beauty

'12 of the best Korean skincare products I recommend for mature skin.'

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

Korean skincare might have fun, "youthful" packaging, but it's actually especially great for those with mature skin.

After more than 11 years of being DEEP in the K-beauty worldtesting, trialling and dissecting formulas like it's my full-time job — I've become the go-to person for recommendations for every age group.

A week doesn't go by without a friend texting me (or a lovely stranger sliding into my DMs) asking for anti-ageing picks, and I regularly raid my mum and grandma's beauty cabinets to swap out their products for something better.

WATCH: The beauty trend Trinny Woodall wants to bring back... Post continues below.


Mamamia

Why is Korean skincare good for mature skin?

K-beauty has some of the most effective anti-ageing formulas around, and they don't cost an arm and a leg.

You don't need to fork out thousands on in-clinic treatments or a jar of cream the price of an overseas plane ticket. These products deliver results, without the luxury markup.

ADVERTISEMENT

That's because Korean skincare has always been rooted in prevention and protection.

The products deliver intense hydration to fight dryness, while common ingredients like ginseng and peptides help boost elasticity. There are gentle exfoliants and soothing components that target visible signs of ageing, and innovative elements such as fermented rice water and snail mucin work to brighten and repair the skin barrier.

Basically, it's a full-on, multi-step glow-up that protects, strengthens and leaves your skin looking fresh, supple and seriously cared for, which just so happen to be the exact things mature skin craves.

So, if you're curious about which ones actually work on real, lived-in skin, here are the K-beauty products I always recommend for mature skin (and TBH, happily use myself too).

The best Korean beauty products for mature skin.

Numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting-sil Essence, $34.95 (usually $55). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can read my full review of this product here, but in short, this essence is like a reset button for tired, sagging skin. It's powered by NAD, a trending anti-ageing ingredient that helps recharge skin cells so they act (and look) younger for longer.

It layers beautifully, too, so you can use it morning and night under anything. And the matching face mask is an absolute must-try. 

VT Cosmetics PDRN Essence 100 30ml, $72. 

Image: Adore Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

PDRN (a DNA repair ingredient originally used in wound healing) is like magic for mature skin that's lost its bounce. It works to repair damaged skin, boost elasticity and even soften wrinkles over time.

Although it's a milky formula, the essence feels lightweight but delivers deep hydration, making skin look plumper and healthier, literally overnight. It's especially good if your skin barrier is fragile.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream Rich 50ml, $377.

Image: Adore Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

This is K-beauty luxury at its finest — and yes, it's a splurge compared to others on this list, but trust me when I say a little goes a long way.

Ginseng is one of the most prized anti-ageing ingredients in Korea, known for improving elasticity, smoothing lines and giving skin that "lit from within" glow.

The rich texture cocoons the skin in moisture, making it perfect for mature or very dry skin types. If you want one indulgent cream that truly performs, please make it this. 

Rejuran Dual Effect Ampoule 30ml, $58.95 (usually $70). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rejuran is a brand dermatologists in Korea swear by, thanks to its use of DNA fragments that help regenerate skin.

This ampoule has a dual formula targeting both firmness and hydration (basically a two-in-one for anti-ageing). It's lightweight but extra powerful, making it easy to slot into any routine. Expect smoother, bouncier skin with regular use.

Medicube PDRN Pink Exosome Shot Serum 7500, $34.95 (usually $52).

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

This serum is packed with exosomes, which are tiny messengers that tell your skin cells to regenerate faster.

For mature skin, that means improved elasticity, better repair, and a reduction in fine lines over time. It also has a lovely hydrating texture that leaves skin looking fresh and dewy. 

Medicube Age-R Vita C Pro Ampoule 20ml, $33.95 (usually $85). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Vitamin C is one of the best anti-ageing ingredients out there, and this ampoule is a potent option without the eye-watering price tag or potential irritation that some formulas can cause.

It helps fade dark spots, brighten dull skin and stimulate collagen for a brighter, firmer texture. Unlike some harsh vitamin C serums, this one feels gentle enough for daily use. 

Dr Althea 147 Barrier Cream, $31.95 (usually $37).

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

A healthy barrier is non-negotiable for ageing skin, and this cream does exactly that. It locks in moisture, calms irritation and strengthens skin so it can hold onto hydration better.

Over time, this translates to plumper, smoother and less crepey skin. It's lightweight enough for the day but nourishing enough for the night.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel 100ml, $14.95 (usually $21). 

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mature skin often gets drier and more sensitive, which is why harsh cleansers probably don't agree with you anymore.

This gel cleanser uses fermented black rice to gently cleanse while leaving skin soft and hydrated. It keeps the pH balanced at 5.5, so your skin barrier stays intact.

Eqqualberry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum 30ml, $25.80 (usually $45).

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bakuchiol is the plant-based alternative to retinol, but has the same anti-ageing benefits, minus the irritation.

This serum helps smooth fine lines, improve skin texture, and encourage collagen production. It also delivers a juicy, plumping hydration hit, which mature skin loves. You can reach my full review here.

Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask 150ml, $39.

Image: Adore Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

This mask combines rice (for brightening and evening skin tone) with honey (for deep nourishment), which makes it perfect for dull, mature skin.

It gently exfoliates without stripping, leaving skin soft and radiant. One use per week is all you need to see a noticeable difference.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream 15ml, $174.

Image: Adore Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

The delicate eye area is usually where fine lines show up first, and this eye cream tackles them head-on.

Enriched with ginseng saponins, it boosts circulation, smooths wrinkles and helps lift sagging skin around the eyes. The texture is rich yet absorbs quickly, leaving eyes looking refreshed and well-rested. TBH, all of this justifies the luxe price tag. 

Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream, $21 (usually $28).

Image: Lila Beauty.

ADVERTISEMENT

If the Sulwhasoo option is out of your budget, don't worry, I've got you covered.

This one from Mizon is loaded with marine collagen to boost elasticity and reduce fine lines around the eyes. The lightweight formula sinks in easily, making it great for both day and night use.

Feature image: Supplied.

Have you used any of the above products? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

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.

Calling all book lovers! Let us know your favourites! Complete our 3 minute survey for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

00:00 / ???