TikTok Viral Korean Skincare (Part 2): Brutally Honest Review After 2–5 Months of Testing

TikTok makes skincare look magical.

Apply one product and suddenly — glass skin.

But does it actually work?

I'm a Korean skincare expert and makeup artist, and I tested today's most viral TikTok Korean skincare products for 2 to 5 months — no sponsorship, no brand pressure, no excuses.

This is Part 2 of my TikTok viral skincare series.

Let's protect your skin — and your wallet.

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My Skin Type (Why This Matters)

• Normal to dry
• Thin, easily irritated skin
• Late 30s / almost 40
• Focus: barrier protection & aging prevention

If your skin is dry, thin, or mature, trends can easily make your skin worse, not better.

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TikTok Viral Cleansing Oils (All Pretty Good — With Differences)

Korean cleansing oils are generally high quality.

If a cleansing oil leaves your skin too dry, stop using it immediately — that's how skin barriers weaken and aging accelerates.

1️⃣ ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

✔ Very lightweight
✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Good daily cleanser

⚠️ Note: Some people react to heartleaf — patch test first.

👉 Best for: Cleansing oil beginners

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2️⃣ Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil (Olive Young #1 for 3 Years)

✔ Heaviest texture
✔ Best blackhead removal
✔ Excellent for heavy makeup

There's a reason this has been #1 in Korea for years.

👉 Best for: Dry skin, heavy makeup

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3️⃣ SKIN1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil

✔ Very gentle
✔ Good for sensitive skin
❌ Weak cleansing power

I only use this on no-makeup days.

👉 Best for: Sunscreen-only days

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TikTok Viral Cleansing Foam (Be Careful)

ANUA Heartleaf Cleansing Foam

This is for oily skin.

❌ If you double cleanse with this daily and have dry skin, you will destroy your skin barrier.

👉 Use every 2–3 days, not daily.

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TikTok Viral Toners: Mostly Overhyped

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

❌ Too much scent
❌ Too watery
❌ Not long-lasting

This feels outdated compared to modern Korean formulations.

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Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner

✔ Slightly thicker water texture
✔ Suitable for most skin types

If you're sensitive to fragrance, choose the unscented version.

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⭐ CYoung's Pick: TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner

✔ Milky, concentrated texture
✔ Perfect for dry, thin, mature skin
✔ Doesn't evaporate immediately

If watery toners make your fine lines more visible — this is your answer.

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TikTok Viral Moisturizers

COSRX Snail 92 Repair Cream

❌ Jar packaging (hygiene issue)
❌ Too watery for dry skin
❌ Not enough oil

This works better for teenagers or early 20s skin.

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⭐ CYoung's Pick: ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Cream

✔ Panthenol + Madecassoside
✔ Strengthens skin barrier
✔ Safe for babies → grandparents

This is a true barrier cream, not just hydration.

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TikTok Viral Sheet Mask (Use Like a Treatment)

BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

✔ Extremely nourishing
✔ Best for dry & mature skin
✔ Feels like sealing wrap

⚠️ Tips:

• Apply after full skincare
• Use overnight
• Do once every 10–14 days

Think of it as an at-home facial.

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TikTok Lip Product That's Actually Worth It

⭐ LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

✔ Long-term lip repair
✔ Works day & night
✔ Acts like lip gloss on top

I don't repurchase products often — but this one?

I have empties.

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Final Thoughts: TikTok Skincare Isn't Evil — But It's Loud

TikTok skincare is very marketing-friendly.

That doesn't mean the products are bad — but they're not all for your skin.

If your skin is:

• Dry
• Thin
• Sensitive
• Over 30

👉 Focus on barrier protection, not trends.

I'll be back with Part 3 — so leave requests in the comments.

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Where to Buy (Optional)

Some readers asked where to find the products mentioned in this article.

For convenience, I've listed trusted global retailers below.
(Some links may be affiliate links and help support the channel at no extra cost to you.)

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Cleansing Oils

ANUA – Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
YesStyle · Amazon · Olive Young Global

Ma:nyo – Pure Cleansing Oil
YesStyle · Amazon · Olive Young Global

SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
YesStyle · Amazon · Olive Young Global

Cleansing Foam

ANUA – Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
YesStyle · Amazon · Olive Young Global

Toners

Haruharu Wonder – Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
YesStyle · Amazon · Olive Young Global

TIRTIR – Milk Skin Toner
YesStyle · Amazon

Moisturizers

COSRX – Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream
YesStyle · Amazon · Olive Young Global

ETUDE House – SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Amazon

Masks & Lip Care

BIODANCE – Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Amazon · Olive Young Global

LANEIGE – Lip Sleeping Mask
Amazon · Olive Young Global

Sunscreen Mentioned

Biore – UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
YesStyle · Amazon

Discount Codes

• YesStyle: CYOUNG0 → Shop Now
• Olive Young Global: CYOUNG0 → Shop Now

Shop My Favorites

Amazon Storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/cyoung