'These underrated Korean beauty products are better than the viral ones all over the internet.'

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If you've spent more than a minute on #BeautyTok, you'll know certain K-beauty products have completely taken over the internet. Think: TirTir's Milk Skin, COSRX's Snail Mucin and the viral Ma:nyo Cleansing Oil.

And look, a lot of them deserve the hype. But after years of testing, I've discovered some of the lesser-known Korean products are actually better. They're gentler, the formulas feel better, and in a lot of cases, way more effective than their viral counterparts.

WATCH: The product that costs $866… all because of one ingredient. Post continues below.

So, if you're ready to level up your K-Beauty stash beyond the trending TikTok favourites, here are the underrated gems that deserve a permanent spot on your shelf.

The best underrated Korean beauty products to buy in Australia.

Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Lotion 350ml, $24.80 (usually $28).

Image: Lila Beauty.

A while back, I wrote about the Illiyoon Ceramide ATO Concentrate Cream — and since then, it's blown up online. If you've tried and loved it, there's actually a body lotion version that deserves just as much hype. It's rich without being sticky, sinks in fast, and leaves skin ridiculously soft and hydrated.

I find it perfect for dry winter skin or soothing sun-exposed skin in summer. Honestly, it's like the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream — minus the overpowering scent.

Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum 50ml, $24.95 (usually $35).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

You know the viral COSRX Snail Mucin? Do yourself a favour and get this instead. This lightweight serum uses rice extract (not snail slime) to deliver that same juicy, bouncy skin effect — but without the sticky residue. It's packed with ceramides to lock in moisture, plus three per cent niacinamide, arbutin and zinc to balance oil, fade acne scars and even out tone. Panthenol, hyaluronic acid, honey extract and glycerin add soothing hydration, creating that signature elastic finish COSRX fans love. Oh, and it's completely vegan. You can read my full review here.

Avajar Perfect V Lifting Premium Plus Mask, $6.50.

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

I know the SKIMS chin strap isn't Korean, but it's everywhere online — and honestly, you can get the same results for a fraction of the price with this $6.50 K-Beauty mask. Unlike most fabric masks, this one's infused with peptides, collagen and plant extracts to firm, lift and hydrate while the hydrogel material hugs your skin for maximum absorption. The instructions say to leave it on for three to four hours, but I actually sleep in it, and I swear it's made a difference to my jawline.

Dr. Althea Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm 50ml, $24.95 (usually $32).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

Cleansing oils have gone global — with Ma:nyo, Anua and SKIN1004 leading the pack — but this one from Dr. Althea quietly beats them all. It's a balm-to-oil formula with a clever grinding mechanism that keeps the product fresh and completely spill-proof (a traveller's dream). It's perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin, with Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract to control oil and Soybean Oil to maintain moisture balance.

Mise En Scène Perfect Super Rich Hair Serum, $22.67.

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

There are loads of viral hair masks (looking at you, Shiseido Tsubaki and Fino Premium), but if you want a simple, no-fuss serum that actually works, this one from Mise En Scène is it. Enriched with Golden Moroccan Argan Oil, it leaves hair soft, glossy and healthy, while protecting against heat and daily damage. It's lightweight, deeply nourishing and doesn't have an overpowering scent, which is a big win in my books.

Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Pad 230ml (90 pads), $40.06 (usually $44.51).

Image: Lila Beauty.

The Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Serum is everywhere right now, and while it deserves the hype, the toner pad version might be even better. Each pad is soaked in the same calming formula with azelaic acid and a 7-Cica Complex to reduce redness and irritation. The stretchy, thin pads cling to the skin perfectly, so I love using them as mini masks on red or inflamed areas for instant calm and glow.

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner 150ml, $14.90 (usually $22).

Image: Supplied/Juna Xu.

While the TirTir Milk Skin Toner has had its viral moment, it can feel a bit heavy if you've got sensitive or congestion-prone skin (I learned the hard way). Enter: the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Toner. It's lighter, still deeply hydrating, and made with 95 per cent naturally-derived ingredients, including Korean black rice extract to boost elasticity and fight early signs of ageing. It's also alcohol and fragrance-free, making it a perfect pick for sensitive skin.

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

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