beauty

'I've tried all the newest K-beauty products. These are the best ones.'

Navigating the saturated Korean beauty space can be overwhelming. Just open TikTok, and you're instantly bombarded with people claiming that this serum is "life-changing", this cleansing oil is "game-changing" and this cleanser is "skin-transformative."

Worse yet, before you've even had a chance to buy and test the latest must-have product, another "better" and "newer" one is already taking over social media.

See? Overwhelming.

Watch: You Beauty's Emily Vernem tries the foundation hug-proof test. Post continues below.


But if there's one thing I know, it's this: just because a product is trendy doesn't mean it's worth your precious pennies — no matter how affordable it is.

As someone obsessed with Korean beauty, I'm constantly testing both trending and underrated products to find out which ones actually live up to the hype — so you don't have to.

Here are the newest Korean skincare products I've been loving lately and would happily recommend to all my loved ones — yes, you included.

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The best new Korean skincare products to buy now in 2025.

Eqqualberry Swimming Pool Toner 300ml, $32.95 (usually $45).

Image: Adore Beauty.

This is, by far, the most viral Korean skincare product of 2025. So, what makes it so good? Basically, it's a hypoallergenic moisturising low-pH toner formulated with a naturally derived enzyme called Protease. This 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). Honestly, head over to TikTok, and you'll find thousands of people raving about how revolutionary this product is.

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Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum 30ml, $31.80 (usually $42).

Image: Adore Beauty.

If you're not on board the azelaic acid train, boy, are you missing out — especially if you suffer from acne or eczema. 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.

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Eqqualberry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum 30ml, $34.50.

Image: Adore Beauty.

Is your skin too sensitive to reap the benefits of retinol? Well, this serum has your back. It's enriched with Bakuchiol, which is derived from the babchi plant and is considered a natural, plant-based alternative to retinol. A few drops of this viral product will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving your skin a firm and plump appearance. It also contains five types of ceramide to strengthen the skin barrier and provide intense hydration.

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Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Serum 30ml, $24.95 (usually $37).

Image: Adore Beauty.

This super-charged serum contains 13 per cent Panthenol and Korean Damyang Bamboo to reduce moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier. Best of all, it's vegan-approved, cruelty-free, contains no synthetic fragrance, and is kind to sensitive and hypoallergenic skin types.

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Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pad 60ea, $36 (usually $45).

Image: Adore Beauty.

ICYMI, one of Innisfree's cult vitamin C serums sells every 15 seconds around the world — and now, that same formula comes in a toner pad format. These pre-soaked pads contain green tea enzyme and vitamin C to address uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and dryness. Use a few pads as a mini sheet mask, or simply use one to swipe across your face.

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Cos De BAHA NT Niacinamide Facial Toner 200ml, $19.50 (usually $32).

Image: Adore Beauty.

Although lesser known in the Western world, this brand is all the rage in South Korea, thanks to its range of seriously effective products. Exhibit A: this powerful (yet gentle) niacinamide toner. It improves the look of wide pores, hyperpigmentation and dark spots, all while targeting fine lines, sagginess and puffiness.

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Anua Rice 70 Glow Collagen Mask 38g, $7.50 (usually $10).

Image: Adore Beauty.

If you're obsessed with those viral overnight collagen masks, you must jump on this one from Anua. What makes this one better than others on the market is the inclusion of the brand's patented 70 per cent Rice Water+ complex, which improves skin clarity and balance in one use.

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Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam 150ml, $15.95 (usually $20).

Image: Adore Beauty.

This foam cleanser is enriched with Houttunyia Cordata powder, which works wonders at removing dead skin cells and purifying clogged pores. It also contains a small amount of salicylic acid to fight acne without damaging the skin barrier.

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 (70ea), $28.95 (usually $50).

Image: Adore Beauty.

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Even those with sensitive skin types can use these toner pads formulated with natural AHA and BHA ingredients. They offer gentle exfoliation while keeping the skin moisturised and smoothed. IMO, they're the perfect first step to prepping a smooth makeup base.

Ilso Super Melting Sebum Softener 150ml, $34.50 (usually $43).

Image: Adore Beauty.

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Got clogged pores and blackheads? Simply soak a cotton pad with this product, cover the affected area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes as the active ingredients work to soften and lift all the sebum. Then, remove the pad and use a cotton swab to gently push out all the softened sebum. Satisfying is an understatement.

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

Feature image: Supplied.

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