Korean skincare continues to dominate beauty routines worldwide, and the UK is no exception. In 2025, British skincare lovers are spoilt for choice with easy access to the latest and greatest K-beauty launches. In this blog, we explore the top trending Korean skincare brands you can buy in the UK in 2025 , highlighting the best brands and the must-try products they offer.
Beauty of Joseon – Heritage Meets Modern Skincare
Beauty of Joseon blends traditional Korean herbal ingredients, also known as 'hanbang', with modern skincare science. The brand takes inspiration from the Joseon Dynasty's approach to beauty—emphasising purity, balance, and natural radiance. With ingredients like ginseng, rice bran, green tea, and fermented extracts, BOJ bridges heritage and innovation. Their elegant aesthetics and skin-calming formulas have made them particularly beloved by skincare minimalists and those seeking radiant, balanced skin without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrance.Their elegant packaging and effective, gentle formulas have made them a staple across diverse skin types and age groups.
Hero Product: Aqua Relief Sun SPF50+ vs Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
The Aqua Relief Sun SPF50+ is the newest innovation from Beauty of Joseon, offering a lighter texture and a more hydrating finish compared to the original Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics . While both offer SPF50+ broad-spectrum protection, Aqua Relief is formulated for those who want intense hydration without heaviness—perfect for dehydrated or combination skin.
Lightweight gel-cream texture
Contains green tea and panthenol for soothing
Designed for quick absorption with no white cast
Relief Sun (Original):
Creamier consistency, great for dry skin
Formulated with 30% rice extract and probiotics
Nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier
Aqua Relief Sun is ideal for layering with other products in the summer, while Relief Sun original offers a more nourishing finish for colder months or drier skin types. Both are fragrance-free and reef-safe, maintaining BOJ’s commitment to sensitive skin-friendly formulas.
Medicube – Skincare Made Easy
Medicube is known for its dermatologically-tested formulas and problem-solving approach to skincare. Founded with a mission to make professional-grade skincare accessible at home, Medicube focuses heavily on data-backed ingredients and visible results. It has become especially popular among those dealing with acne, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and texture irregularities. Their commitment to scientific formulation and user-friendly devices has earned them a loyal global following.Whether you're dealing with acne, pigmentation, or dullness, Medicube's lineup is packed with results-driven solutions.
Hero Product: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
The Night Wrapping Mask is designed to seal in hydration and repair overnight. Its occlusive but breathable texture locks in active ingredients while soothing inflammation and targeting dryness and dullness. Perfect for those seeking to restore skin balance and glow while they sleep, this mask is ideal for nighttime recovery routine
COSRX – Tried, Tested, and Trusted
COSRX has long been a household name in the K-beauty world thanks to its minimal formulas and high-performance ingredients. Known for simplicity and results, COSRX products are often a gateway into Korean skincare.
In 2025, COSRX continues to strengthen its position as a leader in barrier-repair and sensitive skin care. The brand has expanded its reach across UK retailers, increasing visibility during major sale events and gaining even more traction among dermatologists and beauty editors. COSRX's dedication to transparency, affordability, and gentle formulations has made it a top recommendation for first-time users and seasoned skincare enthusiasts alike. Its best-sellers remain highly rated, and the brand’s customer loyalty continues to grow through consistent performance and glowing user reviews.
Hero Product: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Beloved globally, this essence contains 96% snail mucin to heal, hydrate, and boost skin resilience. It's a cult product for a reason. Known for its lightweight texture and fast absorption, it helps improve skin texture, fade post-acne marks, and strengthen the skin barrier over time—making it perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone.
To complete the routine, pair it with the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream , which provides intense hydration and nourishment using a similarly high concentration of snail mucin. This rich but non-greasy cream locks in moisture, supports repair, and leaves your skin with a healthy, dewy glow. Together, they form a powerhouse duo for skin regeneration and barrier recovery.
Round Lab – Nature-Infused Gentle Care
Round Lab’s philosophy centres around clean, gentle ingredients inspired by Korea’s natural environments. The brand gained significant recognition for its use of locally-sourced ingredients, such as mineral-rich sea water from Ulleungdo and birch sap from Inje. Prioritising skin barrier health and hydration, Round Lab has built a reputation as a go-to brand for effective daily skincare, especially for those with sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin. Its minimalist formulations and calming textures make it a favourite for layering routines and morning cleanses.Their formulas are especially loved by those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
SKIN1004 – Minimal, Effective Formulas
SKIN1004 focuses on pure, high-quality ingredients with a minimalist ethos. Their Madagascar Centella range has earned global praise for its soothing properties, and in 2025, the brand continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in calming, skin-barrier-friendly skincare.
SKIN1004 is especially popular among users with sensitive, acne-prone, or compromised skin due to its use of clean, single-origin Centella Asiatica extract harvested from Madagascar. With formulations free from unnecessary additives and fragrances, SKIN1004 has become a top choice for those seeking gentle yet effective care. The brand also emphasizes sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and cruelty-free practices, aligning with the values of the modern skincare consumer.
Hero Product: Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Made with 100% Centella Asiatica extract, this calming ampoule targets redness, irritation, and dehydration. It’s perfect for sensitive or reactive skin types.
Where to Shop K-Beauty in the UK
In 2025, exploring Korean skincare in the UK is easier and more accessible than ever. With platforms like Glow Yeosin , you can discover authentic K-beauty brands tailored to your skin type without the hassle of overseas shipping. Whether you're new to K-beauty or refining a long-time routine, these trusted names offer a great starting point—and even better results. These brands offer a great entry point for beginners and trusted options for seasoned enthusiasts looking to refine their routines.