ELLE Korea's 15 K-Beauty Picks, From c-PDRN to Microcurrent

By Rebecca Stone

The ELLE Korea edit spotlights 15 K-beauty picks chosen by its editors and beauty experts, including a 0.5% c-PDRN serum, two sunscreens, a 30ml foundation and a galvanic booster.

ELLE Korea called Korea the world’s most exciting country for beauty innovation. It cited skin-tightening treatments celebrities appear to try and serums in bubble and heart-shaped patch formats. The publication said its editors watched K-beauty’s rise firsthand before choosing must-haves across skincare, makeup and fragrance.

Which formulas lead the skincare edit?

• Rejuran Turnover Ampoule c-PDRN 0.5% Renewing Serum. Dr. Sjung Yoon, a family medicine specialist at Yoon Sjung Clinic, recommends it for intensive recovery after laser treatment: “This is hands down the best companion when intensive recovery is needed in post-laser treatment.”

  Yoon said salmon DNA-derived actives support the skin-cell turnover cycle and foster the skin’s natural strength. Continued use can improve skin density and elasticity, making both significantly firmer.

• The Whoo Bichup Self-Generating NAD Power Ampoule. Dr. Suhyun Lee, a dermatologist at Pure Dermatology Clinic, said NAD, a core fuel for skin cells, boosts the skin’s inherent self-regenerating power and rebuilds a compromised barrier.

  Lee described the seamless, fast-absorbing texture as smoothing rough texture and fine lines while adding hydration. The ampoule balances moisture and nourishment in summer, she said, without the worry of breakouts.

• iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sun Water. Eunju Lee, a full-time skin care professor at Yeonsung University’s Department of Beauty Stylist, favors its hydrating, water-like formula.

  She said it feels fresh and light over large body areas, without the heavy feel of mineral sunscreens or chemical sunscreens’ potential sensitivity issue. The lightweight formula applies easily for generous coverage.

Goodal Heartleaf Soothing Moisture Sunscreen. Jungeun Park, director of Comme Nana Bien, said the smooth texture feels like moisturizing cream and applies evenly without pilling.

Park said quick absorption eliminates the sticky finish and leaves deep hydration. She recommended it particularly for dry skin types that often experience roughness.

Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Refiner. JYJ describes a formulation that melts Cerapeptide cream into a toner, targeting elasticity and the skin barrier from the first routine step.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream Rich. JYJ identifies it as the moisturizer pick and says powerful ginseng energy rebuilds a compromised barrier and boosts skin toward a firmer, high-density complexion.

What do the makeup picks emphasize?

• Hapa Kristin Contact Lenses in Black. Makeup artist Jungin Im says the lenses create a sharp, defined outer ring while the inner color remains clear and translucent.

  Im described the effect as doll-like, round, striking eyes with a definitive pop. ELLE Korea notes that contact lenses require a prescription from a licensed eye doctor in the U.S.

• Fwee All-Day Cover Black Cushion. Makeup artist Seyoung Ahn recommends it for base makeup in warmer months. She said fingers can apply it quickly as well as tools; the cushion wraps smoothly around skin and provides reliable coverage despite its lightweight, thin texture.

• Giverny Milchak Cover Foundation 30ml. Makeup artist Sol Lee says one thin layer naturally conceals redness and blemishes without heavy reapplication. She found it blends into a glow and continues to look natural as oils break through over time.

• Tense Clean Moment Dayproof Concealer. Miyoung Ko, director of Artistry Chacha, praises its lightweight, smooth feel and adherence. Ko says it melts into skin for clean, natural-looking coverage that feels like skin rather than sitting on the surface.

Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion Foundation. Subin Kim, director of Salon Hearts, says the compact provides exceptional coverage of redness and pores on its own. Its soft, semi-matte formula adheres without drying dehydrated-combination skin and melts naturally without caking as oil appears later. Kim recommends a thin initial layer, lightly tapped, for coverage without a heavy feel.

Which hair, fragrance and device picks complete the edit?

• Healing Bird Hyaluron Milk Hair Mist Hydrating Spray. Hairstylist Jihye Oh says the milky spray nourishes hair from within to refine texture rather than merely coating the surface.

  Oh said its soft consistency absorbs quickly, allowing reapplication before and after styling without grease or residue on the hands.

• Unnamed fragrance pick. Jung Youn Ji, ELLE Korea beauty director, said: “A clear black tea scent and the exotic, woody, and spicy aroma of Marrakesh captured in a bottle reminiscent of a wine glass.” The edit gives no brand or product name for this recommendation.

• Aromatica Rosemary Salt Scrub Shampoo at Nordstrom. JYJ describes a salt-scrub shampoo with the exfoliating power of Andean salt and the revitalizing energy of rosemary. The product listing places it at Nordstrom.

• LG Superform Galvanic Booster. JYJ says the tool maximizes skincare absorption through an optimal galvanic microcurrent.

For shoppers, ELLE Korea’s list functions as a use-case guide: post-laser recovery, summer hydration, barrier support, warm-weather base makeup and device-assisted absorption. Because every pick is presented for regular use, repeat performance will decide which of the 15 recommendations become lasting staples.