Trendy or not, there is only one goal: to keep your skin healthy and cared for.
K-beauty first made waves in the Philippines back in 2006, when The Face Shop opened in malls. It was new, cute, and everyone wanted that famous aloe gel. Then came Innisfree, Laneige, and Nature Republic. Suddenly, skincare became more important than makeup.
Instead of full-coverage foundations and contour kits, we started reaching for toners, serums, and lip tints. Filipinas got hooked on routines focused on glowing skin, glass skin, and barely-there makeup. Now, K-beauty trends spread faster than ever thanks to TikTok, K-Pop, and K-Drama.
If you’re ready to go beyond the classic and crowd-favorite Korean skincare brands, here are seven newer or under-the-radar brands to check out:
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Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ – Skip the heavy sunscreens. This one feels like moisturizer but protects like the real thing.
SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule. If your skin barrier’s wrecked (red, sensitive, reactive), this is your reset button.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner. When your skin is acting up, heartleaf calms it down without stripping it.
Tamburins Hand Cream. Because your hands age fast, and most of us ignore them. A hand cream hydrates, softens, and keeps your hands looking just as polished as the rest of you.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI. It preps your skin to absorb whatever comes next (essence, serum, cream), while also hydrating and brightening on its own.
Unove Deep Damage Treatment EX If your hair feels like straw, this is the reset. Unove’s treatment masks are thick, rich, and bring dead ends back from the edge. Great for those who color or style often, or for split ends.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner. It hydrates, balances pH, and gives you that clean-skin calm before actives come in. Think of it as your skin’s glass of water after washing up.
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Trendy or not, there is only one goal: to keep your skin healthy and cared for. Good products make it easier, but it’s the habit that matters most. Find what works, stick with it, and let your skin do its thing.
