K-Beauty is no longer hidden in a few e-shops: dedicated corners have invaded Sephora, Monoprix or Carrefour, while TikTok is ablaze around glass skin and the promises of flawless skin.
In South Korea, skincare is part of everyday culture, and the country has become the world’s second largest exporter of beauty products, just behind France. It remains to identify the best truly useful Korean treatments.
K-Beauty: why Korean skincare changes the skin
Korean treatments mix known active ingredients, such as retinol or acids, and local treasures such as ginseng, centella asiatica, fermented rice, honey or camellia oil.
These lightweight layered formulas rely on soothing fermented botanicals. Result: good value for money and, according to Elle, a rapid gain in luminosity with very comfortable gel textures.
Simple Korean routine for flawless skin
The famous ten-step routine may impress, but you can keep a core ritual inspired by K-Beauty to aim for flawless skin every day.
- Double cleansing: oil then gentle foaming cleanser.
- Targeted toner and serum to hydrate and treat.
- Eye and face cream to seal in hydration.
- Occasional sheet mask and SPF 50 sunscreen every morning.
As Elle points out, these routines remain very elaborate: we cleanse, we exfoliate, we layer. To avoid sensitizing the skin, it is better to add each new Korean treatment gradually and listen to its reactions.
Our selection of the best Korean treatments in 2025
At the top of the list, Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon (50 ml, $18) illustrates the Korean obsession with daily SPF: high protection, fine and comfortable texture, ideal under makeup.
To boost hydration, Meisani’s Rice and Shine Hyaluronic Acid Essence toner (150 ml, $25) envelops the skin with rice water and ceramides. As for imperfections, Erborian’s BB and CC creams smooth the skin’s texture while evening out the complexion.
K-Beauty: do you really need a 10-step routine?
No, to start, four bases are enough: gentle double cleansing, targeted moisturizing treatment, nourishing face cream and daily sun protection.
Which Korean treatments to choose against imperfections and enlarged pores?
Favor toners and serums with centella asiatica, niacinamide or mild acids, integrating them slowly into the routine.
Where to find the best Korean treatments in France?
The K-Beauty departments are present at Sephora, Monoprix, Nocibé, in several Parisian department stores and in numerous specialized boutiques.
