In this video and blogpost, I’m sharing which products I’m currently using as part of my cruelty-free and vegan-friendly Korean skincare routine!
Time travel!
In 2011, I started delving into cruelty-free beauty, and I stopped buying from companies that do animal-testing for their products. I wasn’t even vegan yet but that was one of the first ways I “transitioned” into veganism.
Time jump to 2019, there are now a lot of options out there so I really think there’s absolutely no reason to support companies that continue to test on animals (I don’t want to get preachy but this is an important issue so I needed to bring it up). I tried and still continue to try my best to buy ONLY cruelty-free and vegan products, especially when it comes to beauty products! After all, why should an animal have to go through horrendous animal testing practices for my vanity?
During my early vegan years, I thought Korean skincare was already out of the equation! If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I am from South Korea where the beauty industry is generally considered to be ahead of its time. Korean beauty (K-beauty in short) is now world-renowned and South Korea is famous for its skincare and cosmetic procedures.
The thing is, I believe Korea is a little behind when it comes to things like animal rights or cruelty to animals, and information on whether or not the products are cruelty-free wasn’t as readily available. For this reason, I thought I was going to have to stop buying Korean skincare products…
…until now!
NOTE: These products were purchased with my own money, but all the links below are affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission if you purchase using the links at no extra cost to you.
I am so happy there are now actually a lot of Korean products that are cruelty-free and vegan. The products I’m listing (minus a few honorable mentions) here are like my holy grail of skincare and I’m happy to share them with you!
Just a little reminder, I am NOT a dermatologist and the products I mention here are those that I am using personally. Therefore, I cannot guarantee that it will bring you the same results as it does to me.
Here are my favorite Korean skincare products!
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner
I used alcohol-based toners when I was younger, and it can be very drying. This toner by Dear, Klairs deeply moisturizes and balances my skin’s pH level. I am already on my second bottle, and even bought a third one as a backup!
When using this, I don’t even use a cotton pad. What I do is just drop a certain amount on my palm and rub it all over my face. My skin feels extremely moisturized and I use it both day and night.
Purchase on iHerb or Wishtrend!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/6RD4VNgM
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/2YY0cnD
Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
The Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is like a pure vitamin C oil. The consistency is liquidy, but slightly thicker than water. It is very moisturizing and mildly improves skin tone and texture without irritating the skin.
Because vitamin C has a tendency to go bad quickly, I keep this one in the fridge for precaution. I also use this in conjunction with another Dear, Klairs product, which is the…
Purchase on iHerb or Wishtrend!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/iMSgAXso
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/2PVVz9l
Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
I bought this Vitamin E mask in conjunction with the Vitamin C drop. It can be used as a moisturizer and as an overnight mask. In fact, I put it on at night because it leaves my skin feeling nicely moisturized the morning after. I’ve been using this for over 2 weeks now, and so far it does a good job on the moisturization.
Purchase on iHerb or Wishtrend!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/4qLEuxZn
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/2ErtNw3
Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
For times when I’m not using the Vitamin E Mask during the day, I’m using the Dear, Klairs Moist Soothing Cream. There’s nothing too crazy about this, but it feels just as moisturizing and nice to the skin (and fragrance-free, too!).
Purchase on iHerb or Wishtrend!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/wsLXhPrf
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/2M61lEa
Dear, Klairs Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel
I bought this eye gel because of its ability to deeply hydrate the area around the eye. It has oriental tea complex and has a cooling effect on the skin. I love how easy it is to apply because it isn’t very liquidy, but not too thick as well. I just dab it around my eyes and I’m good to go!
Purchase on Wishtrend!
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/2PwMKDZ
Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask
Another product I love is this sheet mask by Dear, Klairs (I promise you that this is not a sponsored post!). I use this mask twice a week, and the thing I love about this is that the mask is divided into two parts, making it easier to put on! Plus, it has aloe vera extracts and hyaluronic acid, which are the very
It’s nice and soothing and has aloe vera extracts and hyaluronic acid — two essential ingredients for having a smooth, flawless, and deeply hydrated skin.
Purchase on iHerb or Wishtrend!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/3HJH4JMw
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/35IuKwl
Wishtrend Natural Vitamin Enhancing Sheet Mask
I don’t really know if sheet masks have significant effects on skincare, but it’s a nice way to give myself some self-care every once in a while. I am also particularly loving Wishtrend’s Natural Vitamin Enhancing Sheet Mask because it has green tea extracts that make skin feeling nice and smooth.
Purchase on iHerb or Wishtrend!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/iXWybGFt
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/36SmUjT
Physicians Formula Rosé All-Stay Illuminating Setting Spray
While this isn’t a Korean product, this is one of my biggest favorites! This setting spray is supposed to brighten and tighten, and the product is essentially alcohol- and oil-free! It has rosewater for soothing and hydrating the skin, and goji and kakadu plum extracts that act as antioxidants.
What I particularly love about this spray is that it gives me this glowing look! People have asked me on my Instagram stories why my skin looks all glowy, and this is the answer!
And because I spray it on after doing my makeup, it does help my makeup stay on a little bit longer, but I would say the reason I love this so much is because of the healthy glow it gives me.
Purchase on iHerb!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/iNDEVKrC
NOTE: The products below are those I haven’t used yet, but have bought myself anyway for me to try.
I’m From Ginseng Mask
In Korean medicine, ginseng is supposed to be a cure-all for anything! It has a few internal and dietary benefits, but it’s also great for skin care because it is a potent antioxidant. This is the reason why Korean people are obsessed with ginseng, and why it is one of the highest ranking herbs in Korean medicine.
I was so intrigued by this product and its benefits, so I bought one for my mom and one for myself. The I’m From Ginseng Mask is made from red ginseng essence (aka the 6-year-old ginseng) cultivated in the fertile soil of Kumsan–a mountain in South Korea. I haven’t used it yet, but to use it, begin by gently massaging a small amount on your face, and then rinsing it off after 10-15 minutes. Its smell is very floral-y and the consistency is thick (kind of reminds me of agave nectar.
I have not used this, and have given my mom one of these. After you wash it off, apply a small amount and gently massage over your face, and then rinse off after 10-15 minutes. I was intrigued so I thought I would get it. It comes with a small plastic spoon, and the packaging looks very professional. Smells very floral-y, but the consistency is thick (like agave nectar).
Purchase on iHerb or Wishtrend!
iHerb – https://iherb.co/hCqwqm2X
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/2PUTaMh
Klairs Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter
Another product from the Dear, Klairs line I bought but haven’t used yet is the Fundamental Nourishing Eye Butter. This cruelty-free eye butter looks like it has a light consistency and feels like it would be nice to use on my undereye areas.
Purchase on Wishtrend!
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/34tO1jr
Dear, Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA ++++
As you may know, protecting your skin from the sun is a crucial element of an anti-aging skincare routine.
I feel it’s sometimes difficult to find very good vegan-friendly sunscreen. Many sunscreens would leave a white mark on where you applied it, while others feel very greasy and some might be very difficult to blend.
This sunscreen by Dear, Klairs absorbs super quickly and has a very thin consistency. It’s weightless, fragrance-free, and guards against UVA and UVB without leaving greasiness and white marks. Another great thing about it is that it has SPF 50, which guards the skin against sun damage. It’s now my new favourite facial sunscreen.
Purchase on Wishtrend!
Wishtrend – https://bit.ly/2qZH4sG
