Last updated on 3rd December 2023 by Sarah Sarsby
If you’re looking for some new ride-or-die skincare products to transform your skin, you’ll absolutely love reading about my top 8 products.
Korean skincare products are some of the best products I’ve ever used. The products are truly innovative, use high-quality ingredients, never irritate the skin, and leave the skin feeling healthy and looking radiant.
I’ve tried a tonne of K-beauty products over the years, and I’m here to tell you which ones stand out from the rest.
And for my fellow peeps in the UK, all of these products are super easy to get your hands on, without extortionate delivery fees from either YesStyle or SkinCupid.
Use code CONFIDENCE10 for up to 5% off YesStyle. Free UK shipping for orders over £50.
** 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 **
1. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
£21 for 100ml
The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is a true hydrating hero.
Who’s it for?
Anyone looking for more hydrated and radiant skin with improved texture and elasticity. This cult classic essence would work for all skin types, as it’s non-greasy, absorbent, and gentle.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Snail secretion filtrate for significantly improving skin hydration, betaine to preserve moisture, and sodium polyacrylate to soften the skin.
Why I love it
I’m obsessed with how dewy this makes my skin look and how hydrated my skin feels. This product seriously delivers #GlassSkinGoals. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is one of those TikTok-viral Korean skincare products that is every bit worth the hype. It never feels sticky or heavy and instantly relieves any dehydration.
2. Dr. Althea 147HA Intensive Soothing Cream
£19.09 for 50ml
The Dr. Althea 147HA Intensive Soothing Cream is one of the best moisturisers I’ve ever used.
Who’s it for?
Anyone looking for a soothing, cooling, and nourishing moisturiser. This one will be particularly loved by those with sensitive skin, but would work for most skin types.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Glycerin for hydration, cyclopentasiloxane for a silky-smooth texture, and caprylic/capric triglyceride for softening and soothing the skin.
Why I love it
This lightweight, calming, and hydrating moisturiser is beautiful. It works into the skin effortlessly with a non-greasy finish, and instantly soothes the skin. The Dr. Althea 147HA Intensive Soothing Cream is easily one of the best moisturisers I’ve ever tried, if not the best one ever.
3. iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
£20 for 200ml
The iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is a luxurious yet affordable way to remove makeup, dirt, and grease from the skin.
Who’s it for?
Anyone who enjoys a good cleansing oil and wants to effortlessly remove SPF, makeup, dirt, and grease. It’s got a thicker and richer formula, so drier skins will particularly love this one.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Sunflower seed oil for soothing the skin, canola oil for its restorative properties, and sorbeth-30 tetraoleate to cleanse the skin.
Why I love it
This incredible cleansing oil is not only incredibly effective at breaking down product, dirt, and grease on the skin, but it’s also super affordable. This cleansing oil is super soft on the skin and never leaves it feeling stripped, while simultaneously nourishing it.
4. Sioris Time is Running Out Mist
£18 for 100ml
The Sioris Time is Running Out Mist revitalises dehydrated skin in an instant.
Who’s it for?
Anyone looking for a super simple and quick way to refresh dehydrated skin throughout the day.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Citrus junos fruit extract to condition the skin, propanediol for a dewy finish, and jojoba seed oil to enhance the skin’s restorative properties.
Why I love it
This mist is great either as a toner for added nourishment or to refresh the skin throughout the day. It’s got an oilier texture than other mists I’ve tried; previous facial sprays I’ve used have been more watery. I really love the moisturising sensation of this mist, as it truly helps boost my skin if it’s feeling dry or dehydrated.
5. Dr. Ceuracle Cica Regen Anti-Dust Sun Gel SPF50+
£25 for 50ml
The Dr. Ceuracle Cica Regen Anti-Dust Sun Gel SPF50+ is one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever used.
Who’s it for?
Anyone looking for a non-greasy, absorbent, lightweight chemical SPF that won’t leave a white cast. Oilier skins will particularly love this non-sticky formula.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Dicaprylyl carbonate to condition the skin, butylene glycol for hydration, and dibutyl adipate to make the skin smooth.
Why I love it
I love that the Dr. Ceuracle Cica Regen Anti-Dust Sun Gel SPF50+ never pills, never makes my skin oily, absorbs instantly, and gives my skin a slight glow. Some sunscreens can be quite mattifying, which can make skin look really flat, but this one makes my skin look healthy. This is one of the most lightweight SPFs I’ve ever used. It also works really well with all other skincare products.
6. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence
£25 for 50ml
The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence is an amazing and affordable hyaluronic acid product.
Who’s it for?
Anyone looking for deeply hydrated and plump skin. This essence would work for all skin types.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Methylpropanediol for dewiness, polyglycerin-3 to retain moisture, and glycerin to hydrate the skin.
Why I love it
Containing 8 different types of hyaluronic acid, this water essence provides excellent value for money. It’s lightweight, instantly hydrates the skin, and makes it feel plumper. This beautiful essence truly gives the skin a beautiful dewy finish. I definitely appreciate this serum so much more now than I did in my initial review, and I believe this is a 5-star product.
7. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
£19.95 for 150ml
The COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is probably my all-time fave toner.
Who’s it for?
Anyone looking to enhance the skin’s moisture barrier.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Propolis extract to soothe the skin, honey extract to hydrate the skin, and butylene glycol for hydration.
Why I love it
The COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is nourishing and easily one of my fave toners ever. It refreshes skin immediately and has a luxurious silky-smooth texture. Despite feeling quite thick, this toner is surprisingly absorbent and lightweight. I also find it calming as an added bonus.
8. Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
£24 for 35ml
The Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a beautiful nourishing vitamin C serum.
Who’s it for?
Anyone looking for a brighter and more radiant complexion. This has an oilier texture than typical serums, so people with particularly oily skin could find this one a bit too rich.
What are some of the key ingredients?
Abscorbic acid to illuminate the complexion and reduce hyperpigmentation, centella asiatica extract to soothe upset skin, and citrus junos fruit extract to condition the skin.
Why I love it
This vitamin C serum is not only great at making my skin look more luminous and bright, but it also moisturises my skin too. It’s like a 2-in-1 vitamin C serum! This is a very affordable serum considering the high-quality INCI list.
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 6 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.
These all sound amazing. I’ve used the HA serum and love it, and also the soothing cream which is incredible. I’d love to try the SPF next.