10 best asian skin care products to try out in 2018

The world is going bananas over the latest trends in skin care routines. Leading the trends are two Asian countries known for flawless porcelain skin, Japan and Korea’s skincare, J-Beauty and K-Beauty for short.
 

To start things off, let us first look into the similarities and differences between the two. 

Both are definitely masters in skincare techniques that will leave the skin flawless, radiant and youthful. A lot, if not most, of the ingredients used by J and K-Beauty are natural or organic and they maximize ingredients that are sourced from the earth. Both also offer a vast variety of products, some you may not even know existed, from masks to tints, to powders and eyebrow cushions. And lastly, Japan and Korea offer their products in a wide range of prices to fit all budgets.

These two skincare gurus are ritualistic and put a big emphasize on protection and preservation. The goal is to slow down aging by giving everyone a taste of the fountain of youth, something which the rest of the world is assuming they’ve discovered already.

The main difference between the two skincare products and routines is definitely functionality. J-Beauty is focused on minimalism and attention to detail meaning their products are simple and multi-purpose. With just a few steps and products, you can be sure that you are fully protected and your skin completely nourished.

K-Beauty, on the other hand, is popular for its 10-step skin care routine. The goal is to make each step interact with each other in order to achieve the most effective method of absorption of the ingredients in the products.

Another difference with K-Beauty is the turnover of products and routines. With so many fads coming and going it might be hard to keep up which is the latest one. Japan, on the other hand, prefers the classic and timeless beauty look by using only tried-and-trusted ingredients.

Now for this year’s lineup of J and K-Beauty skin care.

The following lists will mention the most popular products in Japan and Korea today, regardless of price or function and in no specific order.

In 2017, this product by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare was awarded the best face wash on the Best Cosmetics Awards by @cosme which is the most influential website for the beauty industry in Japan. Daiichi Sankyo is also one of the biggest medical companies in the country. This goes to show that the products is widely popular and effective. The face wash has a creamy texture and is effective in removing dead skin, blemishes and brightens the skin tone. 

We mentioned this beauty brand in a previous post entitled “10 best skincare brands so good that you'll have to try”. SK-II is back again, this time in its home turf. A multiple award-winning skincare giant in Japan, SK-II is one of the longest selling beauty brands in the country, with more than 35 years of experience in the industry. This particular product, although pricey, is highly effective in hydrating the skin, preventing dryness and stimulating skin renewal. You can always trust that SKI-II will accomplish what it promised when it comes to its products. 

Another trustworthy cosmetic company in Japan, DHC provides a wide range of products such as supplements for health and diet and skincare; all at affordable prices. Their bestseller is the Deep Cleansing Oil which has a light texture but highly effective in removing makeup no matter how waterproof it may be. It also moisturizes and hydrates the skin. This cleanser is recommended for dry and sensitive skin types.

Packaged differently than the others (and looking like a Japanese coffee creamer or a TidePod), this cleansing powder contains enzymes that work in making the skin soft and clean. It is effective in removing old skin, cleansing pores and blackheads and giving the skin a smooth finish. An advantage of this kind of packaging is that it is travel-friendly. 

Price: $34.35

Next up is a conditioning gel that is not only versatile but also affordable. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel is multi-purpose and can be used as a toner, emulsion, moisturizer, serum and body lotion. It also contains natural plant extracts and is alcohol-free. This many functions for a reasonable price is a great find, indeed.

On the luxurious side stands Shiseido. This classy-looking serum targets all signs of aging and damage. It works as a serum and moisturizer and blends well with whatever that is layered on it.

Anessa, another product by Shiseido, is the master of all things sunscreen. It is very light to use, has a great scent, gives ultimate sun protection and is waterproof. And since a lot of J-Beauty products are multi-taskers, this sunscreen also works as a moisturizer. This product is so light and non-sticky that you feel like you aren’t wearing any sunscreen at all. 

Recommended for dry and sensitive skin, this face mask is worth the buy. It contains 9 amino acids including hyaluronic acid which deeply moisturizes and clarifies the skin. It is scent-free and very easy to use. 

For those who love those sticky-tape meant for pimples that can magically make them disappear, then consider this Acropass Trouble Cure Patch as the next-level in acne-healing stickers. Through the use of micro needling technology hidden in each patch, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are injected to the skin which boosts the healing period. With such focused treatment, this product can even make cystic acne disappear! 

A concentrated tea tree extract toner, this product works to soothe and calm stressed skin. It has a blend of Betaine Salicylate (BHA) and Willow Bark extract which gently exfoliates dead skin cells, removes impurities and balances the skin.

In just one week, this product can reduce signs of aging and brighten the skin visibly. The “needles” in the derma roller is made of crystallized serum which acts an extra shot of nourishment on the skin. It contains EGF which is a protein that promotes cell regeneration on the cellular level, much like collagen. It has the highest and purest amount of EGF known in the market, making this product very effective. The kit is complete for a week’s routine which can surely deliver results. 

Acne-prone skin types rejoice. This cleanser is known to successfully and actively prevent acne breakouts and can easily remove makeup and other impurities. Made from 70% tea tree leaf extract, and only contains 10 simple ingredients, this product is perfect for oily and sensitive skin types. 

Price: $14.00

For those who are lazy to double cleanse, this product is for you. These dual-sided cleansing foam pads are infused with hyaluronic acid that will leave your face squeaky clean. Use the first side to remove residue and impurities then flip over and swipe to instantly tone, moisturize and smoothen your skin.

Wish Formula’s plush peeling pad gives you the exfoliation you need without the risk of irritation. Even though this DIY peel can fit the palm of your hand it doesn’t mean it lacks the punch. Each pad contains exfoliators, lactic and glycolic acid which can swipe away dead skin cells and impurities effectively.

Magic in a soap. This stone-looking soap is made with charcoal which is known to be a great exfoliator. Dirt, oil and other impurities that are stuck in the pores will definitely get sucked out with this product. Once clean, it will then hydrate and detoxify the skin with the hyaluronic acid present in the soap.

It starts out in powder form then melts into liquid thus making it more absorbable by the skin. This Dr. Dream Essence is definitely a dream because of all the ingredients it contains. Rose stem cell, rose distilled water, grapefruit and yuzu extracts work together to provide moisture and nourishment to the skin, no matter how dry it may be.

Many, many women have tried one or both of the skincare products from J or K-Beauty and followed their skincare routines with amazing results. Of course, there is no better one of the two. It is more a matter of preference, which products react better on your skin, which routine is more adaptable for you, and which is more accessible, etc. You can even mix and match and create your own customized routine. Hop on now to get a headstart on your J and K-Beauty!