Whether you favour a multi-step skincare routine or a simpler one, the latest Korean beauty launches will upgrade your complexion – think barrier repair and brightening actives for baby-soft skin at any age.
Words: Katy Sunnassee. Images: Shutterstock.
The Koreans have long known more than a thing or two about skincare, and spearheaded the trend in multi-step skincare routines – think double cleanse, tone, essence, spritz and serum, not to mention overnight masks and more. And K-beauty truly became mainstream in the UK last year thanks to multiple brands hitting high-street shelves.
This year, Korean skincare is set to continue its rise and garner an even bigger fan base thanks to its focus on heritage ingredients, barrier-repair formulas – great for winter-parched skin – including ceramides, peptides and soothing botanicals with cutting-edge delivery systems to fortify the skin’s natural defences.
These advanced blends not only protect skin against environmental stressors but also enhance its resilience and hydration, reflecting the ongoing shift from surface treatments to holistic, preventative skin health. One ingredient making waves is fermented rice extract.
Long before “glass skin” became a global beauty trend (a term coined to describe the lacquered, porcelain-looking complexions of the models that went down the runways at the SS24 Maison Margiela show, created by legendary make-up artist Pat McGrath), rice was at the heart of Korean skincare rituals, creating super-smooth complexions.
Women would rinse rice before cooking and use the leftover rice water to cleanse the face and rinse the hair. It was valued for its ability to soften skin, improve clarity and create a naturally luminous complexion that modern K-beauty still chases today. And now this heritage ingredient is being reimagined for the modern market through sophisticated formulations.
‘What’s changed is not the belief in rice, but the technology behind it. Traditional rice water has evolved into high-concentration rice extracts, fermented rice derivatives and enzyme-treated powders, allowing modern formulas to deliver the same glow-enhancing benefits with greater stability, potency and skin compatibility,’ says Tori Kim, from Korean brand Anua (anua.global).
Naturally rich in amino acids, minerals and antioxidants to support hydration and radiance, rice extract helps improve skin clarity and translucency – the hallmarks of glass skin.
‘It also supports the skin barrier, making it ideal for sensitive or over-treated complexions,’ says Tori, adding: ‘As consumers increasingly move away from aggressive actives and towards barrier-friendly, skin-calming routines, rice has re-emerged as a hero ingredient, with Anua leading that revival with its five-piece rice range that bridges tradition and innovation, pairing high concentrations of rice extract with modern barrier technology for visible glow without irritation.’
Another K-beauty brand that finally landed on UK shores late last year, and which is now available at Superdrug, is Dr. Althea (doctoraltheaglobal.com).
Loved for its science-led, skin-soothing formulas, minimalist aesthetic and purse-friendly price points, the brand has already gone viral on TikTok with millions of views, rave reviews, and celebrity fans including Selena Gomez.
‘From the very beginning, our goal has been to make sophisticated yet sensitive-skin-friendly skincare available to everyone,’ says Dana Shin at Dr.Althea.
‘Since day one, we’ve been dedicated to helping people achieve long-term healthy skin. We’re thrilled to bring our clean, effective skincare to UK consumers through our partnership with Sephora,’ adds Evelyn Lee, CEO and founder of the brand.
Even newer to our shores is Sulwhasoo – a firm favourite in Korea and now available exclusively at Cult Beauty. The brand blends time-honoured tradition with cutting-edge innovation, harnessing the power of ginseng to support skin resilience and radiance.
‘Rooted in heritage yet proven by modern science, Sulwhasoo is the definition of a cult brand, backed by decades of research and proven results,’ says Sophia Ghwedar, senior buyer for Cult Beauty. So if you want to take your skincare to the next level, try the products across the page – they could become your new must-haves.
Sensorial skincare
‘Turning daily routines into moments of self-care and mood enhancement is a big trend this year, with products that focus on engaging all the senses. Think subtle aromas and silky formulas for calming, enjoyable application. This trend reflects a shift from purely functional skincare to products that nurture both skin and wellbeing,’ says Nathalie Eleni, our skincare guru.
Your K-beauty buys
Look more than A-OK with these Korean innovations – now available in the UK.
Prep your skin without stripping it of its natural oils with Anua Rice 70+ Glow Milky Toner (£22). Used post-cleanse and pre-serum, it harnesses a high concentration of rice extract and is microbiome-friendly to prep skin for additional products.
Then when your skin needs some intensive moisture, apply the Anua 70+ Glow Collagen Mask (£16), which fuses rice extract with collagen for instant luminosity, hydration and bounce. It’s perfect for event-ready glass skin.
SPF is serious business for the Koreans, with formulas just as sophisticated as regular skincare, blending broad‑spectrum SPF with hydrating ingredients. Anua Zero‑Cast SPF 50 (£18) combines SPF50 protection with hydrating and skin‑supporting niacinamide, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin and vitamin E.
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your complexion, so when in need of an instant hit of moisture, try Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Cream Mist (£18). Lightweight and refreshing, the ultra-fine mist revives skin with a single spritz thanks to a super-concentrated dose of ceramides per spritz, to intensively hydrate skin and help create a protective barrier. Absorbs quickly to plump up skin without disturbing make-up.
If regular vitamin C is too harsh for you, try Dr.Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum (£20), designed for sensitive skin types. It contains 20 per cent Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract and Camellia sinensis leaf to improve dark spots and dullness on sensitive, acne-prone skin, providing gentle yet effective brightening benefits without irritation. The moisturising oil capsule system makes it ideal for first-time vitamin C users.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Water (£90) refreshes and hydrates skin with a lightweight texture that instantly absorbs. Enriched with Korean ginseng, it promotes a more luminous, energised complexion by reducing dullness and protecting the delicate barrier. Suitable for all skin types, especially those needing a boost, this toner balances and refreshes, leaving the skin feeling plump, smooth and vibrant.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (£18) deeply cleanses without stripping the skin, using the power of Korean green plum to gently exfoliate with naturally occurring AHA, while the Glow Replenishing Rice Milk (£15) is a bi-phase rice milk toner that works in two layers to both hydrate with rice extract while controlling excess serum. The Dynasty Cream (£21) is a rich, creamy moisturiser especially suited for deep hydration during the winter months. Formulated with nourishing rice bran and niacinamide, the rich cream plumps skin for a dewy finish.
Another from Beauty of Joseon, the Revive Under Eye Patches in Ginseng and Retinal (£17) wake up your undereye thanks to brightening, elasticity restoring ingredients including ginseng water, retinal, collagen, peptides and plant-based retinol alternative bakuchiol, all packed into hydrogel patches that minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harsh rays is one way to maintain a flawless complexion. K-Beauty staple Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily SPF50+ (£16) helps you do just that. The lightweight, non-greasy formula leaves no white cast and has a velvety finish. It’s enriched with black rice extract and hyaluronic acid as well as ceramides, adenosine and niacinamide to help your skin retain moisture while keeping skin feeling comfortable throughout the day.
