K-Beauty Products Celebrities, Dermatologists, and Editors Love!

When it comes to Korean beauty products, it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones obsessed with them! From K-Pop idols to Hollywood stars, even Queen Letizia of Spain, celebrities everywhere are turning to K-Beauty for hydrated, glowing skin.

Let’s explore which K-Beauty products celebrities, dermatologists, and editors can’t get enough of, and why they’re worth adding to your routine.

Celebrities’ K-Beauty Favorites

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Loved by EmRata

Hollywood’s It Girl, Emily Ratajkowski (EmRata), revealed during interviews that when her skin becomes stressed, she turns to COSRX’s Snail Mucin Essence alongside retinol to reset her skin [1]

Why It Works

• Snail mucin hydrates, repairs dry patches, and reduces redness

• Supports collagen production and improves skin texture

• Cruelty-free ingredient, safe for sensitive skin

Shop COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Dermatologists’ Top K-Beauty Picks

Korean skincare is known for hydration and barrier care, two things dermatologists consistently emphasize.

Best Fragrance-Free: Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream

Dr. Michelle Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine, praises Korea’s gentle, barrier-first formulations. She points to creams like Aestura Atobarrier365 that use ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol to reinforce skin’s natural defenses.[2]

Shop Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream

Best for Sensitive Skin: COSRX Snail 92 All In One Cream

Dr. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, recommends this fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive and inflamed skin. With 92 percent snail mucin as its base (instead of water), it refreshes, repairs, and soothes.[3]

Shop COSRX Snail 92 All In One Cream

Best Rich Moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer

For skin that needs an SOS dose of hydration, Dr. Claire Chang also recommends Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturizer, which combines fermented hyaluronic acid (tiny molecules that penetrate deeper), peptides, and squalane to strengthen the barrier. [4]

Shop Laneige Water Bank Blue Moisturizer

Best Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Dermatologists Dr. Claire Chang and Dr. Michelle Park both recommend Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun for its high SPF protection combined with nourishing rice extract and fermented grains. Its featherlight texture and zero white cast make it an editor and dermatologist favorite. [5]

Shop Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

Editors’ Favorite K-Beauty Picks

Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream

Kiana Murden, Senior Beauty Shopping Writer at Vogue, has tested and recommended Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream for its lightweight texture and plumping results.

Dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, explains that formulas like this that are rich in hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide, squalane, and elastin are ideal for dry or aging skin, boosting elasticity and long-term hydration. [6]

Shop Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinol

In December 2024, People Magazine editor Jessie Quinn tested and recommended the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum. She highlighted its ginseng and retinol formula for targeting fine lines and loss of elasticity, noting how lightweight and makeup-friendly it is. [7]

Shop Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

Why These Picks Work — Backed by Research

Snail Mucin: Clinical studies show improved hydration and barrier function after a single use, with continued improvements after four weeks of regular application. [8]

Ceramides and Squalane: Essential lipids that repair the barrier and lock in hydration. [9]

Fermented Extracts: Provide antioxidants and nutrients that calm and strengthen skin. [10]

Retinol and Ginseng: Proven to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and improve elasticity. [11]

Final Thoughts: Glow Like the Stars

From EmRata’s snail mucin obsession to dermatologist-approved barrier creams and editor-recommended collagen jellies, K-Beauty continues to lead the global skincare conversation. Gentle, hydrating, and effective, these products are designed to give you radiant, healthy skin no matter your concern.

Ready to try the celebrity-loved favorites? Shop K-Beauty Bestsellers at K-Beauty Studio

References

1. Vogue UK. “Emily Ratajkowski Swears by Snail Mucin.”

2. Park, M.D. – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dermatology insights on barrier repair.

3. Chang, M.D. – Mount Sinai Medical Center. Recommendations for sensitive skin.

4. Laneige clinical research on fermented hyaluronic acid penetration, 2022.

5. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun clinical testing – SPF50+ and antioxidant profile, 2023.

6. Spearman, D. M.D., Fort Wayne Dermatology. Expert commentary on collagen and hydration.

7. People Magazine, Jessie Quinn. “Editors Test Korean Skincare” (Dec 2024).

8. Yang Wang et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024; 23(6):2097–2102.

9. Elias, P.M. Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018 – Ceramide barrier repair.

10. Kim, J. et al. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020 – Fermented extracts and antioxidant effects.

11. Kang, S. et al. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2019 – Retinol and ginseng synergy on wrinkles and collagen.