Beauty journalist Hayley Spencer has streamlined her skincare routine after a trip to Seoul, where she had a skin analysis and tested numerous K-beauty products. She now recommends a stripped-back regimen focusing on barrier support, hydration, and sun protection, with many of her favourite products now available in the UK.
Why K-Beauty Stands Out
South Korea has overtaken the United States to become the world's second-largest beauty and cosmetics exporter, only beaten by France. Dr Christine Hall, a Korean skincare doctor and pharmacist, explains that the ethos of K-beauty is straightforward: “be consistent, protect your skin barrier and don’t assume that stronger ingredients automatically means better.”
Unlike Western skincare, which prioritises correction of concerns, Dr Christine says K-beauty focuses on preventative ageing and nurturing the skin, with formulas designed around maintaining a healthy skin barrier, hydration, and sun protection. Koreans focus on “chok chok skin” (meaning moist moist), which is about a bouncy, deeply hydrated appearance, rather than the “glass skin” aesthetic popularised on social media.
How to Build a Routine
Dr Christine notes that while Koreans do use more product steps than most, around seven is standard, not the often-cited 10-step regimen. Nurse Teresa O'Nwere-Tan, owner of T&Co clinic, advises keeping routines simple for sensitive skin: “A foaming, slightly acidic cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. Prioritise barrier support with your moisturiser and finish with a comfortable daily SPF.”
For acne-prone skin, she suggests starting with that same foundation, then introducing targeted actives according to what the skin actually needs. She warns against daily exfoliation, noting that once weekly may be plenty for many sensitive or acne-prone patients. Currently, formulas containing Cica or PDRN are trending in the UK for skin barrier health.
Top Product Picks
Spencer tested products over several weeks to a month, considering price, efficacy, and enjoyment. Her top 12 favourites include the Centellian 24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse, which she rates five stars for a glass skin effect, noting visible improvements in skin evenness and fine lines after a month of daily use. The Dr Reju-all Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Lip Serum also earned five stars for soothing and smoothing lips.
Other five-star picks include the Erborian CC Creme SPF 30, praised for its skin-like base and buildable coverage. Four-star recommendations include the Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum for improving skin tone, the Beauty of Joseon Comfort Protection Body Sunscreen for sensitive skin, and the Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask for hydration. The Haruharu Wonder Barrier Essence, Mamonde Flora Glow Rose Liquid Mask, ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream, Botari Hand Cream and Charm Set, Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pad, and Round Lab Pine Cica Cleanser also made the list.
For newcomers to K-beauty, Spencer suggests starting with the Mediheal Collagen Ampoule Pad or Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Masks for their hydrating properties and innovative design. The Centellian 24 Madeca Cream is recommended for improving skin condition over time, while the Erborian CC Creme with SPF offers both makeup and skincare benefits for most skin types.
