K-beauty doesn't just follow trends – it creates them. Every few weeks, a new serum, sunscreen, or "miracle" pad takes TikTok and Instagram by storm, promising everything from instant hydration to poreless, glass-like skin. With so many formulas going viral, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype, but harder to know which products are actually worth the shelf space. That’s where we come in. We tried the latest buzzed-about Korean skincare products, including Anua’s double-cleanse duo and Torriden’s hydration pads, to see which ones truly deliver. Whether your skin craves calm, clarity, or a boost of glow, here are the viral K-beauty products that deserve a spot in your beauty routine.
Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam & Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
This dynamic duo by Anua takes cleansing seriously. First up: the Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, a featherlight formula that melts away SPF and even the most stubborn makeup without a greasy after-feel. It’s followed by the Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, which whips into a gentle yet thorough lather that dives deep into pores. Both formulas are infused with soothing heartleaf extract to calm irritation and keep breakouts in check. The result? Skin that feels fresh and clarified, never tight or stripped – a perfect reset for combination and acne-prone types.
Dr. Althea Vitamin C
Boosting Serum
This serum doesn't just sit pretty on your vanity, it packs vitamin C derivatives stabilized with soothing botanicals, so you get a glowing complexion without any irritation. Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum sinks in quickly, making it easy to apply under your morning moisturizer or SPF. With regular use, you'll enjoy a fresher, more even skin tone, especially if dullness or post-acne marks plague you. It's best for normal to oily skin, but those with sensitive skin can use it too thanks to its gentle formulation.
House of Hur Weightless Sun Fluid
Forget about heavy, chalky sunscreens from years past – House of Hur Weightless Sun Fluid glides on like a serum and disappears in seconds. Its formula relies on niacinamide and panthenol to hydrate and smooth the skin, making it more of a skincare product than a sunscreen. It leaves a dewy, yet not greasy, finish that layers beautifully under makeup. It's a daily essential for all skin types, especially those who dislike how SPF usually feels.
Dr.G R.E.D Blemish
Clear Soothing Cream
Dr.G R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream is beloved for good reason – it's a redness-calming hero. Formulated with centella asiatica and a blend of barrier-repairing ingredients, it cools, soothes, and hydrates irritated or fragile skin. Its gel-cream texture makes it suitable for day and night use, especially under sunscreen. It's an everyday staple for sensitive, acne-prone, or post-treatment skin.
Torriden Dive-in Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Multi Pad
Torriden Dive-in Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Multi Pad aren’t your average toner pads. Soaked in a blend of five types of hyaluronic acid, they deliver hydration directly to thirsty skin, while the soft, cushiony pad gently exfoliates with each swipe. Use them after cleansing for a quick moisture boost, or apply one like a mini mask before applying makeup. They're perfect for dehydrated or combination skin that wants bounce without heaviness.
Beauty of Joseon Relief
Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice
Rice extract is the star ingredient in famous Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice SPF, working with probiotics to brighten and strengthen the skin barrier. Meanwhile, a broad-spectrum SPF shields you from UV damage. Unlike many "hydrating" sunscreens, this one is lightweight and lotion-like with no pilling. Its natural-satin finish is neither matte nor greasy, making it a crowd-pleaser. It's great for dry to normal skin that craves comfort and protection.
Eqqualberry Bakuchiol
Plumping Serum
Think of Eqqualberry's Bakuchiol Plumping Serum as retinol's gentle, younger cousin. Formulated with bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, and antioxidant-rich berries, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and gives skin a healthy, glowing look. Its silky texture layers easily with other actives, so you can incorporate it into your nighttime routine without fear of irritation. It's a smart pick for those in their early 30s with sensitive skin looking for prevention without peeling.
Medicube PDRN Pink
Collagen Capsule Cream &
Age-R Booster Pro
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream & Age-R Booster Pro – this powerful duo is essentially a firming boot camp in a jar and a wand. The capsule cream is packed with collagen spheres and PDRN, a marine-derived ingredient popular in Korean dermatology, to plump and repair the skin. Meanwhile, the booster device uses microcurrents to push the formula deeper into the skin. The result? Skin that looks firmer, more elastic, and radiant the next morning. It's perfect for mature or tired-looking skin that wants a visible lift without a trip to the clinic.
Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream
Want a moisture-locking powerhouse? Meet another TikTok hit – Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream. It combines bamboo water for lightweight hydration and panthenol to soothe redness and strengthen the skin barrier. Its cushiony, bouncy texture feels instantly comforting, like wrapping your face in a soft blanket. Despite its richness, it won't clog your pores or feel overwhelming. It's a lifesaver for those with sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin.
Anua 10% Niacinamide + 4% TXA Dark Spot Correcting Serum
This targeted yet gentle red serum by Anua blends niacinamide and tranexamic acid to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Its silky, nearly watery consistency layers well under moisturizer and SPF. Results aren’t overnight, but with consistent use, stubborn pigmentation begins to fade. It's best for those battling acne scars or sun spots, particularly on combination to oily skin.
