Korean skin care first went viral in the west a few years ago because of the infamous multiple-step routines. It has since become a staple due to its innovative formulations and accessible price points, slowly but surely filling more and more vanity cabinets around the world. And a great way to stock up on your favorites is to do so during Amazon Prime Day.

Whether you want to craft a full routine with Korean skin care products or simply add a couple of products here and there, there are certain Korean skin care essentials you should definitely consider adding to your routine. To learn more about what makes Korean skin care so special, Teen Vogue enlisted the help of Michelle Park, a board-certified dermatologist working at Washington Square Dermatology, and Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City who specializes in Korean skin laser treatments.

Why do Korean products stand out in a sea of products? According to Dr. Park, it all goes back to accessibility, which is now easier than ever, and the ingredient list. Korean skin care delivers results relying on gentler ingredients like rice water, snail mucin, mugwort, and centella asiatica, Dr. Park notes.

On that note, Dr. Green adds that “Korean skin care contains excellent active ingredients that are not common in the American skincare products we are used to,” like snail mucin, which, she says, “contains hyaluronic acid and peptides to promote hydration, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of dark spots.”

As with any skin care, the key is tailoring your picks to your needs and never overdoing them, especially for young people. That said, from cleansers to SPF, Korean skin care has it all, and if you are looking to upgrade your morning and nighttime routines, it should be the first place you look at. Below, we have compiled everything you need to know about basic Korean skin care essentials, including product recommendations by dermatologists and even more options tested and reviewed by editors. Keep reading for it all, or use the quick guide below to jump to your preferred section.

Korean cleansers

As Dr. Green notes, “cleansers work to clear the skin of any dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil, or other impurities that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts and worsening of skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.”

While most people tend to overlook the choice of cleansers as they are all going to be washed off anyway, Green emphasized that we should still look for products well-suited to each one’s specific skin type and concerns. However, there are some shared markers that make for a great cleanser. As Dr. Green notes: “Cleansers should not contain fragrance, sulfates, or parabens, as these ingredients can dry the skin and lead to irritation.”

If your skin is on the dryer side, you should look for cleaners that contain hydrating ingredients, Dr. Green says. If, on the contrary, you are oily, Dr. Green says what you should look for is cleansers with exfoliating ingredients.

COSRX

AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser

Best for: acne-prone skin

What the experts say: “The COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser contains salicylic acid to slough off excess oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities to cleanse and exfoliate the skin fully. This cleanser also contains a combination of madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and Asiatic acid to soothe the skin and protect it from sun damage and premature aging.” — Dr. Michele Green

ROUND LAB

Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser

Best for: sensitive skin, all skins

Why we love it: “You’ll soon realize I love the Round Lab birch line. This cleanser is one of my go-to for my second cleanse because it’s just so effective and gentle because of its lightly acidic formulation.” — Sara Delgado

COSRX

Pure Fit Cica Clear Cleansing Oil

Best for: all, including oily and sensitive skin
Why we love it: “I got this product because it was on sale, not expecting much of it, and it has since become my go-to to take off my makeup and sunscreen. Though it’s fragrance-free, it has lime oil and Centella Asiatica, which make it really refreshing on the skin and oddly nostalgic. I love how it lathers and the fag that eye fog is really minimal.” — SD

Banila Co

Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original

Best for: all skins
Why we love it: “I’ve tried so many ways to remove my makeup, but I always come back to this. It feels so effortless, doesn’t cause me any irritation, works with just a tiny bit of product, and the packaging is convenient and adorable.” — Donya Momenian

Korean toners & essences

If you have dabbled into Korean skin care before, you’ve probably wondered what’s the difference between toners and essences, which K-Beauty have popularized and taken to another level. “Toners and essences may appear similar, but they differ in their purpose,” Dr. Park asserts. “Toners and essences are both hydrating, but toners are supposed to balance the skin pH level and remove any dirt and impurities after cleansing, while essences hydrate, brighten, and nourish the skin, preparing it for the rest of the skin care routine.”