10 Best Korean Skincare Products For Acne In 2023
These gentle K beauty products are a must-have for acne-prone skin.
Dr. Anna H. ChaconMD, FAAD
Expertise: Dermatology
Experience: 9 years
Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with over 9 years of experience. She enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology and is licensed to practice in 49 states. She i... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Dealing with and treating acne is tricky. Therefore, you should be patient and cautious while choosing what goes on your skin. Some of the best Korean skincare products for acne will make your choice easy. These products are known for their minimal ingredients, yet they are highly effective in dealing with skin issues. In this article, you can get more information on these products that are highly effective against acne. Scroll down to know more and select the one which best suits your skin.
In This Article
10 Best Korean Skin Care Products For Acne
1. Best For All Skin Types: Heimish All Clean Balm – Oil Cleanser To Keep Your Skin Clear
Koreans believe in double cleansing, and an oil cleanser is the first step in any Korean skincare regimen. This oil cleanser has a solid cream-like consistency. It contains tea tree oil, which is an excellent Korean acne cream for acne-prone skin. This cleanser cleanses your skin thoroughly and clears the pores to fight acne. It also contains citrus oil that helps fade spots and marks and white flower complex that brightens your skin. It is the best Korean skincare for acne. Check out this video to better understand the functions of this product.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrances
Cons
None
Remember2. Best Natural Formula: Neogen Dermalogy Green Tea Real Fresh Foam – A Gentle Cleanser For The Second Cleansing Step
After cleansing your skin with an oil, you need to follow up with a gentle cleanser. This cleanser cleanses your skin thoroughly without irritating it. It contains fermented green tea extracts and is loaded with antioxidants that soothe acne-prone skin. It does not contain any harsh cleansing agents. It is the best Korean cleanser for acne.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- 99% natural ingredients
- Clinically tested
Cons
None
3. Best Fragrance-Free Formula: Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – To Gently Exfoliate Your Skin And Pores
BHA exfoliants are excellent for acne-prone skin because they are gentle and effective. This product contains 4% BHA (betaine salicylate, a cousin of salicylic acid). This ingredient exfoliates the skin slowly and gently. Even long after the product has evaporated from your skin, the effect of the ingredient remains, and the exfoliation process continues. It also contains vitamin B5 and willow bark extracts that keep the skin hydrated. It is the best Korean acne treatment. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
Pros
- No artificial fragrance
- Paraben-free
- No artificial colors
- No phthalein and triethanolamine
Cons
None
Pro TipDr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Chemical exfoliants are a staple in the Korean skincare routine. They help to remove dead skin cells that might cause blocked pores, blackheads, and further outbreaks. My personal favorite is the COSRX’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.”
4. Best For pH Balance: Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner – To Soothe Your Skin And Balance The pH
Restoring the skin’s pH is crucial for acne-prone skin. It helps balance the skin, keep it calm, and prevent breakouts. This toner hydrates and soothes your skin post-cleansing. It contains aloe vera, licorice root, and Centella Asiatica extracts. It also contains wheat amino acids that help reduce inflammation and Phyto-Oligo that keeps the skin moisturized and prepares it for the next skincare step. It is the best Korean toner for acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- No artificial fragrances
- Colorant-free
- No harsh ingredients
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
5. Best For Skin Elasticity: Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – ToPrevent The Recurrence Of Acne
This essence by Cosrx contains 96.3% snail secretion filtrate (cruelty-free) that hydrates the skin intensely and repairs it to heal your acne. Its gentle formula prevents your skin from losing moisture. It also improves skin elasticity. It is the best Korean skincare routine acne-prone skin. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review of the product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
6. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Dr.Jart+ Dermask Clearing Solution – To Combat Acne Inflammation
Your troubled skin needs to be soothed, and nothing can perform this task better than a sheet mask. This sheet mask from Dr. Jart+ is developed for acne-prone skin. It helps soothe redness and irritation as it contains salicylic acid and tea tree oil. It also contains niacinamide that helps control excess oil production and evens out your skin tone by reducing the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. This face mask does not contain anything that can irritate your skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- No artificial fragrance or color
- Alcohol-free
- No mineral oil
- Triethanolamine-free
- No propylene glycol
- DEA-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
None
7. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Cosrx AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum – To Deal With The Aftermath Of Acne
Cosrx claims that this is the ultimate serum to reduce the traces of acne. From dark spots to scars, it claims to clear every mark left behind by acne. The key ingredients of this serum include Centella AC- Rx Complex (madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and Asiatic acid), niacinamide, ceramides, and propolis. These ingredients help maintain the skin barrier, fade dark spots, and improve collagen production. It is the best Korean products for acne.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
None
8. Best Chemical-Free Option: Benton Fermentation Eye Cream – To Keep The Eye Area Soft And Hydrated
Fermented ingredients are the superheroes of K-beauty products. This eye cream contains fermented ingredients, such as Bifida ferment and Galactomyces ferment filtrate. These ingredients help repair skin damage. This eye cream is also enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera extracts, panthenol, and beta-glucans that keep the eye area plump and bright.
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- Cruelty-free (PETA-certified)
- Contains natural preservatives
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrance
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
9. Best In Botanical Extracts: Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream – To Soothe Your Skin And Strengthen Its Barrier
A good moisturizer soothes and nourishes inflamed skin. That is exactly what this product does. The Midnight Blue Cream by Dear, Klairs contains Centella Asiatica extract, which is effective in repairing damaged skin. It helps calm redness, inflammation, and skin irritation associated with acne and excessive sun exposure. It is lightweight, and its blue color is due to a natural ingredient called Guaiazulene (derived from chamomile oil). It is the best Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Contains botanical extracts
Cons
None
Pro Tip10. Best Antioxidant Benefits: The Crème Shop Double Cleanse Daily Cleanser
The Crème Shop Double Cleanse Daily Cleanser is packed with potent antioxidants that help nourish your skin while removing dirt, oil, residue, and makeup. It provides an instant boost of hydration, reduces redness, and tightens pores, imparting a youthful glow to your skin. This cleanser contains rose water, pomegranate, and lotus flowers that treat aging signs. Rosewater and lotus flower soothe and even tone your skin, respectively. Pomegranate helps in cell regeneration and protects your skin from sun damage.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
None
What To Look For In The Best Korean Skincare Products For Acne?
While acne has become quite the common occurrence, there is still a lot to learn about the right way to combat it. It starts with choosing the right product to properly address the kind of acne you have. Given below are a few things to consider before purchasing a Korean skin care product to treat your acne.
1. Acne Type
The treatments for acne differ with different acne types. Knowing the type of acne you have, plays a huge role in determining the right products for your skin. The different types of acne that occur on your skin are:
- Whiteheads (closed comedones):
Whiteheads occur when your pores get clogged due to dead skin and oil. Flesh bumps that appear to be closed on the skin surface are called whiteheads. Look for products with ingredients like sulfur, tea tree, retinoid, or benzoyl peroxide.
- Blackheads (open comedones):
Just like whiteheads, blackheads are stubborn non-inflammatory acne that appear when a pore gets clogged due to dead skin cells and sebum. Blackheads are characterized by a black top on the skin’s surface, where the top stays open while it is clogged on the inside. Choose ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to combat blackheads.
- Papules
When the dirt and sebum get pushed further deep into the skin, it causes redness and inflammation. It manifests in the form of papules, which are tiny red or pink bumps that become inflamed. The best active ingredients for oily skin are benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are great for dry skin. Additionally, snail mucin is good for diminishing inflammation and redness.
- Pustules
Like, papules, pustules are also inflammatory acne, but with a top filled with pus. They are characterized by a yellow or whitehead surrounded with a red ring. The best ingredients for pustules include azelaic acid, adapalene, alpha hydroxy acids, and salicylic acid.
- Fungal Acne
Found mostly on the forehead, this type of acne appears due to the presence of yeast in the hair follicles. Ingredients like tea tree oil, ketoconazole, and salicylic acid are the best options to treat fungal acne.
- Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, characterized by big pus-filled and painful red bumps. The best active ingredients for these include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and retinoids. Combine these active ingredients with ceramides to protect your skin barrier.
2. Skin Type
Skin type definitely comes into play when deciding the right acne treatment to use. Drier skin types can opt for toners and serums with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), while salicylic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide works best for combination to oily skin.
3. Formulation
Ideally, formulas having anti-acne ingredients with barrier-building ingredients target acne and heal your overall skin in the process, thereby preventing future breakouts.
When you have acne-prone skin, you need to use just the right products and ingredients to prevent it from flaring up. You need to stick to a particular skincare routine for at least a month to figure out whether it is working for your skin or not. However, if you have cystic or hormonal acne, it is better to consult a dermatologist and use products and medications suggested by them.
Do you use any Korean acne products that you swear by? Let us know in the comments section below!
Infographic: How To Select The Best Korean Skincare Products For Acne
Korean skincare products are well-known for their effective formulations. Using minimal ingredients, they target the areas affected by acne to help you achieve clear, healthy, and glowing skin. However, choosing the right products can be tricky. Check out the below infographic to know how you can select the best Korean skincare products for acne. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborty, is a certified skin care coach. Since she experienced the acne woes herself, she became passionate about reading and writing about beauty products that effectively address this common yet annoying skin concern. Her in-depth research and knowledge give users an unbiased opinion about the best Korean anti-acne products on the market. Her list covers products ranging from cleansers to spot treatments made with safe ingredients to reduce pigmentation and add a youthful glow to the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Korean skin care routine really work or help treat acne?
Yes, the Korean skin care routine is effective in treating acne. The skin care products manufactured in Korea contain calming and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and green tea that soothe inflamed skin.
What do Korean skin care products for acne actually do?
Korean skin care products contain active ingredients that treat acne gradually and prevent scarring.
• Activated charcoal balances the sebum production of your skin and draws out the dirt from your pores.
• Salicylic acid gets rid of dead skin cells and prevents breakouts.
• Niacinamide prevents melanin production after the development of acne and reduces the chances of scarring.
What are some teenage Korean skin care products for acne-prone skin?
One good Korean skin care essential for acne-prone teenage skin is the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid which contains 4% BHA that gently exfoliates dirt and grime from your face. The Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is another great product that contains calming agents like aloe vera to soothe your skin post-cleansing and reduce inflammation.
What’s the best Korean product for acne caused by humidity?
The Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner is best for treating acne caused by humidity. It contains calming agents like aloe vera, and licorice root extracts that soothe your skin severely damaged by environmental aggression. Also, the phyto oligo slowly boosts the natural moisture of your skin.
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