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I Stopped Caring About Korean Skincare (as an American Esthetician)

I absolutely love a number of Japanese and Korean skincare products. But after becoming an esthetician, working in the industry, using these products, and navigating my own market, I think it's worth noting that for those of us looking for a Solution to a Problem, lightweight toners, essences, ampoules. etc. are likely not the answer.

Why I Stopped Using Japanese and Korean Skincare (And What You Need to Know)

I’ve been obsessed with skincare for years, and like many of you, I believed the Japanese and Korean beauty hype. The lightweight textures, the innovative sunscreens, the 10-step routines, etc. But after becoming a licensed aesthetician and testing hundreds of products, I’ve completely shifted my perspective—and my routine

Here’s Why I Changed My Mind

1. The Accessibility Problem

I used to bulk-order sunscreens from YesStyle, only to wait weeks for them to clear customs. But when you run out of sunscreen on a Tuesday, you need something you can grab at CVS. I’ve found fantastic U.S. options that work very well for the Florida humidity—no shipping delays required.

2. Potency Over Packaging

Korean toners feel like silk, and "activating essences" are lovely. But when I struggled with acne, no amount of “bioretinol” or ginseng extracts made the difference that prescription retinoids did. Many Asian beauty products skimp on active concentrations to prioritize gentle formulas—great for sensitive skin, but not if you’re targeting stubborn pigmentation or breakouts.

3. The Myth of “Inferior” American Skincare

I used to believe U.S. sunscreens were trash because of FDA limitations. But American brands are working with what they’ve got—and some (like my go-to drugstore moisturizer) outperform pricier imports. Plus, our mineral sunscreens? I've had my eyes stung by multiple imported formulas, but mineral SPF is where the American market comes into its own. There are tons of fantastic formulations that make delicate application around the eye area (where signs of skin aging often appear first) not only possible, but pleasurable.

My Takeaway

I’m not saying Asian skincare is bad—I still love certain products. But I am saying:

  1. Don’t stress over imports if they’re not practical for you.

  2. Prioritize actives (retinoids, vitamin C) over Instagram-worthy textures.

  3. Explore local options—you might be shocked by what’s on your drugstore shelf.

Want the full rant? Watch my video here where I dive deeper into why “skin-tertainment” shouldn’t replace results.