Korean Skincare Products – Best Picks Perfect for Acne-Prone Skin

Having a desire for a clear, fresh and baby skin type like Koreans is something we all relate to. The worry is gone, this post holds the best Korean skincare products that really work for acne prone skin. 

I have discussed these products in different categories in the following for your better understanding, hope it will help you guys. 

• Best Korean skincare picks for acne: water-based cleansers
• Best Korean skincare picks for acne: oil-based cleansers
• Best Korean skincare picks for acne: moisturizers
• Best Korean skincare picks for acne: sun screens
• Best Korean skincare picks for acne: barrier serums
• Best Korean skincare picks for acne: treatments

Best Korean skincare picks for acne: water-based cleansers

If you are a skin enthusiast or know someone like this, then you definitely will have the idea about double cleansing. Double cleansing is a face washing technique that involves two types of cleansers; an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. It is a quite satisfying process that removes all the dirt and pollutants from your skin and gives your skin a glowy appearance. 

Here are the best water-based cleansers which can be very effectful for double cleansing or you want to use them separately. 

• The SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

With a perfect pH level of 5, Skin 1004 has formulated Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam, clears the skin without removing the moisturizer effect making it suitable for both normal and sensitive skin type. Centella, commonly known as “cica”, a herb, provides calmness and repairing skin with its soothing, hydrating, mild exfoliating and antioxidants properties. 

• Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing foam

Formulated with heartleaf extract, Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol pore deep cleansing foam gently exfoliates dead skin without stripping the skin while cleaning deep pores with a hydrating finish. It is a perfect match for normal skin type but people with oily or combination skin type can also use it. 

• The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing gel

Containing fermented black rice and bamboo extract to provide deep moisturising effect, paired with naturally derived coconut surfactant and slightly acidic (pH 5.5) keeps skin balanced with smooth lather to protect against irritation and skin barrier damage which make it perfect for sensitive skin. 

• Isntree Green Tea Fresh Cleanser

Use of green tea for beauty concerns is one of the oldest Korean beauty remedies. Isntree Green Tea Fresh Cleanser contains green tea leaf extract which protects against sun damage, reduces inflammation and redness, and even lightens skin tone. With its multiple and diverse features, it is a perfect acne-prone skincare product for almost all skin types. 

• APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cleanser

Suitable for all skin types, APLB glutathione niacinamide facial cleanser contains vitamin C and niacinamide (vitamin B3 and nicotinamide) for shiny glow.It helps tighten pores and brightens dull skin up. The dense microbubbles penetrate deep in skin and reduce the size of pores. 

Best Korean skincare picks for acne: oil-based cleansers

Other than hormonal, acne is all about excess oils, dirty makeup and sunscreens. These layers must be removed from the skin properly to avoid pimples, codemones and dark spots. An oil-based cleanser is a perfect strategy to remove these. 

But yes it is troublesome to use oil-based products on acne-prone skin. Here are the solutions. These following oil-based Korean cleansers are best suits for such sensitive skin with healing effects.    

• Beauty of Joseon Radiance Balm

A very gentle, oil-based cleansing balm, Beauty of Joseon Radiance Balm melts away all the deep skin impurities, makeup and extra sebum. Made with rice bran and grain extract, it is very comfortable for eyes avoiding irritation or allergies. Rice bran also helps to moisturize dry skin as it contains amino acids and various minerals. 

• The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice oil cleanser

Made with 100% natural oils, Haruharu Wonder Black Rice oil cleanser removes makeup and sebum, unclog pores. An unscented and non-irritating oil, suitable for everyday use on eyes and acne-prone skin. Without feeling oiliness, it provides skin a moisturizing finish.

• Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm

Designed with an entertaining grinding mechanism, Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm contains 14 ingredients soft for sensitive skin. With reducing oiliness properties, the balm effortlessly removes makeup, waterproof products and sunscreens from the skin. Cica extract makes it the best product for acne-prone skin with extra features of minimizing irritation and redness. 

• Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

Because of the formulation (vitamin C and E) for the healthy complexion, it ensures both beauty and balance of your skin. It melts away all the makeup and removes impurities keeping the skin hydrated. With a long list of ingredients, it is perfect for all skin types. 

• Purito From Green cleansing oil

Containing only 10 ingredients, 5 pf which are totally natural, Purito From Green cleansing oil maintains skin’s moisture balance and removes makeup, dirt and sun protections. This cleansing oil has 0.00 primary index for skin irritation avoiding irritation and stinginess. 

Best Korean skincare picks for acne: moisturizers

Acne-prone skin types also need to get moisture as all other skin types need. Using moisturizers help dead skin exfoliation and keep skin hydrated. Here is the list for the best Korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin. 

• COSR Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

Best match for oily and combination skin types , treats irritation and redness. COSR Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream makes it a best product for its jelly like texture to speed up absorption. Green tea extract provides cooling relief to acne-prone skin with soothing, calming and hydration benefits. 

• Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream

Providing a long lasting burst of cooling and hydration to skin make Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream a light-as-water moisturizer with just 10 ingredients. The oat extract locks moisture and prevents water loss from the skin. Suitable for all skin types, specifically for sensitive skin without any allergic reactions.  

• Beplain Hyaluronic Aqua Moisturizer

The beplain Hyaluronic Aqua Moisturizer is highly designed for rough and dry skin but can also be used on other skin types. The gel formulation seals hydration of the skin while low molecular weight hyaluronic acid provides enough moisture to the skin. Helps heal parched skin without any irritation. 

• Purito Oat-In Calming Gel Cream

Purito Oat-In Calming Gel Cream protects against fungal acne with its non-comedogenic formula and balances the skin with no oil or grease left. Oat seed water not only calms sensitive skin but also strengthens the moisture barrier. Lightweight gel accelerates absorption and provides non-sticky moisture for a longer time. 

• Etude Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsions

Best suit for sensitive skin. Delivers hydration and enhances elasticity of the skin repairing the skin damage. Etude Soon Jung 10 Free Emulsions contain panthenol (Vitamin B5 like ingredient), benefits skin with no artificial fragrance in the product, nourishes and soothes skin. 

Best Korean skincare picks for acne: sun screens

Sunscreens not only prevent your skin from sunburn, UV rays but also help against dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Acne scars get more obvious with exposure of skin to sun. Luckily there are Korean sunscreens combating acne scars and providing protection from sun with enough moisturizing and hydrating effects.

• Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Aqua-fresh

Shields your skin from UV rays with non-greasy sun protection having a formulation of rice seed water and panthenol. Lightweight with featuring hydration and freshness, Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh is suitable for oily and combination skin types.

• Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Mineral Sunscreen

Containing non-nano zinc oxide pure mineral ingredients, rice bran oil combined with black rice extract. Heartleaf extract nourishes and soothes skin while nicotinamide maintains skin tone. Suitable for all skin and highly recommended to extra sensitive skin. 

• The Purito Soft Touch Sunscreen

The Purito Soft Touch Sunscreen is a lightweight offering high protection from UV rays. With non-greasy and fragrance-free properties Purito sunscreen is very soft, smooth with a soothing finish. Provides moisture and hydration to the skin throughout the day. Perfect for all skin types.

• Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, maintains skin hydration and health and seals the necessary moisture. Cica soothes sensitive skin with calmness and protects against sun exposure by reducing the irritation. Very lightweight and perfect for under makeup. Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit sun serum leaves no oil marks on skin making it ideal for daily use. 

• COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen

No-white cast, non-greasy and invisible on all skin tones. Being light and quick absorbing COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen boosts hydration making it comfortable for sensitive skin. Nicotinamide regulates sebum and provides protection from UV-induced pigmentation. 

Best Korean skincare picks for acne: barrier serums

Using barrier serums does not mean you have damaged your skin barriers. It is a  good strategy to use barrier serum to avoid any kind of damage. Choosing a right barrier not only protects skin barriers but also heals acne-prone skin. 

• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella asiatica is formulated with 7 times mores soothing actives as compared to other cica products. Provides immediate hydration and calmness to sensitive skin. Very light for all skin types with its watery texture and non-sticky formula. 

• TirTir SOS Serum

Contains polyglumatic acid (PGA) with 10 times greater water holding capacity than hyaluronic acid. Stimulates skin elasticity and maintains skin’s natural glow. Best for all skin types, giving a more dewy, hydrated and radiant finish. 

• Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum

Ideal for all skin types, maintains hydration and moisture of the skin. Fights dark spots and acne scars with its alpha arbutin and rice formulation. Correct pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dryness and provide luminous finish. 

• Purito Wonder Releaf Serum

Unscented and suitable for sensitive skin, Purito Wonder Releaf Serum rapidly soothes and reduces redness. Tested by dermatologists and claimed to be hypoallergenic. No issue when pairing with vitamins and retinols but patch tests would be a good strategy. 

• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Gives skin a deeper natural glow and faster absorbance with its lighter weight. Keep skin moisturized and glowy all day as made from nutritious and low-stimulation filtered snail mucin. Anti-aging, provides hydration, enhances skin texture and lightens dark spots. Soothes damaged skin. 

Best Korean skincare picks for acne: treatments

We all know how Koreans are concerned for their skin and beauty. Beauty always comes first for them. Because of this, there are so many Korean products confusing people to choose the right one. I have extracted the best Korean skincare products for acne treatments. Just choose one or two from these products and you will be easy to go. 

• Scinic Cicanoid Retinal Cream

Enhances skin elasticity and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Protecting skin barriers, Scinic Cicnoid Retinal Cream contains pycnogenol which gives skin a younger and healthier look. Boosts skin’s immunity and helps in regeneration of skin cells. 

• KSecret Seoul 1988 Serum with Retinal Liposome 2%

For all skin types, combination, sensitive, dry and acne-prone. Infused with black ginseng extract, it offers antioxidant effects. Vitamin C and 3-peptides paired with retinal enhance collagen production and reduce wrinkles, fine lines and aging effects. 

• Nineliness A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid serum

10% azelaic acid known for its powerful combat to acne and breakouts. Reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Azelaic acid also helps to exfoliate and maintain sebum oils. Suitable for oily and combination skin type. 

• The VT Reedle Shot

Allows actives to penetrate deeply in skin by microneedling which form micro-channels in skin. The VT Reedle Shot serum is available in different strengths for various skin types and different skin concerns addressing exfoliation, absorption and appearance. Fights acne-prone skin and is suitable for all skin types. 

• Cos De BAHA Salicylic Acid BHA 4% Serum

4% salicylic acid aids unclog and reduces pores for a smoother clear skin. Without causing irritation, regulated moisturizing effects and reduces extra buildup. Treats prone skin providing clarity and clean visible appearance, suitable for all skin types.

Best Korean skincare picks for acne: how to use

I have provided you with a list of the best Korean skincare products. I hope you have picked the best one for you. Now I’ll tell you how to use these products in your skincare routine. 

Morning skincare

• Cleanse with a water-based cleanser. Oil-based cleansers are not good for morning use. 
• Put on eye protection cream. 
• Using a barrier serum before applying makeup or sunscreens is a wise option.
• Apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and fresh.
• Put a sunscreen serum or gel of your choice. 

Evening skincare

• Use oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen. 
• Cleanse with a water-based cleanser for up to 1 minute. 
• Apply an under eye soothing cream of your choice. 
• Barrier serum which matches your skin type. 
• Apply moisture. 

Conclusion

Although Korean skincare products are a better choice than western products, they don’t always implement results on western people as they do on koreans. The difference lies in environmental and genetic factors. Diet differences, emotional tolerance, hormonal challenges and atmosphere, your skin depends on all these things.