Curious about the year 2022’s best of K-beauty? In 2022, we experienced the rise of Korean Retinol to Retinal and skincare trends like milky toners. We saw new K-trends like multi-balm sticks go viral, and the epitome of Korean skincare, sheetmasks, slowly being replaced by wash-off masks. Here are the top 10 best K-beauty products of 2022 that we’re keeping for 2023.
1. Hyggee pH Hyaluron Gel Cleanser – Best Daily Cleanser for All Skin Types
If you love gel cleansers, you won’t be able to go back after trying this one! The Hyggee pH Hyaluron Gel Cleanser is low pH, bubbles up gently, and cleanses effortlessly without a residue. It’s a hydrating wash with a plush gel texture that won’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry. It’s so simple, yet will quickly become your daily essential. It ranked #1 on Korea’s most popular beauty app, Hwahae. And with 200 ml per bottle (in a pump!), you definitely get your money’s worth.
2. T’else Kombucha Teatox Essence – Best Glass Skin Toner
If you want in on the glass skin trend, then you need the T’else Kombucha Teatox Essence! The Kombucha extract in this essence adds glow and smooths out skin texture, while the triple Hyaluronic Acids plump your skin for the dewy, glass skin effect. That’s why skinfluencer @myskinisglass decided to feature it in his sold out Glassedskin Box.
3. Hyggee Own Vegan Calming Toner – Best Daily Toner for All Skin Types
The Hyggee Own Vegan Calming Toner can be used daily and benefits all skin types because of its soothing, clarifying, and hydrating properties. Unlike other exfoliating toners, this one does not feel drying at all and contains BHA and LHA to clarify your pores. Even though it contains Hyaluronic Acids to hydrate, it’s not thick or slippery. The star ingredient of this toner, however, is the extracts from the East Asian Sophora herb. Sophora is excellent for soothing sensitive and irritated skin.
4. 107 Soseo Vibiome Vitamin C Serum – Best New Vitamin C Serum of 2022
The 107 Soseo Vibiome Vitamin C Serum made waves in the K-beauty scene this year with a potent Vitamin C formula that’s stable and fast working. This serum contains 15% stabilized Vitamin C (Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) that’s effective at reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out skin tone. But it’s not just your average Vitamin C serum. The formula also contains nourishing and anti-aging 10-year fermented Vinegar, Wheat, and Ginseng so you can have brighter, more youthful, AND healthier skin. It was selected as Allure Editor’s Choice serum soon after its release and we’re not surprised. It’s that good!
5. HSGN Pure 15% Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid Serum – Best Affordable SkinCeuticals Dupe
In 2022, we also discovered the best Korean Vitamin C serum with pure Ascorbic Acid. The HSGN Pure 15% Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid Serum contains pure Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, just like the famous SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. But the formula is actually better, and so is the price! The HSGN Vitamin C serum formula contains 10 additional antioxidant ingredients, has no scent, and it costs less than 1/4 per ml than the SkinCeuticals version—making it a true SkinCeuticals Vitamin C dupe!
6. HSGN Retinal Liposomal Retinal Cream – Best New Retinol/Retinal Treatment Cream of 2022
The newest and best Korean Retinol / Retinal cream you need to try! The HSGN Retinal Liposomal Retinal Cream was released this year and we are loving their sophisticated and effective formula! It contains stabilized 0.05% Retinal which is proven to work up to 11x faster than Retinol for faster cellular turnover and effective anti-aging. This Retinal cream also contains other skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide, Panthenol, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides. We tried a lot of different Korean Retinol / Retinal creams this year and we can confidently say that this is the best one in every way–formula, efficacy, and down to efficient packaging.
7. Phykology Bright Tomorrow Guardian Cream – Best Skin Barrier Cream for 2 Years Running
The Phykology Bright Tomorrow Guardian Cream earns the best skin barrier cream for two years in a row with good reason. This skin barrier cream has skin barrier strengthening Ceramides like most barrier creams. But it also has skin regenerative Seaweed Extract, skin soothing Centella, and moisturizing Meadowfoam Seed Oil. That’s why this cream not only delivers and locks in moisture, it also soothes, improves fine lines, and works to reverse the appearance of photo-damaged skin. It’s a skin barrier cream that goes the extra mile!
8. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream – Best Sunscreen for All Skin Types
The Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream is one of the best Korean sunscreen releases of 2022! There’s so many reasons you’ll love this sunscreen: it’s soothing, hydrating, fragrance and alcohol free, lightweight, and spreads quickly. It’s also a non-comedogenic sunscreen, meaning it does not clog pores, so it’s great for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s cruelty-free and reef-safe too!
9. Foretderm Derma Relief Vegan Sun Cream – Best Mineral Sunscreen
Foretderm Derma Relief Vegan Sun Cream is another impressive sunscreen discovery of 2022! This is the best Korean mineral sunscreen we’ve tried yet—and we’ve tried a lot. This Foretderm sunscreen applies smoothly like a dream and works effortlessly under makeup and for reapplication. Out of all of the Korean mineral sunscreens we’ve tried, this sunscreen has the most minimal white cast that turns invisible upon absorption. With soothing Madecassoside and skin barrier strengthening Panthenol, this gentle mineral sunscreen is a must-try for those with sensitive skin.
10. Dr Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Coffee Bean Body Scrub – Best All-in-One Body Care
When it comes to body care, the Dr Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Coffee Bean Body Scrub stands out for its unique formula and utility. This is a 3-in-1 body care product. You can use it as a scrub, a body wash (it emulsifies into a creamy body wash once you add water), and a body acne treatment. The upcycled Coffee grounds, Kombucha, and Green Tea ingredients leave your skin silky soft and the aroma of natural Coffee grounds is a refreshing bonus!
THE BEST K-BEAUTY PRODUCTS OF 2022
These are the best K-beauty products of 2022—from cleanser to even body care! Shop the best K-beauty products of 2022 and get up to 75% off HERE.
