Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave this storySave this story
With so many K-beauty fans on the Allure staff (with me arguably being the biggest, hi!), it’s hardly a surprise that more than a handful of Korean skin-care, makeup, and hair-care products have earned our most prestigious stamp of approval: a 2026 Best of Beauty Award. The pros are plentiful: affordable prices (everything on this list is under $40), effective and time-tested ingredients (ceramides, Centella asiatica or cica, rice water, green tea, you name it), skin care-conscious makeup, and scalp-focused hair care (because your scalp is also skin!).
However, the K-beauty industry has been expanding lightning fast, so much so that it’s been hard—even for me, who considers it part of my job—to keep up with all the new launches and product innovations. That’s where the full Allure team comes in: This list of 11 Best of Beauty Award winners—our most stacked K-beauty cohort to date—is the perfect jumping-off point for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the Korean beauty scene and chase (and actually get) glowy, dewy skin.
Our Top K-Beauty Best of Beauty Winners
- The Essence of it: Aestura Atobarrier365 Essence, $33
- I’ll Take Two: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion, $25
- And That’s the Tea: Centellian24 Madeca Matcha Toning Peeling Gel, $28
- Now That’s Growth: Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner, $66
- Lips Are Sealed: Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow, $34
- Erase the Day: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, $20
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- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
In the coming years, I have no doubt the list of K-beauty Best of Beauty Award winners will only keep growing. For now, keep reading to discover which formulas made the cut for 2026.
Best Toner/Essence for Sensitive Skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Essence
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Aestura
Atobarrier365 Hydro Essence
Amazon
Sephora
YesStyle
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Aestura Atobarrier365 Essence
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: Aestura has quickly become one of our favorite K-beauty skin-care brands—this is its third Best of Beauty win, after all—especially for those with dry and sensitive skin. More of a milky toner than a traditional, liquid-y essence, this formula uses ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterols (all lipids naturally found in the skin barrier) to make quick work of dryness. Also at play are the brand’s proprietary Barrier Moisturizing Factors, which—as you might be able to guess—support a stronger barrier and help prevent moisture from escaping (a.k.a. transepidermal water loss or TEWL, for short). Trust us when we say your skin will slurp this up with just a few gentle pats. Bonus points: Top it off with its Best of Beauty-winning Atobarrier365 Cream to lock in all that moisturizing goodness, and then keep a bottle of the Atobarrier365 Cream Mist handy for midday refreshes.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“K-beauty is known for its gentle formulas, but if I could only recommend one brand for sensitive skin, it'd be Aestura, hands down. I've heard many coworkers and derms rave about the brand, and I'm no different! It's filled with all of the good barrier-supporting stuff: ceramides, fatty acids, squalane, glycerin, you name it. Even though I don't have particularly sensitive skin, I can attest that it makes any dryness—especially after my nighttime double-cleanse—instantly go poof! It's lightweight enough to use in the daytime, too, and the milky texture is so satisfying. Even though it's not a typical watery essence, it sinks in immediately and makes my complexion look plumper and more alive. I never want to be without it!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Barrier Moisturizing Factors (includes amino acids, PCA, glycerin, etc.), triple lipid complex (ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol), squalane, glycerin, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone with dry, normal, and combo skin, or anyone who experiences seasonal dryness
Best Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion
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Illiyoon
Ceramide Ato Lotion
Amazon
YesStyle
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion
Shanna Shipin
Why it’s worth it: Like Aestura, Illiyoon is another sensitive skin–friendly brand under the umbrella of Amorepacific—one of the biggest K-beauty companies, period. And when we say sensitive skin–friendly, we mean it’s safe for the whole family to use. Case in point: Our tester, who, along with her two daughters, is prone to eczema and relies on this fragrance-free formula to deliver long-lasting moisture, calm bouts of irritation, and prevent future spells of said bouts for both herself and her kids. Besides the brand’s proprietary Ceramide Skin Complex, which features encapsulated ceramides (that immediately burst and melt into your skin upon contact), glycerin and shea butter also help attract and lock in moisture. Speaking of family, this lotion absorbs very quickly, so your little ones won’t have any uncomfortable sticky residue to complain about.
The generously sized bottle is enough to last months on end, but if you need to take it on the road, Illiyoon also sells the Ceramide Ato Lotion in a carry-on-friendly 2.29-ounce tube for all of your travel needs.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“This is my mainstay lotion—I have 3 in the house at any given time (one for my room, one for my girls’ room, one for the bathroom). It’s all very necessary, and you’ll understand once you start to use this lotion. Illyoon managed to make a lotion that’s airy and lightweight, but it has substance. It immediately seeps into the skin right after a shower, or quells angry, itchy flare-ups at the end of your day, leaving no hint of greasy residue. You know that feeling of sticky, oily lotion transferring onto your bedsheets or pants? The worst! But there’s none of that here. It’s why both of my kids (who have eczema, like me) prefer this lotion over anything else. It’s also the little things about this lotion: It’s fragrance-free, the pump-top is a big round circle (like a target you can’t miss), and one extra-special feature is that you can get every last drop. The formula is encased in an internal silicone bag—no pump-top dip ‘n scooping here!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Ceramide Skin Complex, glycerin, shea butter, panax ginseng root water
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
Best Weekly Peel: Centellian24 Madeca Matcha Toning Peeling Gel
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Centellian 24
Madeca Matcha Toning Peeling Gel
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
YesStyle
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Centellian24 Madeca Matcha Toning Peeling Gel
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: If “satisfying skin care” were a dictionary entry, you’d find Centellian24’s Madeca Matcha Toning Peeling Gel listed there. After you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin and patted it dry, you take a squeeze-full of this chemical peel and rub it all over your face. Instantly, you’ll feel and see little balls form all over your face—but what’s really at work? Cellulose is the physical exfoliant that sweeps away surface dead skin cells and results in those balls, while a complex of alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, and polyhydroxy acids helps further refine texture. Once you rinse it off, you’re left to revel in your baby-soft skin.
Don’t be intimidated by all these mentions of acids, because this gel is as gentle as they come. On par with the matcha theme, this formula includes soothing green tea and barrier-supporting ceramide NP to keep dry and sensitive skin happy. But, in the same vein, don’t expect the same intensity of results as, say, our Best of Beauty winner for best monthly peel, the Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel. Because it’s a lot gentler, Centellian24 can be used weekly (or even twice a week) to tackle surface-level gunk.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I'm kind of addicted to Centellian 24's Madeca Matcha Peeling Gel—and not just because it leaves my skin ridiculously soft. There's something so satisfying about watching all those little rolls of dead skin and buildup appear, kind of like the same guilty pleasure as inspecting a pore strip after you peel it off. Even when my skin doesn't feel particularly dry or flaky, this stuff always seems to find something to exfoliate. As someone with sensitive skin, I've never experienced any irritation, redness, or tightness after using it, which is more than I can say for a lot of exfoliators. Bonus tip: It's fantastic on rough patches like heels and elbows. The only downside is that it can get a little messy when you're using it on your body, so I recommend applying it to dry skin before you turn on the shower.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycolic, lactic, and capryloyl salicylic acids, charcoal powder, matcha extract, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive skin who want a gentle exfoliator
Best Shampoo & Conditioner for Fine Hair: Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
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Dr. Groot
Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo + Conditioner)
Sephora (Shampoo)
Sephora (Conditioner)
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Groot has taken over our social media feeds over the past year, and the hype is real. Korean hair care places utmost emphasis on scalp care, and the Scalp Revitalizing Solution Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner are prime examples. They rely on soothing botanical extracts such as ginseng, rosemary, and cica to calm dryness and irritation, paving the way for a healthier scalp environment—and, so the thinking goes, hair that eventually looks and feels thicker. Also contributing to a balanced scalp is caffeine, which stimulates the scalp skin and, with continuous use, potentially encourages growth. Best of all: This duo is gentle enough to use regularly on even the finest of hair, because it won’t weigh down your strands with film-formers found in other thickening shampoos and conditioners.
Han before applying Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
Sarah Han
Han after applying Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
Sarah Han
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from Han
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“Dr. Groot's shampoo is the invigorating, refreshing, and most importantly, thickening boost my fine but dense (a recipe for limpness) hair needs. I've been using it on and off for a year (the life of a beauty tester!), and whenever I go back to it, I swear I'm able to go an extra day before my scalp starts crying for help. And after each rinse and blow-dry with this duo, my scalp feels incredibly light—almost as if I went to a professional stylist. (I wish!) I also have a lot of sparse areas around my hairline from years of tight ponytails, so I try to keep up with using Dr. Groot's scalp-specific leave-in products—because a shampoo can only do so much by itself!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“I'm blessed with a pretty unproblematic scalp, but I've always had an issue with frizz, dryness, shine—pretty much every other hair complaint in the book. I used to just accept that silkiness wasn't in the cards for me, but this Dr. Groot duo made me eat my words. Even without blow-drying, my air-dried curls just behave differently when I use this shampoo and conditioner. Paired with a quick pass of my Dyson (and no post-shower products, mind you), I'm living out my flippy, shiny blowout dreams.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know:
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- Key ingredients: Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments, caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, salicylic acid, ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: anyone with fine or dry hair, and/or an irritated scalp
Best Cream Lipstick: Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow
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Dear Dahlia
Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it’s worth it: It only makes sense that even Korean makeup keeps skin care top of mind. Infused with sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, squalane, and shea butter, Dear Dahlia’s Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow feels like, well, butter gliding onto your lips. And while it goes on sheer, it’s still buildable and ramps up to gorgeously pigmented reds, pinks, berries, and corals for the bolder lip lovers among us. (Hello, me!) High-sheen lips without the stickiness that usually accompanies lip glosses? Sounds like a winner to us.
Lee before applying Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Lee
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“I’m admittedly not much of a lip girl—I usually save lipstick for special occasions, mostly because I hate the feeling of color pilling or catching on dry patches. (Note to self: Invest in a better lip exfoliator.) But I was pleasantly surprised by Dear Dahlia’s Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow. It looks like a classic lipstick in the bullet, but it feels much more like a balm, gliding on smoothly with a sheer wash of color. You barely need a mirror—or a steady hand, if, like me, you’ve never quite mastered tracing the peaks of your Cupid’s bow. Best of all, it feels incredibly lightweight and moisturizing on my lips, without that heavy, coated feeling that usually makes me want to skip lip color all together.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know:
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- Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, squalane, and shea butter
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone who likes sheer but buildable lip color
Best Cream Blush: Fwee Lip&Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot
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Fwee
Blurry Pudding Pot
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: 35 shades. That’s how many options Fwee Lip&Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot has, across nudes, corals, pinks, reds, mauves, and roses. Impressed yet? Don’t be fooled by the small pot, either: These formulas are pigmented, so a teensy bit of product goes a long way. We also love the addictive, pudding-like texture that makes application all the more fun—a touch of novelty goes a long way!
It goes on like a cream blush but settles into a long-lasting, natural-finish powder, so you get the best of both worlds. (If you prefer a dewy finish, we’re also really into the Lip&Cheek Glowy Lip Pots—however, they don’t last as long as the Blurry pots.) While you can absolutely use your fingers to apply, Fwee offers a silicone lip brush that’s supposed to mimic your fingertips if you prefer that route. Tap and blur away!
Han before applying Fwee Lip&Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot
Sarah Han
Han after applying Fwee Lip&Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“Fwee is one of those brands that makes makeup fun. The Lip&Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot has this bouncy pudding-like texture that is pretty addictive. I use my fingers to apply the color straight from the pot to my face. These babies are quite pigmented, so a little goes a long way. I start with a very small amount and add layers, tapping in the color with my fingers, until I get my desired result. The soft-focus finish falls neatly between that of a cream and powder blush—it's quite unique amongst my huge blush collection. And the shade range is so expansive I'm convinced everyone can find a shade they'll love.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: cocoa seed butter, agave tequilana leaf extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone who loves a pigmented blush
Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Iunik Beta Glucan 3X Barrier Cream
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IUNIK
Beta-Glucan 3X Barrier Cream
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying Iunik Beta Glucan 3X Barrier Cream
Madison San Miguel
Why it’s worth it: Beta-glucan is one of those unsung heroes in skin care: This humectant might not be the flashiest ingredient, but it does the work of attracting and holding moisture, repairing your barrier, and soothing irritation quietly and effectively. Also hard at work are ectoin and panthenol, which are rockstars for reducing inflammation, smoothing texture, and, similarly to beta-glucan, forming a protective seal over your skin to keep moisture in and external stressors out. This formula feels refreshing and silky, but may be a bit too heavy for oily skin—however, come winter, it could be the perfect richer moisturizer.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel
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“As someone with dry skin, I sometimes find that "fast-absorbing" products just sink into my skin without delivering any real benefits. This one, however, didn't skip on moisture and relief even long after it settled. It's rich without being too thick, and left my skin satisfied until the a.m.. ” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: beta-glucan, ectoin, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone with dry, sensitive, or normal skin
Best Clean Toner/Essence: Innisfree Green Tea Ceramide Milk
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Innisfree
Green Tea Ceramide Milk
Amazon
Sephora
Han applying Innisfree Green Tea Ceramide Milk
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: Milky toners aren’t going anywhere, and Innisfree’s makes a rock-solid case for adding one to your routine. Green tea, the key ingredient in the Green Tea Ceramide Milk, has been a staple in Asian skin care for centuries and is still widely used. Why? It’s packed with antioxidants to fend off environmental stressors such as pollutants that otherwise cause signs of aging, reduce puffiness (thank you, natural caffeine), and curb excess sebum. What’s more: Innisfree (or Amorepacific, its parent company) grows its own green tea on Jeju Island, which has especially nutrient-rich soil that produces high levels of antioxidants and amino acids, as per the brand. Skin, drink up!
Tester feedback from Han
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“Milky toners are just so scrumptious and this Innisfree one checks all of my boxes. In particular, it's because Innisfree is one of the best brands to do green tea—the brand grows its own on Jeju Island (somewhere I'm dying to go to, by the way)! Innisfree's green tea products have always been super reliable and soothing, and this one falls right under that umbrella as well. It helps minimize any redness I get occasionally around my nose, and in general, dry skin is no match for this—it instantly quenches my skin and provides lasting moisture throughout the day. Plus, nine types of HA? Incredible, give me all of them. I love spending a few extra seconds to gently pat this into my skin for maximum absorption.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know:
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- Key ingredients: green tea ceramides, green tea liposomes, 9 types of hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: anyone with dry skin or who likes using toners/essences
Best Foam Cleanser: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
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The Face Shop
Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Amazon
StyleVana
Han applying and washing off The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: We may wax poetic about vitamin C serums, but brightening your skin can start as early as your cleanser step, which is where The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser comes in. Rice water has been popular in both Korean and Japanese beauty rituals for centuries because of its laundry list of benefits. Rice, which is usually processed or chemically modified in modern skin-care formulas to allow for better absorption, “brightens skin, hydrates, strengthens the barrier, and provides antioxidant protection,” Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, tells us. “It [also] soothes irritation and helps reduce oxidative stress.”
Infused with a subtle floral scent (take note if you’re sensitive to fragrance!), this The Face Shop cleanser starts as a thick cream that emulsifies into a satisfying whipped foam—from start to finish, it’s a delightful experience, which is more than we can say for most cleansers. And, instead of drying cleansing agents, it uses soapwort extract as a gentle surfactant to sweep away all of the day’s grime, leaving your skin feeling unbelievably soft and comfortable.
Tester feedback from Han
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“This is one of those classic K-beauty cleansers I've known from the very start of my long K-beauty journey—I recently ‘rediscovered’ it and I'm wondering why I hadn't sooner. It's the perfect deep cleanse for my combination skin and leaves my skin looking more radiant and less congested, but most importantly, not super tight. The ingredients are super appealing to me too—natural rice water, rice bran oil, and soapwort extract (a surfactant). On days I don't wear makeup, I find that just this cleanser is enough. (And I normally always double-cleanse.) And it's $13 for a huge tube that'll probably last me six months? Yup, no notes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know:
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- Key ingredients: rice water, rice bran oil, soapwort extract
- Who it’s best for: anyone with combination or oily skin, congested pores
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Liquid Facial Toner: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
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Laneige
Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer
Amazon
Sephora
Lee applying Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: We love our Best of Beauty winners, but we love our two-time Best of Beauty winners. Take Laneige’s Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, which is so good it won in 2023 and again this year. It’s the definition of a product we always come back to, largely due to the instant boost of hydration the ceramide and peptide complex provides. Over time, this complex also supports a stronger, healthier barrier and firmer skin. It’s also packed with butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin—which are all reliable humectants that make it “a great option for those looking to optimize hydration,” says Carlos Vierira, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia (No wonder it also made our list of the best toners for mature skin.)
Bonus: Cream Skin comes in two formats: a bottle that you shake to dispense the product or a face mist for anytime-anywhere refreshes. Better yet, get both and keep one in your medicine cabinet while the other goes into your bag. All-day hydration, check.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“My dry, sensitive skin is currently dealing with a little more drama than usual: On top of the melasma that already makes my skin tone look uneven, I'm also dealing with some newfound patches of eczema from head to toe, so I’m being extra picky about what earns a spot in my routine. Luckily, Laneige Cream Skin Milky Toner is the epitome of gentle. Ceramides to help support my moisture barrier? Check. Peptides? Check. Glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid for even more hydration? Check, check, check. It's also fragrance-free and has the National Eczema Association seal, which gives me a little extra peace of mind.
The directions say to gently pat the toner into skin, and I’ve learned to do this over the sink because despite its creamy, milky appearance, the formula is very thin and splashy. It will absolutely make a run for it between your fingers if you’re not fast. Once I get it onto my face, though, it absorbs almost instantly without leaving behind any stickiness or tackiness. My perpetually parched cheeks seem to drink it up on contact, and my skin immediately feels softer and calmer. I wouldn't say it replaces my go-to moisturizers, but on nights that I want to curtail my routine, I like using this multipurpose product that combines both toner and moisturizer in one. ” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know:
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- Key ingredients: butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramide, peptides, white leaf tea
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone with dry, sensitive, or mature skin
Best Oil Cleanser: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
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Beauty of Joseon
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Sephora
Shop
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve only been familiar with Beauty of Joseon for its sunscreens (the viral Korean original, or any of the US-specific reformulations), you’re missing out on so much goodness—and by that, we mean the Ginseng Cleansing Oil. No stranger to the brand’s lineup (hey, Ginseng Essence Water and Revive Serum), ginseng is a key ingredient in this formula, helping to brighten dull skin, boost circulation, and provide all the calming vibes. Yes, there is a distinct herbal scent, so take note if you’re sensitive to fragrance. Obligatory editor’s note: As with all wash-off skin care, temper your expectations when it comes to benefits!
As for the cleansing properties, there’s a hefty 50% concentration of soybean oil that provides a satisfying slip and dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum on the spot. Take an extra beat (and a bit of water) to emulsify the formula before rinsing it off for a thorough cleanse. Follow up with a water-based cleanser to get rid of any remaining grime before following up with your toners, essences, serums, and moisturizers—whatever works for your skin, of course.
Tester feedback from Han
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“Korean cleansing oils are top-tier, and you’ll rarely catch me using any others! One of the formulas I regularly cycle through is this Beauty of Joseon one, which breaks down my long-wearing makeup so thoroughly—and without leaving my skin feeling dry and stripped. Even though there’s only so much a wash-off formula can do in the long term, ginseng is a fantastic ingredient that helps brighten overall skin tone, so I love pairing this cleansing oil with some of BoJ’s other ginseng-infused products, such as the Essence Water.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know:
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- Key ingredients: ginseng seed oil, soybean oil, olive fruit oil, tsubaki oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone who wears makeup and/or sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our annual Best of Beauty Awards, we do all of the above throughout a very rigorous, year-round process starting in mid-October–a mere month after the current year's winners have been announced. We had over 5,500 products submitted for award consideration, which were then categorized and called in for official testing (we have at least three testers designated per category). Testers have three or so months to test every product from sun-up to sun-down, and beyond, and record their thoughts and ratings into a personalized spreadsheet. From there, we discuss, debate, and pore over every product before finalizing our winners list. For more details on our Best of Beauty process, read here.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
