Five K-Beauty Products Used and Loved by a Cosmetic Doctor
Dr Yumiko Kadota is an Australian-trained medical doctor with 14 years of clinical experience. She owns a cosmetic skin clinic in Sydney, performing treatments such as injectables, lasers, and chemical peels. She was born in Tokyo and loves using Japanese and Korean skin care in particular. You can find her on @dryumikokadota or @sydneyfacedoctor
When I think ‘K beauty’ or about good Korean skin care products, I think of snail mucin as the quintessential ingredient.
But was it just an overhyped trend?
As a Cosmetic Doctor who samples dozens of brands a year, I can tell you that snail mucin is the real deal – it’s a mainstay in my skincare that stands the test of time!
I love incorporating affordable K beauty products among my more boujée products, and I’m definitely a proponent of the Korean ten-step routine.
As a K-Beauty enthusiast and long-time Adore Beauty customer, I’m also very happy to see that Anua is now available too!
Here are five of my K-Beauty faves that I’ve purchased in the past year...
1. SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA Toner.
An exfoliating toner is one step I cannot live without (for reference I have oily, blemish-prone skin).
If I don’t exfoliate regularly, my skin becomes very congested.
Exfoliation also has the benefit of brightening your skin tone.
The Some By Mi toner has all three categories of chemical exfoliant: alpha-, beta-, and poly-hydroxy acids.
For those who are also acne-prone, the toner has the addition of beneficial ingredients like tea tree extract and witch hazel.
And, unlike the astringent toners of yester-year, this toner won’t make your skin feel stripped or tight after using it.
Hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid make it feel good on the skin.
It’s easy to get over-enthusiastic about exfoliating though, so take it easy on the poor skin barrier.
I am definitely guilty of doing that, so I now exfoliate three times a week, and have some days off.
2. I'm From Rice Toner.
Is it even a K beauty article if I don’t mention the Laneige Cream Skin toner?
This year has been THE year of the milky toner and Laneige remains the GOAT – I will not be told otherwise!
If you’re going through a dry, flaky skin moment, you can carry this in your bag and use the mist pump to top-up throughout the day.
For those (like me) who don’t like heavy creams, using a milky toner like this one can be a great way to moisturise.
A milky toner is also a great ‘in between’ layer to add moisture to your skin between your other skin care steps.
Milk toners are an essential part of prepping my skin on days that I wear make-up, so that my foundation sits better.
My other recommendation for a milky toner would have to be the I’m From Rice Toner.
It is creamier than the Laneige, so you’ll love it if you tend to be on the dry side, or enjoy a richer texture.
3. I'm From Mugwort Essence.
Koreans do essences better than anyone else!
Except maybe the Japanese (I’m Japanese, so I’m totally biased here).
How to use a K beauty essence?
If you haven’t used one before, essences are often used following toners, and tend to have a slightly thicker consistency.
If you have dry or dehydrated skin, adding in an essence to your routine can give your skin that extra layer of hydration.
It’s hard to pick my favourite but the I’m From Mugwort Essence is suitable for all skin types, and won’t let you down.
I often push my skin a bit too far with clinic treatments, and this is the essence I reach for when my skin is irritated or needs a little break.
Keen to discover and shop more affordable K-Beauty? Check out the YouTube video below:
4. COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence.
I will never stop using snail essence!
My Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence from CosRx is nearly empty and I have my next one lined up already.
This product should be in the top rated Korean skincare category.
It has two chambers – one side with snail mucin, and the other with everybody’s best friend, niacinamide.
Snail mucin is very hydrating, and also has anti-microbial properties so it’s great for those who are acne-prone.
It is a well-tolerated ingredient, but if you have a dust mite allergy, I’d suggest avoiding snail mucin products because there is some cross-reactivity.
This essence also has soothing ingredients like allantoin and panthenol, as well as the added benefits of niacinamide; it’s a great all-rounder to have in your routine.
Oh, and it’s also a source of glycolic acid, which is fantastic for giving you that glow.
5. Anua Peach 77% Niacin Conditioning Milk.
How I squealed when I saw that Adore Beauty now has Anua!
There are so many products in the range that I currently use (so I think this brand is has some of the best Korean skincare products).
The cleansing oil and foam cleanser are my double-cleansing combo at the moment, and the Anua toner, formally known as the Heartleaf 77% soothing toner is excellent for all skin types.
The standout product for me is the conditioning milk because of the texture!
I would describe it as an emulsion – something that moisturises your skin without the heaviness of a cream.
If you have oily skin, or prefer the texture of a lightweight moisturiser, this product is for you.
I am also partial to a peach scent, so I really enjoy the gentle peach fragrance of this conditioning milk!
If you’ve been sleeping on Korean Beauty, let me be your alarm clock!
I think the Koreans do toners and essences particularly well, so if you’re not sure where to start, I’d try a toner.
And if you're looking for "Korean skincare near me" - look no further, Adore has all the best Korean skincare products that you can add to cart instantly.
Enjoy!
For more of the best K-Beauty recommendations and products, read these next:
Need help deciding which Korean skincare or Japanese skincare is best for your skin? Take our quiz below:
