Best budget K-beauty brands every skincare lover should try in Korea

If you’re traveling to Korea and planning a skincare shopping spree, these are the brands you want to look out for. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also deliver impressive quality across the board.

1. Etude House: A long-beloved road shop brand, Etude House is famous for products like its Curl Fix mascara and the Soonjung line, which is specifically formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. On top of that, their pink, cottage-core stores are a visual treat and an experience of their own.

2. COSRX: Best known for its viral snail mucin essence, COSRX has become a cult favorite in both Korea and abroad. Its products are gentle, deeply hydrating, and leave your skin glowing. Plus, they’re incredibly affordable for the quality they offer.

3. Innisfree: Another staple Korean skincare brand, Innisfree is known for using natural ingredients sourced from Jeju Island. Their green tea line is perfect for hydration, and their volcanic clay mask is great for clearing pores and balancing oil. It’s a great choice for eco-conscious beauty lovers on a budget.

4. The Face Shop: Though less hyped these days, The Face Shop remains a reliable go-to for everything from makeup to skincare. It’s a one-stop shop where you can find affordable masks, creams, and cosmetics without compromising on variety or quality.

5. Missha: Missha rose to global popularity thanks to its best-selling product, the M Perfect Cover BB Cream. Known for its lightweight texture and excellent coverage, it’s still one of the most highly rated BB creams on the market. Their facial mists are also fan favorites, perfect for a quick skin refresh during the day.

6. TonyMoly: If you're a fan of playful packaging paired with solid performance, TonyMoly is the brand for you. Recently, the brand saw a surge in popularity after Chung Ha was spotted wearing their duo balm in the shade 'Baby Peach' — a product that quickly sold out nationwide.