TikTok Viral Korean Skincare: Does the Hype Really Work?

A Korean Skincare Expert's Honest Review

If you search for Korean skincare on TikTok, you'll see endless videos claiming:

"This is the secret to Korean women's glass skin."

"This product will completely change your skin."

But as a Korean skincare expert, I always ask one question first:

👉 Does it actually work — or is it just marketing?

So instead of guessing, I did the work myself.

I bought the most viral TikTok Korean skincare products, used them for months, and even visited Olive Young's Gangnam headquarters in Korea to see what people really buy.

This is not sponsored.

There is no reason for me to lie.

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My Skin Type (Important Context)

Before we start, here's my skin profile:

• Normal to dry
• Very thin skin
• Easily turns red and sensitive
• Late 30s / almost 40

Skin type matters.

A product that works for oily teenage skin may not work for dry, mature skin.

In this review, I tested:

• 3 sunscreens
• 3 serums
• 3 toners

All of them were TikTok viral Korean skincare products.

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TikTok Viral Sunscreens: Are They All the Same?

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

Round Lab Sunscreen

These two are often compared — and for good reason.

• Both are SPF 50+ PA++++
• Lightweight
• No white cast
• Smooth, elegant texture

Fun fact: They are made by the same manufacturer (Kolmar) — so yes, they are basically skincare twins.

If you did a blind test, even professionals would struggle to tell them apart.

✔ Great for daily use
✔ Comfortable under makeup
✔ Very beginner-friendly

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Skin1004 Sunscreen

This one was my least favorite.

• Lightest texture of the three
• Dries down very quickly
• Too drying for my skin type

If you have dry or mature skin, this may not be for you.

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🌟 CYoung's Pick (Sunscreen)

I personally prefer more moisturizing formulas.

Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence (Japan)
→ Extremely hydrating, smooth like a moisturizer

Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun (Korea)
→ Harder to find globally, but excellent

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TikTok Viral Serums: Hype vs Reality

COSRX Snail 96 Essence

This product is famous — but here's the truth:

• Sticky texture
• Absorbs slowly
• Hydration does not last long on dry skin
• Not popular among Koreans
• Not vegan

If your skin is dry and needs long-lasting moisture, this is a pass.

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Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

• Lightweight
• Slight glow effect
• Dries out quickly
• Small bottle for the price

You need 1–2 months to see real skincare results, and this one finishes too fast.

Verdict: Pass.

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🌟 CYoung's Pick (Serum)

If you like a gentle, simple formula:

Mixsoon Bean Essence

• Only 4 ingredients
• Vegan
• Excellent for sensitive skin
• Hydrating, not exfoliating (despite marketing claims)

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COSRX Vitamin C Serum

This is one of my favorites.

Vitamin C is essential for:

• Brightening
• Anti-aging
• Acne scars
• Hyperpigmentation

Why I love it:

• Developed with AmorePacific
• More affordable than medical-grade vitamin C

Yes, it has a scent.
Yes, you need to shake it before use.

But the results are worth it.

✔ If you're over 25, I highly recommend vitamin C.

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TikTok Viral Toners: Mostly Overrated

Anua Toner

Honestly… I don't understand the hype.

• Very watery
• Dries quickly
• Best used with cotton pads (which can irritate thin skin)
• Causes redness if overused

Unless you have very oily skin, this is unnecessary.

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I'm From Rice Toner

• Smaller size
• Higher price
• Watery texture
• Slow absorption

I like the brand — but I wouldn't repurchase this toner.

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🌟 CYoung's Pick (Toner)

If you have:

• Dry skin
• Thin skin
• Mature skin (35+)

This is the one I recommend.

• Highly concentrated
• More like a serum than a toner
• Apply with hands, not cotton pads
• Nourishing, not sticky

⚠️ Note: It contains fermented ingredients, which may not suit everyone. Patch test first.

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Final Thoughts: Is TikTok Skincare Worth the Hype?

I don't hate any brand.

Skincare is personal.

But TikTok trends often:

• Overpromise
• Ignore skin type
• Push products that are "okay" — not amazing

If you're a skincare beginner, I know how confusing this can be.

Even in Korea, Olive Young feels like a cosmetic candy store — overwhelming.

Don't give up.

Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint.

I make these videos because I want to share real, honest skincare knowledge — not marketing hype.

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What's Next?

• Beginner skincare routines
• Cleansing guides
• Part 2 of TikTok viral skincare reviews

👉 If you have questions, leave a comment on YouTube.
👉 Watch the full video above.
👉 And remember:

Today is the youngest day of the rest of your life.

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Where to Buy (Optional)

Some readers asked where to find the products mentioned in this article. For convenience, trusted global retailers are listed below. (Some links may be affiliate links and help support the channel at no extra cost.)

Sunscreens

Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

Round Lab – Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

Biore – UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
YesStyle · Amazon

Serums & Essences

COSRX – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

Beauty of Joseon – Glow Serum
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

COSRX – Vitamin C 23 Serum
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

Mixsoon – Bean Essence
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

Toners

Anua – Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

I'm From – Rice Toner
YesStyle · Amazon

Numbuzin – No.3 Super Glowing Essence Toner
YesStyle · Olive Young Global

Discount Codes

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

Shop My Favorites

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