Episode Title: Best Korean Skincare Dupes in 2022
Episode Description:
If you’re umm-ing and ahh-ing over whether to spend big on a hero skincare product, chances are there’s a great K-Beauty product that looks, smells, feels and works very similarly!
Although they’re great products in their own right, here is a list of the best Korean skincare dupes I’ve found in 2022.
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Glow Recipe Watermelon Dupe:
Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask ($67 for 80ml) > Heimish Watermelon Moisture Soothing Gel Cream ($35 for 110ml)
Glow Recipe’s signature product shot to popularity as one of the first sleeping masks to hit Western markets. It is immediately recognisable thanks to its watermelon scent.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask contains:
"Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Caulerpa Lentillifera (Seaweed) Extract, Simethicone, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit, Silica, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa (Peony) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potato) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Skullcap) Root Extract, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Fragrance/Parfum."
If you’re craving that watermelon scent in a light gel texture, Heimish’s Moisture Surge Gel Cream is a great substitute. Heimish’s cream has developed its own cult following. Some people also describe getting Clinique Moisture Surge vibes from it.
Heimish's Watermelon Gel Cream contains the following ingredients:
"Water, citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit extract, glycerin, dimethicone, butylene glycol, phenyl trimethicone, sorbitol, moringa oleifera seed oil, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) leaf extract, hydrangea macrophylla leaf extract, aloe barbadensis flower extract, ceramide 3, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, sodium hyaluronate, coptis japonica extract, melia azadirachta flower extract, coccinia indica fruit extract, melia azadirachta leaf extract, solanum melongena (eggplant) fruit extract, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract, corallina officinalis extract, ocimum sanctum leaf extract, phytosphingosine, candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment, tocopherol, hydrogenated lecithin, 1,2-hexanediol, trehalose, hydroxyacetophenone, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, tromethamine, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, caprylyl glycol, octyldodecanol, oleyl alcohol, glycine soja (soybean) sterols, disodium edta."
Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer Dupe
Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer Dupe > Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
This is more a swap in terms of texture and results rather than an ingredient list that’s almost the same. I think they work similarly to one another and are therefore a good product swap.
The brand claims that Caudalie's Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer "was designed for all women who want to prevent or reduce their dark spots regardless of their origin (sun, acne, age, pregnancy)".
The ingredients list is:
"aqua/water/eau, glycerin, dicaprylyl carbonate, squalane, octyldodecyl myristate, c20-22 alkyl phosphate, c20-22 alcohols, palmitoyl grapevine shoot extract, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) flower water, bisabolol, saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, carbomer, silica, ci 77891 (titanium dioxide), ethylhexylglycerin, mica, sodium hydroxide, sodium benzoate, paeonia lactiflora root extract, sodium hyaluronate, sodium phytate, citric acid, tin oxide, sodium citrate, tocopherol, potassium sorbate, parfum (fragrance).(238/030)"
Beauty of Joseon's Dynasty Cream on the other hand claims to use Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) ingredients and ginseng. The cream works to target signs of aging, offers skin brightening benefits and assists in achieving softer skin.
As you will see from the ingredients list, there aren't too many crossover ingredients:
"Water, Oryza sativa (rice) bran water, Glycerin, Panax ginseng root water, Hydrogenated polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Butylene glyco. dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan gum, Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, Hydrogenated coconut oil, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Honey extract, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated lecithin, Coptis japonica root extract, Raphanus sativus (radish) seed extract, Lycium chinense fruit extract, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed extract, Phellinus linteus extract, Dextrin, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract."
However, if you're looking for a skin brightening moisturiser with a light texture that works on dull skin I think these are good swaps.
SKII Facial Essence Dupe:
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($110 for 75ml) > Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence ($26 for 155ml)
A product that needs almost no introduction, SK II’s Facial Treatment Essence is world famous. The star of the show is leftover yeast from brewing sake, an ingredient that the brand refers to as “Pitera”.
For an ingredient packed, wallet-friendly alternative, Secret Key’s Starting Treatment Essence contains a whopping 94% fermented yeast concentrate to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As is evident from the high concentration of fermented yeast, this is a really similar product in terms of the star ingredients.
At a fifth of the price with a higher concentration of brightening ingredients, it’s worth giving a go!
Estee Lauder ANR Dupe:
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair ($208 for 75ml) > Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule ($79 for 50ml)
Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair serum contains the active ingredient Bifida Ferment Lysate, and other ingredients that claim to repair skin overnight. The ingredients list includes:
"Water\Aqua\Eau, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Peg-8, Propanediol, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycereth-26, Peg-75, Butylene Glycol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Tripeptide-32, Sodium Hyaluronate, Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cola Acuminata (Kola) Seed Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Pantethine, Caffeine, Lecithin, Sodium Rna, Bisabolol, Squalane, Glycerin, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleth-3, Oleth-5, Choleth-24, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Wax Peg-120 Esters, Ceteth-24, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Tetrasodium Edta, Bht, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Red 4 (Ci 14700), Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)"
Missha’s Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule 5x contains Bifida Ferment Lysate, along with a whopping 9 other fermented ingredients, multiple peptides, plant extracts and niacinamide. The ingredients list contains:
"Bifida Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Betaine, Water, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Squalane, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Polyquaternium-51, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Lactococcus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Aspergillus Ferment, Swiftlet Nest Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol"
Considering Missha’s Ampoule is a worldwide bestseller in its own right, it’s a steal at 1/3rd of the price!
Paula's Choice Niacinamide Dupe:
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster ($66 for 20ml) > One Thing Niacinamide 10% ($30 for 150ml)
The concentrated niacinamide serum from Paula’s Choice is known for pore care and promoting more even skin tone. For the same niacinamide concentration but over five times the size and less than half the price, One Thing’s Niacinamide 10% makes for a pretty compelling choice.
These products are quite different in terms of their texture, with Paula's Choice being a more classic serum-type texture and One Thing being more watery. However, the watery texture also makes it very versatile and easy to use.
In terms of why you might want to use a 10% niacinaimide product, the ingredient can help regulate oil and sebum, reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines as well as strengthen the skin barrier. Just watch your other products when using such a high concentration in a single product. If you have other products that contain niacinamide maybe save them for another day.
Dermalogica Microfoliant Dupe:
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ($99 for 75g) > Tosowoong Enzyme Power Wash ($25 for 70g)
Even though Tosowoong’s powder wash has become a K-Beauty cult hit on its own, Dermalogica’s classic Daily Microfoliant is probably the first thing skincare lovers think of whenever powder washes are mentioned.
However, both products have a similar, lightly exfoliating texture and share a range of ingredients as well, including brightening licorice extract and papain.
At only 25% of the cost of Dermalogica, Tosowoong’s Enzyme Powder Wash is gently formulated with an ideal pH of 5.5 for sensitive or blemish-prone skin, making it a much better daily cleanser to boot. Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash was recently upgraded and they've changed both the packaging and altered the formula slightly too. Badger oil has been dropped from the upgraded formula.
Lancome Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum Dupe
Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum Dupe > Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum ($45 for 30ml)
This fast-acting anti-aging serum reveals smoother, more radiant skin in as little as 7 days. This patented formula, which contains 10% Bifidus extract,Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. It helps strengthen and protect skin's moisture barrier. The ingredients list contains:
"Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Faex Extract/Yeast Extract/Extrait De Levure, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Edta, Octyldodecanol, Citronellol, Fragrance."
Thankfully, if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, there's a K-Beauty dupe for it. Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Serumdelivers a concentrated boost of nutrients and antioxidants to skin.
With a formula that includes 61% fermented ingredients, this gel-like serum instantly absorbs into skin and infuses it with elasticity-improving bifida ferment lysate and Saccharomyces ferment filtrate. The addition of Betula alba juice provides antioxidant benefits while rice ferment filtrate brightens complexion and balances oil production.
Neogen's ingredient list contains:
"Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Betula Alba Juice, Butylene Glycol, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aspergillus Ferment, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyacrylate-13, Water, Panthenol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lactobacillus, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tropolone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid, Ubiquinone, Thioctic Acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA"
Bioeffect EGF Serum Dupe
Bioeffect EGF Serum Dupe ($210 for 15ml) - APLB EGF Facial Repair Essence ($90 for 50ml)
This award-winning, anti-aging serum is made with Barley EGF to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, boost hydration, and restore younger-looking skin.
Bioeffect calls its serum:
"A groundbreaking anti-aging serum designed to address the visible signs of aging with Barley EGF". They claim that it can "rejuvenate the complexion, and increase skin’s moisture level with just 2-4 drops."
In essence, the product claims to smooth, plump and firm skin. If you're looking for those same benefits at a discount, then APLB's EGF Facial Repair Essence is a great swap. The ingredients list is quite different because APLB's brand philosophy is to pack their formulas with as many skin-loving ingredients as possible, as opposed to the paired down list of Bioeffect EGF.
APLB EGF Essence ingredient list contains:
"Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, rh-Oligopeptide-1 (EGF), Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Prunella Vulgaris Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract (Mugwort), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Squalane, Centella Asiatica Extract (Cica), Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, (Sea Buckthorn) Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Beta-Glucan, Betaine, Adenosine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Arginine, Propanediol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice), Hydroxyacetophenone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Linalool"
Have you tried any of these K-Beauty dupes? Let me know in the comments!
