10 Best Korean Skincare Products in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist

Snail mucin is one of the most well-known ingredients in Korean skincare. It is used from moisturizers to sheet masks. It is mucus that snails produce when they move, so when harvested, no snails are harmed in the process. It’s great for moisturizing and promoting collagen production.

This is because it has hyaluronic acid that supports the skin barrier to lock in moisture. This ingredient also promotes skin healing and cell regeneration, having zinc as an anti-inflammatory and vitamins A and E as antioxidants.

Centella Asiatica is an ancient herb that grows here in Asia and is traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It’s incorporated in many skincare products to soothe and hydrate the skin. It has antioxidants and is rich in amino acids that help repair the skin’s protective barrier.

This makes it a good ingredient to help heal your skin from the sun’s rays and is very useful in anti-aging. This is thanks to having madecassoside as one of its active key compounds that reduce free radicals, inhibit inflammation, and hydrate the skin to reverse different signs of aging.

Since it is a natural and nutrient-rich ingredient, green tea is included in a lot of Korean skincare products. It contains polyphenols, which protect the skin from free radicals, and has numerous anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This means that it reduces redness and can help treat blemishes.

It’s great for acne-prone and oily skin since it’s effective in reducing sebum excretions. It’s a gentle ingredient that calms and hydrates the skin while effectively removing excess dirt and oil from your skin. If you want acne control, you can also look at tea tree oil as an alternative but equally good ingredient.

Propolis is a multifunctional ingredient in Korean skincare, and it has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a gummy mixture produced by bees to protect their hives, and when used in skincare, it protects your skin, too. 

It is known to heal acne and is used to keep the skin clear against powerful bacteria. Aside from this, it also softens your skin since it hydrates it and helps increase collagen production. This ensures that your skin stays soft and smooth, giving you the flawless complexion of your dreams.

Oily skin is characterized by shiny and greasy skin caused by the excess production of sebum. In order to address it properly without drying your skin out, you should get products with light, water-based formulas.

Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic options as well since these products will not clog your pores. Ingredients that are great for oily skin include hyaluronic acid, which is hydrating but non-comedogenic, and salicylic acid, which effectively treats blackheads and whiteheads.

If you have dry and dull skin, products with hydrating formulas are essential. This is because you need moisture to keep your skin soft and supple, which you can get by opting for “heavier” products such as creams or lotions.

Some ingredients that will be beneficial for your skin type include glycerin, a humectant that locks in moisture in your skin, and aloe vera, which has moisturizing and healing properties. Other natural oils will also help your skin stay hydrated.

For those whose skin is easily irritated or inflamed, that is a big sign that you have sensitive skin. This means that you have to be extra careful when incorporating new products into your skincare routine since there may be ingredients that may cause you to act up.

This is why we recommend that you choose products that have mild formulas or that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. You should also avoid products that contain harsh alcohols and synthetic fragrances since they might cause irritation.

If your skin is neither too dry nor oily, then that means you have normal skin. Having normal skin means you can use any type of skincare product that you want, but we suggest that you get one with a balanced formula.

A balanced formula is one that contains ingredients to protect your skin from acne and other blemishes while having elements that can help moisturize and nourish your face to maintain your skin’s clearness and softness. 

A facial cleanser is the foundation of a good skincare routine since it’s responsible for stripping away dirt and dead skin cells that have accumulated on your face throughout the day or overnight. It will provide a clean and clear base for your other skincare products.

Make sure to get one that is strong enough to effectively cleanse your face but is mild enough to not strip away the natural oils and moisture on the skin. There are many different types of facial cleansers available with different formulas, so rest assured that you will be able to find one made for your skin type.

After you wash your face, the next step is to apply toner. It’s a water-like substance usually applied with your fingers or a cotton ball, and some are meant to be sprayed on the face. It has different active ingredients because, depending on the product, it serves different purposes.

Even though the main job of a toner is to prep your skin so that products get absorbed by the skin better, it can also help in hydrating or firming up your skin. Some also have different functions, such as treating acne or soothing the skin, so when choosing one, take note of the ingredients and benefits that it provides.

No matter what your skin type is, it is important to ensure that it stays moisturized. This is why you should always include a moisturizer in your skincare routine. It will keep your skin healthy and resistant to inflammation and signs of aging.

Because of its benefits, even those with oily skin should use moisturizers. There are different types available such as oil-free, non-comedogenic, and water-based, so there's bound to be a formula that will be good for your skin. 

Since it’s very hot in the Philippines, using sunscreen is important to protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. UV rays can burn your skin and can cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. 

To combat this, you should purchase sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or check if your skincare products have SPF or UV protection. This will allow you to hit two birds with one stone and will let you get the best protection possible. Don’t forget to apply a generous amount for it to be effective!

Masks are a good way to complement your skincare routine since they have different purposes. They can moisturize, protect, treat, and even exfoliate your skin on top of the skincare products that you use. They’re meant to be used twice or thrice a week for optimal results.

They come in different forms, such as clay, gel, cream, and sheet masks, so no matter what formulation you prefer, there’s bound to be an option for you. In Korean skincare, sheet masks are very popular because they act as mini facials, giving you many benefits such as intense hydration and brightening effects in half an hour or less.

Facial serums contain a concentrated amount of active ingredients, making them a good product to use when you want to address specific skin concerns such as discoloration or dullness. This is because larger amounts of active molecules can penetrate the surface of your skin for increased effectiveness.

Examples for serums and the best ingredients to target them are:

• Vitamin C - Great for brightening the skin and acts as an antioxidant
• Hyaluronic Acid - Great for hydrating the skin
• Retinol - Great for addressing signs of aging
• Bakuchiol - Gentler ingredient that works well for anti-aging
• Peptides - Great for keeping skin taut; also act as an antioxidant