2019 was full of many interesting K-beauty releases! Here are the top five 2019 releases that stand out because they also point to skincare trends for 2020.
The Pure Lotus 2-Step Sheet Mask
The Pure Lotus 2-Step Mask comes with a toning pad that gently exfoliates the skin before the mask step. The pad is soaked in lotus leaf extract and lactic acid for gentle exfoliation so that the sheet mask essence can penetrate deeper into the skin.
The sheet mask itself is made of 100% natural silk rayon. You can tell that it’s high quality and it’s so worth it! The silk rayon feels like a dream on the skin. Plus, the essence has powerful ingredients like Niacinamide, Green Tea and Lotus Leaf extracts, without artificial fragrance.
Trend to Watch in 2020: 2 step masks with exfoliating toning pads
Aqulabo Vinyasa Serum
This serum’s ingredient list itself is impressive with 61.1% fermented lotus flower. Not only that, it contains vitamin C and is 100% EWG Grade! The fact that it has 61.1% fermented lotus as its first ingredient tells us we’re getting more than our money’s worth. Let’s be honest, it’s a little discomforting to pay premium for a serum with water as its main ingredient. (Not only that, water as the main ingredient shortens shelf life as “water encourages the growth of bacteria and other microbes.”)
Also, fermented extracts make sensitive skin very happy! That’s because fermented products are more gentle on sensitive skin. Furthermore, the molecules of fermented ingredients are smaller so they penetrate deeper in the skin, bringing your skin that deep nourishment that it needs.
Trend to Watch in 2020: Fermented ingredients in place of water
Phykology Seaweed Bubble Clay Mask
Bubble masks have been steadily gaining popularity since 2017. The Phykology Seaweed Bubble Clay Mask takes it to the next level beyond just pore cleansing. This is a bubble mask that foams up upon application and then transforms into a detoxifying-yet hydrating-clay mask. It’s formulated with ingredients like mineral-rich seaweed powder, allantoin, and vitamin C. And its PINK! Yes, it’s made of pink clay from France and is effective in removing dead skin cells and sebum. The product is EWG certified and free of Parabens, Sulfates, Fragrances, Phthalates, and other harmful ingredients
Another cool point is that the mask is individually packed with just the right amount of product. Therefore, it’s more sanitary, you get the full effect as the product is not exposed to air (like clay masks in jars), and there’s less wasted product.
Truly a unique product that’s travel friendly too!
Trend to Watch in 2020: Multi-functional clean formulations
107 Low pH Chaga Cleanser
This low pH cleanser was a quick favorite among many skincare gurus like Jude Chao (@fiddysnails). It’s your perfect low pH cleanser with so many outstanding points like: interesting jelly-like texture, green tea powder, extracts of 10 different plants and herbs, naturally fermented vinegar, and Chaga! Chaga mushrooms improve skin tone and contain a high amount of moisturizing beta-glucan, which is effective for improving skin elasticity.
Trend to Watch in 2020: Chaga mushroom ingredient
Sioris Make It Bright Sheet Mask
Sioris is the latest K-beauty brand to make waves in the clean beauty scene. This brand is known for its clear and serious commitment to clean beauty — using only natural and organic ingredients sourced from organic farming, with eco-friendly packaging. The Make it Bright Sheet Mask packaging is 100% eco-friendly as it’s made with paper that can be recycled.
Another bonus of this mask is that it lists 73% organic plum water as the first ingredient, followed by centella asiatica and broccoli extract. As mentioned earlier, it’s always a great feeling to get a product full of nutrient-rich ingredients in place of water.
Trend to Watch in 2020: Sustainable packaging
What skincare trend are you most excited for in 2020?