From Asia, With Love: Affordable Skincare for Everyone

Apologies for being the bearer of bad news, but dear friends, you’re missing out on some incredible skincare from the East! Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one. In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to some of my personal favorites, along with Korean and Japanese fan-favorites that you can incorporate into your routine! You’ll soon discover that effective skincare doesn’t have to break the bank! ?

✦ Cleanser: Wipe the Slate Clean

Let’s start at the beginning of any skincare routine – a cleanser. ? A quality cleanser should not only sweep away the grime, but also keep your skin hydrated and supple. It’s the foundation for your skin’s health, so a reliable cleanser is utterly important!

Hada Labo: Gokujyun Cleansing Oil ?

 This no-nonsense cleansing oil is simple yet effective, not only purifies but also pampers! Infused with olive oil and dual hyaluronic acids, it helps in reducing sebaceous filaments, and is so good at getting rid of any debris as well as stubborn makeup products, all while leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and velvety-smooth.

ISNTREE: Green Tea Fresh Cleanser ?

Packed with green tea leaf powder, green tea leaves, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid, this cleansing gel is a lovely pick-me-up that smells wonderfully like a freshly brewed cup of hot green tea. Perfect if you are looking for a gentle cleanser that is hydrating and soothing. (For more green tea goodness, check out my previous post!)

✦ Toner: Prep for Enhanced Absorption

Now, let’s talk toners! ? Toner preps your skin for the next steps of your skincare regimen, ensuring serums and moisturizers can be optimally absorbed into the skin!

HaruHaru Wonder: Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner ?

This toner is packed with hyaluronic acid and nutrient-rich essence of black rice, which contain high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, offering deep hydration and protection against environmental stressors! Its lightweight formula refreshes the skin and allows for deep penetration of these nourishing ingredients.

Kikumasamune: Sake Skin Care Lotion (High Moist) ?

This toner not only consists of amino-rich Japanese sake, but also ceramides and placenta extract. It absorbs slowly and can wonderfully plump and hydrate, rivaling the refreshing power of a sheet mask without any stickiness and residue!

✦ Serum: Potions for Your Skin Problems

Next up, a magical serum (elixir) that is the heart of any skincare regime! ?

COSRX: Snail Mucin Power Essence ?

You read that right, this serum is packed with snail secretion filtrate (trust, it’s a good thing ?). Though texture is on the slimier side, it is a skin-repairing hero! Perfect during colder months when our skin barrier is compromised. Healing, calming, hydrating, collagen-boosting… Snail mucin has got it all covered.

ISNTREE: Green Tea Fresh Serum ?

If snail slime is not for you, check out this lighter option that is infused with green tea and other plant extracts! As mentioned in my last post, green tea has amazing ability to regulate your skin and has calming properties, this serum not only soothes inflammation, but also provides a potent antioxidant kick, and is so hydrating!

✦ Moisturizer: Seal in the Hydration

After the serum, comes the moisturizer. ?They can be tricky though – too heavy, and you feel like you’re wearing a mask; too light, and your skin turns dry again pretty quickly. These picks should feel just right!

Beauty of Joseon: Red Bean Water Gel ?

This lightweight gel moisturizer is perfect for oilier skin types or for those warm, humid days! It is refreshing and gentle, leaving your skin dewy and hydrated without a sticky feel. Enriched with red bean extract, which has sebum-absorbing properties, and a potent trio of peptides, this gel firms up your skin and enhances its elasticity!

Beauty of Joseon: Dynasty Cream ?

A “heavier” but super effective moisturizer for winter days❄️, or for those who have dehydrated skin! Its notable ingredients include rice bran water, ginseng root water, squalene, and niacinamide, providing your skin with long-lasting hydration and at the same time leaving it feeling pleasantly soft and healthy.

✦ Sunscreen: Your Daily Shield

Lastly, arguably the most important skincare step in my opinion, a good, trusty SPF that is ideal for everyday use for that daily anti-aging protection. ??️

SKIN1004: Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum ☘️ (SPF 50+ PA++++)

If you read my last post, you’ll remember that Cica (Centella Asiatica) is a powerful plant that has calming and soothing properties. Well, this SPF’s combination of Cica Extract and Hyaluronic Acids can simultaneously shield, heal, and hydrate the skin! Its light serum-like formula is clear and leaves no white cast. It is also reef-safe! ??

Canmake: Mermaid Skin Gel (Cica mint or Clear) ??‍♀️ (SPF50+ PA++++)

This is my go-to sunscreen for a reason — the watery gel formula glides so gently on the skin, leaving your skin moisturized and dewy without feeling sticky to the touch. It contains sodium hyaluronate and plant extracts to moisturize and nourish skin. The clear version leaves zero white casts on the skin, while the cica mint formula contains Centella Asiatica leaf extract and has a subtle green tint, which helps correct redness and brightens up the complexion.

The best skincare finds are sometimes just a discovery away! ?? Now that you have caught a glimpse of the fantastical world of Asian skincare, you can consider more options next time your skincare stash needs a refresh! Will you try out these products? Share your experiences and your own Asian skincare treasure recommendations in the comments below! Join me next time again to uncover more beauty tips from Asia! ?

Catch up on my other posts!

✦ ? Craft Your Own Rice Water Skincare Magic (With Video!)

✦ Beginner’s Guide to At-home Facial Massages (With Video!)

✦ East Asia’s Subtle, Non-Invasive ‘Facelifts’: RF and HIFU

✦ Autumn Skin Struggles? Asian Skincare Secrets & Innovations to your Rescue!

? Hey! Just a quick heads up: the content provided in this blog post is based on my own experiences and my knowledge about Asian skincare products! Everyone’s skin is different, so if you are thinking about changing up your skincare routine or want to try something new, please chat with a qualified professional! What I’m sharing is not intended as medical advice.