Acne is probably one of the most common skin issues these days and is an unwanted guest for those aiming for flawless skin.  Add the best Korean skin care products for acne to your skincare routine and shoo it away! A standard Korean skincare routine is based on targeting the root of the concern, rather than treating it superficially. Even when it comes to acne, such a regime emphasizes treating the cause of it. While the causes of acne are varied, the basic triggers are clogged pores, and bacteria (1). However, with consistent use of Korean skin care products for acne, you can tackle the concern with ease. Korean skin care products are formulated with active ingredients that help in unclogging pores and healing anti-inflammatory ingredients. Our contributor Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator, Sensitive Skin LLC, explains, “Korean skincare products often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which provide intense hydration, maintaining skin moisture levels and promoting a plump, youthful complexion. They also frequently incorporate natural extracts like chamomile, pomegranate, green tea, or ginseng, known for their antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental stressors. Korean skincare products are typically devoid of harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens, reducing the risk of irritation and supporting overall skin health.”

From double-cleansing to exfoliating, there are some potent ways to tackle acne right at the start. However, if avoided, acne can indeed become a recurring concern! Sharing her insights on this, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu says “It is a very common skin concern that is very much treatable. But don’t ever wait on it especially if you already are seeing scars or a lot of discoloration.” Hence, to help you tackle acne in the best way possible, we have listed some of our carefully selected products after immense tests and trials that are sure to combat all your acne-related woes.

Our contributor Ollie Wertheim throws some light on the popular types of Korean products to spot-treat acne, saying, “In Korean skincare, some popular products for soothing and spot-treating acne include essence-soaked acne patches, such as hydrocolloid patches, which absorb impurities and protect blemishes. Centella Asiatica-infused products like creams or serums are also favored for their calming and healing properties, helping to reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. Additionally, tea tree oil-based spot treatments are commonly used due to their natural antibacterial properties that target acne-causing bacteria effectively.”

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  Most Moisture-inducing Formula

  Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

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Keep acne breakouts and blemishes at bay with the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. This lightweight formula gets absorbed into your skin quickly and delivers a radiant finish. This Korean skincare for acne-prone skin is enriched with 96.3% snail secretion filtrate that nourishes your skin by absorbing quickly. It deeply hydrates your skin and rejuvenates it to prevent any visible signs of adding. Adding to that, the formula contains 1,000 ppm sodium hyaluronate which promotes skin vitality, soothes inflammation, and leaves your skin plump and supple. This dermatologist-tested formula is also known to promote nourishment to dehydrated and damaged skin.

Quick Tip

Remember to apply snail mucin before your serums. Use a hydrating facial spray or water to keep your skin damp. Then gently dab the mucin on damp skin to get glass skin.

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Best for Fading Dark Spots

Seoul Ceuticals 20% Vitamin C Day Glow Serum

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This brightening serum by Seoul Ceuticals is a powerhouse of invigorating active ingredients. It is a game-changing product that not only fades dark spots but also enhances your skin’s texture. The serum effectively reduces the visible signs of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet. It is packed with a potent blend of 20% vitamin C, along with hyaluronic acid  and ferulic acid to lock in moisture and fade blemishes. Furthermore, it is enriched with the anti-inflammatory properties that unclogs your pores to prevent future acne breakouts, while also diminishing the appearance of acne scars. Besides, it also shields your skin from sun damage and free radical damage.

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Best Floral Scent

Neogen Dermalogy Real Vita C Serum

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Pamper your skin with the soothing Neogen Dermalogy Real Vita C Serum. It contains retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, and glycerin that help boost collagen production, fight the signs of aging, smoothen fine lines, prevent the occurrence of acne, boost skin hydration, and keep the skin fresh and radiant. Its vitamin-C infused formula leaves you with brighter, firmer, and more hydrated skin. Plus, its hypoallergenic formula makes it suitable to use for sensitive skin. Use it every day to bid adieu to all your skin woes. 

Quick Tip

Your skin requires extra TLC when using retinol. Gently dab the serum on dry skin and let it sit. Follow it with a dense moisturizer only after 3 minutes.

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The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam

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The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam is a brightening cleanser that enhances your skin’s complexion and makes it feel soft. It is fortified with the natural rice water solution that is rich in vitamins A, B, and E along with the nourishing properties of ceramide. These ingredients brighten your skin and give it an even tone. While soapwort extracts in it deep cleanse your pores, the moringa oil gently moisturizes the skin. This is one of the best Korean skincare products for acne as its whipped creamy texture washes away impurities, melts makeup, and eradicates dead skin cells. We have found from using this product that it takes you a step closer to the flawless skin that most dream of.

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Best For Spot Treatment

ZitSticka Killa Kit Microdart Acne Pimple Patch

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Get rid of zits and pimples just at the early stage with the ZitSticka Killa Kit Microdart Acne Pimple Patch. This pimple patch is powered by the brand’s signature micro-dart technology that are self-dissolving particles employed to diminish lesions while they are still forming underneath the skin’s surface. Its 8 micro-dart KILLA patches are soaked in Oligopeptide-76, which contains amino acids that instantly reduce and prevent acne inflammation. These patches also are infused with hyaluronic acid for deep moisturization, and salicylic acid to exfoliate impurities off your skin (2).  Adding to this list, it contains niacinamide to reduce redness around the acne. These benefits make the product one of the best Korean skincare products for hormonal acne. as it flattens the up-and-coming zits in around 2 hours, thanks to its target treatment.

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Best for Double Cleansing

HEIMISH All Clean Balm

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Incredible for even the most sensitive skin types, the HEIMISH All Clean Balm is perfect for those who want to include double cleansing in their routine. Enriched with shea butter and coconut fruit extract, the product wonderfully moisturizes, conditions, and softens your skin. It also contains citrus herb oils that have a calming and soothing effect on your skin while the white flower complex helps even out your skin tone. This oil-based balm is buttery-soft and lightweight in texture, and glides on smoothly to wash away stubborn makeup without stripping off skin’s natural oils. Drawing from our experience, we can say that this cleanser balm is one of the best Korean skincare products for acne.

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Best for Long-lasting Hydration

IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

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This lightweight and moisturizing Gel Cream by IUNIK Centella is loaded with botanical ingredients that work their magic on your acne. The formula is enriched with Centella Asiatica leaf water, which is considered a potent ingredient for healing and strengthening the skin barrier (3). Tea tree leaf water is packed with antibacterial properties that soothes irritated acne and rosacea-affected skin. The six patented fresh buds include pak choi, broccoli, sprout wheat, clover, white radish, and cabbage. They are loaded with minerals, enzymes, and nutrients to shield the skin from further harm. This Korean skincare is ideal for acne-prone skin as it does not feel heavy or clog your pores.

Quick Tip

Use the gel-based cream to massage your face well in circular motions before putting your makeup on. This will ensure that your makeup doesn’t crack and your skin doesn’t break out.

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Best for a Calming Effect

MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Face Mask

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To achieve healthy-looking, clear skin, try the MEDIHEAL Tea Tree Essential Face Mask. These highly moisture-inducing sheet masks are designed to fit comfortably on your face and ensure that your skin makes the most from them. Enriched with tea tree oil, which is anecdotally proven beneficial for treating acne, this mask also helps in calming redness and soothing your skin. It also contains a tea tree biome that works in coherence with 4-terpineol for promoting a maximum calming effect on irritated and dehydrated skin. This mask is one of the best Korean products for acne scars and hyperpigmentation. It even helps in maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

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Most Exfoliating Formula

ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

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The ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil is a non-irritating formula that aims to deeply cleanse your pores and melt away the blackheads and whiteheads. This cleansing oil also helps in easily taking off your makeup, while nourishing your skin. Enriched with argan kernel and jojoba seed oil, this formula contains vitamins and omega that replenish your skin with moisture. It is also plush with olive oil that soothes your skin. Furthermore, the product exfoliates dead skin cells, impurities, and excess sebum. To vitalize and enhance dull skin, camellia oil along with evening primrose flowers in it does wonders for your skin, making it one of the best Korean skincare products for acne.

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Best for Inflamed Skin

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

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Formulated with a rich blend of propolis and niacinamide, this serum is designed to cater to inflamed skin. It has a rich texture that leaves a subtle glow of moisture on your skin without feeling sticky or greasy. Enriched with 60% propolis extract, the formula boosts hydration and soothes acne-infected and inflamed skin. And owing to the 2% niacinamide in the formula, you will notice control in sebum secretion. It also maintains the oil and moisture balance of the skin and keeps it moist. Furthermore, with 0.5% betaine salicylate, the product eliminates excess sebum, dirt, and impurities from your pores and even fights acne for a smooth skin texture.

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Best Moisture-balancing Formula

JIN JUNG SUNG Soothing Face Moisturizer

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The JIN JUNG SUNG Soothing Face Moisturizer is an ultra-hydrating formula that is enriched with highly moisturizing ingredients — botanical squalane, shea butter, meadowfoam seed oil, hyaluronic acid, ceramide 3, allantoin, etc. All these potent ingredients work in coherence to replenish the moisture barrier on your skin. We determined through our test that this gluten-free product works best for dehydrated skin. The ingredients soothe and enhance irritated skin while eliminating visible signs of aging. Furthermore, it is powered with collagen, peptide, niacinamide, and adenosine that induces moisture into your skin and promotes natural radiance.

Quick Tip

Hydrate your skin using the soothing moisturizer twice (morning and night) every day for the best results. Top it up with sunscreen before stepping out in the sun to ensure maximum protection from UVA/UVB rays.

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Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Oil

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Best for those with sensitive skin, the Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Oil is deemed for its balancing properties. This 2-in-1 deep cleansing oil lightly exfoliates your skin, and purifies and melts away dirt, impurities, and makeup residue. Our findings show that this Korean skincare for acne-prone skin lifts away excess oils without disrupting the skin's natural balance. It is enriched with sunflower oil that is gentle and soothing on sensitive skin. While the lavender essential oil in this formula calms redness and skin irritation. The formula also contains gluconolactone which protects it against environmental aggressors and irritants by reinforcing the moisture barrier. This lightweight formula leaves your skin feeling clean and soft.

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SeoulCeuticals Ultra Glow Turmeric Face Cream

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Bid adieu to dull skin with the SeoulCeuticals Ultra Glow Turmeric Face Cream. Packed with antioxidant properties from turmeric, this cream aims to brighten and rehydrate your skin to keep dullness at bay. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and moisture. While shea butter and aloe vera aim to soothe dry skin. Plus, the organic glycolic acid in this formula helps refine skin texture and eliminate visible signs of aging (4). It is also among the best Korean products for acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

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Olive Young Care Plus BIG Acne Cover Spot Patch

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Target the up-and-coming acne with the Plus BIG Acne Cover Spot Patch by Olive Young Care. This pimple patch is made with a super thin hydrocolloid sticker which has a soft and blurred texture. This patch sticks onto the skin seamlessly without grabbing too much attention. It has a natural-looking finish, thanks to the translucent and colorless patch that can be used all day and night long. This patch conceals and works perfectly under makeup, while simultaneously healing the acne. Plus, it protects acne from further bacterial infection due to environmental aggressors and has a soothing effect. This is one of the best Korean skin care products for hormonal acne that provides rapid relief.

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Mixsoon Bean Essence

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The Mixsoon Bean Essence is a multitasking formula that exfoliates and hydrates your skin to boost radiance. It is formulated with fermented bean extract which is a rich source of amino acids. It is known to protect damaged skin and strengthen the skin barrier. While the barley in this formula exfoliates your skin and removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and controls excess sebum. To help maintain overall skin health, the formula also has pomegranate, and pear juice that moisturizes the skin and restores it from dryness. The rich formula absorbs into the skin quickly and delivers glowing and younger-looking skin. Based on our observation, this non-sticky formula leaves your skin feeling thoroughly refreshed.

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Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Serum

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Try the Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Serum for its mild and low pH formulation that helps in soothing dry and damaged skin. With zero irritation, this formula is best suited for sensitive and highly acne-prone skin. The formula contains glow-boosting peptides, along with soothing effects from madecassoside. While the ceramides focus on replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier. It strengthens the barrier gently even on the most sensitive skin. This best Korean skin care product for acne also contains 5 hyaluronic acids which attract moisture up to 1000 times to provide intense hydration on dry skin. To soothe the inflammation around acne, the formula contains Centella asiatica, tea tree, and lonicera japonica flower extract.

These were some of the best Korean skincare products for acne that work and keep your skin woes at bay. But before picking any Korean skin care products for acne, it is best to understand how to pick one! The following buying guide will help you with the same.

Acne is a common skin concern. While you can pick any product from the sea of Korean products, it is important to consider a few key factors before buying a product. These factors make sure you buy nothing but the best product to cater to your acne-affected skin.

Type of Acne:

To start with any skin care product, it is best to first focus on the core problem as treating acne in the best way may differ from type to type.

1. Blackheads: These are the open comedones, stubborn, and non-inflammatory acne types. They pop up when the pore gets clogged due to dead skin cells and sebum. Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to combat blackheads with efficacy (5).

2. Whiteheads: These are closed comedones that are caused when clogged pores lead to inflammation. To tackle whiteheads, it is best to opt for ingredients like retinoids, tea tree, or benzoyl peroxide.

3. Cystic Acne: It is one of the severe forms of acne. It occurs when bacteria enter the skin pores and get trapped along with the oil and skin cells. Combine active ingredients like salicylic acid with ceramides to tackle cystic acne.

4. Fungal Acne: These mostly occur on foreheads and are majorly caused due to hair products, and yeast on the scalp or follicles. Tea tree oil and even ketoconazole work wonder on fungal acne.

Ingredients:

When it comes to skincare, it is best to always scan through the label and look for ingredients that help cater to the skin concern well. When it comes to acne in general, include products that contain AHAs such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, as they help in exfoliating skin thoroughly. They even help in eliminating the dead skin cells that can potentially clog pores and lead to breakouts. The next thing to check is the BHA - salicylic acid or even niacinamide as it helps in reducing inflammation, controlling excess sebum, and works best on oily skin types. Vitamin C also plays a key role and is a must when considering Korean skincare for acne-prone skin. It even tones the skin, lightens acne scars, and even restores the skin’s radiance.

Formulation:

The best Korean skin care products for acne come in various forms from serums to toners and cleansing oils. Pick a formula that deems fit for your usage. Just make sure the formula does not clog pores and is allergy-tested. It should contain ingredients that help in targeting acne healing as well as cater to redness, and inflammation, and prevent future breakouts. No matter what formula you pick, it should replenish your skin’s moisture levels and heal your skin in the overall process. The formula is free from all types of toxins, harmful chemicals, colorants, and artificial fragrances. It is best if you opt for a naturally-derived, vegan, and cruelty-safe product as it can handle your skin most gently. 

Now, let us understand how to make the best of our Korean skincare products.

Pro Tip

Your skin type is also crucial to finding the perfect Korean product. Oily skin should opt for gel-based products while dry skin should opt for creamy products.

After you have shortlisted the best Korean skincare products for acne, it is equally important to use them correctly to get optimum efficacy. Here is the perfect way to create a proper and simple 6-step Korean skincare routine for acne-prone skin —

1. Double Cleansing

The double cleansing method is the secret weapon when it comes to nailing the Korean skincare routine. This usually includes an oil-based cleanser that removes unwanted oils from your skin and breaks down makeup, dirt, and impurities. It is then followed by a water-based cleanser that cleans the skin’s surface and excess sebum. If you have oily skin, as per our expertise, you should opt for a gentle foaming cleanser.

2. Exfoliating

Exfoliation plays a key role for those with acne-prone skin. It helps in eliminating the dead skin cells that tend to clog the pores. Eradicating dead skin cells and dirt, can curb the possibility of acne breakouts, blackheads, or pimples. Opt for a chemical exfoliator that penetrates deeper into the skin. It dissolves the dirt and dead skin cell build-up that clogs up your pores. For best results, avoid physical exfoliators as they might be too harsh on the skin, especially sensitive skin.

3. Toner

The next step in the Korean skincare routine is toning. A toner balances your skin’s pH levels and can also help to minimize the appearance of pores. It balances oil production and preps it for the next layers of treatment.

4. Serums

Serums are now a major part of the skincare game, and these help in enhancing the skin overall. From boosting hydration to lightening acne scars, adding serums plays a key role.

5. Moisturize

Moisturizers not only add a layer of hydration to your skin but also lock in the goodness of serums. For acne-prone or oily skin, pick a water-based or gel cream as they do not clog your pores and are lightweight.

6. Sunscreen

The final step is to protect your skin from environmental aggressors and their harmful effects. This is especially if you are using products that have chemical exfoliants, like AHA and BHA.

Contributor: Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator, Sensitive Skin LLC