The report titled 'Innovative and Effective Skincare Trends of 2024 with a Focus on Korean Beauty Products' explores the most impactful skincare innovations of the year, spotlighting unique textures, potent formulations, and consumer-favorite products. The report emphasizes the significant role of Korean beauty products in global skincare trends. It covers various product types, including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens, and highlights award-winning products like Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 and Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. Vanese Maddix's personal experiences with Korean skincare and expert consultations further validate the effectiveness of these products. The report also features top-rated Korean brands such as SKIN1004 and COSRX, along with products highly praised for their ingredient formulations and overall efficacy.
The skincare products recognized in 2024 exhibit groundbreaking textures and powerful formulations. Judges observed that these products transformed regular bathroom routines into experiences akin to being in a chic medspa. Products displayed jaw-dropping results, prompting judges to take before-and-after photos to verify their effectiveness. These innovations include unique new ingredients and formulations that cater to different skin types, tones, and concerns.
Several award-winning cleansers were highlighted for their compositions and benefits. For instance, Oak Essentials’ gel cleanser, favored for its brightening and soothing botanicals, was praised by Faith Xue for its herbaceous scent and makeup-removing efficiency. Tatcha’s cleansing balm, infused with Japanese indigo, was lauded by Kelly Reed for its ability to melt away stubborn makeup while keeping the skin hydrated and smooth. Byoma's oil cleanser, with moringa seed and olive fruit oils, was commended by Kelly Faircloth for its luxurious feel and efficiency in removing longwear makeup and SPF. Finally, Biologique Recherche’s cream cleanser, designed for sensitive skin, was noted for its gentle formula that minimizes irritation while cleansing.
Laneige's multi-tasking product that combines the benefits of toner and moisturizer was celebrated for its innovative two-in-one formulation. This product, filled with ceramides and peptides, provides the moisturizing benefits of a rich cream with the lightweight feel of a liquid toner, making it a favorite for its easy integration into skincare routines.
Glow Recipe’s brightening toner with Scandinavian cloudberries was highlighted for its antioxidant properties and brightening effects. Rhode's hydrating essence, known for contributing to the ‘glazed skin’ look, was praised by Nayamka Roberts-Smith and Emma Chao for its hydrating properties and the dewy plumpness it imparts to the skin.
Notable daytime moisturizers included the gel cream moisturizer from Dieux, known as Air Angel, which provides lightweight hydration with a high glycerin content. Roberts-Smith praised its suitability for layering with other products. For nighttime, Summer Fridays’ cushion cream packed with squalane, hyaluronic acid, and a plant-based barrier complex, was favored by Copelyn Bengel for its plush texture and nourishing effects.
The retinol serum from iS Clinical was notable for combining retinol and bakuchiol, which provides the benefits of retinol without the typical irritation. Kiara Brown highlighted it for reducing fine lines and enhancing skin glow without causing redness or peeling.
The author, Vanese Maddix, embarked on a journey to explore the world of Korean skincare products despite her past struggle with eczema. With her skin less sensitive now, she experimented with products recommended by her favorite skinfluencers like Caroline Hirons, Tiara Willis, and Hyram Yarbo. After purchasing $200 worth of Korean Beauty products, Maddix had a Zoom skincare consultation with Alicia Yoon, a celebrity esthetician and Korean beauty expert. Yoon provided a customized list of Peach & Lily products to enhance hydration, nourishment, and radiance, aiming for the 'glass skin glow' that Maddix desired.
Maddix reviewed several skincare products in-depth. She praised the hydrating capabilities of a cleanser recommended by Yoon, which effectively removed oil-based makeup and impurities. Maddix also found a balm that excelled at makeup removal without drying her skin, and a sulfate-free, low-pH cleanser that was gentle enough for her dry skin. She incorporated an exfoliator into her routine that left her skin hydrated and smooth despite its strong scent. A toner used thrice a week, rather than daily, prevented her skin from drying out. Lastly, Maddix was initially hesitant about an essence containing snail secretion filtrate but reported it to be hydrating and beneficial for her skin.
Throughout her journey, Maddix emphasized the importance of hydration and gentle exfoliation. Alicia Yoon's recommendations were focused on hydration, with products that Maddix found to work well for her dry skin. She noted that the exfoliator was effective yet gentle, ensuring that her evening routine left her skin radiant without over-exfoliation. The use of thin layers of multiple hydrating products was encouraged by Yoon, allowing Maddix to tailor her application based on her skin's needs.
The culmination of Maddix’s experience with Korean skincare products resulted in achieving the radiant complexion she aimed for. She found significant improvements in her skin’s hydration and overall appearance. A serum from Peach & Lily played a pivotal role in delivering a 'glass skin' effect, giving her skin a glowing reflection and eliciting numerous compliments. Additionally, a face mask enriched with rice, oatmeal, and honey extract revitalized her skin, making it look polished and rehydrated. The sunscreen, providing SPF 50+ protection without leaving a white cast, was particularly suitable for her dark skin tone and was a favorite part of her routine.
The reviewed Korean skincare products demonstrate great effectiveness on various skin types, particularly sensitive and reactive-prone skin. Products like lotions and moisturizers were praised for their ability to keep skin hydrated and glowing without triggering sensitivity. Consumers with combination skin also reported positive results, noting the lightweight yet highly moisturizing formulations.
Several key ingredients were highlighted in the reviews for their beneficial properties. Ceramides, vitamin E, glycerin, and niacinamide featured prominently. Ceramides contribute to a healthy skin barrier, vitamin E offers antioxidant benefits, glycerin provides hydration, and niacinamide helps with brightening and reducing redness.
For sensitive skin, products such as calming creams that contain panthenol, vitamin E, and squalane are highly recommended. These ingredients help in soothing and moisturizing sensitive skin. For combating blackheads, chemical exfoliants with BHAs like betaine salicylate were noted for their effectiveness in clearing pores and controlling oil.
The variety of products reviewed include lotions, moisturizers, calming creams, sunscreens, serums, chemical exfoliants, essence mists, and sheet masks. Each product type addressed specific skincare needs: lotions and moisturizers for hydration, sunscreens for UV protection, serums for brightness and hydration, and masks for targeted treatments. For instance, the Beauty of Joseon SPF 50 sunscreen offers strong UV protection while maintaining a lightweight feel. Chemical exfoliants like those from COSRX help in managing blackheads and oiliness, and essence mists offer quick hydration bursts throughout the day.
The list of the 100 Greatest Skincare Products of All Time for 2024 was compiled by WWD Beauty Inc. This compilation was based on an open-ballot format that polled over 600 beauty industry insiders, including executives, financiers, creators, professionals, and founders. The criteria for selection included product efficacy, formula innovation, sales performance, packaging design, and market impact.
The top brands recognized in the list include Biologique Recherche, Augustinus Bader, 111Skin, Cle de Peau Beaute, Dr Gross Skincare, and Vintner’s Daughter.
Among the greatest skincare products, several stand out for their effectiveness and popularity: - Biologique Recherche Lotion P50: Known for its daily exfoliation properties and customized regimens. One Lotion P50 is sold every 2 minutes in the U.S. - Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum: A multifunctional serum that took 21 days to make. It stands out for its high quality and unique oil format. - Dr Gross Alpha Beta Peel: A daily at-home chemical peel with a strong following. One Alpha Beta Daily Peel is sold every 2 seconds globally. - Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme: An anti-aging night cream employing advanced Skin-Empowering Illuminator technology. Its formulation includes 60 ingredients and more than 100 steps. - 111Skin Rose Gold Face + Eye Mask: Known for its illuminating and calming properties, this product has sold 18 million masks to date. - Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: A moisturizer featuring TFC8, known for stimulating skin’s rejuvenation processes. One unit is sold every 90 seconds.
These products are particularly noted for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 and Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme are formulated to enhance skin health and slow aging by addressing concerns such as hydration, under-eye brightening, and pigmentation.
Korean skin-care products feature gentle yet effective ingredients such as niacinamide, green tea, and Centella asiatica. These ingredients are known for their hydrating, calming, and anti-inflammatory properties. The inclusion of these ingredients ensures that even treatments for specific skin issues, like acne, are gentle on the skin but highly effective.
Several Korean beauty brands stand out for their innovation and quality in 2024, including Anua, Mixsoon, Round Lab, Etude House, Goodal, and Cosrx. These brands have gained popularity through various platforms like social media and retailers such as Amazon and Soko Glam, increasing accessibility to consumers globally.
Top-rated products for 2024 include Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties; Mixsoon Bean Essence, featuring fermented ingredients for gentle exfoliation and deep hydration; and Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask, which is highly praised for its soothing and calming effects on sensitized skin.
The Korean skin-care routine often includes double cleansing, which involves using both an oil-based and a water-based cleanser to thoroughly clean the skin. Innovative sunscreen formulations, such as those by Korean brands, provide lightweight, hydrating, and effective sun protection without leaving a white cast. These advancements have set a high standard globally for both cleanliness and sun care effectiveness.
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum and the Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean are standout products in the K-beauty scene. The SKIN1004 Sun Serum is praised for its combination of hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing centella asiatica, offering a lightweight finish that ranks high on Korean beauty platforms and garners millions of views on TikTok. Meanwhile, Ma:nyo's Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean boasts sales of over 10 million bottles globally, with its new edition offering a more lightweight formula that effectively removes stubborn makeup.
Among the most popular K-beauty brands in 2024 are SKIN1004, Ma:nyo, TIRTIR, SOME BY MI, CNP Laboratory, and Goodal. SKIN1004 is recognized for its innovative formulations, such as the Madagascar Centella line. Ma:nyo continues to impress with its cleansing oils. TIRTIR's Milk Skin Toner has gone viral multiple times, contributing to the brand's rising popularity. SOME BY MI is noted for its Miracle toner products, while CNP Laboratory and Goodal are esteemed for their hydrating and brightening serums, respectively.
Several K-beauty products are recommended for their efficacy in specific skincare routines. Exfoliating cleansers like the House of Dohwa Rice Bran Powder Wash are appreciated for their gentle yet effective exfoliation. Hydrating toners such as the TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner and SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad are lauded for their deep hydration and exfoliating properties. Essences, including the CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Active Ampule, provide deep hydration and glow. Goodal's Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum is a top choice for brightening, while firms like Depology and COSRX offer serums targeting firmness and acne-prone skin, respectively.
Korean skincare products are renowned globally for their effectiveness, largely due to the use of innovative ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, for instance, is a powerful humectant that can retain significant amounts of moisture, enhancing hydration and plumpness of the skin. Kelp, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, serves as an excellent moisturizing and anti-inflammatory agent. Green tea is another vital ingredient, celebrated for its anti-aging properties and ability to reduce excess oil production. These ingredients are carefully formulated to cater to different skin types, promoting overall skin health and glowing complexion.
Several Korean skincare brands have garnered international acclaim for their high-quality, effective products. iUNIK offers natural and individualized product lines that are vegan and cruelty-free. Some By Mi is known for using natural ingredients in effective formulations, such as their AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Set. Missha stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality products that often utilize natural plant extracts. COSRX combines traditional rituals with modern science for effective skincare solutions. Beauty of Joseon employs ancient Korean beauty recipes with modern technology, focusing on natural ingredients. Etude House, established in 1966, uses cutting-edge science and natural ingredients to create products suitable for sensitive skin. Lastly, KAHI is notable for its premium ingredients like salmon collagen from Jeju Island, providing high-quality skincare solutions.
The 10-step skincare routine is a distinctive element of Korean beauty regimens, highlighting their commitment to comprehensive skin health. This routine includes steps such as double cleansing (using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one), exfoliating, applying toner, essence, serum, sheet masks, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This methodical approach ensures that each skincare product is introduced gradually, helping the skin adjust and maximizing effectiveness without causing irritation. The routine's popularity has significantly influenced global skincare practices, emphasizing the importance of multi-step, gentle, and thorough care for radiant skin.
The 2024 skincare trends reveal a major shift toward innovative and highly effective solutions, with a significant boost from Korean beauty products. This report underscores the influence of products like Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 and Augustinus Bader Rich Cream in setting new standards for skincare efficacy and consumer satisfaction. The detailed reviews and personal experiences documented in the report highlight the importance of natural, potent ingredients and continuous industry innovation. Despite some limitations in addressing specific skin concerns universally, the ongoing advancements suggest promising future developments. Consumers seeking transformative and high-performing skincare routines can confidently turn to top brands such as 111 Skin and COSRX. The promising results observed in 2024 set a high benchmark for future skincare innovations, emphasizing the practical applicability of these findings for enhanced skincare regimens globally.
A notable skincare product recognized for its unique formulation and results-oriented approach. It is highlighted for its exfoliating and skin-brightening properties.
Praised for its lush and effective botanical blend, this serum is known for providing radiant and glowing skin results.
A prominent skincare brand recognized for producing high-efficacy products. It has a strong reputation for quality and results.
This product is a part of the Korean double cleansing routine and known for its effectiveness in controlling pores and cleansing the skin.
A Korean skincare product highly recommended for its hydrating and brightening effects, crucial for achieving a healthy complexion.
A leading K-Beauty brand known for its use of Centella asiatica in formulations, providing gentle and effective skincare solutions.
A top recommended moisturizer praised for its rich texture and superior hydration properties, making it a favorite amongst consumers.
A well-loved Korean skincare brand known for its effective acne-fighting products and use of ingredients like snail mucin for skin repair.