5 Best Korean Skincare Products For Men
Skincare routines are a quintessential part of any healthy lifestyle, no matter where you are in life.
While skincare is often attributed to being a feminine task, it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Taking good care of the largest organ in your body should be a part of your daily habits. After all, hydrated and healthy skin will keep you looking and feeling youthful for a long time.
If you’re new to skincare routines, it may surprise you to know that there is more to it than just lotion and aftershave. You can incorporate a 10-step Korean skincare routine into your daily life and reap all the benefits that come with it. And with the extensive routine comes products dedicated to each step.
So, to help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the five best Korean Men’s skincare products. Using them in tandem with the routine mentioned above will keep you looking fresh and dewy and give those young boys some competition!
5 Best Men’s Korean Skincare Products Reviewed
1. Iope Men All Day Perfect All In One
As the name suggests, Iope’s Men All Day Perfect All In One is the only product you’ll need to begin your Korean Skincare regimen. The product contains the properties of a toner, a moisturizer, and a facial essence – all rolled into one package that fits all skin types. If you shave regularly, the Iope lotion functions as a great post-shaving product and soothes any razor burns you may experience, thanks to peppermint extract.
The antioxidant properties of Iope’s lotion lend help rejuvenate and clear up dry and dull skin, undoing the damage caused by dust and pollution. Even if your skin produces excessive oil, the lotion can clear it up quite effectively. You’ll find that Iope’s product works well as an anti-aging cream, thanks to its hydrating formula.
And lastly, the thin consistency will aid you in applying the product evenly without being sticky or possessing a strong artificial smell.
Drawback
Iope’s Men All Day Perfect contains no SPF, which may be mildly inconvenient if you go in direct sunlight often.
Verdict
The cooling, hydrating and rejuvenating properties of Iope’s lotion make it one of the best men’s skincare products on the Korean market. Iope’s product can revitalize your skin and repair any damage caused by external factors, making it a great addition to your skincare regimen.
2. BANILA CO Clean It Zero
Banila’s CO Clean It Zero is crafted to be similar to a jelly which becomes easier to apply when mixed with water. This makes it easier to apply evenly than many other products and removes dirt and dust particles from your skin while nourishing it with nutrients. Now, depending on the needs of your skin, you can pick from one of four types: classic, purifying, nourishing, and pore-clarifying.
Clean It Zero eliminates acne and keeps sensitive skin healthy and supple while providing a brightening effect. Much like Iope’s lotion mentioned previously, Banila’s balm contains hydrating qualities that keep wrinkles at bay and help your skin retain its youthful appearance. It can wash away excess sebum and oil with relative ease and exfoliates your skin to give it a clear and glass-like look.
Drawback
Since it’s a jelly that requires a spatula to scoop out, Banila’s Clean It Zero may take longer than most Korean skincare products to apply.
Verdict
Banila’s Clean It Zero has the variety and the purpose down-pat, giving you the skincare experience you need from one of its four products. Its exfoliating property, as well as its ability to cater to sensitive skin types, make it a product worth your while.
3. Biore Charcoal Acne Cleanser
Biore Charcoal Acne Cleanser is infused with natural activated charcoal to cleanse pores deeply and remove excess oil to purify your skin. Along with natural charcoal, Biore has implemented Skin Purifying technology to eliminate acne and help your skin ward off any future instances of acne breakouts. The charcoal face wash does it all while being gentle on your skin, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh side effects.
Use the oil-free cleanser as a part of your daily skincare routine to free clogged pores. You can opt to combine the Biore Charcoal Acne Cleanser with a toner and moisturizer of your choice to see the best results. If you do so, Biore promises an improvement in two days, controlling the oil content and absorption of your skin.
Drawback
Certain skin types may see few changes in the oiliness of their skin after repeated use, so your experience with the product may vary.
Verdict
Biore’s product is a great addition to your skincare regimen as a dedicated cleanser, cleaning pores effectively and returning your complexion to its natural state. It can control acne breakouts quite well, bringing your skin the clear and clean feel that it deserves.
4. Kao Men’s Biore Charcoal Detox
Kao Men’s Biore Charcoal Detox comes in the form of a gel to alleviate the irritation that you may be experiencing with dry skin. The cleansing gel employs a charcoal formula to absorb the excess oil from your skin, allowing your skin to breathe easily and appear clean. Moreover, over the course of a few uses, the gel will clear out acne, blackheads, and cuticles with the Black & White scrub particles.
The Charcoal Detox also uses Hyaluronic acid to hydrate your dry skin, giving you a fresh and clean feeling after a thorough cleansing. Once you’ve added the product to your daily skincare routine, you’ll see results within a few days of use.
If you’re concerned about the effects of Charcoal Detox on different skin types, you needn’t worry. It’s designed to cater to the needs of each skin type, be it dry, oily, or a combination of both.
Drawback
If you have a strong aversion to artificial smells, you may find the scent of Men’s Biore Charcoal Detox noticeable.
Verdict
Kao’s Charcoal Detox requires consistent usage to yield results, but the results speak for themselves as its cleansing effect is quite refreshing upon repeated use. The gel is also free of oil, unlike most cleaning gel brands, and can fight acne quite effectively.
5. MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule SX
MISSHA’s Time Revolution Night Repair cream is an ampoule that must be applied to your skin as the last step in your skincare regimen. It contains a variety of highly concentrated ingredients to nourish your skin while being light and easy to apply. The formula is clinically proven to get rid of dark spots and wrinkles on your skin while moisturizing and soothing it.
And unlike most other brands, the consistency of Time Revolution Night Repair is noticeably thicker. This results in a product that spreads across your face with ease without a greasy feeling afterward.
Featuring a mild and earthy scent, you’ll be left with a pleasant and nourishing skin care experience without any irritated skin. Moreover, you needn’t use a lot of the ampoule, as only a drop would suffice. No matter your skin type, the Time Revolution Night Repair cream is ideal for all, even if you have eczematous skin.
Drawback
The MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule SX is a bit more expensive than its competitors, which can be a point of contention for some.
Verdict
MISSHA’s Time Revolution Night Repair ampoule competes favorably against other serums and ampoules, bringing your skincare regimen to a pleasant conclusion. With repeated use, you will see a reduction in prominent dark spots on your skin without any harsh effects, no matter the skin type.
FAQ
1. What makes Korean skincare different?
Hailed as the land of skincare science, Korea has highlighted certain natural ingredients that can benefit your skin more than chemicals ever could. The reason behind this is that the crux of Korean skincare focuses on the prevention of any potential issues with your skin. After all, prevention is always better than having to undo the damage left in the wake of any dermatological problems.
Over the course of many decades of research, Korean skincare has been perfected for users to achieve a smooth and hydrated complexion. Known colloquially as ‘glass skin,’ the routine results in the user achieving clear-cut results from the extra care that they put into respecting their skin.
The routine can differ based on your skin type since skin types can react differently to any specific product. If you have concerns about any product’s effect on your skin, try testing it on a small area on the wrist. After you’ve applied the product, wait for a few hours to see how your skin reacts to it. Avoid using the product altogether if you spot any abnormal rash or reaction on the patch.
Now, no good result comes without some effort, and the Korean skincare routine is a perfect reflection of that. You will need to set aside a few minutes for the 10-step routine and perform each step by following the methods properly. The products can only achieve so much, and the rest is in your hands to follow the routine well and with care.
That said, the procedure is quite simple, and it can adapt to all lifestyles, so feel free to take advantage of Korean skincare routines.
2. What goes into a typical Korean skincare routine?
Korean skincare routines may involve several steps, which can range anywhere from 5-12, depending on your preferences. Though a 12-step skincare process sounds daunting, you needn’t worry, as only three of these steps form the core of the routines.
These steps include:
- Cleansing
- Toning
- Moisturizing
By following these three steps, you’ll make the first leap into getting the glass-like smooth, clear, and gorgeous skin you’ve seen online. Additionally, men don’t necessarily have to commit to the five, seven, ten, or 12-step routines at all. It’s more about choosing the correct products for your skin type than the steps involved.
Let’s explore these steps in great detail to help you gain a better understanding of how to keep your skin healthy.
A. Cleansing
A regular skincare routine may only involve washing your face with a simple face wash once. But when following the Korean skincare routine, you’ll cleanse your face twice.
This usually involves an oil-based cleanser that breaks down the leftover product you applied before, such as sunscreen and moisturizer. Leftover products can have an impact on your complexion if not washed properly, after all.
Next comes a foaming face wash that clears out dirt and oil from the pores in your face. This step will also help clear out any toxic particles that may have found their way to your face when you’re out and about.
B. Toning
A toner’s job is to rebalance the pH of your skin that may have been imbalanced after cleansing. This fast-penetrating fluid will rehydrate your skin in a matter of seconds, making this a quick step in your routine.
You may apply a toner using a cotton swab or bare hands, depending on your preference. A cotton swab is usually preferable since it will allow you to apply the product to each part of your face evenly.
C. Moisturizing
Dry skin can be a sign of poor skin health, and regularly moisturizing will help it strengthen its barrier and remain hydrated for extended periods. A light, fast-absorbing, and sensitive skin-friendly moisturizer is ideal for most people, especially if you shave regularly.
3. How does a typical Korean skincare routine differ between skin types?
It may come off as no surprise to you that not all skin types react the same to a particular skincare routine. This means that depending on your specific kind of skin, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to the skincare regimen. You can take an extra step or two to make the skincare routine truly yours or remove a step to better suit the skin type.
Let’s see what each skin type needs from your skincare routine.
A. Oily Skin
For oily skin, you’ll want to be thorough about cleansing since the greasy feeling can return fairly quickly. Feel free to double down on double cleansing if necessary.
As for the toner, you should use a product that is lightweight and uses a less emollient formula.
B. Dry Skin
Dry skin can feel awful, and depending on the discomfort you experience, you can use an oil-based cleanser to compensate for the dryness. If your skin continues to feel dry, consider consulting a dermatologist for the type of product that suits you the best.
Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, are immensely beneficial for dry skin as toners, so be sure to make use of those.
C. Combination Skin
Combination skin type is one where your skin has the characteristics of both dry and oily skin types. Your routine will see shifts based on the natural balance of the skin and which way you wish to tip it. So, you’ll want to use the products that make the skin feel the cleanest and most natural to you.
D. Acne-Prone Skin
Skip out on exfoliating if you face acne breakouts frequently, as the practice can cause you discomfort or pain. You should only exfoliate when all the acne has cleared up.
4. What are the additional steps involved in Korean skincare routines for men?
In addition to the three main steps listed above, you can add a couple more to make your skincare regimen more complete. These include the use of facial essence and SPF.
Facial essence can be the game-changer for your skin, transforming your experience with the skincare routine significantly. The essence contains active ingredients that help it penetrate deeper into the skin, allowing the organ to absorb all products that you apply afterward. So, if you want your skin to absorb just a little more nutrients from the skincare products, consider using a facial essence.
As for sunscreen, the science behind Korean skincare believes it to be an important part of a routine, especially if you’re going into direct sunlight. Absorbing more UV radiation than what is necessary can lead to health complications, and sunscreen wards off any excessive UV rays. Remember to be sure to refresh your sunscreen once every couple of hours to maximize its effectiveness!
Final Verdict
Taking care of your skin is a matter of incorporating a small lifestyle change, and for men, the process is even simpler. It’s more of a matter of choosing the right products than the number of steps in men’s Korean skincare regimen.
With that in mind, the best product you can include in your daily life is Iope’s Men All Day Perfect All In One. As the name suggests, the product covers all three steps in the Korean skincare routine for men, requiring little time and effort to perform your daily diligence. It’s simple and quite effective, to boot.
That said, products like Banila’s CO Clean It Zero and Kao Men’s Biore Charcoal Detox can prove to be valuable additions to your routine. The cleansing properties of these products are notable, as well as their ability to nourish your skin. You can’t go wrong with choosing them, in any case.