Adeola Ash's Top 10 Korean Skincare Products for Fall and Winter

Laneige's formula is very unique in that it’s both hydrating and moisturizing—great if you need a boost of both. It’s also very dense. After applying it using a cotton pad, you can actually feel it sitting on your face, yet it’s not heavy or suffocating. 

It's very effective for using under sunscreens that need some help in the hydration department. And, though I have combination and oily skin, I could still use this both at night and in the daytime without feeling weighed down, even when it's under lotion and mattifying sunscreen. 

It has a slight milky scent that isn’t really noticeable at all, so it's good for those with sensitive noses. This toner is especially good for when you’ve damaged your skin barrier and for use with skincare products that are on the drier side. 

This essence is quite hydrating. Instead of sitting on top of your skin like other essences, this one feels as though it absorbs and sits under the skin’s surface, creating a sort a plumping, bouncy effect. 

It's not heavy, but you can feel it sitting on your face. The saccharomyces ferment filtrate ingredient in it is what makes this product effective at hydrating the skin. Plus, this essence also has niacinamide, which helps brighten skin tone, balance oil, and reduce the visibility of pores, for those that love that ingredient. 

However, if you have fungal acne, please be cautious due to the yeast ferment extract ingredient! As an anti-aging essence, though, I believe it serves its purpose with the hydration it provides.

Whenever your skin barrier feels compromised, use this mask. Especially if your skin is feeling irritated or a product is particularly strong, just use this as the last step of your skincare routine and it will instantly soothe your skin. It’s not too heavy but is still thick enough that it feels nourishing. 


Note that it is an overnight mask though, so you should only be using it before you go to bed. But while you're sleeping, it'll provide all the moisture your skin needs! It sinks into the skin nicely, doesn't feel very heavy, and leaves no noticeable scent.  It's definitely a staple in my routine. 

This formula is like the cream skin toner and moisturizer but densified into a thicker consistency. Use it as the first step in a double cleansing routine by pumping it onto a cotton pad and using it to remove sunscreen and makeup. 

This milk oil cleanser is amazing because it hydrates your skin while you use it, but doesn't leave an oily residue behind like other oil-based cleansers usually do. Because of this, you don’t have to rinse it off immediately and, if you're feeling tired, you can even use it as your sole cleanser! 

Considering the way it moisturizes your face and cleanses it, it almost feels like you're using a thin lotion to wipe off all the gunk from the day's activities!

IOPE serum is one of the creamiest serums I have tried by far. The packaging self-loads the serum dropper when you twist the cap open, leaving just a button for you to press to release the product onto your face, so it's extra convenient to use. 

It also has anti-aging properties and includes IOPE's proprietary Allanto-Complex ingredient that helps revitalize, plump, and moisturize the skin.

If you need to add an extra-moisturizing boost to your skincare routine, using this after toner or essence is highly recommended. This serum spreads like a dream—I often use it alongside my non-moisturizing serums in my night routine.

Although Klairs' sunscreen is also amazing, Innisfree's Moist Winter Barrier is my favorite sunscreen of all time. It disappears into the skin while providing hydration and doesn’t leave your face shiny! Plus, it moisturizes well enough that you don’t have to use an additional lotion under it for daily use. 

Like other products on the list, this one contains hyaluronic acid, which is great for helping your skin retain moisture. It is also SPF 50+ and works best on dry skin. 

It’s most widely available on the market during the winter months, so it's best to stock up on them when they come out—especially because it's actually perfect to use all year round! 

This face mask really creates a lasting boost of hydration to your skin—plus, the ampoule it's soaked in doesn’t drip from the mask, so it's easy to use without any mess. 

It contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and witch hazel to moisturize and soothe the skin, while also controlling sebum production. It's wonderful for treating dehydrated, irritated skin.

The cotton design of the mask makes it very sturdy and easy to keep on the face, even when sitting vertically. If you’re trying to heal a compromised skin barrier or repair dry skin, I would highly recommend this!

This hydrating cream is not too heavy, but also not too thin. It doesn’t feel like your typical gel or cream—it’s very fluid (it can be poured out of the jar), but also creamy like a lotion. 

Key ingredients include green tea, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid, which can help your skin retain moisture, treat inflammation, and soften the skin.

When you're looking for more hydration in your routine, layering this under a heavier cream can give your skin a super boost of moisture. If you're looking for something lighter than heavy cream but still moisturizing, reaching for this is still a good idea!

Just because it’s getting cold doesn’t mean one’s sunscreen use should waver! UV rays are active 365 days a year, so SPF needs to be maintained in your routine. 

Klairs' sunscreen is great because it’s moisturizing but doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. You can layer it without it feeling suffocating, while also not having to worry about your face getting overly shiny. It's also white-cast free!


Unlike typical sunscreens, this one has a thin cream-like formula, so it’s very lightweight. It also has SPF 50+ protection—which is great for those who need to shy away from the sun—and is produced vegan and cruelty-free.

You have to make hydration a focal point in your skincare routine during winter. However, even if you are focused on using moisturizing products, your efforts can go to waste if you’re not using the proper cotton pads! Low-quality ones could be soaking up most of your product and not properly administering them. 

When it comes to toner and essence, it’s vital that you use a good cotton pad when applying them. These Klairs cotton pads are the solution to this problem. One half of the package—the sponge-like pads—soak up your skincare products and release the majority of them back onto your skin. 

The other half of the cotton pads are more textured for makeup removal but still administer product much better than typical western cotton pads. Introducing these into my skincare routine really changed the game for me.