'10 of the best new Korean products I tried this year as a beauty writer.'

Want to support independent women's media? Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

As the year winds down, I've been reflecting on a few personal records I've broken in 2025 — and they all somehow involve Korean beauty.

I spent my longest-ever holiday in Seoul (for beauty research… of course…), hit an all-time high in the hours I've spent watching K-beauty product reviews online, set new records for the number of products I've purchased, and applied more Korean beauty products to my face than I care to admit.

Case in point: it's been a MASSIVE year in K-beauty.

WATCH: One of Australia's top makeup artists, Max May, shares the makeup products he can't live without. Post continues below.

But even after testing hundreds of new product launches this year, only a handful have truly left a lasting impression. 

As someone heavily invested in all things K-beauty (and recommending products to friends, family and readers of my beauty reviews), I know how overwhelming the K-beauty world can be. And let's be honest, it's hard to know what's just a TikTok hype and what's actually worth your money.

So, to save you the stress, I've rounded up the handful of products that genuinely impressed me this year.

10 best Korean beauty launches in 2025. 

Eqquallberry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum, $30.99.

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

Want the benefits of retinol without the purge or irritation? This lightweight, plant-based serum is packed with bakuchiol, a gentle retinol alternative, plus a 5-ceramide complex to support collagen and 13 peptides to target fine lines.

There's also niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and panthenol to hydrate and balance the skin, while a berry antioxidant blend protects against environmental stressors.

So Natural All Day Tight Make Up Setting Fixx, $35.50.

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

If you love Urban Decay's setting spray, this is your new obsession (and cheaper, too). The fine mist locks makeup in place all day, from sunny days to sweaty nights on the dance floor, without budging.

Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream, $60. 

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

I haven't gone an evening without this cream in four months, which is impressive for someone whose skin usually can't handle vitamin C.

Its lightweight gel formula contains micro-capsules that release stable, potent vitamin C on contact, ensuring maximum effectiveness. Seriously clever stuff.

FilliMilli Flat Foundation Brush, $9.75 (usually $13). 

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

Ditch your beauty blender because a flat foundation brush is the secret tool Korean MUAs swear by for a flawless finish.

I picked up the FilliMilli version in Korea, but there are plenty of great alternatives (like this one off Amazon) if you can't get it in Australia.

The Saem Cover Tip Concealer, $6.80 (usually $8.90).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

This little gem has been around for years, but it's finally getting the hype it deserves as a dupe for viral concealers like Giorgio Armani Luminous and NARS Radiant Creamy.

It covers dark circles, redness and blemishes flawlessly without creasing, while glacier water and reflective powders keep skin hydrated and naturally glowing.

VT PDRN Reedle Shot Scalp Shampoo, $25.95 (usually $50).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

I kid you not, every time I use this shampoo, my hair is so silky smooth I can't stop touching it!

It's also helped calm my previously itchy scalp, likely from long hot showers, sun exposure and swimming, leaving my hair and scalp healthier than ever.

Numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting-sil Essence, $28 (usually $47).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

Looking for a lightweight, hardworking serum that works day or night?

This fragrance-free gem features NAD+, a viral anti-ageing ingredient that helps repair and regenerate cells, plus a whopping 50 peptides, making it one of the most peptide-rich products on the market.

Eqqualberry Swimming Pool Toner 300ml, $26.95 (usually $45).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

This hypoallergenic moisturising low-pH toner is formulated with a naturally derived enzyme called Protease.

The ingredient gently exfoliates away dead skin cells and unclogs pores while providing a soothing effect (similar to an active ingredient but without drying or irritation implications).

Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum 30ml, $28.95 (usually $42).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

I don't know how my skin even survived before stumbling across this product.

This game-changing formula contains 10 per cent azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, aloe and seven types of cica to target post-inflammatory erythema (aka PIE) and soothe irritated skin due to dryness.

VT Cosmetics PDRN Grinding Cleansing Balm, $25.50 (down from $32). 

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

I used to swear by cleansing oils, but travel made them tricky, especially after one cracked in my bag (RIP).

This solid-to-oil cleansing balm from VT Cosmetics is perfect for sensitive skin, easily removing makeup and impurities without the mess.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast below or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about, too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.