8 Best Korean Skincare Products for Men in 2023

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Korean skincare has been a reality for quite some time now, wooing women Worldwide because of its effects and products. The good news is that Korean skincare is a reality for men, too. In fact, it looks like K-beauty for men is all about using the same products created for women and get the best out of them.

The reason why a Korean skincare routine for men has not been properly designed and very few brands have created products that are specifics for men is straightforward: there is no difference between men and women when it comes to skin. Hence there’s no difference in the beauty routine to follow.

To understand this, we need to think like Asians: women and men have spectacular complexes and follow the same principles regarding maintaining healthy skin, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. That’s why there has never been the need to differentiate between men and women in beauty, but only among the different skin types, regardless of gender.

Actors and idols are the perfect examples of this: they wear the same makeup as their female counterparts, take care of their skin in the same way actresses and female idols do, and in a lot of cases, they’ve even better skin and complexion compared to female colleagues. Think about Hyun Bin or Song Joong-ki, famously known for their flawless and illuminated skin. The latter is also the author of Beautiful Skin Project for Men, which introduces men’s skincare comprehensively and recommends appropriate skincare products.

By understanding that the differences are only in the skin type and not in the gender, it is easy to understand why both men and women can use the same Korean beauty products.

So if you’re thinking that following a Korean beauty routine and its 10-steps is too overwhelming and time-consuming, I’m bearing good news: you don’t need to follow the 10-step routine slavishly. Just take the best out of it, select a bunch of products that you like and can work on your skin, and customize your routine according to your needs.

Keep reading this article for the best Korean skincare products for men you can buy in 2023.

Best Korean Skincare Products for Men

This is a list of some of the best Korean skincare products for men. It doesn’t include makeup, such as lip tints (if you’re up for it, the Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Tint is highly recommended) or bb cream.

Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is perfect for fighting blemishes, remove excess oil, and gently buff away dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads, and other impurities. The gentle formula soothes troubled skin to give it relief and a fresh and renewed look. When in contact with water, it becomes a foam with a creamy texture that dissolves oils away and provides a fresh finish to the skin.

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

If you don’t want to spend time applying a moisturizer, the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is the perfect solution. It contains 92% aloe vera leaf extract, and it can provide a refreshing feel to the skin; it’s perfect for keeping the hydration at the highest levels and keeping the skin moist and fresh, even after shaving.

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is the perfect cleanser for men looking for something light and powerful. In fact, its slightly acidic pH level restores the skin’s optimal pH level without irritating the skin; it can be used in the morning and the evening, even when showering.

Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream

Snail cream is one of the best inventions from South Korea, and the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream contains bee venom and 64% snail mucin to give skin intense hydration, heal skin damage, and promote collagen production. This cream is suitable for all skin types, and it’s ideal for men looking for an easy but effective beauty routine.

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

For men wanting to add an extra product to their routine, the choice has to be Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner. It is lightweight, has an essence-like dense texture, and leaves a refreshing feeling after you have used it. This toner quickly absorbs to hydrate and strengthen skin. To get the most out of it, tap your skin with your fingertips to help absorption.

Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon

The Neogen Bio-Gauze Peeling Lemon pads are single-use exfoliant pads containing a skin-boosting combination of chemical exfoliants. They can remove dead skin cells and dark spots and revitalize the male skin for a better and brighter complexion.

Laneige Water Bank

Water Bank from Laneige is a rich cream that hydrates while improving brightness and texture. Its lightweight texture is highly moisturizing and provides deep and long-lasting hydration, especially when the skin feels tight after cleansing. It can be used morning and evening, in summer and winter.

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop is a powerful serum used by women and men looking for something that rejuvenates the skin. Concentrated Vitamin C and key ingredients from nature provide plentiful moisture and nutrition for the skin. I recommend using it at night because it can cause reactions when in contact with the sun.

Korean Skincare for Men: Frequently Asked Questions

Have a look at our answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

Can men use Korean skin care products?

Yes, men can and should use Korean skincare and beauty products. In fact, Korean skincare is focused on complexion rather than gender. This means men can customize their beauty routine according to their needs, including but not limited to growing beards and shaving.

Do Korean men wear makeup?

Simple answer: yes. It is common for Korean men to wear makeup. Not all men wear it, and it’s most famous people, but regular men have no problem wearing makeup daily.

Is the 10 Step K-beauty routine mandatory for men?

No, the 10 Step Korean Routine is not mandatory for men, and not even for women. You can decide to adopt it in full or just customise it based on your needs and your time. If you want to embrace the 10 Step routine, these are all the steps to follow:

• Clean with a balm or oil cleanser;
• Clean with a foaming cleanser;
• Exfoliate (once or twice a week);
• Use a toner;
• Use an essence;
• Use ampoule or serum;
• Sheet mask (once or twice a week);
• Add eye cream;
• Moisturizer;
• Night cream/sleeping mask (in the evening) or an SPF (in the morning).

Do Korean men do cosmetic surgery?

The number of men in South Korea pursuing cosmetic procedures is rising. Since appearance is important in Korea, men pursue cosmetic surgery as much as women and without embarrassment. The higher visibility of K-pop and K-drama stars also contributes to this trend. Double eyelid surgeries and rhinoplasties are a staple for men and women, together with many different beauty treatments that contribute to porcelain skin.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.