Viral K-Beauty Products Tested: What Actually Works in 2025

Fall K-beauty launches are dropping left and right, and everyone's asking: what's actually worth trying? I tested 12 viral and newly launched K-beauty products—some so popular I had to call four different Olive Young stores to track them down.

As always, I'm testing these on my dry, sensitive, mature skin. If you're tired of beauty reviews from 20-year-olds with perfect skin, this one's for you. Let's separate the hits from the overhyped misses.

Spoiler alert: Some of these were complete disasters for my skin, while others are joining my holy grail list.

---

The Cleanser That TikTok Loves (But Your Skin Won't)

❌ April Skin TXA Niacinamide 99 Deep Cleanser

The hype: Absorbs blackheads with sticky texture, viral on TikTok
The reality: One of the worst cleansers I've tried recently

This cleanser has been all over TikTok with claims it removes blackheads through some magical sticky formula. Here's what actually happens when you use it:

Major problems:

• Makes skin feel super tight and red after washing
• Bubble gum scent is overwhelming
• Weird, unnaturally sticky texture
• Contains niacinamide (pointless in a wash-off product)
• You need way less than what TikTokers show

My honest take: If you have sensitive skin, stay far away. A good cleanser should clean your face without drying it out or causing irritation. This fails on both counts. The "blackhead removal" is marketing nonsense—cleansers don't absorb blackheads.

Better alternative: Be Plain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam works so much better, even for thin, dry, sensitive skin like mine.

Verdict: Complete fail ❌

---

Eye Patches: The Convenience Winner

✔️ Abib Collagen Eye Patch Jericho Rose Jelly

I did a half-and-half comparison test with my pregnancy favorite, Mixsoon eye patches. Full sheet masks in summer? Too much effort. But these patches? Perfect for busy mornings.

What works:

• Cooling effect that lasts
• Barely noticeable when wearing
• Super convenient for travel
• Stays in place no matter what
• Good shape and fit

The downsides:

• Not enough serum compared to Mixsoon
• Thinner than competitors
• Won't do much for super dry under-eyes

Pro tip: Finish your full skincare routine first. Just toner isn't enough—these will make your skin too dry after 20 minutes.

My verdict: Good for convenience, but Mixsoon still wins for actual results. If you need serious under-eye hydration, stick with eye cream.

---

The Lip Mask That Actually Delivers

✔️ Abib PDRN Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly

This is literally my 10th tube of Abib lip products because nothing else works as well. I've tried Vaseline, other brands—they all dry out too quickly, especially in winter.

Why it's amazing:

• Texture like pancake syrup (but not sticky!)
• Long-lasting moisture that actually lasts through the night
• Can double as a top coat over other lip products
• More product than you'd expect in the tube

How it compares: If you love Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, this will work great for you too. The PDRN ingredient might be marketing, but the formula is genuinely well-made.

Verdict: Pass—this is a repurchase for me ✔️

---

Toner Pads: Better Than Expected

✔️ Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pad

Much better than Anua's original heartleaf pads (which I didn't love). These work well as a quick mini sheet mask before makeup.

What I like:

• Curved shape fits face perfectly
• Good for prep before makeup
• Pad changes color slightly as you use it (interesting touch)
• Less irritating than their heartleaf version

Realistic expectations: Don't expect dramatic brightening results. These are good for daily maintenance, not transformation.

Verdict: Okay to try ✔️

---

PDRN Ampoule with Terrible Packaging

⚠️ Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule Dual Effect

2025 is definitely the year of PDRN, and this ampoule joins the crowded market. The formula is fine—it's the packaging that drives me crazy.

The good:

• Lightweight serum texture
• Easy to layer before makeup
• Absorbs well without stickiness

The bad:

• Horrible dropper design that wastes product
• Expensive for what you get
• Results aren't dramatically better than cheaper alternatives

Better option: If you want to try PDRN, Medicube offers better value and does more promotions.

Verdict: Formula is okay, but packaging and price make it hard to recommend ⚠️

---

The TV Shopping Cream That Surprised Me

✔️ Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse

This is Season 7 of this cream (yes, really), and it's the number one seller on Korean TV home shopping. That means middle-aged Korean women love it—and they know their skincare.

Why it works:

• Only $6 per tube when bought in TV shopping sets
• Lighter texture than previous versions
• Cooling effect from the metal tube
• Good for daily moisturizing
• Suitable for all genders and ages

Realistic expectations: This isn't a medical treatment or miracle anti-ager. It's a solid, affordable daily moisturizer that calms skin.

For dry, mature skin: Use this for daytime only—you'll need something heavier at night.

Verdict: Great value for money ✔️

---

Sunscreen: Too Much of a Good Thing

⚠️ Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream

Anua made this sunscreen with zero white cast claims, and they're right—you can apply a ton and still no white cast. But that's also the problem.

The good:

• Truly no white cast, even with heavy application
• Very moisturizing
• Cute, compact packaging
• Great for dry skin in winter

The problems:

• Too oily, even for my dry skin
• Makes makeup application difficult
• Chemical sunscreen (can irritate sensitive skin)
• Nothing special compared to other K-beauty sunscreens

Who might like it: Dry, mature skin in cold weather. Skip if you're oily or in tropical climates.

Verdict: Okay but won't repurchase ⚠️

---

Foundation: The Glow Game-Changer

✔️ HERA Reflection Skin Glow Foundation

HERA reformulated their glow foundation, and this new version is incredible. It reminds me of my 2024 holy grail Shiseido foundation but feels more water-based and less oily.

What makes it special:

• Water-based feel despite being glowy
• More affordable than cushion version long-term
• Natural "your skin but better" finish
• Doesn't feel heavy or cakey

Application tips:

• Use a thin, flat brush (not big brushes that eat product)
• Try dry sponge for dabbing
• Skip fingers—too liquidy for finger application
• Use dry tools only (wet sponge = disaster)

The downsides:

• Very low coverage
• Limited shade range (sorry, darker skin tones)
• Liquid oxidizes slightly more than cushion version

Who should try: Anyone wanting natural glow with minimal coverage. Use concealer for spots you want to hide.

Verdict: Love it, will keep using this winter ✔️

---

Eyeshadow Palette: Worth the Hunt

✔️ CLIO Pro Eye Palette Air "Golden Rain Tree Library"

This was the palette I called four Olive Young stores to find. The hype was real—mostly.

What works:

• More pigmented than basic CLIO palettes
• Natural brown tones, not extreme colors
• Holographic shimmers look luxurious
• Good for natural eye makeup

Skip this part: The cream-type eye primers in the palette are too sticky and annoying. Just use the powder shades.

Verdict: Good colors, worth trying if you like natural browns ✔️

---

Blush: Pretty But Forgettable

⚠️ HERA Blush "Balletic" & "Nutshell"

HERA's powder blush in their most popular shades. Balletic is a muted pink, Nutshell is warmer-toned.

The good:

• Pretty, wearable colors
• Very light application (good for fair skin)
• Decent quality

The problems:

• Expensive for what it is
• Kills the glow from their foundation
• Too light if you want pigmented blush
• Foundation is much better value from this brand

My take: Colors are nice, but I'd rather spend money on HERA foundation. Cream blush works better with their glow foundation anyway.

Verdict: Pretty but not worth the price ⚠️

---

Lip Gloss: The Gift-Worthy Winner

✔️ HERA Sensual Nude Gloss "Brownie Boy"

This is HERA's number one bestselling lip gloss, previously modeled by Blackpink Jennie, now by Stray Kids Felix. Felix's shade "Brownie Boy" is going viral internationally.

Why it's amazing:

• Heavier texture means better color buildup
• Shine lasts for hours
• Muted deep rose-brown that looks bold but applies soft
• No staining
• Even guys can wear it

The texture: Slightly sticky compared to most K-beauty tints, but that's why the payoff is so good.

Other shades: Jennie's pick "Cherish" is a muted berry red, perfect for gradient looks.

My honest take: If I could only recommend one K-beauty lip product as a gift, this would be it. The color is peachy-pinky perfection for warm makeup looks.

Verdict: Love it, gift-worthy ✔️

---

Eyeliner: Simple and Effective

✔️ Tooq Waterproof Slim Eyeliner "Dohwa Fig"

A straightforward waterproof liner that does what it promises. Nothing revolutionary, but reliable.

Verdict: Good basic eyeliner ✔️

---

Where to Buy

April Skin TXA Niacinamide 99 Deep Cleanser:

• Olive Young
• YesStyle

Be Plain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam:

• Olive Young
• YesStyle

Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pad:

• Olive Young
• YesStyle

Abib Collagen Eye Patch Jericho Rose Jelly:

• Olive Young
• YesStyle

Abib PDRN Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly:

• YesStyle

Rejuran Healer Turnover Ampoule Dual Effect:

• Olive Young

Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse:

• Olive Young
• YesStyle

HERA Reflection Skin Glow Foundation:

• Amore Mall (Use code: CYOUNG for 15% off)
• Olive Young

CLIO Pro Eye Palette Air:

• Olive Young

HERA Blush:

• Amore Mall (Use code: CYOUNG for 15% off)
• Olive Young

HERA Sensual Nude Gloss:

• Amore Mall (Use code: CYOUNG for 15% off)
• Olive Young

Tooq Waterproof Slim Eyeliner:

• Olive Young

Discount Codes:

• Amore Mall: CYOUNG (15% off purchase)
• YesStyle: CYOUNG0
• Olive Young Global: CYOUNG0

---

Final Thoughts

Out of 12 products tested, here are my real recommendations:

Must-tries: HERA Reflection Skin Glow Foundation, HERA Sensual Nude Gloss, Abib PDRN Lip Mask Good value: Centellian24 Madeca Cream, Be Plain Cleansing Foam Complete fails: April Skin TXA Cleanser

The biggest surprise? Sometimes the most expensive isn't the best (looking at you, HERA blush), and sometimes TV shopping gems actually work (Centellian24 cream).

Remember: viral doesn't always mean good for your skin. Test products slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin like me.

---

FAQ

Q: Is the April Skin cleanser really that bad? A: For sensitive skin, yes. It made my face tight and red. If you have oily, resilient skin, you might tolerate it better, but there are much better cleansers available.

Q: Which HERA product should I try first? A: The foundation, hands down. It's the best value and most impressive formula from their range.

Q: Are PDRN products worth the hype? A: The jury's still out on whether PDRN does anything special. Focus on well-formulated products rather than ingredient marketing.

Q: Can I use the Anua sunscreen under makeup? A: Only if you have very dry skin and use minimal amounts. It's too oily for most people's makeup routine.

Q: Is the CLIO palette good for beginners? A: Yes, the colors are natural and not too pigmented, making them forgiving for beginners.