I love experimenting with skincare, but there’s no other type of products I love trying more than K-beauty. My skin is acne-prone, so I often have to be careful what I put on it, but by some small miracle, I never seem to have an issue with Korean products. I have a theory on why this is. For starters, Korean products are so well-formulated—they’re usually tailored specifically to super sensitive skin like mine and the focus is always caring for the skin barrier. Not to mention the incredibly affordable price tags—that doesn’t hurt, either.
By the grace of the skincare Gods, Amazon Prime Day is host to so many unreal K-beauty deals this year. Starting today through July 11, you can snag over half off on some viral Korean favorites. I know I won’t be squandering this rare opportunity and neither should you. For every product in my routine that’s on sale, keep scrolling! Lots of cult-loved hits and underhyped favorites ahead.
This hydrating and exfoliating essence has been a lifesaver for my acne-prone skin. It’s the only essence designed to pill if you’re wanting to use it as an exfoliant. Containing a low-grade AHA (fermented pomegranate) along with other nutrient-rich ingredients, you can massage it into the skin for a few minutes until you feel any congestion rolling off the skin. I love that you can use it that way or just use it as a hydrating essence in the morning. It leaves your skin with such a radiant glow with 0 irritation.
Mixsoon
Bean Cleansing Oil
There’s always much debate amongst skincare experts whether oil cleansing is good or bad for acne-prone skin, but I can definitely say it’s only helped mine. This Mixsoon formula in particular is perfect for helping with congestion and blackheads but doesn’t clog pores for me.
Finding a moisturizer for my super sensitive skin can feel a bit like playing Russian roulette—I never know what’s going to trigger irritation or breakouts and what won’t. I’ve always found that Korean moisturizers, though, seem to always work well for me. This formula is another gem that packs on the hydration without being heavy or greasy. It also gives you the classic K-beauty “glass skin” look.
VT COSMETICS
Cica Reedle Shot 100
One of my favorite aestheticians Varuni Palacios recommended this formula to me last year and I’ve been hooked ever since. This viral Korean product features innovative spicule technology which helps your skincare routine penetrate even deeper into the skin, making it more effective. It also smooths out rough, bumpy texture and is totally suitable for acne-prone skin. I did experience purging when I first started using it but now I love getting my hands on anything with spicule technology because it really makes a huge difference.
COSRX
Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence
I know the idea of using anything with snail mucin would gross some people out, but hear me out. The idea used to make my skin crawl too, but once you see the benefits it can provide, you’ll definitely reconsider. It’s so hydrating and healing for the skin—especially if you have a damaged skin barrier. Sure, it’s a bit sticky going on, but the feeling doesn’t last and it absorbs really nicely into the skin. I used it for a few months and noticed my skin was less red and irritated from breakouts, plus my barrier was a lot healthier.
BIODANCE
Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
These viral collagen sheet masks from Biodance are the first thing I stock up on during Amazon Prime Day. I love having an at-home spa night and leaving this mask on for hours while I catch up on Love Island.
AESTURA
Atobarrier 365 Lotion
Aestura’s ceramide-rich formulas are so perfect for sensitive skin. The Atobarrier 365 cream version is another viral Korean favorite, but don’t count the lotion out, especially if you’re acne-prone. It’s so lightweight but provides the perfect amount of moisture without causing breakouts. It also helps repair a damaged barrier in a flash.
Abib
Gummy Sheet Mask – 10 Sheets Heartleaf
This was another recommendation from Palacios and I’m so happy they’re on sale for Prime Day. They’re so calming for redness and inflammation, enriched with heartleaf extract and cica.
Beauty of Joseon
Dynasty Cream
Beauty of Joseon has several cult-loved hits. The brand’s Dynasty Cream is a favorite and the velvety rich cream of my dreams. It’s so well-formulated—the hydration is long-lasting and rich. Plus, it gives you a subtle glow and when paired with the sunscreen? Absolute magic.
ROUND LAB
Birch Juice Mild-Up Sunscreen UV Lock
I recently found out Katseye’s Sophia Laforteza and I share a love for Korean brand Round Lab. In particular, I love the brand’s sunscreens which feel more like a moisturizer than actual suncare.
Torriden
Dive in Soothing Cream
This is another classic K-beauty favorite for oilier folks out there. It’s such a lightweight, hydrating water-cream that’s soothing and gives skin extra bounce. It contains several weights of hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts, and panthenol to really lock in moisture.
numbuzin
No.4 Ceramide AHA Glazed Skin Prep Serum
Numbuzin is another Korean brand gaining in popularity recently and for a good reason. It’s hard for me to find exfoliants that don’t further break me out or irritate my skin, but this one contains a 3% glycolic acid and 3% PHA blend that seems to be just the right percentage for me. It’s great for getting rid of those little congestion bumps under the skin without causing my skin to feel super dehydrated thanks to an additional blend of five ceramides.
Korean toners reign supreme every time IMO. After I learned this formula was super popular in Korea, I knew I had to give it a try for myself. It contains brightening ingredients like rice bran extract and cica to soothe redness. It’s also just a really great hydrating step after cleansing that’s a bit lighter than a serum.
ANUA
Heartleaf 77 Clear Pads
Like I mentioned, with my skin type, exfoliants can be super tricky, but Anua’s gentle exfoliating pads are my absolute fave. They get the job done without irritation and even help calm inflammation and redness associated with any breakouts.
ANUA
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
This TikTok viral cleansing oil is my other favorite from the brand. It makes quick work of blackheads, sebaceous filaments, and other points of congestion on the skin. It’s also amazing at removing makeup.
