Korean Skincare I’m Loving Right Now

I’ll be honest—this post has been a long time coming. As a board-certified dermatologist, I take my time before recommending skincare, rigorously testing products before making any claims. But after faithfully using these Korean skincare gems for months, I can confidently say: they work (at least, the ones I’m recommending!). The formulas, the science, the ingredient combinations—K-beauty continues to impress me. And while these are in no particular order, each product has earned its spot in my routine.

1. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

If you’re dealing with inflammation, irritation, or need a solid, soothing night cream, this is it. I love using 345 Relief Cream as the final step in my nighttime routine to seal everything in. It contains centella asiatica extract (a powerhouse for calming redness), squalane (an excellent barrier-supporting hydrator), and ceramides (essential for strengthening the skin barrier). Since incorporating this, I've noticed a significant reduction in irritation and an overall improvement in skin resilience.

2. Anua – The Brand That’s Delivering

Anua has been all over my radar lately, and for good reason. Their formulations are thoughtful, effective, and well-priced.

• Azelaic Acid Serum (Nighttime Use)
  Azelaic acid is one of my all-time favorite ingredients for hyperpigmentation, acne, and redness. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme involved in melanin production), making it a great option for discoloration. I’m still giving this one time to fully show results, but so far, I love how lightweight and non-irritating it is.

• Niacinamide + Tranexamic Acid Serum (Morning Use)
  This one, though? Immediate results. Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is a holy grail for brightening, oil regulation, and barrier repair. Tranexamic acid is an underappreciated ingredient that helps fade hyperpigmentation by interfering with melanin transfer. Bonus: it also contains peptides, and let me tell you—peptides are having a moment this season.

3. I’m From Rice Toner

A gentle, non-stripping way to prep my skin in the morning. The rice extract in this toner provides hydration, brightening, and antioxidant benefits. Unlike astringent toners that strip the skin, this one supports the moisture barrier while setting the stage for the rest of my routine. It’s become an essential step before my makeup.

4. COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream

I have tried one billion eye creams (conservative estimate), and I always come back to this one. The combination of snail mucin (for deep hydration and repair), five peptides (for firming and collagen support), and niacinamide (for brightening) keeps undereyes plump and smooth. If you struggle with crepey skin under the eyes, this is a great option.

5. Reedle 300 Shot – Yes, It Works

I first heard about this from Jimmy Lam (see his post), and then suddenly, it was everywhere. Reedle 300 Shot uses a microneedling-inspired mechanism with dissolving microspicules that deliver peptides, hyaluronic acid, and centella extract into the skin. It’s like microneedling without the downtime. I recommend using this on nights when you're not using actives, as it enhances penetration and skin renewal.

6. Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Mask

I already raved about this one in my last post, but it’s worth repeating: this product exceeded my expectations. It’s a collagen-infused, occlusive sleeping mask that locks in hydration and enhances the effects of other skincare. I use it as the final step in my nighttime routine on top of peptides or the Reedle 300 Shot. If I’m using strong actives like retinoids or acids, I usually skip it that night.

My one qualm? It’s a pain to remove in the morning—it doesn’t peel off in one beautiful sheet like you might hope. Instead, it comes off in patches, almost like snake skin. A minor inconvenience, though, for a product that delivers real results.

Final Thoughts

One of the reasons I love Korean skincare is the innovation, accessibility, and sheer variety of products to explore. These formulas are designed with skin health in mind, often combining multiple powerhouse ingredients into one step—making it easy to build an effective, science-backed routine.

If you’re looking for hydration, barrier support, brightening, or even a more advanced treatment step, these products have earned a place in my routine. And knowing me, I’ll be testing even more soon—stay tuned!