7 Best Underrated Korean Skincare Brands Worth Checking Out 

If you’re part of the Korean beauty craze that has taken over the world in recent years, you’re probably no stranger to big names like Etude House or Innisfree. However, there are hundreds of smaller, less-known Korean skincare brands that even some K-beauty fanatics have yet to hear of. But don’t be fooled, these under-the-radar brands aren’t any less effective at giving you clear, radiant skin!

Are you a fan of trying new products from different brands? Then be sure to check out some of our picks from these underrated K-beauty brands below.

Here is our list of the 7 underrated best Korean skincare brands that you shouldn’t miss out on!

Note: This list is strictly not in order.

1. Sioris

Sioris’ name originates from the combination of the words ‘simple’ and ‘original’. Taking that as their philosophy, this cruelty-free brand takes pride in using ingredients that are natural, clean and environmentally-friendly. Its natural ingredients are harvested from local Korean farms and manufactured within a year to retain its freshness.

This brand is perfect for you to try out if you’re looking to add sustainable, vegan products into your skincare routine.

Our pick: Time Is Running Out Mist

If you find yourself rushing to get ready in the morning, this 3-in-1 mist is an excellent choice. Created with a nourishing blend of macadamia seed, jojoba and sunflower seed oils, this multi-tasking product acts as a toner, mist and serum to hydrate your skin instantly.

Available on: Peau Peau Beauty

2. Pyunkang Yul

This holistic-focused brand combines both traditional remedies and modern innovations to create non-irritating skincare products – which is ideal if you have sensitive skin! The brand stresses on striking the perfect balance between oil and moisture to achieve healthy skin.

Pyunkang Yul’s products are known for their ability to restore dry skin and treat dermatitis, while remaining gentle and suitable for all skin types.

Our pick: Essence Toner

As one of the brand’s most popular products, the Essence Toner is made with 91.3% milkvetch root extract. Rich in antioxidants, this toner plumps and smoothens your complexion while its anti-inflammatory properties help to calm irritated skin.

Available on: YesStyle

3. Illiyoon

Illiyoon specialises in moisturising your skin to revitalise its health. The brand uses advanced skincare science while combining the best Korean ingredients to nourish and strengthen your skin’s deep barriers beyond the surface. Their signature ingredient is Ceramide, which is known to absorb deeply into your skin to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

All products are hypoallergenic and sensitivity-tested, so they’re gentle enough for even a baby to use. If you have sensitive or dry skin and need a rich hydrating moisturiser, check out Illiyoon’s line!

Our pick: Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

This rich cream comprises tiny white capsules that burst as you smear the cream into your skin. Each capsule contains a pseudo-ceramide complex that repairs and protects your skin to provide lasting hydration.

Available on: Olive Young

4. Thank You Farmer

This under-the-radar K-beauty brand takes on a farmer’s mentality and prides itself on using honest, natural ingredients to formulate clean skincare. They use farm-grown ingredients to maintain your skin’s health and decline cell-ageing.u

Their range of products strengthens your skin’s resilience to repair and protect it from daily environmental pollution. They target the root of your skin issues to provide lasting cumulative benefits rather than short-lived instant effects. This brand is excellent if you’re a low-maintenance girl who wants simple yet effective skincare.

Our pick: Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence SPF30

This super lightweight essence is great for those who hate the greasy residue left behind by thick, heavier sunscreens. Formulated with subtle pink shimmer, it gives your skin a dewy, radiant glow while offering it protection from harsh UV rays.

Available on: YesStyle

5. Benton

If you couldn’t tell by its name, this brand is inspired by The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and aims to reverse ageing – by making you look younger as you grow older! The cult skincare brand boasts high concentrations of natural ingredients to prevent any irritation, so it’s great for all skin types.

Benton has 4 different skincare lines – Aloe, Fermentation, Honest and Snail Bee. Each line features products that target various skin concerns from acne to wrinkles, so it will rejuvenate your skin over time!

Our pick: Snail Bee High Content Essence

This essence is packed with snail mucin and bee venom to deliver intense hydration to your skin, while ingredients like aloe and collagen help to soothe and smoothen it out. It also contains niacinamide, which is a highly-favoured ingredient to reduce skin congestion and calm acne breakouts.

Available on: Benton Cosmetics

6. Neogen

Neogen offers innovative skincare that’s backed by the latest dermatological science research. It’s known for developing advanced formulas with 6 core biotechnology lines that deliver high-performance benefits to different skin types and concerns.

With a range of different lines targeting different needs, you’ll no longer have to mix and match different products to personalise your skincare routine.

Our pick: Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon Pad

These 3 layer exfoliating pads penetrate your skin and unclog your pores to gently remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin. The lemon in this product is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that delivers brighter and smoother skin.

Available on: Soko Glam

7. Klavuu

This Korean skincare brand obtains its name from the Swedish words ‘klar’, meaning clear, and ‘vuu’, meaning view. Klavuu is Korea’s first marine pearl beauty brand that infuses Jeju pearl and marine plant extracts into their trademark formulas.

Each of its products is deeply hydrating and clarifies your skin for a brighter complexion. While the brand is still relatively new, it’s a favourite among a few Korean influencers like model Sunghee Kim!

Our pick: Pure Pearlsation Marine Collagen Micro Cleansing Water

This one-step cleanser is infused with pearl extracts and fermented yeast to gently remove dead skin cells while replenishing moisture into your skin. Enriched with marine-collagen, it also plumps the skin with elasticity, leaving it brighter and supple.

Available on: Klavuu

Conclusion

If you haven’t already, it’s time to give these superb K-beauty brands a try! We hope that our list helps you to find some hidden gems to add to your skincare list and enhance your skin’s health for a clearer, more radiant complexion.