Best Korean Skincare Products for Acne That Really Work in 2025
5/8/20245 min read
Korean skincare products are known for their gentle formulas and focus on hydration and nourishment. Many people turn to these products to improve their skin’s overall health. Among the wide range of options, products designed for acne care are especially popular because they often combine soothing ingredients with effective acne-fighting properties.
Acne treatment in Korean skincare usually involves a multi-step routine. You might find cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers that work together to reduce breakouts without over-drying your skin. These products often include ingredients like tea tree oil, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid, which help calm inflammation and clear pores.
We reviewed a range of Korean skincare products to find the best ones for managing acne effectively.
Best Korean Skincare Products For Acne
Finding the right Korean skincare products can help clear up your acne and improve your skin's health. This list features effective and popular options that target acne and redness.
Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
You should try this cleanser if you want a gentle but deep clean that keeps your skin balanced without drying it out.
Pros
Cleans deeply without stripping moisture
Soft, gel texture feels refreshing on skin
Balances oil and hydration well
Cons
May not foam up as much as some expect
Scent is very mild, almost unnoticeable
Bottle size is small for the price
Based on our research, customers noticed how soft and clean their skin felt afterward using this cleanser. It doesn’t leave that tight, dry feeling like some acne washes do, but instead leaves your skin feeling balanced and hydrated.
They also like how it removes blackheads and dullness, making skin look fresher. The plum ingredients also give a gentle exfoliation without irritation.
It’s easy to use daily and works well on combination skin. If you want something that cleans well but stays gentle, this is a great pick.
ANUA Heartleaf Cleansing Foam
This cleanser is a solid choice if you want gentle but effective daily care that helps clear acne without drying out your skin.
Pros
Soft foam feels gentle on skin
Helps reduce oil and clear pores
Leaves skin hydrated, not tight
Cons
Foam amount can be tricky to control at first
Some might want stronger exfoliation
Fragrance may not suit very sensitive noses
You’ll notice the foam is light and soft, making it easy to use without feeling harsh. It cleans deeply but never strips your skin, which is important when you have acne-prone skin that gets irritated easily.
The added BHA works well to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and keep oil in check. After washing, your face feels fresh and smooth instead of dry or tight.
If you deal with redness or irritation, the heartleaf extract calms your skin nicely, helping to reduce flare-ups over time. This makes it a great part of a regular skincare routine focused on acne control.
Skin1004 Centella Ampoule
This ampoule gently soothes and hydrates acne-prone skin without feeling heavy or sticky.
Pros
Lightweight, watery texture absorbs quickly
Great calming effect on redness and irritation
Contains high concentration of Centella asiatica
Cons
Scent might not suit everyone
Not very moisturizing for dry skin types
Requires layering with a cream for best results
The first thing you’ll notice is how light this serum feels on your skin. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue, which is helpful when your skin is sensitive or breaking out.
You’ll see your redness reduce after a few uses. It does a good job calming irritated spots and helps your skin feel less raw. The Centella asiatica is truly the star here, and the ampoule has more of it than most products.
If your skin is very dry, you might need to add a moisturizer after this because it isn’t enough on its own. The scent is mild but earthy, so if you dislike that, it could be a downside.
Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want something easy to use that focuses on soothing acne-prone skin without heaviness.
ANUA Rice Glow Toner
This toner is a good choice if you want extra moisture without a sticky feel, while helping to soothe and protect your skin.
Pros
Lightweight and non-sticky texture
Hydrates well with rice water and niacinamide
Soothes irritated skin and strengthens barrier
Cons
May take a little time to show results on acne
Fragrance-free but not totally scentless for everyone
Might feel too light if you prefer thicker toners
Customers have noted how light and refreshing this toner feels, giving skin a smooth, dewy look without any greasy residue. You can tell it’s packed with hydration because it keeps your face feeling soft all day.
It’s also great if your skin tends to get dry or sensitive after washing. The ceramides and panthenol work well together to calm redness and dryness. Your skin barrier feels stronger after a few uses.
If you hope for instant fixes on acne, this won’t be a quick cure. But using it daily helps maintain clear skin by reducing irritation and adding moisture. Overall, it's practical for all skin types and easy to add to your routine.
Medicube Turmeric Overnight Mask
If you want a mask that brightens your skin and leaves it feeling smooth after just one night, this is worth trying.
Pros
Brightens skin and evens tone overnight
Peels off easily without pain
Feels soothing and light on skin
Cons
May pull on skin slightly when peeling
Gel texture may feel sticky at first
Tube size could be bigger
This mask feels cool and soft when you put it on. It dries into a thin layer that stays put all night without messing up your pillow. When you wake up, your face looks smoother with a noticeable glow.
The turmeric and kojic acid work together well to reduce dullness and even out your skin tone over a few days of use. It also helps protect your skin from daily stress, which is important if you have acne-prone skin.
Peeling it off is easy and mostly comfortable, but if you have very sensitive skin, it might tug a little. Overall, it’s a simple step that gives your skin a fresh, bright look in the morning.
Buying Guide
When choosing Korean skincare products for acne, focus on ingredients that suit your skin type. Look for gentle formulas that reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts without causing dryness.
Avoid products with harsh chemicals or strong fragrances. These can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Instead, pick items labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores.
Check for important features like hydration, oil control, and soothing effects. Your skin needs moisture to heal, but excess oil can cause new pimples. Balancing these is key.
Use the table below to understand what to look for based on your skin needs:
Always do a patch test before using new products. This helps avoid allergic reactions or breakouts.
Read product reviews and ingredient lists carefully. This will guide you in picking the best product for your acne problems.
