Korean pharmacy skincare, explained
Plain-English guides to K-Medi Care: what Seoul pharmacists recommend, how each ingredient works, and simple routines for barrier repair, redness, dryness, breakouts and post-procedure skin.
What Is K-Medi Care? Korea's Pharmacy Skincare, Explained
K-Medi Care is the Korean category of pharmacy-grade skincare made by pharmaceutical companies. Here is what it means, how it differs from K-beauty, and what to buy first.
Korean Pharmacy Skincare: 10 Must-Haves Seoul Pharmacists Recommend
The ten Korean pharmacy skincare staples locals actually buy, from centella repair balm to hydrocolloid patches, and who each one is for.
Korean Pharmacy vs. Olive Young: Where Should You Shop?
Olive Young is Korea's biggest beauty store, but locals buy repair and barrier care at the pharmacy. Here is how the two differ and what to buy where.
What to Buy at a Korean Pharmacy (Even If You're Not in Seoul)
Travelers fill suitcases at Korean pharmacies. Here is the shopping list by skin concern, plus how to get the same items in the U.S.
Korean Dermocosmetics: A Guide for American Shoppers
Dermocosmetics are skincare products designed with dermatologists in mind. Korea's version focuses on repair and barrier care. Here is what to know.
How to Spot Fake Korean Skincare Before You Buy
Counterfeit K-beauty is common on open marketplaces. Use these seven checks on packaging, codes and sellers to avoid fakes.
Is Korean Skincare FDA Approved? Cosmetics Rules in Plain English
The FDA does not approve cosmetics before sale, but MoCRA added new duties for brands and importers. Here is what that means for Korean skincare.
Centella Asiatica Cream: Benefits, Uses and How to Choose One
Centella asiatica, or cica, is Korea's best-known repair botanical. Learn what it does, which forms work best, and how to pick a good centella cream.
Madecassoside: The Purified Centella Active, Explained
Madecassoside is the most studied compound from centella asiatica. Here is what it does, how it differs from cica extract, and who should use it.
Ceramide Cream for Dry Skin: What Korean Pharmacists Recommend
Ceramides are lipids that hold your skin barrier together. Here is how ceramide creams help very dry skin and how to pick a good one.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for Skin: Benefits and Best Uses
Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, hydrates and comforts skin. It is a fixture of Korean post-procedure care. Here is how to use it.
PDRN Serum: What 'Salmon DNA' Skincare Actually Does
PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, went from Korean dermatology clinics to serums. Here is what it is, what the evidence says and how to use it.
Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Skincare for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin
Heartleaf, or eoseongcho in Korean, is a calming botanical used for oily and blemish-prone skin. Here is how it works and how to use it.
Cica Cream vs. Ceramide Cream: Which One Does Your Skin Need?
Cica soothes, ceramides rebuild. Here is how to choose between centella and ceramide creams, and when to use both.
How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier: The Korean Pharmacy Method
Stinging, tightness and sudden sensitivity are signs of a stressed skin barrier. Here is the step-by-step Korean pharmacy approach to bringing it back.
Silicone Gel for Post-Procedure Skin: How and When to Use It
Silicone gels form a breathable film over skin. Here is how they are used in Korean post-procedure routines and what to know first.
Korean Skincare for Redness-Prone, Sensitive Skin
Centella, panthenol and gentle cleansing are the backbone of Korean care for skin that flushes easily. Here is a calm, simple routine.
Moisturizers for Very Dry, Eczema-Prone Skin: A Korean Pharmacy View
How Korean pharmacists choose daily moisturizers for very dry and eczema-prone skin, and what to look for on the label.
Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches: How They Work and How to Use Them
Hydrocolloid patches were a Korean pharmacy staple long before they went viral. Here is how they work and how to get the most from them.
A Simple Korean Barrier Repair Routine (Morning and Night)
A four-step morning and night routine built from Korean pharmacy staples to calm and rebuild a stressed skin barrier.
Skincare After Laser Treatment: The Korean Clinic Aftercare Routine
Korean dermatology clinics send patients home with a simple aftercare kit. Here is the routine and the products that go in it.
Microneedling Aftercare: Gentle Korean Skincare for Recovery
What to put on your skin in the first week after microneedling, based on Korean clinic aftercare practice.
Korean Skincare for Men: A 3-Step Pharmacy Routine
Shaving, sun and dry offices stress men's skin. Here is a three-step routine from Korean pharmacy staples.
Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin (Korean Pharmacy Edition)
Cold air and indoor heating pull water from skin. Here is how Korean pharmacists adjust routines for winter.
Hydrocolloid vs. Microneedle Patches: Which One When?
Two kinds of spot patches, two different jobs. Here is when to reach for each.
PDRN vs. Polynucleotides vs. Peptides: What's the Difference?
Three 'skin booster' ingredients that sound alike. Here is how PDRN, polynucleotides (PN) and peptides differ.
Best Korean Skincare for Sensitive Skin You Can Buy in the U.S.
Pharmacy-grade Korean products for sensitive skin, available in the U.S. with domestic shipping.
Korean Repair Balms: How to Use Them on Face, Lips and Body
Repair balms are the multipurpose heroes of Korean pharmacies. Here is where and how to use one.
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