The Best Korean Skincare Products to Try in 2025
BY JENNY JUNG
Discover the best Korean skincare products of 2025 — from cult cleansers to skin-boosting essences that deliver real results.
01 MAY - 2025
K-beauty Rhode Skin Glazing Milk Dupe? Yes, Please.
Korean skincare has long been the blueprint for glow-worthy skin — and in 2025, the innovation shows no signs of slowing. From fermented ingredients to barrier-repairing serums, K-beauty continues to deliver results-driven products with thoughtful formulations and price points that won’t make your bank account see red. Whether you’re a seasoned skincare maximalist or just dabbling in essences for the first time, these are the Korean skincare products worth adding to cart (and repurchasing).
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Iunik Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam
If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, this cleanser is a no-brainer. It’s powered by 69% Centella Asiatica extract — a beloved K-beauty ingredient known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. The soft foam lathers without stripping your skin, leaving it clean, calm and ready for the rest of your routine.
Iunik, Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam, $26 NZD.
Mixsoon Bifida Ferment Essence
Frequently topping bestseller lists in Korea, this essence is a rosacea-prone skin saviour. It features bifida ferment lysate — a probiotic-rich ingredient also found in luxury formulas like Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair — to help repair the skin barrier, reduce redness and improve elasticity. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it's one of those "did it really just do that?" products.
Mixsoon, Bifida Ferment Essence, $42 NZD.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
First spotted in a lineup of viral TikTok favourites, this eye serum blends traditional Korean herbal medicine with modern actives. The 10% ginseng root extract boosts circulation to brighten tired under-eyes, while retinal (a more potent form of retinol) works on fine lines with less irritation.
Pro tip: you can use it all over your face as a beginner-friendly retinoid.
Beauty of Joseon, Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal, $29 NZD.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotic Barrier Essence
If you’ve been eyeing Rhode’s Glazing Milk but want a K-beauty dupe, this is it. Truth be told, milky emulsions like the Rhode Glazing Milk has been a k-beauty skincare staple for decades before Western skincare brands started following suit. This formula features fermented black rice extract — rich in antioxidants — and vegan probiotics to strengthen the skin barrier. Its milky texture isn’t runny or sticky, and it instantly makes your skin feel plumper and more hydrated.
Haruharu Wonder, Black Rice Probiotic Barrier Essence, $42 NZD.
Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum
This one earned a permanent spot in my routine after it calmed my skin down post-breakout. The rice extract and ceramide blend is ideal for those using drying acne treatments or prescription skincare. Within a week, inflammation had visibly reduced — and my skin felt balanced again, not tight or angry.
Anua, 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum, $44 NZD,
Numbuzin No.5+ Vitamin Concentrated Pad
I recommended these to my boyfriend for brightening, and now strangers compliment him on his glow. The dual-sided pads combine exfoliation and vitamin C for both texture refinement and radiance. One side buffs away dullness while the other lets the serum soak in — it’s an easy step with noticeable payoff.
Numbuzin, No.5+ Vitamin Concentrated Pad, $43 NZD.
VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 300 2STEP Mask
You’ve probably heard of the VT Reedle Shot Serum, but the 2STEP masks are an underrated way to test the formula before committing. Made with micro-needling-inspired spicules (tiny skin-stimulating particles), the 300 version is a happy medium — effective but not overwhelming. Great for resurfacing, smoothing and boosting glow overnight.
If you have particularly sensitive skin, you can begin your VT journey with Reedle Shot 100 before graduating to the higher levels.
VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 300 2STEP Mask $6 NZD
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
While their OG Centella serum gets the hype, this upgraded version is the true hidden gem. With a richer, milky texture and added probiotics, it’s ultra-nourishing and barrier-repairing. Skin feels noticeably softer and more resilient after just a few uses — especially if you're dealing with dryness, sensitivity or post-acne marks.
SKIN1004, Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule, $41 NZD.
Celimax The Real Noni Energy Ampoule
In Korea, noni juice is often taken as a health tonic — packed with antioxidants, vitamins and anti-inflammatory benefits. This ampoule channels that same energy straight to your skin. Formulated with a whopping 71.77% noni fruit extract (not just water), it helps revitalise dull or stressed-out complexions. The texture is thick but fast-absorbing, delivering an instant glow boost without feeling greasy. If your skin feels tired or depleted, this is your new liquid multivitamin.
Celimax, The Real Noni Energy Ampoule, $45 NZD.
Glassy skin might be a trend, but healthy skin is always in. With powerhouse ingredients like centella, bifida and ceramides, these K-beauty favourites do more than look good on your shelf — they work. So if you’ve been meaning to update your routine or finally try that TikTok-famous essence, consider this your sign. Your skin (and future selfies) will thank you.
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