Korean skincare products in M’sian stores
If you’ve ever been on the pursuit for flawless skin, you’ve likely heard of K-beauty and the viral term “Korean glass skin”, of which Korean stars have become the archetype. This coveted skincare trend has us flocking to popular beauty stores like Olive Young while we’re in Korea, all in search of the best Korean skincare products to achieve impossibly dewy, “glass” skin.
This isn’t to say that you have to hop on a flight just to get your hands on K-beauty. There are plenty of Korean brands – think Mixsoon, Torriden, and Round Lab – to be found on our shores too.
Lest to say, you’ll be spoilt for choices, so we’ve rounded up 30 best Korean skincare products that you can get in Malaysia. You’ll be on your way to rocking a porcelain-smooth complexion like your fave K-drama actor or actress, who have likely distracted you with their skin while you were binge-watching their latest series.
Table of Contents
– Cleansing oils & balms –
The importance of double–cleansing has probably been shoved down your throat more times than enough. But there’s no denying that this practice – a foundation in every K-beauty skincare routine for a long time now – has forever changed the state of our pores.
For the uninitiated, double cleansing involves removing your make-up or SPF with an oil-based cleanser as the first step of your routine, before employing a facial cleanser as your second cleanse.
Here are some of the best ones we found:
1. BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (RM109)
Image credit: Korean Skincare
The outrageously popular BANILA CO Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is a “sherbet” that you’ll have to scoop out of a tub with a spatula as it melts down upon contact with warm skin – think coconut oil. This balm smoothly removes layers of make-up and sunscreen without leaving your face feeling horribly stripped after.
Its gentle formula and high efficacy – even removing waterproof emulsions with ease – has shot this product to cult status.
Designed with all skin types in mind, the brand actually has several variations in this series of cleansing balms – there are the Basic, Revitalising, Nourishing, Purifying, Brightening and Pore-Clarifying editions.
Available at SASA.
2. Heimish All Clean Balm (RM68.90)
Image credit: @heimish.kr via Instagram
For a cleanse that’s gentle yet invigorating, go for the Heimish All Clean Balm that has been a consistent top-seller of the brand itself ever since it was launched.
Its ingredients are what makes the product stand out from its competitors. The balm contains an impressive list of botanical extracts that contain antioxidants and vitamins, as well as nourishing oils that help brighten the skin and prevent breakouts. While it has no added fragrance, the product formulation gives off a natural earthy and herbal fragrance.
You can bet that the balm works amazingly well, breaking down dirt and oil on your face almost instantaneously and leaving your skin feeling supple and smooth.
Available at Guardian.
3. Ma:nyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil (RM118)
Image credit: OCEANBUY.ca Korean Skincare
Ma:nyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil is an award-winning cleansing oil that has been touted as an all-in-one daily cleansing. This citrus-scented cleansing oil is easy to apply and massage onto the skin, effectively dissolving into a luscious milky consistency that removes makeup and impurities without leaving behind any residue.
It contains natural ingredients that are good for the skin such as Argan kernel oil – packed with vitamin E with moisturising and soothing properties, as well as 14 plant-derived oils that also help nourish and maintain the skin’s moisture and pH balance.
Available at Watsons.
4. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil (RM80)
Image credit: myeppo Korean Skincare
Those who have used Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil often rave about how gentle it is – it feels almost like water. It is a mild, extra-light and soothing cleanser that contains six botanical oils to purify pores without drying or irritating the skin.
And its winning ingredient? Centella Asiatica – or Cica – derived from Madagascar that’s said to complement the treatment of dry and sensitive skin.
Available at Watsons.
– Face cleansers & exfoliators –
Face cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine, and the second cleanse helps to take care of those nasty stuff on your face that you might not necessarily see with the naked eye. These Korean face cleansers are designed to be hydrating and gentle most times, avoiding formulas with active ingredients such as exfoliating acids:
5. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser (RM41.31)
Image credit: Round Lab
Luxuriously soft and pleasantly creamy, Round Lab’s Dokdo 1025 Cleanser is notable for gentleness as far as its ingredients go.
The cleanser contains three types of hyaluronic acid, as well as real chamomile and panthenol. It is even infused with the deep sea water of Ulleung-do, which contains plenty of minerals and is able to deeply hydrate the skin. The cleanser also has a slightly lower pH which is ideal for the skin.
Available at Guardian and Watsons.
6. Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser (RM76)
Image credit: niasha
“Simple, but enough” is the motto of the highly-raved Korean skincare brand Dear, Klairs. Their Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser embodies their slogan well.
The cleanser comes in a foaming bottle that pumps out a dollop of fluffy foam, in just the perfect amount to lather on your face. Reviews have stated that it leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean, but not too much so to the point where your skin is left feeling tight, dry and uncomfortable.
Available at Watsons, Sephora, and SASA.
7. Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam (RM21.25)
Image credit: Yumi Beauty
The Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam is as gentle as gentle can get. The entire Heartleaf line is formulated with heartleaf extract harvested from Mount Jiri, which is said to calm any skin inflammation ridiculously well. This cleanser, in particular, also contains salicylic acid to help alleviate skin troubles, and Centella Asiatica extract that helps to soothe the skin.
Available at Watsons.
8. Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gentle Cleanser (RM49)
Image credit: GlowSkin Cosmetics Kenya
K-beauty brand Cosrx have built up a cult following in recent years, and for good reason – the focus on their ingredients and their effectiveness as a brand philosophy is one that many can get on board with.
One of the top products that people associate with the brand is their Low pH Good Morning Gentle Cleanser. The cleanser is formulated to be slightly acidic to match our skin’s naturally low pH and avoid the uncomfortably stripping feeling we would get from certain alkaline cleansers. Due to its skin-friendly pH, this is a great pick for those with sensitive and dry skin.
Available at Watsons.
9. Aprilskin Real Calendula PHA Hyaluronic Peeling Gel (RM111)
Image credit: Amazon Korean Skincare
Face exfoliators are so essential but so underrated. If you happen to be looking for one that does not scrub away harshly at your skin, go for this Aprilskin Real Calendula PHA Hyaluronic Peeling Gel.
The brand’s signature exfoliator is exceedingly gentle: a pale yellow gel that pills when massaged onto skin to help slough away dead skin cells, minimise fine lines, unclog pores, and give skin a radiant look without irritating it. The skin-healing flower Calendula extract in the formulation ensures a hydrating exfoliate without leaving the skin feeling raw.
Available at Guardian.
– Toners & toner pads –
If face cleansing and exfoliating aren’t doing enough to take you a step closer to getting a dewy complexion like that of Suzy’s or Blackpink’s Jisoo’s, then toners are what you’ll need in your skincare regime.
Toners are mainly divided into two camps – exfoliating and hydrating. Korean skincare routines prioritise hydrating and barrier-restoring formulas, so you can expect Korean toners to assist you in obtaining your soon-to-be glowing complexion.
10. I’M FROM Rice Toner (RM118) & I’M FROM Mugwort Essence (RM140)
Image adapted from: Shopee & Adore Beauty
Amongst many South Korean beauty brands that take pride in their transparency, I’M FROM distinguishes itself from other brands by incorporating ingredients – such as mugwort, ginseng, honey, pear, and fig – that were used in traditional Korean remedies into their products.
Their star products aren’t your average toner. Their Rice Toner contains over 77.78% of rice extract from the region of Yeoju, South Korea, as well as Niacinamide too. This fragrance-free toner comes in a wonderfully white milky solution that hydrates and brightens the skin.
Let’s talk about green flags in skincare products – the lesser the ingredients list, the better. I’M FROM’s Mugwort Essence only contains 1 ingredient – 100% mugwort extract. Mugwort is rich in minerals and vitamins, and known for its ability to restore youthful skin, as well as its amazing calming and detoxifying properties, making it ideal for even the most sensitive of skins. The essence is an excellent solution to treat skin problems and creates a clear and glowing complexion in just minutes.
Available at Watsons & SASA.
11. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner (RM62.91)
Image credit: Round Lab
This Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner is a best-seller at Olive Young in Korea, so you can expect this product to deliver. The waster-based toner is infused with deep sea water to replenish moisture and mildly exfoliate, as well as glycerin and allantoin to soothe troubled skin. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed, softened, and simply glowing.
Available at Guardian & Watsons.
12. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore Tight Toner (RM182)
Image credit: Glow Recipe Korean Skincare
You can bet that a skincare brand with a glow in its name will give your skin that glow. Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore Tight Toner does so much more than shrinking those gaping pores.
Supercharged with five weights of hyaluronic acid, and containing glow-restoring antioxidants and amino acids from watermelon extract, this toner nourishes and brightens complexion with just a few drops. The stars of the show that exfoliate without the harsh irritation – poly and beta hydroxy acids – team up to clarify the skin by sweeping away dead cells.
Available at Sephora.
13. Skinfood Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad 60pcs (RM75.65)
Image credit: Skinfood US
Toner pads are a godsend from the K-beauty gods to both the busy gals and lazy ones. The concept of pre-soaked pads already infused with skin-enhancing ingredients in a tub is so convenient and ingenious, it’s no wonder these products are always flying off the shelves.
Skinfood’s Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pads have been garnering a whole lot of attention after South Korean actress Han Seo Hee was spotted using them in a livestream. This award-winning vegan toner pad has beta-carotene derived from natural carrot extract and seed oil as its key ingredients, which both work together to instantaneously soothe irritated skin.
The toner pads are thick and exquisitely soft, with slight perforations that can help to remove debris off the skin as you slide them across your face.
Available at Watsons.
14. Numbuzin No.3 Radiance Glowing Jumbo Essence Pad 70pcs (RM75)
Image credit: eBay Korean Skincare
The Numbuzin No.3 Radiance Glowing Jumbo Essence Pad is one loaded multitasker. Each pad is chock-full with the rich essence of 50 fermented ingredients, which enhance the penetration and potency of active ingredients for better results. Better yet, the product is paraben-, alcohol- and cruelty-free, as well as vegan-certified, which is music to any skincare guru’s ears.
Available at Watsons.
15. Mediheal Square Toner Pads collection 100pcs (RM129.90)
Image credit: Shopee
A TikTok favourite and one of Korea’s best-selling toner pads, the entire range of Mediheal Square Toner Pads feature huge square-shaped cotton pads, ensuring ample coverage for your entire cheek in just one pad.
While there are quite a handful of varying types in this collection that offers different benefits, fan favourites are the Madecassoside Blemish Pads that soothes acne scars and blemishes; the Collagen Ampoule Pad that targets fine lines and wrinkles and firms up ageing skins; the Tea Tree Toner Pad that are extra-calming for those with sensitive skin; and the Watermide Moisture Pad to combat dryness and puffing.
Available at SASA.
– Serums & Essence –
Now, serums and essence are less of backbones of a skincare regime and something more of a superpower. They target specific skincare concerns, letting you customise your routine to what you’d want to address such as texture, tone, fine lines or lack of hydration.
16. Mixsoon Bean Essence (RM139)
Image credit: Skinsider
Yet another viral hit on our hands, Mixsoon’s Bean Essence has a slippery and sticky texture, making it a great alternative to Cosrx’s mega-viral snail mucin essence for those who may be sensitive to the formulation of the latter.
Its powerhouse ingredient – soybean ferment extract – promises to enhance the skin barrier and replenish the skin’s moisture. Pomegranate is another fermented ingredient present in the essence that acts as a gentle exfoliant.
The plethora of TikTok clips may have left you confused about the methods of using the product. All you have to do is to massage the essence onto your face until you feel some debris forming, then use a toner pad or a soft cotton to swipe off the residue on your face.
Available at SASA.
17. Torriden Dive-in Hyaluronic Acid Serum (RM89.10)
Image credit: Korean-Skincare
There’s something about Torriden’s products that make your skin feel immensely hydrated by just looking at them. For starters, their Dive-in Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a gorgeous sea-blue liquid contained in a small glass bottle with a dropper-style dispenser. It has a lightweight texture that can be easily absorbed by the skin, while delivering an instant and intense moisture treatment to the skin, thanks to its 5D multi-hyaluronic acid complex.
Available at Watsons.
18. Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum (RM83)
Image credit: InStyle
When we talk about the ideal serum, Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum is a go-to with its impressive list of ingredients, without the ones that could clog the pores – it is free of paraben, alcohol, oil and any sort of fragrance.
Its formula contains ingredients that support that coveted glass skin look. There’s niacinamide which helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, as well as panthenol which rejuvenates the skin with ample moisture and hydration.
Available at Watsons.
19. GOODAL Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum (RM109.65)
Image credit: eBay
Everyone knows that Vitamin C is a game-changer when it comes to tackling dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and the GOODAL Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum is a prowess at that.
The serum is a powerhouse with all the best brightening ingredients used in its formulation, including organic green tangerine extract which contains 10x more vitamin C than lemons, arbutin which is effective against abnormal pigmentation, as well as 4% niacinamide which does basically everything.
Available at Watsons.
– Moisturisers –
Korean moisturisers are simply it. Be it silky smooth ones with the lightest consistency ever that your skin slurps up joyfully, or buttery rich ones that blanket your skin with everything good it needs, their moisturisers are highly hydrating and insanely refreshing.
Besides, these creams and gels are amazing carriers of the trending Korean herbal ingredients – also known as hanbang – such as ginseng, cica, licorice root extract, and lotus.
20. Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream (RM130)
Image credit: @klairs.global via Instagram
For a skincare brand that philosophises straightforward and simple formulation in their products, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream is theatrically stunning with its periwinkle blue tint.
And while you may come for it for its visuals, you’ll stay for its benefits. This moisturiser does wonders for sensitive or acne-prone skin with its soothing ingredients, such as guaiazulene – a derivative of chamomile that gives it its natural blue colour – as well as the famous Centella Asiatica.
Some other good stuff infused in this cream are peptides, which have anti-ageing properties by stimulating cell renewal.
Available at Watsons, Sephora and SASA.
21. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturizer Cream (RM180)
Image credit: Laneige
The K-beauty brand that’s a staple in almost every girl’s skincare cabinet, Laneige has constantly proven to us that their products are worthy of all the hype.
Their Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer is a holy grail for many. This thirst-quenching moisturiser contains blue hyaluronic acid as its hero ingredient, which is derived through the bio-fermentation of sea algae and as a result, is an amplified humectant. It is also spiked with mint leaf extract which soothes and cools the skin instantly once applied.
Altogether there are three moisturisers currently available in the range – a clear gel one for combination to oily skin, this cream one for normal to dry skin, and another thick balmy one for ultra-dry skin.
Available at Sephora and Laneige stores.
22. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream (RM109)
Image credit: The Glow Edit
Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream will give you skin that’s as dewy and plump as its name promises. This moisturiser stores a whipped gel texture that’s pillowy soft to the touch in a pink container adorably shaped like a plum.
Laden with hydrating polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and brightening plum extract, the Plum Plump Moisturiser is a saviour for those with thirsty and dull skin – you’ll wake up the next morning looking your glowiest.
Available at Sephora and SASA.
23. Torriden Dive-in Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream (RM89.10)
Image credit: @mysa_mv via Instagram
Undeniably the buzziest moisturiser – and skincare brand as a whole – of 2023, the Torriden Dive-in Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream has the ability to woo anyone with just its sea-blue packaging itself.
Its ingredients and effectiveness are as noteworthy as its aesthetics. The moisturiser contains a 5D complex of hyaluronic acid that works well with panthenol – this helps boost the skin’s moisture and lock in hydration. Its featherlight texture slides and thins out beautifully across the skin, without leaving behind a greasy mess.
Available at Watsons.
– Sunscreens –
Let’s just put this out there – Korean sunscreens are truly second to none. It’s void of all the tacky thickness, free from that white-case look, and satisfyingly lightweight, their sunscreen formulations are not only protecting your skin from the harsh UV rays, but also gives an extra layer of hydration and radiance.
Trust us, you’ll be more likely to apply your daily SPF if you genuinely love using these on your face.
24. Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum (RM81)
Image credit: WOOH
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Serum has a consistency that feels more like a serum than a sunscreen – that’s how light it is. It is a non-nano chemical sunscreen that’s packed with four different UV filters that protects your skin from harsh aggressors, and also rich in the soothing cica and niacinamide that ensure a hydrated skin throughout the day. It’s no wonder every single beauty TikTok-ers are raving about this.
Available at Watsons.
25. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen: Rice + Probiotic (RM59.42)
Image credit: Beauty Of Joseon
Ask anyone for some life-changing sunscreen recommendations, and they’ll most likely bring up Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Sunscreen: Rice + Probiotic.
Made with sensitive skin types in mind, this soothing sunscreen checks all the boxes – it is cast-free, ultra-soothing and layers amazingly with makeup. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula has a hefty dose rice extract and fermented grains for intense moisturising purposes, as well as antioxidants and soothing ginseng. Rest assured, your skin will be protected.
Available at Watsons
26. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream (RM77.31)
Image credit: coree.ch
Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream has been receiving glowing reviews from anyone who has tried it. This sunscreen is so weightless yet refreshing, it doubles as a moisturiser if you’re looking to minimise your morning skincare routine.
The birch tree sap present in it nourishes the skin and purifies with its extensive minerals, enzymes, proteins and antioxidants. Amino acids, minerals and vitamins from the birch sap work together to form a moisture-packed barrier that prevents loss of hydration.
Available at Guardian.
– Face masks –
A humble accessory that your favourite K-celebs are always donning – Korean face masks. These mask packs, particularly the ones from Korean skincare brands, come soaked in a blend of natural ingredients including ginseng, green tea, and snail mucin. Each sheet mask is formulated to address different concerns – be it to hydrate, brighten, fight ageing, or control acne.
27. Torriden Dive-in Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Mask Pack 1pc (RM9.90)
Image credit: @cjbeauty__ via Instagram
If a product is a best-seller in Korea, you can bet it’ll do wonders for your skin. The Torriden Dive-in Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Mask Pack boasts a highly moisturising formula that adheres securely and comfortably to the face. On top of that, a sheet is packed with hyaluronic acid and water infused with moisture-maximising minerals, you’ll feel like your face has drunk a tall glass of water at the end of it.
Available at Watsons.
28. Mediheal Teatree Care Solution Essential Mask 10psc (RM89.90)
Image credit: MELON+STARFISH
Mediheal is widely popular for its toner pads and face masks that are adored by huge Korean celebrities and loyal fans alike. Rather than emphasising hydration, their Tea Tree Care Solution Essential Mask contains a combination of tea tree leaf oil, pine needle, and natural extracts that targets inflamed areas and soothes them, besides clearing out clogged pores.
Available at Watsons and SASA.
29. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (RM75)
Image credit: mujbeauty
A huge favourite of the skincare community and an oldie goodie, Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is a master at absorbing those stubborn excess sebum in your pores. With a slew of active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, polyhydroxy acids, and volcanic lava, the mask works wonders by melting away dead skin cells and exfoliating the surface of the skin.
Available at Sephora and Innisfree stores.
30. SOME BY MI Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask (RM30)
Image credit: SoKoSkins
Blackheads and clogged pores have nothing against SOME BY MI’s Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask that focuses on pore concerns. As its name suggests, this clay mask is infused with matcha water which purifies pores, as well as willow bark extract that sucks out excess oil and gunk from the pores. It’s definitely a good go-to to reach for when your skin needs that extra deep clean.
Available at Watsons.
Best Korean skincare that you can get in M’sia
More than just a trend, K-beauty has been continuously dominating the industry with innovative products that are hydrating, calming, and actually effective.
Whether you’re a newbie ready to dip your toes in the world of Korean skincare, or an obsessive beauty geek in search for your holy grail products, this list of Korean skincare products in Malaysia has everything from toner pads to sunscreens that’ll help you achieve the glass skin of your dreams.
For more Korean-related products, here’s 8 Korean grocery stores in Klang Valley and 10 K-pop stores in Klang Valley.
Cover image adapted from: Rusella Beauty, OCEANBUY.ca, @torriden via Instagram