Which is better: Korean (K-beauty) or Western skincare?
- Thread starter Grand Maven
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I know some people swear by Korean skincare but I've had better luck with western. I suppose it depends on what your skin issues are and what you need from your products. I don't think it's fair to say one is better than the other, but I've personally been pretty underwhelmed from the internet's favorite korean skincare items.
FWIW, I'm not a huge fan of La Mer. I like Obagi, La Roche Posay, Dr Dennis Gross, SkinCeuticals.
FWIW, I'm not a huge fan of La Mer. I like Obagi, La Roche Posay, Dr Dennis Gross, SkinCeuticals.
Is Korean skincare just viral cos of TikTok?
Good question. I’m not sure. I think for Americans a lot of people feel comfortable trusting Korean skincare because a) Korean women are flawless and b) Korean products tend to use less harsh chemicals than American products. I know there’s a couple Korean skincare clinics in my area that have been around before TikTok but I do find it fascinating Sephora now carries korean skin products, that definitely must be a result of TikTok!
I use Korean sunscreen and western other stuff. I cherry pick my products
I use a combination of both. I started using Japanese/Korean skincare well before it was a trend, so am happy that it means more products are now readily available.
I do find Korean skincare less irritating to my sensitive skin, but that in some cases means the product is not really powerful, if that makes sense.
My favourites in Korean skincare are serums, great for hydration for oily skin like mine, I think a number of brands do them well. Anua, Mixsoon are my favourites.
I do find Korean skincare less irritating to my sensitive skin, but that in some cases means the product is not really powerful, if that makes sense.
My favourites in Korean skincare are serums, great for hydration for oily skin like mine, I think a number of brands do them well. Anua, Mixsoon are my favourites.
That’s funny, me too!
I’m not brand loyal, I’ll try anything and keep using what works. If it seems like it’s no longer working, I’m happy to try something else.
I use a variety of Korean sunscreen products as well as French sunscreens but mostly my skin care
is German & French, although I do love History of Whoo cleansing cream
I'm not so sure that actually one is better than another as everyone's expectations are
not always realistic & caring for young skin from TIKTOK suggestions is much different than
dealing with people who have anti aging issues or skin issues to deal with
is German & French, although I do love History of Whoo cleansing cream
I'm not so sure that actually one is better than another as everyone's expectations are
not always realistic & caring for young skin from TIKTOK suggestions is much different than
dealing with people who have anti aging issues or skin issues to deal with
The best skincare is the one that doesn’t make you break out.
Giving you major side eye Sisley 🤣
Giving you major side eye Sisley 🤣
I like both, but in general I think the rule is: expensive isn't always better. I mainly try to avoid products that are perfumed/contain essential oils as my skin doesn't tolerate them as well.
Same here
I'm allergic to octocrylene, which many western sunscreens use. Korean sunscreens generally don't. The last time I used a western sunscreen, both of my arms went bright red and puffy - it was quite embarrassing, not to mention painful. Took a full 24 hours for the swelling to go away. I don't like the heaviness and white cast of mineral sunscreens, and Korean brands are the only ones making chemical sunscreens that don't cause a reaction on my skin.Plus, octocrylene, oxybenzone and many other chemical sunscreen agents in western sunscreens aren't reef safe, whereas DHHB (the main active ingredient in my favourite, Dr Jart Every Sun Day waterproof) is.
La Mer is La Mer & La Prairie is La Prairie & according to many they stand on their own
with no rivals but surely other brands that get hype like Augustinus Bader
Korean skin care like all skin care is trial & error & depends upon what one is looking for
Basic, anti aging, etc
History of Whoo has fabulous skin care rich creams which speak for themselves like many other
Korean brands do, JMO
Keep in mind, if you're purchasing Korean sunscreen in the US, it's made for the US market. The US hasn't changed the FDA approved sunscreen ingredients in decades.
Korean sunscreens use more advanced ingredients and are generally much more elegant on the skin.
Korean skin products generally concentrate on hydration and barrier support. They can be very effective for all sorts of issues and there are many brands to choose from. Order directly from Olive Young or Stylevana.
Korean sunscreens use more advanced ingredients and are generally much more elegant on the skin.
Korean skin products generally concentrate on hydration and barrier support. They can be very effective for all sorts of issues and there are many brands to choose from. Order directly from Olive Young or Stylevana.
Korean skincare has been much more helpful for my skin. The products are generally milder, and because the regulations during manufacturing are very strict in Korea, I feel safer using them. When I used Western skincare, my rosacea was much worse, but since switching to Korean products, my skin has improved a lot — especially thanks to the Dr. Lee cosmetic PDRN ampoule, which helped me the most!