Best Vegan Korean Skincare Brands & Bestselling Products

In recent years, there has been a gradual change of mindset seen throughout the world and in Korea. The masses are becoming warier of the environment, particularly surrounding what we consume. Whether it be food, clothing or today’s topic, the Best Vegan Korean Skincare. 

Furthermore, consumers are now holding brands accountable and demanding a new higher standard of Products. Now Products should be Vegan, animal-cruelty free and also, Economically conscientious. For those of us that are interested in Korean Skincare but have never taken the liberty of checking, fear not. In fact, a large portion of the most popular Korean brands we’ve grown to love is for the majority of Vegan (or sell a large range of Vegan-friendly products). Here are the Best Vegan-Friendly Korean Skincare Brands and their best-selling products.

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Best Vegan Korean Skincare Brands

Wishtrend is a company that rose to fame through its large social media platform. With the help of over 4 million subscribers (the majority overseas), they have created 4 popular skin-focused brands tailored to their fans. Their brands: By Wishtrend, Klairs, I’m from and Jungle Botanics are for the majority Vegan friendly, eco-friendly, and also,100% Animal cruelty-free. Furthermore, Wishtrend is a great choice for those of you overseas, as their website includes global shipping and sells other popular brands that in line with their philosophies. 

Klairs | One of the most popular vegan Korean skincare brands

Compared to the other brands on this list, Klairs is a brand that is guaranteed 100% Vegan. This is one of the brands by Wishtrend and Is extremely popular globally for good reason. Klairs focuses on well-thought-out ingredients to get you the results you want at an affordable price. And, It is certainly, one of the Best Vegan Korean Skincare Brands.

For more on the Best products from Klairs CLICK HERE.

• Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
• 180ml
• Ideal for all skin types

This toner is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin because it doesn’t have any potentially harmful ingredients like fragrance, paraben, and alcohol. Not only Hyaluronic Acid helps to moisturize dry skin but also Panthenol builds a strong skin barrier while Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) brightens skin tone. Lastly, it contains Aloe vera Leaf Extracts and Centella Asiatic Extract to help calm irritated skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Brightening: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Licorice Root Extract
• Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Aloe Leaf Extract
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Beta-Glucan

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• Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
• 35ml
• Ideal for all skin types

This Klairs ampoule of the bestsellers concentrates on brightening with Vitamin C which helps to reduce pigmentations and dark spots. Moreover, it works for fine lines and skin elasticity with 5 types of Peptides by boosting collagen production. However, it contains Essential oils (Lavender oil, orange oil) that could make trouble for some sensitive skin. (If you’ve ever had, choose another one). As well as, a high amount of pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid 5%) might irritant sensitive skin. If your skin gets itchy and tingles easily when you use a new cosmetic, I recommend using it once a week and building your skin tolerance.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Brightening: Ascorbic Acid 5.0%, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate
• Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract
• Anti-aging: 5 Type of Peptides

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• Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA ++++
• 80ml
• Ideal for all skin types

Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence is a water-based sunscreen for everyday use. Created for sensitive skin with SPF 50 PA++++, this sunscreen is extremely lightweight. One high point of the sunscreen is that it does not leave a white, ghostly cast, and is not oily at all. Most people with oily skin tend to avoid sunscreens because of the resulting greasiness but this formula has the opposite effect. It’s very natural without any chemical-like odor and you will not feel like you’re wearing anything on your skin!

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Sunscreen: Ethylhexyl Triazone (a new generation chemical sunscreen ingredient)
• Calming: Panthenol, Allantoin
• Antioxidants: Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

By Wishtrend

The second brand from Wishtrend is By Wishtrend. This is for the majority vegan friendly and contains a number of my favorite products. This is not only vegan & cruelty-free but it is also a super clean beauty brand on fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, PEG-free, essential oil-free, and more! Furthermore, By Wishtrend was created in response to their fans, focusing on simple ingredients that deliver great results.

• By Wishtrend Green tea & Enzyme Powder Wash
• 70g
• Ideal for all skin types

Tons of people with oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin love this powder wash. It is a hypoallergenic & non-irritating cleanser that can be used daily. Corn flour powder and Coconut-derived ingredients are the main ingredients that allow for mild exfoliation. Not only It helps to fight acne but it also fades down brown spots caused by trobles with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate(Vitamin C). With only 15 simple and clean ingredients, all skin types, including sensitive skin, can use it.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine
• Brightening: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)

HOW TO USE

1. Dispense an appropriate amount on wet hands and work into a lather using warm water.
2. Place the foam over the face, cleanse in a gentle massaging motion and rinse off with water.

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• By Wishtrend Mandelic Skin Prep Water
• 120ml
• Ideal for normal, combination, oily, acne-prone skin

By Wishtrend mandelic skin prep water is a gentle exfoliate suitable to use on a daily basis. The composition of mandelic acid makes it extremely hydrating and moisturizing for the skin. To improve dullness and uneven texture and enhance the tone of the skin this is the right choice. What’s more, Mandelic Acide is powerful in reducing skin break out due to its anti-bacterial properties. As well, a bunch of calming ingredients like Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panthenol, and Centella Asiatica Extract soothes irritated skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Gentle exfoliating: Mandelic Acid
• Soothing: Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Panthenol

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Round Lab

Round Lab is hands down, one of the Best Vegan Korean Skincare Brands. Founded in 2017, Round lab has succeeded at developing a large range of clean beauty products, focused on natural ingredients. Their products work great for ALL Skin-types including the most sensitive, which has resulted in immense popularity in the Korean Skincare Community.

• ROUND LAB 1025 DOKDO Pad
• 70pads
• Ideal for all skin types

Have you ever used a toner pad before? It’s soaked cotton pads with nourishing essence. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Pad can be used as a chemical + physical exfoliator by containing PHA that is more gentle than AHA and BHA. One side has gauze and the other side is soft cotton making it good to use over breakouts. This is a good option for people who suffer from occasional breakouts and want a gentle daily exfoliator. Round LAB is a popular Korean cruelty-free and vegan brand with simple yet effective skincare ingredients. Plus, Hyaluronic Acid keeps skin moisturized, and Panthenol, Betaine, and Allantoin work for protection, strengthening the skin barrier, and calming. For an extra cooling effect, keep these toner pads in the fridge for 15 minutes before use.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Exfoliating: Gluconolactone (PHA), Sugar Cane
• Hydrating: Glycerin, Gyceral glucoside
• Soothing: Panthenol, Betaine, Allantoin

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• ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream
• 80ml
• Ideal for all skin types

The best part of the ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream is that the texture is lightweight and won’t weigh your skin down. Not only does this Vita Hyaluronic Acid moisturize the skin deeply but it also protects the skin from losing moisture. With Turmeric Root Extract and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Round Lab cream works well to reduce dark spots and pigmentation. Also, Jojoba Easters and Panthenol are great soothing ingredients.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Hydrating:  Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Flower Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
• Brightening: Turmeric Root Extract, Ascorbic Acid
• Soothing: Jojoba Easters, Panthenol

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Be Plain

Be plain, is another well-known clean beauty brand in Korea. As their name suggests, Be plain houses minimal yet effective products. What’s more, their brand is centered around being Eco-friendly (Including Ocean-Friendly), Animal-friendly, and Stress-free. So much so that they released a ‘Clean Ocean’ beauty line to raise awareness and to protect the Ocean. 

• BEPLAIN Cicaful Ampoule 
• 30ml
• Ideal for all skin types

BePlain Cicaful Ampoule is concentrated on calming irritated skin and repairing skin sensitivity with nearly 82% of Centella Asiatica Extract. I felt at ease putting the ampoule on as there’s Lactobacillus in small amounts for nourishing and improving dullness, and blemishes. Also, it has Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) and Glycerin to keep skin soft and moisturized during the day.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate

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• BEPLAIN Chamomile pH-Balanced Toner
• 190ml
• Ideal for all skin types

Keeping a pH state is essential for healthy skin. If you use a weakly acidic cleansing product, you don’t need to use a pH-balanced toner. If not, prep with pH-balanced toner or essence in the skincare routine is needed. This Beplain pH-balanced toner contains 80% Chamomile flower extract to reduce irritation and clear out acne. For calming and healing blemishes, it has Centella Asiatica Extract and Allantoin. Moreover, I recommend this for acne-prone skin due to Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract that is a traditional East Asian medicine working well as a mild antioxidant and also has strong anti-bacterial effect for acne.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomile Flower Extract, Allantoin
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Panthenol
• Anti-acne: Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract

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COSRX

Cosrx is a brand that needs no Introduction. In fact, I would say It’s the most globally popular and also, easily accessible Korean Skincare brand on this list. Established in 2015, Cosrx is truly a brand you can trust to deliver skin-focused products with effective ingredients. In addition, they pride themselves on delivering skin-friendly and animal-friendly ingredients and don’t use harmful additives such as mineral oil, talc, or Parabens (to name a few). All products from COSRX are not vegan but most of them are vegan friendly and cruelty-free.

For more Best Cosrx products visit HERE

• COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
• 100ml
• Ideal for normal, combination, oily, acne-prone skin

This is a total-care essence with whitening, anti-aging, and hydrating factors. The main ingredient, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate helps in gentle exfoliating and smoothing out skin for radiant and bright skin. With Niacinamide and Adenosine, I expect it works wonders on fine lines and wrinkle care and skin elasticity, plus, natural skin tone-up. COSRX essence has still high-quality at the friendly price point. 

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Brightening: Niacinamide
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate
• Soothing: Allantoin, Panthenol
• Anti-aging: Adenosine

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• COSRX One Step Green Hero Calming Pad
• 135ml / 70pads
• Ideal for all skin types

Cosrx has launched different types of toner pads for soothing, moisturizing, and anti-acne. Due to my sensitive skin, I choose this Green Hero Calming pad for mild exfoliating with PHA especially summer season. This is good for sensitive and dry skin to soothe irritated skin with 75% Green tea water and Cica. The Cosrx pad is made from cotton and contains one textured side which works as a gentle exfoliator. To remove blackheads and whiteheads, I put them on my nose and chin for 10minutes and it worked well!

KEY INGREDIENTS

• 75% Green tea water and Centella Asiatica moisturize and calm irritated skin.
• 0.25% PHA contained as a mild exfoliant.
• Tea Tree Leaf Extract is good for acne-prone skin with antiinflammatory.

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Round a Round

Olive Young‘s own brand Round A’Round, is a popular clean beauty brand amongst Koreans. They also, focus on natural ethically sourced ingredients and are sold at an affordable price point. In addition, in recent years they have had various campaigns targeting mental health and only use animal-friendly and Environmentally-friendly ingredients. In particular, I would recommend their green tea line.

• ROUND A’ROUND Green Tea Cica Barrier Cream
• 70ml
• Ideal for dry, normal, combination, oily skin

This vegan formula has a high amount of Green Tea water (47.9%) to soothe irritated skin and fight inflammation. As an antioxidant, it protects and moisturizes the skin. With many calming ingredients in the cream such as Centella Asiatica Extract, Oat Kernel Extract, and Houttuynia Cordata Extract which is the hottest item in K-beauty for a few years, It’s worthy to use! But if you have sensitive skin with an essential oil like Rosemary Leaf Oil, Orange Peel Oil, or Lavender Oil, try another one.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Hydrating: Betaine, Lavendar oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Beta-glucan
• Calming: Green Tea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Oat Kernel Extract
• Brightening: Niacinamide
• Anti-aging: Adenosine

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• ROUNDA’ROUND Green Tea Cica Sun Lotion
• 100ml
• Ideal for normal, combination, oily, acne-prone skin

Definitely, this is one of the best Korean sunscreens that block strong UV radiations reaching the skin. It is a very mild physical sunscreen with Green tea & Cica ingredients. Not only this watery textured essence is easy to use for the face and body but it also doesn’t leave a white cast and sticky finish. If you have sensitive skin, note that it contains Bergamot Oil, Orange Oil, and Lavender Oil that could make reactions on some skin types.

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Rovectin 

A newer discovery of mine in 2021, has been the brand Rovectin. They began their journey creating products with Cancer patients suffering from dry and barrier-compromised skin in mind. Over the years, their brand has developed a strong following and focuses on great restorative and high-quality ingredients. What’s more, this brand is perfect for sensitive skin types and is for the majority Vegan friendly. 

• ROVECTIN Skin Essentials Activating Treatment Lotion
• 180ml
• Ideal for all skin types

Rovectin treatment lotion is not like a typical creamy lotion type and is more likely that combine the essence and toner in a single convenient package. With Sodium Hyaluronate, it moisturizes the skin and makes it look and feel a lot more fresh. Plus, Niacinamide or “vitamin B3” and Licorice Root Extract helps to brighten the skin and other active ingredients, Adenosine and Caffeine reduce dark circles and fine lines on the eye area. Of course, all ingredients are on the green level by EWG and alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free that making it suitable for sensitive skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Brightening: Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract
• Soothing: Allantoin, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract
• Anti-aging: Adenosine, Caffeine
• Hydrating: Sodium Hyaluronate

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• ROVECTIN Skin Essentials Conditioning Cleanser
• 175ml
• Ideal for all skin types

Just with 15 simple ingredients, this cleanser cleans all impurities in a gentle way. Hydrating ingredients hold moisture while a mild cleansing agent, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, removes makeup, sebum, and dirt from your face. This low pH cleanser leaves skin spotless, revived, and delicate. You’ll never feel dry or tight after cleansing. Also, it’s fragrance-free and plant-based smaller-scale froth scrubs polluting influences with zero disturbances. Lastly, It’s hypoallergenic, and 100% free from parabens, artificial colorants, fake aromas, mineral oil, and steroids.

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I’m From

I’m from is another popular Korean cosmetic brand sold on various platforms. They are for the majority vegan friendly and are 100% animal cruelty-free. What’s more, I’m from focuses on transparency and natural ingredients sourced from local Korean farms. For those who love, natural-focused ingredients this is a great brand to look at. In particular, I enjoy both their mugwort and rice lines.

• Im From Mugwort Mask
• 110g
• Ideal for all skin types

I’m From Mugwort Mask isn’t specifically designed for exfoliation, but It does a great job of purifying and calming the skin. It’s a wash-off mask containing pieces of mugwort that help exfoliate the skin gently. Moreover, Centella Asiatica and Green Tea Leaf Water calm and leave your skin feeling very soothed and hydrated. This mask refines skin texture for clear and smooth skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Brightening: Licorice Root Extract
• Soothing: Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Green Tea Leaf Water
• Hydrating: Arginine, Glycerin

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• I’m From Rice Toner
• 150ml
• Ideal for all skin types

This milky toner provides brightening care while delivering moisturizing benefits. The rice water is packed with antioxidants to help protect the skin from pollution whilst also slowing down lipid peroxidation. Moreover, this ingredient is also known to reduce signs of aging in addition to strengthening the skin barrier. With simple yet effective ingredients (fragrance-free, alcohol-free, essential oil-free, paraben-free), it’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Brightening: Rice Extract (77.78%), Niacinamide
• Anti-aging: Adenosine

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Skin&Lab

Moving on to the Sister brand of I’m from, Skin&LAB. This brand is also a popular choice, especially on sites like Wishtrend. As its name suggests, Skin&LAB is known for its scientific approach to products. They provide result-driven Skincare and use clean/safe ingredients that can be used on even sensitive skin types. 

Benton

Benton is definitely a top contender when it comes to clean beauty brands. Their principle values include being; Cruelty-free, Vegan friendly, Eco-friendly and also, making social contributions. Moreover, Benton has a wide range of great skin sensitive products that will work great for ALL skin types.

Melixir

Unlike a lot of brands, Melixir is 100% vegan. In addition, They offer a large range of great sensitive skin-friendly products that are certified clean, sustainable, hypoallergenic and100% Plant-based. Alongside their products, this brand has some great philosophies including all there packaging made from recycled materials.

Aromatica

If you’re searching for a Vegan-friendly brand with variety? Look no further. Aromatica sells everything from shampoo, skincare, toothpaste, dish soap, etc. More over, Their brand focuses on creating sustainable products that both ‘Save the skin, Save the planet’. This brand is socially aware and ethically focused. Plus, from raising awareness on animal-cruelty to taking action by donating, creating vegan-friendly products for animals, actively producing less waste, refillable packaging and using sustainable/ethically sourced ingredients, Aromatica is certainly a great brand to follow.

Sioris

Next, is another Vegan friendly Korean Skincare brand, Sioris. This brand offers a number of vegan-certified products, that work great for all skin-types (Including Children and Pregnant women). In addition, their philosophies are ‘Fresh+Safe+Honest’, meaning, they source natural, safe ingredients ethically that are in season and fresh. 

Beigic

Inspired by the colour beige and the simple pleasures is the vegan Korean skincare brand Beigic. This brand is Vegan, Animal cruelty-free, clean and also, honest with ingredients. They stay away from any harmful additives and focus on the healing aspects of skincare. 

Acwell

Acwell is a clean beauty brand in Korea, that was developed specifically for sensitive skin. Moreover, they stay away from harmful additives and also, have a number of products that are Vegan certified. In particular, their liquorice line has been very successful in the Korean skincare community.

Bonajour

If you’re looking for a brand that specializes in Vegan Korean Skincare, then Bonajour is a brand for you. They have an outstanding amount of vegan certified products to try and were also, verified by the oldest UK vegan certification company in the world. Having said that, Bonajour offers a large range of products that contain effective natural derived ingredients to get you the results you want safely.

Olivarrier

Lastly, Olivarrier certainly has the ‘Less is more’ approach when it comes to Skincare. They are a clean Korean beauty brand that pushes natural, minimalistic and sustainable ingredients that are also, effective. What’s more, they are certified by a number of ethical organizations such as, the Vegan society, cert clean, EWG verified, Cosmos Natural and Dermatest Excellent.

Soko Glam 

Throughout the years, Soko Glam has been a ‘go-to’ site for many Korean Skincare fanatics around the world. Established in 2012, their brands’ philosophy has always been to educate and put ‘Skin-first’. What’s more, They focus on changing people’s perspectives on Skincare, making it something to be enjoyed and invested for oneself. All products are hand-picked by the Soko Glam team and are guaranteed to be of high quality. In addition, more recently they have released their own Vegan Korean Skincare brands; Then I met you and Good (Skin) Days. 

! Also, Don’t forget to check out the ‘Skin Concierge’ to help find the best routine and products for your skin.

Then I met you

Firstly, is the brand ‘Then I met you’. Created by Soko Glam‘s founder Charlotte Cho, this Vegan line has been a hit in the Skincare community. Inspired by the Korean concept of ‘Jeong’ which is the feeling of affection, ‘Then I met you’ is a brand that truly cares about Its ingredients and the positive effects on not only our skin but also, the environment.  

Good (Skin) Days

Secondly, is the brand ‘Good (Skin) Days’. And, as the name suggests you’ll have ‘Good Skin days’ ahead when using their products. Also created by the Soko Glam team, this line was specifically made with their customers in mind. After hearing frequent feedback and questions, the Soko Glam team wanted to create a brand that was clean, Vegan, and suited to those with sensitive skin. 

Whamisa

Whamisa is a clean Korean beauty brand that is known for its skin fermentation technology. They’ve made a big impact in the European market by using clean ingredients that are entirely animal cruelty-free with a majority being vegan. For those of you who love Organic beauty, then this is a brand you can’t miss.

Recommendations

Vegan Korean Skincare Certifications?

In order for a brand to be considered ‘Vegan’ in Korea, They must partake In a number of tests held by the Korean agency of Vegan Certification. After passing the tests, they can then receive their ‘Vegan Stamp’ of approval. 

Requirements include:

1. No animal raw or byproduct ingredients should be used. (including during Processing)
2. No animal experiment should be done for the product. (Testing, quality control, education, etc.) 
3. Shared production facilities should be under supervision to prevent cross-contamination.

Where to buy Vegan Korean skincare products?

As seen from above, there is a wide variety of Vegan Korean Skincare brands to chose from. Having said that, Where to buy them can truly depend on each brand. For example, popular brands such as Cosrx can be found In your countries local Sephora or Department stores. 

Here are some popular places to buy Vegan Korean Skincare online or In Korea:

Online stores with global shipping

• wishtrend.com
• sokoglam.com
• sephora.com
• global.oliveyoung.com
• yesstyle.com
• stylevana.com
• stylekorean.com
• jolse.com
• amazon.com

Offline stores in Korea

• Olive Young
• LOHB
• Lalavla
• Aritaum
• Sephora
• A Land
• Department stores
• Individual Brand stores

In THIS POST, you can check more details!

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