10 best Korean beauty products you need to fight against acne

Travelling to Korea to get your Korean beauty products may not be possible now, but that does not mean you have to give your K-beauty fix a miss.

Leading the industry in trends ahead of its time, including the 10-step skincare routine, to glass skin and stained lips, Korean beauty has made a reputation as the leading experts in its field.

The cute packaging, endless free samples and endorsement by our favourite Korean celebrities are some of the reasons we buy into them. But ultimately, it lies in their effectiveness.

They address troubled skin and fixes acne, blackheads and ageing issues while plumping and moisturising your skin. And we all know how Koreans seemingly defy ageing.

Now, with formulations that are made to heal instead of cover, many of us have made the switch to K-beauty products. If you've yet to make the switch, here's why you should!

10 K-beauty products for acne-prone skin

1. Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro pH Foam Facial Cleanser, $29.00

A balanced skin pH is key to radical and makeup-free skin that can cause potential acne breakouts. The Dr Jart+ facial cleanser helps to deep cleanse by penetrating deep into your skin to remove dirt and reduce excessive sebum production.

But don't worry! The Dr. Jart+ cleanser doesn't dry your skin. In fact, the formula includes hydrogen Bio Water Moist and coconut-derived surfactant, and both help to maintain the moisture level in your skin.

2. The Konjac Sponge Company K-Sponge Heart Sponge in Bamboo Charcoal, $16.00

Here's a K-beauty accessory for people who love makeup and need a more efficient product to remove it at the end of the day. This K-Sponge Heart Sponge attracts clogged makeup, dirt, and impurities from pores to fight acne-causing inflammation and infection.

This biodegradable sponge is designed for all skin types, especially sensitive skin and is 100 per cent natural and cruelty-free. It's made from plant fibres and enriched with activated charcoal which is good in cleansing acne-prone skin.

3. LANEIGE Cream Skin Refiner, $38.00

A cream toner that melts into a skin refiner, Laneige has used the Cream Blending Technology™ to create a toner that suits all skin type. It serves the purpose of a toner and enhances the skin's absorption rate while soothing and strengthening the skin's barrier.

With potent ingredients like White Leaf Tea Water which is rich in amino acids, your skin will recover and strengthen against potential breakouts.

4. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, $45.50

By now, it is known that whiteheads and blackheads are the predecessors of pimples and acne. Eliminating them lessens the risk of breakouts.

The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a clinically-tested exfoliant infused with sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide (a vitamin B3 derivative), white willow bark, and 4 per cent beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which help purify pores of oil and dirt.

This prevents bacteria build-up and hence, help maintain skin's clarity and prevent again acne breakout.

5. Mediheal Whitening Bubble Tox Serum Mask Pack Sheet, $3.90

Fans of hit K-drama Crash Landing On You will be glad to find the bubbling mask used in the drama is available at Guardian. This acne-treatment mask bubbles on you face with a tingling sensation as it helps to brighten dull skin and clear up skin troubles.

There's no need to rinse off after use, simply pat in the remaining essence and let the mask do its job. Goodbye acne and hello clear skin!

6. Innisfree Bija Trouble Mask, $19.00

One of the most popular K-beauty brand, the Bija line from Innisfree is known to target troubled skin and this Bija Trouble Mask is no exception. The cream-like consistency makes it easy to apply and wash away with no fuss.

Furthermore, the green calamine properties in the mask help to calm and relieve troubled skin, leaving your skin cleaning and far from redness caused by acne.

7. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Re-cover SPF30/PA++, $51.00 (U.P. $68.00)

A popular ingredient in all acne-combat treatment, Cica is actually a nickname for centella asiatica. Sounds otherworldly but it simply helps to repair irritated skin with minute use.

With amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, phytochemicals and vitamins, Cica products are packed with antioxidants and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

This all-in-one Cicapair Re-cover treatment helps to lighten blemishes and recover the skin's vitality, as the name suggests. With SPF30 and PA++, your skin will be protected against UV light to prevent premature ageing.

8. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, $5.90

If an overnight pimple fix is what you're after, COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch is what you need. It's like a tape you put on zits, blackheads, and whiteheads, not to cover them, but to heal them.

The patch is made of a fragrance-free hydrocolloid or hydrogel material which sticks on the skin to fight bacteria and treat cystic acne. You can even wear this during the day which shows how inconspicuous it is!

9. Medicube Red Erasing Cream, $39.90 (U.P. $49.90)

Popular in combatting acne, Medicube is your go-to solution for acne troubles. The Medicube Red Erasing Cream has been clinically proven to improve hyperpigmentation marks on the skin.

Within 4 weeks of applying, your skin will see significant improvement and protect against hyperpigmentation. Dark spots, acne blemishes and scars will be gone in no time!

10. Round A'Round Greentea Cica Barrier Cream, $33.80 (U.P. $42.30)

Exclusive at Guardian, the Round A'Round Greentea Cica Barrier Cream is ideal as an acne treatment for the environmentally-conscious customers as it is vegan certified.

With mild green tea components and hydration properties to replenish moisture and neutralise oil and water balance, the Round A'Round cream is a lightweight formula we'll all love.

This article was first published in Shopback.