Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
Did you know that iHerb carries K-beauty? (Don’t worry, I didn’t either until a few weeks ago.) And not just any K-beauty — the online retailer’s selection includes products from popular brands like Skin1004, Beauty of Joseon, and CosRx.
There are dozens upon dozens of products on the website, so I rounded up my top-15 picks to make shopping a little easier for all of us. Below, find Korean classics like Missha’s BB cream, Fwee’s famous lip and cheek pots, and two of Hudson Williams’s go-to serums that keep him fresh and glowing.
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Although I test a lot of liquid sunscreens, SPF that comes in stick form is my favorite. The format makes it easy to ensure you cover every inch of your face, and you don’t have to deal with any stickiness on your hands afterward. Abib’s version is great because there’s barely a scent and it has zero white cast.
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I included this in my roundup of the best Korean sunscreens last year — and I still stand by my assessment. It’s dewy and gentle on the skin and eyes, and has a mild citrus scent that usually fades within minutes.
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I included this one on my Korean sunscreen list too. If you have dry skin, this product is made for you. The thicker (but still white-cast-free) formula gives SPF 50+ protection and unbeatable hydration.
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As promised, here is one of Hudson Williams’s favorite serums — according to him, it leaves an unmistakeable glow. Thanks to alpha arbutin, the product also helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
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This is another one of the Heated Rivalry star’s picks. As someone who is prone to redness, I also love the ingredient centella, which soothes and evens skin tone like no other.
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What can I say about this product that hasn’t been said before? If you’re a loyal Cut reader, you already know all about its calming, glow-giving, ultrahydrating powers. Snail mucin continues to reign supreme.
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You’ve probably heard about Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen, but the rest of its lineup is worth checking out too. And when better than during a sale? This rich cream, which features ingredients like rice-bran water, squalane, and niacinamide, is lightweight and deeply moisturizing at the same time.
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According to the reviews, even those with acne-prone skin enjoy this gentle moisturizer. Those with dry skin may not find it to be hydrating enough during the colder months, but it’s a great choice for summer for all skin types.
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Panthenol and madecassoside, ingredients that strengthen the skin’s barrier and soothe irritation, are this cream’s star ingredients. It’s a simple, no-fuss moisturizer I’d recommend to anyone, including friends with super-sensitive skin.
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Fwee’s lip and cheek pots not only look adorable in your makeup bag, they contain a formula that gives a beautiful flush that blurs at the same time — kind of like a beauty filter. Plus there are nearly 20 shades to choose from on the site right now.
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I’ve heard of multiple people who swear by this BB cream, which feels like skin care but gives buildable, natural-looking coverage like a lightweight foundation. The formula offers SPF protection, too, although you should still apply a sunscreen underneath for proper protection.
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Dasique makes some of the most popular eye-shadow products in South Korea — I would know, as someone who has watched hundreds of hours of Korean beauty YouTube in my lifetime. These palettes are better for beginners and people who want lightly pigmented powders that blend themselves.
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Some By Mi’s AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle line is designed to address things like blemishes, clogged pores, and unwanted texture by offering gentle chemical exfoliation. This kit comes with a cleansing bar, toner, serum, and face cream.
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In this set, you get two full-size rice toners and a mini that’s perfect for your TSA-friendly liquids bag. The Cut’s fashion news writer, Danya Issawi, convinced me to try it after she raved about how much it agreed with her acne-prone skin, and I’m glad she did — when it’s in my rotation, my skin feels softer and looks brighter.
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Missha’s hydrating, firming, and skin-strengthening products are popular both here and in South Korea, and this kit on iHerb is a great primer for anyone who hasn’t tried the brand before. You get a full-size essence (best known as a dupe for SK-II), a full-size ampoule, trial sizes of both of those, and a mini of the face cream in the line.
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