Over the last 50 years, South Korea has grown into a global soft power, exporting its culture to the world. Beauty has been one of South Korea’s most successful exports, with its regimented beauty brands becoming a fad and then a staple in the global beauty and skincare conversation. Africans are finally embracing Korean skincare because of its relatively cheap price points and its efficacy when used.
Widely known as K-beauty, this range of skincare is no newcomer to the beauty industry. Historically, we have them to thank for sheet masks which were originally made and used in Korea.
Korean skincare products have garnered global mainstream success dominating many beauty categories in America and other countries. TikTok, for one, is a contributor to this. Since the pandemic, users on the app have increasingly reported on the wonders of K-beauty since adding them to their beauty routines.
General testimonies cite that Korean skincare products are lightweight, affordable and effective. It is a huge advantage that these products are great on black skin as well. The products are great for exfoliation, suncare and are highly hydrating which makes it a good match for dark skin because we are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
These products are a great addition to your morning and/or night time routines along with your regular products as well.
We have made it easy for you to try some of the most recommended K beauty skincare products, for that fabulous and healthy skin you desire. Here are six products that work for all skin types as well as all routines:
Innisfree Green Tea Foam Cleanser
Sis, you need to double cleanse if you do not already do that. If you need a water based cleanser, this foam cleanser is rich in green tea (a mild but effective antioxidant) and cleanses in a way that it leaves your face smooth and soft while keeping it hydrated.
Key ingredient(s): Jeju Green Tea Water, Triple Amino Acid Complex
Price range: N5,000 – N9,000
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)
The importance of wearing sunscreen cannot be overemphasized especially in Nigeria where the UV index can get really high. This is one of the Korean skincare products that has gone viral on TikTok because of how smooth and lightweight it is on the skin. It also gives a glowy finish that beauty enthusiasts love.
Key ingredient (s): Rice extract and Grain Fermented Extracts
Price range: N8,000 – N12,000
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream
If you’ve ever heard of the wonders of most people’s favorite Korean skincare product, the snail mucin, you should try the all in one cream. This cream lives up to its name as one of the most effective products for moisture, uneven skin tone, skin elasticity and anti-aging benefits amongst others.
Key ingredient(s): Snail Secretion Filtrate (mucin), Betaine & Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin & Panthenol, adenosine
Price range: N8,000 – N10,000
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Nourish & Hydrate
This is an intensive care leave-on mask that nourishes and hydrates the lips on the go. Although marketed as a sleeping mask, it is very useful as a lip primer before lipstick or even as a lip balm during the day. A cute detail we love is that it comes with a small spatula to scoop the product without always having to touch the product.
Key ingredient(s): Shea butter, Murumuru Seed Butter, Vitamin C, Coconut Oil
Price range: N10,000 – N15,000
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+
When it comes to skincare, everyone understands the joy of finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave any white cast. This light vegan sunscreen is perfect for oily skin and moisturizes your skin, leaving it fresh, dewy and plum.
Key ingredient(s): Mung Bean Extract, Bio Hyaluronic Acid
Price range: N10,000 – N12,000
ETUDE HOUSE Soonjung pH5.5 Relief Toner
This is another favourite for people with sensitive skin. This is a fragrance-free toner that is said to mimic the skin’s natural PH to preserve it properly. It keeps your routine simple while helping with irritation and works well with other products.
Key ingredient(s): Panthenol, Madecassoside
Price range: N10,000 – N12,000
Beauty of Joseon Serum
You can call this an 8-in-1 recommendation as it might sometimes be difficult to choose the best serum for your skin. Beauty of Joseon offers a serum line that is suitable for all skin types and targets various skin concerns. Whether it’s to clear up dark spots or build your skin barrier, they have you covered.
Key ingredient(s): Green tea + Pantheol, Propolis + Niacinamide, Rice + Alpha-Arbutin, Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Price range: N6,000 – N10,000
