4 affordable Korean skincare products to try | All under £20!

Today, I’m sharing 4 Korean skincare holy grails that you need to try from iUNIK and COSRX.

Korean skincare is becoming more and more popular across the globe. K-beauty products often incorporate high-quality ingredients that focus on keeping your skin hydrated for that gorgeous ‘glass skin’ look. Korean skincare has also shown the world that effective formulae can be affordable and accessible.

Now, I’ve got 4 new Korean skincare staples to share with you. Best of all, each product costs £20 or less, meaning they won’t break the bank. Keep reading for a look at the INCI lists, product claims, and my thorough review of each product.

All of these products are available at YesStyle, which offers Korean skincare products at very affordable price points with frequent sales. Use my code CONFIDENCE10 for up to 5% off your next haul. Shop here.

** This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **

The Korean skincare products

I tried the following 4 affordable Korean skincare products:

1. iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
2. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
3. iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil 
4. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

Below, I’m going to share the INCI lists, my thoughts on each product, and individual ratings for these goodies.

1. iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum

£16.44

Product claims

The iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum promises to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin while improving elasticity and making it feel plumper. This serum also claims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles for a smoother, healthier and firmer look, making it ideal for use as part of an anti-ageing routine.

Key ingredients

Besides water, the top 5 ingredients listed in this serum’s INCI list are:

• Butylene glycol: a humectant (retains or preserves moisture) and texture enhancer. This ingredient is a penetration enhancer that helps raise water content in the skin and can also reduce roughness
• 1,2-hexanediol: a synthetic preservative and moisture-binding agent
• Beta-glucan: has some antioxidant properties and is a skin-soothing agent. Paula’s Choice says beta-glucan is an excellent ingredient for improving the look of redness and other signs of sensitive skin
• Sodium PCA: hydrates and replenishes the skin
• Ethylhexylglycerin: a skin-softening agent

Normally I’d include the full ingredients list below but this serum only contains 6 ingredients, with the top ingredient being water. Short INCI lists are always a pleasure to look at.

My thoughts

I think the iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum is excellent. It instantly hydrates, soothes, and nourishes the skin upon application while feeling lightweight and non-greasy. In contrast to other hydrating serums I’ve tried, this one has a slightly thicker and gloopier texture but is still very absorbent.

I love that this serum adds instant dewiness to the skin. And more so than other hydrating serums I’ve tried in the past. If you mix this serum with a bit of Glossier’s Futuredew or Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter, you can easily achieve the glowy glass skin look.

I agree that the iUNIK serum makes my skin feel plumper and firmer. I’m prone to a bit of redness on my cheeks and it also helps fight off some of those signs too, which is a welcome bonus.

The NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex MMHC2 is still my favourite hydrating serum. However, the iUNIK serum is far cheaper as it only costs £20 for 50ml, whereas the NIOD serum costs £38 for 30ml. I’ll let you do the maths…

Rating: 5 stars

This serum is wonderfully soothing and moisturising. Plus, it’s not going to break the bank and 50ml is a lot of product for £20.

2. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

£17.24

Product claims

Claiming to enhance the skin’s moisture barrier, the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is supposed to be great for freshening and nourishing the skin every day. The toner claims to protect, moisturise and preserve the skin, without clogging pores. COSRX says this toner will leave the skin feeling soothed and hydrated.

Key ingredients

The top 5 ingredients in this INCI list are:

• Propolis extract: Brownish, resinous material that is collected by bees and used to construct the hive. It has skin-soothing and antioxidant properties
• Honey extract: has excellent skin-soothing and antioxidant properties
• Butylene glycol: a humectant (retains or preserves moisture) and texture enhancer. This ingredient is a penetration enhancer that helps raise water content in the skin and can also reduce roughness
• 1,2-hexanediol: a synthetic preservative and moisture-binding agent
• Glycerin: hydrates the skin

See the full INCI list below:

Propolis Extract, Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

My thoughts

This COSRX toner seems to be pretty popular among aestheticians, so I had high expectations.

The Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is hydrating and gentle, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and nourished in an instant. It’s got a luxurious silky texture that sweeps over the skin effortlessly. Most toners I’ve tried in the past have had a much more watery texture than this COSRX toner. For this reason, I think the Full Fit Toner offers more nourishment and protection than other toners, in my experience.

This is the first product I’ve tried from COSRX and I’ve been thoroughly impressed. There’s a reason this K-beauty product appeared in my June beauty faves.

Also, this hydrating toner boasts a strong INCI list. It’s packed with soothing, hydrating and protective ingredients, which makes it a joy to use. If you’re looking to add some extra hydration and calmness to your routine, the COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is a must-try.

Rating: 5 stars

I really wish I’d tried this highly respected toner sooner!

3. iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil 

£20

Product claims

The iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil promises to deeply clean and moisturise the skin, effortlessly removing all traces of makeup, excess oils and dirt. The botanical oils in this Korean skincare product also claim to restore skin moisture and nutrients.

Key ingredients

The top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Sunflower seed oil: a non-volatile plant oil used as an emollient (softens and soothes the skin) in skincare products. It helps replenish, strengthen and soothe skin
• Canola oil: has restorative and skin-soothing properties
• Marigold (calendula) flower extract: an antioxidant with skin-soothing properties
• Sorbeth-30 tetraoleate: helps cleanse the skin
• Jojoba seed oil: an emollient (softens and soothes the skin) with skin-restoring properties

See the full INCI list below:

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Pot Marigold) Flower Extract, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate

My thoughts

The iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is another product that made it into my June beauty faves. This is easily one of the best cleansers I’ve tried, particularly as the first cleanse as part of my night-time skincare routine. The cleansing oil easily removes makeup and dirt from the skin. And I mean easily. It’s so simple to use and, best of all, won’t feel stripping.

It’s got a slight botanical scent, which I love. This isn’t from additional fragrance but is rather from the various plant oils featured in the ingredients list.

As you can see above, the INCI list boasts loads of ingredients that have softening, replenishing and skin-soothing properties. This translates excellently into the experience of using the cleanser as after I’ve used it, my skin feels calmer, nourished and soft to the touch. Actually, it makes my skin look and feel very healthy.

£16 for a big 200ml bottle is fantastic too. As it’s quite a rich cleansing oil, you don’t need much product to remove makeup and dirt, meaning it will last you for ages. I think people with dry skin will particularly love this cleansing oil.

Rating: 5 stars

The iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is now one of my favourite cleansers of all time.

4. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

£14.87

Product claims

Claiming to be ideal for those with sensitive skin, the iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is supposed to be a lightweight and refreshing moisturiser. This gel moisturiser is supposed to make the skin look stress-free, clearer and brighter. It also promises to calm and heal the skin.

Key ingredients

The top 5 ingredients listed in the INCI list are:

• Tea tree leaf water: an antioxidant with skin-soothing properties
• Centella asiatica leaf water: an antioxidant-rich extract that improves the skin’s moisture content
• Butylene glycol: a humectant (retains or preserves moisture) and texture enhancer. This ingredient is a penetration enhancer that helps raise water content in the skin and can also reduce roughness
• Niacinamide: this is an incredibly popular skincare ingredient that offers a multitude benefits, including: visibly reducing enlarged pores and improving dull, uneven skin tone; boosting skin’s barrier strength and hydration; mitigating negative effects of environmental stressors; and helping regulate skin’s oil production, making it popular for people with oily skin
• Methyl trimethicone: a silicione

See the full INCI list below:

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/Cl0-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine,1Glycerin, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melaleuca Altemifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Vinyl/Dimethicone Crosspolymer

My thoughts

One of my favourite aspects of the iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is that it’s very refreshing and lightweight. The formula feels instantly cooling on the skin and absorbs almost immediately. I believe that people with sensitive or oily skin would enjoy this sensation.

If my skin feels a bit aggravated or warm, this moisturiser instantly calms it down. I also love that niacinamide features so high up the INCI list as it’s such a powerhouse ingredient with so many benefits. Popular skincare vlogger Hyram and dermatologist channel Doctorly also love niacinamide.

However, it’s not my favourite moisturiser. I’ve used other moisturisers that I personally feel do a better job of nourishing and hydrating the skin.

But at £14 for 30ml of product, the iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is a more affordable option and I think oilier skin types would prefer it because it’s got a less thick texture.

Rating: 4 stars

A good refreshing moisturiser but not my favourite.

Overall thoughts on these Korean skincare products

These K-beauty staples should serve as a reminder that you don’t need to spend lots of money to get high-quality skincare. If you want to splurge on some luxurious skincare products, then there’s nothing wrong with that, but you don’t have to.

I love high-end skincare products but find that some of the more affordable options, like the ones in this post, do just as good a job and sometimes even better.

All of the skincare products in this post have skin-soothing and hydrating properties, which I adore. It’s important to be kind to your skin as using too many harsh products can lead to an impaired skin barrier and sensitivity. Korean beauty brands are great at prioritising hydration in skincare products.

I would definitely purchase all of the above products with my own money.

All of these products are available at YesStyle, which offers Korean skincare products at very affordable price points with frequent sales. Use my code CONFIDENCE10 for up to 5% off your next haul. Shop here.

Favourite product?

It’s got to be the iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil. The COSRX toner is a very close second, though.

What is your favourite Korean skincare product? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below

Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 5 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.