If you thought K-Beauty was just a trend, think again. According to Charlotte Cho, Soko Glam's founder, "K-Beauty is a skincare philosophy and way of life. It’s more than just steps or sheet masks. It’s how you think about skincare and what works best for your particular skin care needs."
That careful and thoughtful approach towards skincare was why Cho started Soko Glam back in 2012. "I wanted to bring that confidence and excitement that I felt and share it with others here in the US. We launched Soko Glam based on the idea of curating the most innovative skincare products while changing the way you think about skincare, believing there are only good skin days ahead."
From there, it's only been upwards and onwards for both the Korean infatuation in the beauty industry and for Cho's business as a whole. Last year, Cho launched Then I Met You to further highlight the importance of one's relationship with our skin. Based on the concept of 'jeong' — an emotional bond shared between people, places and things — everything Cho does is very intentional. Not to mention, fairly accessible.
"K-Beauty is also about accessibility," Cho reveals. "The most innovative Korean skincare products do not break the bank. You get effective ingredients and cutting edge formulas that everyone can afford."
Whether you want to jump headfirst into an 11-step skincare regimen or try out some of the newest skincare ingredients — such as polyglutamic acid a.k.a. the new hyaluronic acid — the K-Beauty industry is ever-expanding. So, how do you keep up? Or better yet, where do you start? For Cho, the answer is clear: double cleansing is a must. "It’s the foundation of any skincare routine," she admits. "It's the best way to remove impurities that can lead to breakouts and premature aging."
But what are some other K-Beauty products we can all add to kickstart our very own K-Beauty skincare routine at home? Luckily, Cho shared with Teen Vogue the 10 K-Beauty products she's been obsessed with lately and why. And the best part? They're all under $35.
Solved Skincare Coconut Oil Cleansing Pads
“These vegan cleansing pads not only smell delicious (like fresh coconuts!) but are truly effective in removing impurities, SPF and the most stubborn makeup. Each double sided pad contains 100% virgin coconut oil and lightly exfoliate while cleansing leaving skin soft and hydrated.”
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner
“I’ve suffered from hormonal acne for years and since incorporating the Birch Milk Toner into my routine everyday, I’ve seen my acne disappear. It’s specifically formulated with hydrating milky birch juice and the optimal 1% AHA/PHA that can be used every day, morning and night without over-exfoliation or drying out the skin. Pores and breakouts will be minimized and skin will feel smooth and soft to the touch.”
Mediheal Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Sheet Mask
“Mediheal masks are a go-to of mine! These are packed with ingredients that will help soothe skin and treat acne. Willow bark, rosemary and tea tree oil help to purify and target breakouts while chamomile works to calm redness.”
British M Organics Hydrate Hair Butter
“I love this hair butter! It adds moisture to hair with shea butter and argan oil revives dry fair. It’s just a super luxe product and leaves hair ultra shiny and silky.”
AC Well Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist
“If you’re looking to add hydration to your routine or a quick midday pick me up, this essence mist will do the trick! The spray delivers the finest mist and is packed with brightening ingredients such as licorice water and root extracts. Bamboo water for moisture and centella asiatica leaf extract for soothing round out this nutrient packed mist. ”
Hanskin Avocado Cream Skin
"Cream toners are really having a moment right now. A fusion between a toner and moisturizer, this cream skin product is milky in texture, melts onto the skin and deeply nourishes with avocado extract. It locks in moisture and revitalizes dull, dry skin."
Neogen Real Vita C Powder Lemon
“A miracle in one tiny scoop! This Vitamin C powder formula contains 17% pure Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to target pigmentation and even out skin tone. It helps fade brown spots and acne scars while bringing radiance and hydration back to skin. And my favorite part is that it's travel friendly and can be mixed with your favorite watery essence.”
Suntique I'm Pure Cica Suncream
“I never leave the house without sunscreen. It’s the single most important step in my skincare routine! This broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ features soothing centealla asiatica (a favorite ingredient of mine) and moisturizing galactomyces ferment filtrate. It’s fast-absorbing and does not leave a white cast on the skin."
Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack
“Let’s not ignore our lips in our skincare routine! I love using this lip treatment because it leaves my lips feeling hydrated and soft. Sweet almond and apricot seed oils nourish, leaving lips refreshed and transformed. Plus, and its subtle vanilla scent is just amazing. ”
Cosrx Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream
“For people with acne-prone skin, the cream gel formula will be your new go-to! It's packed with hydrating and anti-inflammatory Vitamin B5 (panthenol) and green tea extract for added nourishment and soothing properties. It’s perfect for oily skin types and absorbs quickly without a sticky residue.”
