K-SKIN BY ASOS: THE SKINCARE YOUR ROUTINE DESERVES

When it comes to skincare, Korea knows what it's doing. The country boasts the title ‘skincare capital of the world’ for a reason, with Korean dermatologists and clinicians constantly engineering cutting-edge tech and introducing new ingredients to tackle every skincare concern.

Luckily, you don’t need to book a 9-hour flight to Seoul to try out the latest and greatest products. ASOS is delivering all the best Korean skincare brands right to your door, from Anua to MEDICUBE and more. Whether you're a K-skin newbie or an officianado looking to find your new favourite product, we've got you. The Editorial Team have tried and tested five viral favourites to see just how good they really are. If your aim is to soothe, protect, clarify or boost your glow, reference our reviews below ahead of your next Face + Body splurge.

haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel 100ml, £15

 

‘My skin felt so clean and refreshed after using this,’ says Junior Editor, Emma. And by ‘this’ she of course means the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel – AKA the ultimate first step to your skincare routine. Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice range is a match made in heaven with dry skin. It is said to help improve skin elasticity and has anti-inflammatory properties, too. ‘The cleanser felt super creamy, didn't dry or strip my skin of any moisture, and a little goes a long way. I particularly enjoyed lathering it on after a long workout session for a hit of freshness. In fact, I might get one specifically to keep in my gym bag.’

BIODANCE Collagen Gel Toner Pads 60 Pads, £20

If you haven’t already heard of BIODANCE, let us get you up to speed. This brand’s cutting-edge skincare catalogue is setting the standard with its viral sheet masks at constant risk of selling out. And with Editorial Manager, Jazmin’s (literally) glowing testimony about the firming and smoothing Collagen Gel Toner Pads, we’re certain they’ll be skincare’s next sensation. ‘I definitely felt the firming effects of this one! My skin felt plump, bouncy and hydrated straight after use. I really enjoyed the gel texture – it had a cooling effect that would feel particularly good in the summer months – and the product came with convenient little tongs to keep things hygienic.’

Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum 30ml, £20

PDRN may feel like skincare’s shiniest new buzzword, but there’s real science behind this interesting ingredient. Derived from salmon DNA, it’s unmatched at helping a damaged skin barrier, increasing collagen production and hydrating the skin – with both MEDICUBE and Anua leading the charge. In fact, the latter has teamed it with hyaluronic acid to make a hydration holy grail: the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum. ‘This serum is lovely for dehydrated skin that leans more oily,’ says Writer, Flo. ‘The texture is just like water; completely weightless and fast absorbing. It's a drink for your skin, one that sits well under makeup and boosts the nourishing powers of your other skincare products. I've been using it morning and evening and have already noticed a softer, more supple finish to my complexion.’

Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream 100ml, £23

Ever applied a skincare product and been met with an agonising burn? Then micro-analysed your entire skincare routine to single out the problem, but to no avail? Oftentimes, the culprit is a compromised skin barrier: that invisible wall between your epidermis and the elements. K-skincare is big on the barrier, believing that keeping it strengthened is the key to healthy skin. Cue: Anua’s 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream. Not only is it infused with barrier-loving ingredients like ceramides and panthenol, but it’s also hydrating, non-sticky and sensitive-skin-friendly. Jazmin agrees: ‘I loved this cream the second I put it on. It’s ultra lightweight yet no less nourishing – it’s about to be a skincare staple from summer to winter. It also left just the right amount of sheen on my skin, so I looked well-moisturised instead of greasy or oily. Oh, and as someone sensitive to scents, I appreciate that it didn't have an overwhelming fragrance!’

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 50ml, £16

‘In 2026, there’s no excuse for skipping out on your SPF,’ says Junior Editor, Liz – and we agree. ‘If you’re in the market for a new one, this Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 might be your new favourite. It glides on smoothly with a lightweight texture that melts into the skin and gives a dewy-looking finish, without that sticky feel some SPFs have. And the formula? Not only does it deliver factor 50, but it’s infused with 30% rice extract and fermented grain extracts rich in vitamins. That means it’s ideal for people like me who need an instant moisture boost and some skin nourishment. Sorry, but this SPF is everything.’ With these Liz-approved credentials, we predict this’ll be your signature sunscreen in no time.