The Korean Facial Oils Your Skin Will Thank You For

Applying oils on your skin, especially when it’s naturally oily, can feel a little like adding fuel to the fire. It’s scary! Albeit boogie monster level of scary, because in reality, that fear is imaginary. When you find the right one, you just might find yourself liking facial oils (enough to ring it even).

These guys pack a pretty powerful punch by supporting your skin’s natural moisture barrier so that it won’t overproduce sebum and lead to clogged pores. These days, facial oils have been engineered to be better, faster, and guaranteed to bring your skin some much-needed TLC (tender loving care). If you’re ready to dip your face into some Korean facial oils, here are the ones your skin will definitely be thanking you for!

Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil

Formulated with Jeju green tea seeds, green tea extract, and squalene, Innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Oil supplies your skin with the antioxidants and deep hydration it needs to stay refreshed and glowing. The proof’s in the pudding; just look at the fresh-faced glow the model has after a few drops of the oil. While the brand instructs users to use 2-3 drops of the oil, I found that 1-2 drops was the sweet spot, as it can feel a wee bit too heavy otherwise. The light tea scent was also very calming, perfect to end the night with!

Lyanature Oil Plus

Lyanature is actress Lee Young Ae’s namesake brand that specializes in botanical skincare products that are free of preservatives and chemicals. Known as “Lee Young Ae’s oil,” Oil Plus is a powerful cold-pressed blend of camellia oil, which contains oleic acid, and red ginseng. I tried out the actress’s tip of warming the product with my hands before application and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the oil sank into my skin (it pulled a real Copperfield on me, it did!). With how light it is, I love adding just a pinch to my moisturizers in the day for a dewier look.

Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil

Just like other Huxley products, the Secret of Sahara oil dishes out a potent dose of prickly pear seed oil, a miraculous resource garnered from the extreme climates of the Saharan desert. And the brand didn’t skimp on it either! In fact, one million seeds and 36 hours of hand-labor went into the extraction of just one liter (or 34 ounces) of the precious oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it is incredibly moisturizing. Light and rich in antioxidants as well, what’s not to like?

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Essential Oil

Part of the Ginseng Renewing range, this essential oil is a careful blend of ginseng seed oil, which retains concentrated moisture, and camellia oil. Ginseng is also prized for its enriching and anti-aging properties which help to deliver radiant and glowing skin. For people who shy away from strong herbal scents, this oil is a good pick for its faint tinge of candied ginseng — sweet and warm!

Tony Moly BCDation Multi Use Sun Oil SPF 50+/PA++++

So the beauty industry has clearly caught on to us lazy girls’ love for multi-functional products, but this concoction from Tony Moly sure does take the cake. This Multi Use Sun Oil is a sunscreen, facial oil, makeup base, and even hair oil, all in one (basically, use this and you’re good to go). Comprised of Flower Oil Complex, the oil gently moisturizes and leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. Oh, and did I mention it doesn’t leave that dreaded white cast that most sunscreens do? Score!

Belif Rose Gemma Concentrate Oil

Right off the bat, I’m going to say this is one of the prettiest facial oils ever. Infused with elegant Centifolia Rose Gemma petals that lend the product a fresh rose scent, Belif’s Rose Gemma Concentrate Oil plays well with other moisturizers and products as it sinks in lightly. Adding just a drop to your makeup base products can make a big difference to the dewiness, so oil up!

Soompiers, were you apprehensive of trying out facial oils at first? Which facial oil did you take the leap of faith with? Let us know in the comments below!

Aetcult is your friendly K-beauty enthusiast who loves her tea on and off her face (no lie). In between bouts of tinkering with new beauty products, she will probably be writing about her finds, revising her Korean language coursework and jamming to the latest K-pop song. Say hi to Am on Tumblr.