There has been a rise in popularity for Korean skincare in recent years. The phrase “korean skincare is living in 2050” is continuously popping up on various tiktok and instagram feeds as more and more people are discovering the advanced world of korean skincare.

Major factors that contributed to the rise of Korean skincare are Kdramas and Kpop. The actors and Idols in the respective fields often have clear skin or, as some may call it, glass skin. Korean skincare is also often portrayed online as something that involves a ten step routine and takes a lot of time. Elisa Ahonpää-Kim, founder of Yeppo & Soonsoo, said in an interview with Vogue,”10 steps was never a Korean invention,Koreans have always had many options for their routines, but it is more about being consistent and using effective products.” She made a reference to the busy schedules of korean youths as well as demanding hours saying,”After all, Korea is a fast ‘bballi bballi’ culture,everybody who watches K-dramas has seen a girl studying and doing a sheet mask simultaneously.”

“ With the rise of k-culture through kpop and kdrama, many people idolize the actors and performers that appear on screen. Their influence, in the way they act and the way they look ,glass, pale skin and intensive skincare routines has inspired many younger adults into imitating them.” says Hadil A.

Hadil, 18, from ON, Canada, first discovered korean skincare at the age of 17, with her first skincare product being korean. “It seemed to me that Korean skincare was generally cheaper than skincare from my country, as well as the highly competitive market and strict FDA regulations which I found made it less likely for “harmful” or “counterintuitive” products to be released. All of those points made me trust Korean skincare products more than American products.”

“ I started to use Western skincare products at first because they were easier to get here. I saw Korean skincare on TikTok once, I heard some good things about it and it made me curious. I was still figuring out my skincare routine and what products worked for me so I wanted to give it a try. 

“I first thought some products were a BIT pricey but that was because I only knew drugstore skincare, which is horrible for your skin. Now it’s honestly pretty affordable in my opinion, but after using it for the first time I honestly really liked it, it was gentle, moisturizing, and so much more.” says Blair.

Blair Verschueren, 18, from East Flanders in Belgium, has been using korean skincare since she was 14.

“I like it. I love how the make-up looks are, they’re very cute. I do feel that some of the K-beauty trends are a bit too much sometimes, like the 10 step skincare routine; for some it may work but for many it doesn’t due to lack of time” 

Hadil also has some concerts about the way K-beauty is represented in the media today. “ It is unhealthy no matter how it is justified. Even though South koreans, or east asians in general carry genetics that might make it easier or more natural for one to achieve that look, most people aren’t born with perfect glass, clear skin. And it makes the viewer think slowly of themself and their looks, obsessing about things they don’t and can’t have, as well as it encourages materialism.”

Despite these concerns both Hadil and Blari feel that Korean skincare have had a more positive impact on them. Blair says, “ I never really had a good skincare routine and i feel like Korean skincare has changed my skin a lot, which is why I do it daily. I struggled a lot with dry skin & sensitivity and ever since I started using korean skincare my skin got so hydrated and less sensitive which i’m so happy about!”

“ I went from washing my face once a week, disgusting, I know, to two times a day. My skin isn’t begging for hydration anymore either. I feel like these past few months I’ve been listening to my skin more, quite literally, and tending to its needs accordingly.” says Hadil.

Despite not having ever tried western skincare, Hadil says that she has seen a lot of negativity surrounding it online and thus she prefers korean skincare over western skincare.”I have seen more negative reviews from people who purchased their products just because of the name brand. In the west, brands that have enough money will pay for advertisement and sponsorships even when the product they’re advertising for isn’t up to par with what is sold to the viewers.”

Both Blair and Hadil believe that korean skincare has had a positive influence on the world. Hadil says,” I think yes, in a good way, more people are looking after themselves. That goes without saying, you do not need a 14-step routine to achieve beautiful and healthy skin, sometimes moisturizer and a daily cleanser is all your skin needs.I don’t believe it is just a trend.It has always made an impact in the market and society, and looking at the technical advancements they’re making in the field, I feel like it would only gain popularity.”

Blair shares a similar view with Hadil,” I think it’s here to stay, there are a lot of great products on the market. Korean skincare uses less harsh ingredients and less fragrance is used in the products, which probably made people more curious about the different kinds of skincares like Korean. I also think K-pop & K-dramas played a role in it too due to them having flawless skin.

“I think they use different kinds of products in their skincare which can make a difference. Korean skincare also focuses more on the root of the problem, while Western skincare focuses more on removing things for a short period of time.”

Blair also says, “Just because it’s popular and it works on other people, doesn’t mean that it will work on you. A few well known ones are good, but try to look around and give less known ones a try too. I do have to say that skincare has become a bit therapeutic for me, it makes me feel relaxed, clean, well taken care of and it’s honestly fun to do.”

Hadil also agrees with the positive impact skincare has had on her and says,” By taking care of your skin, you are trying to become the best version of yourself, not the best version of others.”