated and dull skin. Some popular Dive In products include the Skin Booster ($18.15), Serum ($18.80), Soothing Cream (S$22.90), and Cleansing Foam (S$15.20).
Buy now: Amazon
7. Numbuzin
Whether you have acne-prone, oily skin or just want to take better care of it, Numbuzin has a product for you. Compared to other brands, Numbuzin has a unique way of categorising its products: they use a number system.
Each number correlates to a specific set of needs. For instance, No. 1 products address acne-prone and oily skin while No. 5+ tackles hyperpigmentation and revitalises the skin. It’s like building blocks to get healthy skin, starting from the ground up.
The most popular products are from the No. 5+ range like the No. 5+ Concentrated Serum (S$21.97). It targets a variety of skin problems, such as evening the skin texture and tone, and removing skin blemishes. The formula is hypoallergenic and ensures zero irritation so even those with sensitive skin can try it out.
One of their more unique products is the No. 5+ Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad (S$21.90). It is a dual-sided pad that addresses hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin. With it being a pad, it also provides effective yet gentle exfoliation.
Buy now: Amazon
8. Abib
Abib gets its name from the Jewish calendar, meaning “the first month”. It is a reflection of the brand’s commitment towards turning your skin cycle back to its prime, natural form.
Factors like age and surrounding environments can often affect the vitality of the skin, especially without a protective layer. So, Abib hopes to provide the right tools to help people achieve healthier, more youthful skin in the long term.
Personally, I am terrible at putting on sunscreen. I find it sticky, uncomfortable, and very troublesome. However, after researching, Abib might have the perfect solution.
The Quick Sunstick Protection SPF 50 (S$39.90) is a portable non-sticky sunscreen that provides wide-range UVA and UVB protection. It is compact and all you have to do is glide it against your skin to apply. It even works over makeup. Compact, simple and convenient, it is the perfect product for those hoping to start wearing sunscreen more regularly.
For those who often experience dryness and puffiness in their eyes, try out the Collagen Eye Patch Jericho Rose Jelly (S$22.30). This patch depuffs and cools the area surrounding the eye, reducing soreness and discomfort.
Buy now: Amazon
9. Dr. Jart+
Dr. Jart+ blends the art and science of dermal skin care. Like the arts, they take inspiration from multiple sources like microbiology and aerospace. By taking in other subject matters, they are exposed to different ingredients and elements that can further improve and elevate their products.
The Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment (S$69) is a must-have. If you are prone to redness, this green-to-beige cream will help to neutralise the colour and make your skin look more lively and vibrant. With key ingredients like niacinamide and Dr. Jart’s Green Repair Solution, it is an all-encompassing product that boosts, moisturises and soothes the skin.
Another good option is the Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream (S$63). It is a bestseller that handles dry skin like a champ. Fast-acting with a buttery-rich texture, it will leave your skin feeling soft, bouncy and smooth.
Buy now: Sephora
10. Banila Co
Taking off makeup can be a real hassle. No matter how hard you try, there always seem to be remnants of mascara on your eyelashes or the slight tint of your lipstick.
Banila Co is the solution for you. A streamlined and healthy escape from all your makeup problems, Banila Co has created the ultimate makeup remover that works on all skin types, textures and tones.
Don’t believe it? Try it out for yourselves. A good starter would be the Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm (S$22.33). It is the quintessential product for all your makeup-removing needs. An all-in-one solution, it promises a fuss-free experience that keeps the skin feeling healthy and smooth afterwards.
Another must-try is the Clean It Zero Brightening Peeling Gel (S$29.90). It removes makeup, exfoliates the skin and makes it much brighter.
Buy now: Amazon
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