Exfoliation is essential for bright and radiant skin, and if you follow the latest beauty trends and tips, you are probably aware of the hype of Korean beauty products. Some of the best Korean exfoliators are now widely available and used by many skincare enthusiasts globally. 

Dermatologist and skin care enthusiast, Dr Dray says,“If you look at Korean skincare routines, it largely focuses on hydrating ingredients, layered hydration and the incorporation of ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, skin barrier soothing, and supports skin barrier health.”

From celebrities and social media beauty gurus to our friends and colleagues, everyone is talking about the benefits of Korean exfoliators and other skincare products. These K beauty skincare products are especially sought-after because they focus on the prevention and protection of the skin rather than solely repairing the damage.

Here is a well-curated list of the best Korean exfoliators for all skin types.

• 1
  Best for Acne-Prone

  DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub

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The DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub brings the goodness and benefits of pricey Microdermabrasion treatments into the comforts of your home. A little product goes a long way, and if you use it 2-3 times a week as recommended, it will last up to 120 days. This Korean exfoliator's formulation is free of harsh chemicals and substances like parabens and sulfates. The scrub's soft, non-abrasive pumice granules remove dead skin cells and blackheads, lessen acne scars and hyperpigmentation, and leave the skin with a healthy glow. Further, the glycolic acid derived from sugar cane aids with regenerating cell growth, thus making your skin healthier and youthful.  

Key Ingredients
Sugar Cane Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract

Skin Type
Acne-prone

2

Best On-the-go Exfoliation

COSRX Original Clear Pad

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The COSRX Original Clear Pad are dual-sided pads that provide the twin benefits of exfoliation and sebum control along with moisturization. This travel-friendly product is ideal for those looking for a quick skincare regimen. The low-pH hypoallergenic pads contain betaine salicylate and white willow bark that exfoliates dead skin cells and help smoothen and hydrate the skin without causing irritation while removing dirt, impurities, and makeup residue from the skin. The balanced AHA and BHA composition makes it the best exfoliator for combination skin. Please note that for effective results, you should wipe with the embossed side to exfoliate and use the softer side to tone and moisturize.

Key Ingredients

1% BHA (Betaine Salicylate), 85.9% White Willow Bark, Tea Tree Oil

Skin Type
Acne-prone

3

Best Physical Exfoliant

SKINFOOD Rice Mask Face Off

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If you like scented products, the SKINFOOD Rice Mask Face Off will feel like a nice blend of rice and jasmine. This Korean face scrub's consistency is thick, similar to crushed rice pudding. All skin types can use this face scrub as the formulation is quite hydrating. The 20% Cheorwon Odae rice bran water helps clarify dead skin and brightens skin tone, while 5% Cheorwon Odae rice powder gently exfoliates the skin. This Korean face exfoliator takes a few uses to show actual results, but when used religiously, it leaves the skin looking smooth, silky, and dewy.

Key Ingredients
Cheorwon Odae Rice Bran Water

Skin Type
Suits all skin types

4

Best to Improve Skin Texture

O.R.G SKINCARE Mineral Peel Body

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The O.R.G SKINCARE Mineral Peel Body is one of the best Korean peeling exfoliators that can be used by all skin types. An easy-to-carry and quick-to-use exfoliator –  it removes dirt, dead, and damaged skin cells and leaves the skin feeling smoother. The organic enzymes in the product prevent ingrown hair and uneven tans, and boost the rejuvenation process. The aloe vera extract, rose flower oil, cucumber, and other natural ingredients in the formulation contain antioxidant and anti-aging properties. A total value for money, this Korean exfoliator brightens, smoothens, and evens the skin texture right from the first application. 

Key Ingredients

Grapefruit Seed extract, Aloe Leaf Extract, Artemisia extract, Rosewood, Retinol

Skin Type
Suits all skin types

5

O.R.G SKINCARE Mineral Peel Face

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The O.R.G SKINCARE Mineral Peel Face is a non-abrasive natural exfoliant with brightening agents. The ancient Korean formula does not irritate or dry out the skin. The natural mineral peeling formulation is the first step to removing dead and damaged skin cells, shrinking pores, and rejuvenating the skin. The key ingredients include jojoba oil and aloe vera, which have antibacterial characteristics; grapefruit and cucumber, which are soothing, anti-aging, and provide a glow from within; and hyaluronic acid and retinol which help in retaining moisture and prevent wrinkles. This is one of the top Korean facial exfoliators for younger, smoother, and brighter skin.

Key Ingredients

Jojoba Oil, Grapefruit Seed, Mugwort Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Retinol, Aloe Vera

Skin Type
Suits all skin types

6

Best Peeling Gel

MOTHER MADE Exfoliating Aqua Peel Gel

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While it works on all skin types, the Mother Made Exfoliating Aqua Peel Gel is the best peeling gel for the face for oily skin. By extracting dead skin cells, impurities, and pore buildups, this Korean facial exfoliator swiftly smoothes rough skin texture and makes it bright and radiant. It is formulated with moisture-rich cellulose fiber and other plant-based ingredients. Infused with natural skin conditioners like Green tea, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Baobab Seed Extract, this Korean vegan peeling gel works effectively without stripping the skin of its essential moisture. 

Key Ingredients
Natural Cotton Cellulose, Green Tea Leaf Water, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract

Skin Type
Suits all skin types

7

SKINFOOD Black Sugar Perfect Scrub Foam

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SKINFOOD Black Sugar Perfect Scrub Foam, an organic sugar Korean skin scrub for the face, is gentle and safe for dry, normal, and sensitive skin. This soft and creamy foam-like whipped cream is made from mineral black sugar and refined rice wine extract that clarifies, smoothens, and revitalizes the skin by removing flaky dead skin cells and impurities. Black sugar provides enriching vitamins and minerals that nourish and hydrate the skin, while the rice wine helps to tighten the pores and reduce sebum. This is the best dead skin remover for the face and can also be used for effortless makeup removal.

Key Ingredients

Black Sugar, Refined Rice Wine 

Skin Type
Dry

8

TONYMOLY I'm Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser

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TONYMOLY I'm Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser is a powder based exfoliant and provides the ultimate Korean skin care exfoliation experience. It is developed with a unique water-activated powder charged with rice powder, rice extract, and papaya extract. The fine rice powder gently exfoliates the skin, while the rice extract, being anti-inflammatory, soothes and nourishes the skin. The papaya enzyme eliminates dead skin and improves skin texture and tone, leaving it softer, brighter, and youthful. This cleanser is free of artificial fragrances and colors and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients

Rice Powder, Rice Extract, Papaya Enzyme 

Skin Type

Suits all skin types

9

PYUNKANG YUL Peeling Gel

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Pyunkang Yul Peeling Gel is a popular Korean peeling gel exfoliant that has Environmental Working Group (EWG) safety-grade ingredients and is safe to use on sensitive skin. The papaya fruit extract and citric acid infused formulation gently dissolves dead skin cells and soothes irritation. Extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis root and licorice contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, while tea tree helps to control sebum secretion. Finally, hyaluronic acid locks the moisture and keeps the skin hydrated. You can anticipate seeing smoother, younger-looking skin after using this product routinely.

Key Ingredients

Papaya Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tea Tree Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Urea 

Skin Type
Suits all skin types, especially dry and sensitive

10

Rokkiss Tea Tree Peeling Gel

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Rokkiss Tea Tree Peeling Gel contains natural cellulose that gently peels off old dead skin cells and impurities from the skin. It is a fantastic exfoliator for combination skin as it is infused with tea tree that calms and protects the skin; Centella Asiatica, which repairs skin damage; and cypress leaves, which have brightening properties. It is one of the best peeling gels on a budget, is very simple to use and works in just a few minutes, making it the perfect solution for people looking for short and quick skincare regimen.

Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Leaves, Licorice Extract, Cypress Leaves, Aloe vera, Centella Asiatica

Skin Type
Suits all skin types

Korean skincare products are popular and effective, but that does not mean you can pick up any Korean exfoliator at your nearest beauty store and start using it. Exfoliators can be harsh on the skin, making selecting the right one necessary to see results. Take into consideration the following factors while buying a Korean exfoliator.

1. Skin Type

While the best Korean exfoliator brands use high-quality ingredients that are dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive skin, for effective results, choose the Korean exfoliator that is specifically crafted for your skin type – dry, oily, combination, or sensitive.

Quick Tip for Different Skin Type:

• Oily Skin - If you have oily skin use physical exfoliants containing Salicylic acid and non-comedogenic ingredients.
• Dry Skin - If you have dry skin,cream and oil-based exfoliants containing glycolic acid and lactic acid are ideal. Also, never combine a physical and chemical exfoliant.
• Sensitive Skin - If you have sensitive skin, gentle cream or gel-based exfoliants containing poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs) like gluconolactone.

2. Product Formulation

From microdermabrasion, gel-based peel, and chemical exfoliants to conventional physical exfoliators, we have covered a variety of Korean skin exfoliators in the list above. While choosing a Korean exfoliator, select the right concentration of AHAs (glycolic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid). Steer clear of the products containing sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, synthetic colors and fragrances, and other harmful toxins.

3. Benefits

While you could make a simple face mask at home, you choose to invest in a Korean facial scrub because of its advantages over and beyond the removal of impurities and dead skin cells. Thus, choose the product depending on its quality and efficiency. This could include rejuvenating skin cells, moisture renewal, removing acne scars and blemishes, and improving the texture and tone of the skin.

4. Price

Any skincare product you buy should be a good value for the money, and you know it is when it does what it promises, simplifies your skincare regimen, and makes your skin feel good.

Any effective skin care regimen includes exfoliation – the process of removing dirt, grime, and dead and skin cells from the face. But it is important that you are using the right products and tools for exfoliation. The Korean exfoliating scrub that will be effective for oily skin may not give desired results to those with dry skin type. 

1. The first step in exfoliation is choosing the right product based on your skin type. We have already covered this previously.

2. The next step is to get your skin ready for the exfoliation process. This includes using a cleaner to remove dirt, sweat, and pollutants from the skin's surface. Use lukewarm water for cleansing to open up the pores.

3. Next, adhere to the directions listed on your product. Physical exfoliants require you to massage the product into the skin, while peeling gels may need to be left on the skin for a few minutes before you begin massaging it. 

Make sure you are using gentle strokes and moving in circular motion, covering all parts of the face except the eye area. 

Note: If you experience irritation or burning while using the product, remove it immediately and wash your face with cold water. 

4. When the exfoliation has been completed, you can clean your face with water and/or a mild face wash.

5. Use a toner to calm the skin, and apply a generous amount of moisturizer to seal in the moisture. After exfoliating, it is advised not to go outside in the sun. However, if necessary, use a broad spectrum sunscreen.

While exfoliation is an essential part of the skincare process, it should not be included more than 2-3 times a week. Excess exfoliation can strip your skin of moisture and other proteins. So listen and follow your K beauty gurus, and you’ll have healthy glowing skin in no time!