So what exactly are Korean idols using to get such flawless skin? We’ve dug into their routines to highlight the products they really rely on. Kpop idol skincare products are not just trendy; they are nourishing and address skin concerns effectively. While some items change with brand deals or the season, certain staples remain in their daily routines. These are the products that show up again and again, proving what works for skin dealing with heavy makeup, busy schedules, and sensitivity.
KPOP Idol Skincare Products They Never Drop
Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner
Everyone knows NCT Jaehyun’s love for Kiehl’s, and the Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner is his loyal companion. It’s always the first step in his skincare routine, calming irritated skin while maintaining the right oil-water balance. It’s gentle, free from alcohol, fragrance, and parabens, and won’t clog pores, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Calendula provides anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and healing benefits, so it’s more than just a soothing toner. Fans following Jaehyun’s routine describe it as a mini spa in a bottle, a small moment of calm that Jaehyun never skips.
d’Alba White Truffle Double Mask Pack
NCT Jaemin’s most talked-about skincare product is the d’Alba White Truffle Double Mask Pack. Fans rushed to grab it after he mentioned it, even causing a sell-out that left him without a pack. Many who followed him loved it so much that they made it a staple. d’Alba is one of the best Korean vegan skincare brands, known for high-performance, premium products. This mask blends two serums before use, with extra that can be spread on arms and legs. Rich in white truffle and tocopherol, it deeply moisturizes, calms redness, and nourishes dry skin.
Abib Toner Pads
Illit Wonhee has used Abib Toner Pads more than ten times and is confident her fans will love them too. Infused with Houttuynia Cordata, they quickly calm irritated and overheated skin. Non-comedogenic and enriched with oil-control and gentle exfoliating ingredients, these oversized pads can even double as a mini soothing mask for cheeks and face. They leave skin refreshed, balanced, and clear, making them a reliable step in any daily routine or a quick rescue for stressed skin.
Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum
Fromis_9 Jiheon loves the Mediheal blemish serum so much that she calls it a true favorite and has tried recommending it to everyone she meets. She even says it’s the best for managing acne. Packed with Madecassoside, niacinamide, and other cica ingredients, it calms and hydrates skin while helping fade blemishes. Safe for all skin types, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to manage breakouts, reduce post-acne marks, and maintain clearer, healthier skin.
Senka Perfect Whip Cleansing Foam
Aespa Giselle has mentioned that she’s been using her favorite cleanser since her days in Japan, sticking with what works for her skin rather than chasing trends. The Senka Perfect Whip creates soft, dense bubbles that act like a cushion, gently cleansing without irritation. Packed with moisturizing ingredients, it keeps skin hydrated even after washing, while the rich foam ensures thorough cleaning. Her routine shows that consistency with the right product matters more than following fads.
Kpop Idol Skincare Products by Category
Makeup Removers
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Many idols, including Seventeen Dino and ATEEZ members, rely on Bioderma Sensibio H2O, making it an irreplaceable cleansing water. Since idols wear heavy makeup, they need a gentle yet effective way to remove it before washing. This formula contains both water-loving and oil-loving ingredients, lifting makeup, dust, sebum, and impurities effortlessly. Most use a soaked cotton pad to wipe gently, but for very sensitive skin, creating a foam with a foammaker and massaging it in works just as well.
POND’s Spa Lip & Eye Remover
For stubborn eye and lip makeup, Pond’s Lip & Eye Remover works effectively without irritating the skin. Since idols wear thick, long-lasting stage makeup, a dedicated remover is essential. ATEEZ San and Yeosang have been spotted using it alongside Bioderma’s cleansing water. Simply press a soaked cotton pad gently on the area and wipe lightly, and heavy makeup will come off easily without stressing the skin.
Facial Cleansers
Manyo Cleansing Soda Foam
Spotted in TXT Soobin’s skincare routine, Manyo Cleansing Soda Foam is gentle yet thorough. Tiny soda particles lift dirt and excess oil from pores without irritation, while green tea extract soothes and calms the skin. Plant-based cleansers and moisturizers keep it hydrated, leaving skin balanced, fresh, and ready for long days in makeup. Gentle, effective, and reliable, it’s a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Banila Co Clean It Zero
Fromis_9 Chaeyoung and Seventeen Jeonghan are known to use Banila Co Clean It Zero in their routines. Its sherbet-like texture melts into makeup, making it easy to remove sunscreen, foundation, and impurities while being gentle on the skin. There are many versions but the green and pink tubes are especially popular. The green version contains AHA, BHA, PHA, and LHA for smoother, clearer skin, while the pink version focuses on gentle cleansing. Both leave skin refreshed, hydrated, and balanced, making them ideal for the first step of double cleansing.
Toners and Essences
Mediheal Toner Pads
Mediheal Toner Pads are so good that it isn’t surprising to see idols use them as well. Chuu and AllDay Project Annie are known to love them. They’re perfect for a quick hydration boost before makeup or to calm skin during the evening skincare routine. Among the variety, idols mainly choose the blue Madecassoside Blemish Pad or the green Tea Tree Trouble Pad. If you’re unsure, the blue pad is the one to go for. It soothes, hydrates, and helps fade blemishes, making it a solid choice for every skin type and concern.
Bio-Peeling Herbal Lotion Toner
Red Velvet Joy and Chuu helped put this Biopeeling Toner on the map. It’s found in esthetic clinics because of its high-concentration herbal extracts that calm and refresh skin. Best suited for oily or acne-prone types, it clears impurities from enlarged pores, balances oil, and helps prevent breakouts. With soothing ingredients like witch hazel, peppermint, chamomile, and camphor, it leaves skin feeling clean, fresh, and comfortable. This product is only available in Korea via Oksan Toning.
Moisturizers and Creams
Corthe Moisture Rx-Recharging
Spotted with NCT Jaehyun and BTS Jimin, the Corthe Moisturizing Cream is a trusted product often found in Korean dermatology clinics. It’s suitable for all skin types but works especially well for combination skin that often feels dry beneath the surface. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin refreshed and hydrated without any greasy residue. Simple but effective, it focuses purely on restoring moisture after cleansing and keeping skin comfortable all day.
Dermaresearch Retinol Cica EGF Repair Cream
ATEEZ Yeosang calls this his go-to when his skin feels extra sensitive. The Dermaresearch Repair Cream is often recommended in dermatology clinics, it stands out in Korea for its unique formula. With 78% cica blended with retinol, vitamin C, EGF, and AHA, it helps fade acne scars and dark spots, while its gentle formula allows use even after harsh skin treatments. Sensitive, acne-prone skin types can use it with confidence. Counterfeit versions are common for this amazing repair cream, so it’s best to stick to the official store when buying.
Dearglam Glutathione Liposomal 12.5 Glass Glow Cream
When Fromis_9 Chaeyoung introduced this Dearglam brightening cream, it quickly caught the attention of her fellow members. She noted her skin looked more radiant and bright after using it. Packed with high-concentration glutathione liposomes (12.5%), along with EGF, PDRN, and a collagen-boosting complex, it’s a deeply moisturizing, high-performance cream. Perfect for dull or sagging skin, it restores bounce and radiance. Free of harmful ingredients, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and ideal for dry types. Dearglam hasn’t established an international store yet so it’s only available in Korea.
Sunscreen, Lip Balm & Blackhead Remover
P.Calm Water Barrier Sunscreen
While filming outdoors for their show, TXT Yeonjun shared this sunscreen with members. Known as a lifesaver for extremely sensitive skin, the P.Calm Sun Cream glides on like a hydrating cream with no white cast, stickiness, or heaviness. Its plant-based formula feels similar to Dalba’s Waterful Essence Sunscreen. Despite strong broad-spectrum protection, it washes off easily, making it especially gentle and worry-free for sensitive skin.
L:A Bruket No.17 Lip Balm
The L:A Bruket Lip Balm is a favorite of Korean idols, including BTS V, WAYV Ten, and WAYV Khun. If you’ve ever been disappointed by other lip care products, this one is worth trying. Its generous 14 g size (around 2 cm in diameter) glides smoothly over lips, while plant-based ingredients like almond and coconut oils deliver deep hydration even in dry, cold weather. A subtle minty scent keeps lips feeling fresh without being overpowering, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Beaute Christie Super Extractor (Super X Lotion)
NCT Jaemin shared this blackhead remover with fans, sparking curiosity. While most idols rely on clinics or esthetics, he uses this professional-grade lotion for removing blackheads at home. It’s actually the same product used in dermatology clinics and esthetic centers across Korea for blackhead removal. To get the same results, soak a cotton pad with the lotion, place it on the nose, and steam for 15 minutes. Use a skin scrubber to lift impurities, rinse, and follow with a calming mask. The Super Ex Lotion is sold in Korea via Sanga Cosmetic to business customers so you’ll have to grab this using a purchasing agent.
Takeaway
Using the same products as idols won’t magically transform your skin overnight. What matters most is understanding your own skin and focusing on the basics. Keep in mind that idols often face heavy makeup and busy schedules, which makes their skin more sensitive and dry than most, so adjust your routine accordingly.
For products that aren’t officially sold internationally, counterfeits can be an issue, so using a reliable Korean proxy shopping service can help you get authentic items safely.
