Korean skincare has taken the beauty world by storm, known for its innovative products, effective formulations, and dedication to achieving flawless, glass-like skin. Each year, new trends emerge, shaping the way people around the world approach skincare. Whether it is layering hydration, using fermented ingredients, or adopting minimalist routines, K-beauty offers something for everyone.
Brands like Donginbi and Sensoo Skincare are at the forefront of these trends, providing high-quality skincare solutions that cater to modern beauty needs. If you are looking to elevate your skincare routine, here are the top Korean skincare trends you need to try this year.
Skinimalism: The Rise of Minimalist Skincare
The days of a 12-step routine are fading as more people embrace skinimalism—a minimalist approach to skincare that focuses on only essential products.
Why It’s Popular
- Saves time and money.
- Reduces the risk of irritation from too many products.
- Encourages the use of high-quality, multitasking skincare items.
How to Try It
Stick to the basics:
- Gentle Cleanser – Removes impurities without stripping the skin.
- Hydrating Serum – Provides deep moisture and nourishment.
- Moisturizer – Locks in hydration.
- Sunscreen – Protects against UV damage.
Many Korean brands, including Sensoo Skincare, offer multi-functional products that hydrate, brighten, and protect in one step, making skinimalism easy to follow.
Ginseng-Powered Skincare for Anti-Aging
Traditional Korean medicine has long used red ginseng for its incredible health benefits, and now it is becoming a powerhouse ingredient in skincare.
Why It’s Popular
- Boosts collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
- Rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and premature aging.
- Increases circulation, giving skin a radiant glow.
How to Try It
Look for ginseng-infused serums, creams, and masks from brands like Donginbi, which specializes in red ginseng skincare. Incorporating ginseng into your routine can help reduce fine lines, improve skin firmness, and enhance overall complexion.
Barrier Repair and Strengthening Skincare
A healthy skin barrier is crucial for maintaining hydrated, resilient skin. Korean skincare is shifting its focus to products that repair and protect the skin barrier using gentle yet effective ingredients.
Why It’s Popular
- Prevents moisture loss and dehydration.
- Reduces redness, irritation, and breakouts.
- Keeps skin looking plump, soft, and youthful.
How to Try It
Use products that contain:
- Ceramides – Strengthen the skin barrier.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica) – Soothes irritation and redness.
- Probiotics – Help balance the skin’s microbiome.
Brands like Sensoo Skincare focus on gentle formulations that nourish and protect the skin barrier, making them perfect for sensitive and dry skin types.
Fermented Ingredients for Brighter, Healthier Skin
Fermented ingredients are a key trend in K-beauty, offering enhanced absorption, hydration, and nourishment. These natural extracts undergo a fermentation process that breaks them down into smaller molecules, making them more potent and effective.
Why It’s Popular
- Improves skin texture and radiance.
- Delivers deep hydration for long-lasting moisture.
- Helps with anti-aging and skin renewal.
How to Try It
Look for:
- Fermented Rice Extract – Brightens and evens out skin tone.
- Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate – Hydrates and improves elasticity.
- Fermented Green Tea – Fights inflammation and free radical damage.
Many Korean serums and essences now feature fermented ingredients, making it easy to incorporate this trend into your routine.
Waterless Skincare: Highly Concentrated Formulas
Waterless skincare is gaining momentum as a sustainable and effective approach to skincare. Instead of diluting active ingredients with water, these products use concentrated botanical extracts, oils, and fermented ingredients for maximum benefits.
Why It’s Popular
- More potent and effective formulations.
- Environmentally friendly—less water usage in production.
- Longer shelf life and less need for preservatives.
How to Try It
- Solid cleansers and balm moisturizers instead of water-based ones.
- Essences and serums with botanical extracts instead of water-heavy formulas.
- Powder masks and cleansers that activate with a small amount of liquid.
Brands like Donginbi are embracing this trend by offering highly concentrated ginseng-based skincare that deeply nourishes the skin.
Glass Skin: Achieving the Ultimate Dewy Glow
The glass skin trend—a term used to describe skin that looks smooth, hydrated, and luminous—remains one of the most sought-after K-beauty trends.
Why It’s Popular
- Creates a healthy, natural glow.
- Focuses on hydration and nourishment rather than covering imperfections.
- Works for all skin types.
How to Try It
- Use hydrating toners, essences, and serums with hyaluronic acid.
- Apply lightweight moisturizers that seal in hydration without heaviness.
- Opt for dewy-finish sunscreens and face mists for an extra glow.
Sensoo Skincare offers hydration-focused products that help achieve the coveted glass skin look without needing multiple layers of skincare.
Multipurpose SPF: Sun Protection with Skincare Benefits
Korean skincare brands are redefining sunscreen by creating formulas that do more than just block UV rays. New SPF products now include hydration, brightening agents, and anti-aging ingredients, making them essential in everyday skincare.
Why It’s Popular
- Provides broad-spectrum UV protection.
- Hydrates and nourishes while protecting the skin.
- Helps prevent dark spots, aging, and sun damage.
How to Try It
- Choose lightweight SPF gels or essences for comfortable wear.
- Look for sunscreens with added niacinamide, green tea, or centella.
- Opt for tone-up sunscreens that brighten and even out complexion.
Many brands, including Sensoo Skincare, have developed multi-functional sunscreens that combine skincare and sun protection in one step.
Conclusion
Korean skincare continues to revolutionize the beauty industry with its innovative ingredients, advanced formulations, and holistic approach to skincare. Whether you are embracing skinimalism, ginseng-infused anti-aging products, barrier repair creams, or fermented skincare, these trends offer something for every skin type and concern.
Brands like Donginbi and Sensoo Skincare are leading the way in delivering high-quality products that keep up with these latest trends. By incorporating these new skincare innovations, you can achieve healthier, glowing skin while enjoying the best that K-beauty has to offer.
This year is all about effortless, effective, and sustainable skincare—so why not start exploring these Korean skincare trends today?