Our favorite Korean skincare brands
New to K beauty or ready to upgrade your routine with proven favorites? Below you will find our hero brands, with tips and product spots you can fill right away.
Why these six brands?
Korean skincare has an endless amount of brands and viral K beauty products, but these six are the ones we personally reach for the most. They are easy to use, effective and feel great on the skin. From calming favorites to deep hydration and serums that deliver fast results, these are the brands that make it simple to build a routine that works.

Beauty of Joseon
This beloved brand blends Hanbang herbs with modern formulas. Think of ginseng, rice water and green tea that make the skin glow without weighing it down. The serums are favorites because they feel lightweight and calm the skin fast.
- Focus on traditional herbs and healthy skin
- Great for sensitive, dry and acne prone skin
- Cruelty free

COSRX
COSRX is all about results. Minimal formulas with powerful ingredients like snail mucin, niacinamide and tea tree. Great for blemishes and a sensitive skin that can still handle active ingredients.
- Created for specific skin concerns like acne and blackheads
- Famous for the Snail 96 Essence and effective toners
- Cruelty free

SKIN1004
Calming and simple. SKIN1004 uses a lot of Centella Asiatica from Madagascar. The formulas are light, fragrance free and focused on repair, ideal when your skin feels red or irritated.
- Centella as key ingredient for calm and repair
- Minimal formulas without harsh ingredients
- Cruelty conscious with a focus on sustainability

Anua
Known for calming toners and masks that feel like a spa moment at home. Anua uses Heartleaf and niacinamide to soothe the skin and support the barrier. Perfect for stressed or red skin.
- Minimal formulas with gentle ingredients
- Strengthens the barrier with ceramides and panthenol
- Popular with sensitive and combination skin

Laneige
Laneige is a South Korean brand whose name means snow in French, a symbol of clarity and natural glow. The brand focuses on water science and deep hydration to make the skin glow from within. Iconic products like the Water Sleeping Mask and the Lip Sleeping Mask give your skin and lips a soft, replenishing boost while you sleep.
- Hydration hero with the Water Bank line
- Overnight masks that leave skin comfortable when you wake up
- Blend of traditional rituals and modern science

Purito Seoul
Purito Seoul is all about gentle, effective care that respects your skin barrier. With ingredients like ceramides, squalane, panthenol and centella, the brand brings comfort and calm back to the skin. Simple, pleasant textures without fuss, just visible repair. And of course the brand is fully cruelty free and vegan.
- Barrier friendly and suitable for sensitive skin
- Clear ingredient lists with a focus on comfort
- Community favorite: Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer
Frequently asked questions
Which brands are best for sensitive skin?
SKIN1004 and Anua are known for calming formulas. Purito Seoul is also a safe choice thanks to barrier friendly ingredients.
Can I mix products from different brands?
You can definitely mix products, just choose a gentle base and add a targeted serum. For example a cleanser from COSRX + a serum from Beauty of Joseon + a moisturizer from Purito + SPF.
What is the difference between an essence and a serum?
An essence is usually lighter and focuses on hydration and absorption. A serum is more concentrated and targets a specific goal like pigmentation or redness.
Which Laneige products are true must have products?
The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask and the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask are real must have products. Apply them in the evening so you wake up with soft skin and smooth lips.
Where can I buy these brands?
At Little Wonderland you can find all these brands. Discover every brand on the English site. View the full overview.
Are these brands cruelty free?
Many products from these brands are cruelty free. Check each product page for the most up to date status.
With these six brands you can easily build a routine that fits your skin. Start simple and listen to what your skin needs. Hydrate with Laneige, calm with SKIN1004 and Anua, target specific goals with Beauty of Joseon and COSRX and lock in your glow with Purito Seoul.
With love for skincare,
Little Wonderland

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