Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
The best K-beauty at Nordstrom isn’t just about convenience—it’s the curation that makes discovering the best products feel easy. And that shift is intentional. “The growth of K-beauty is really a reflection of how our customer is evolving,” says Autumne West, Nordstrom’s national beauty director based in Seattle. “Customers are more ingredient-curious than ever, value gentle efficacy, and [are] looking globally for what actually works.” It’s less about chasing a complicated routine and more about building one that fits into your life. “We’re being very intentional…these are products [that] support how people want to care for their skin right now—consistently, gently, and with visible results,” she adds.
Our Top K-Beauty Products at Nordstrom
- Hero Hydrator: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $25
- Soothing Milky Goodness: I’m From Rice Toner, $27
- 20 Minutes to Glow: I’m From Rice Glow Peel Off Mask, $28
- Korea Top Seller: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock Spectrum 45 Sunscreen, $25
- Custom Fit: Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Butterfly Hydrogel Mask, $19
- Silky Makeup Melter: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, $22
- Cuddly, Cloud-Like Cleanser: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam, $38
You feel that mindset the second you start browsing. Instead of hopping between niche sites or waiting weeks for international shipping, you get a tightly edited mix of buzzy and tried-and-true brands all in one place. Sulwhasoo, CosRx, Round Lab, and Skin1004 all sitting side by side? Not something you see at most traditional retailers.
And then there’s the part that makes you actually go through with checkout. Fast shipping, easy returns you can handle in-store (no printer gymnastics), and the reassurance that what you’re buying is legit. In a category that moves as fast as Korean beauty, that kind of ease matters. And while there’s always a new viral product making the rounds, Nordstrom’s approach feels a little more grounded—prioritizing what West calls “formats that make a routine feel lighter and more intuitive.” Think: the milky toner you use down to the last drop, the serum that remedies a broken barrier, or a sunscreen you actually want to slather on.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Can I trust buying Korean skin-care products online?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
A Next-Level Dose of Vitamin C: CosRx The Vitamin C 23 Serum
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Cosrx
The Vitamin C 23 Serum
Nordstrom
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the CosRx The Vitamin C 23 Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Even as a kid, you heard vitamin C was good for your immune system, but your skin benefits, too. At a potent 23% concentration, CosRx’s The Vitamin C 23 Serum doesn’t just dabble; it goes all in on brightening, helping to fade dark spots, smooth texture, and boost overall glow. That high percentage matters because it uses pure ascorbic acid—the most well-studied, biologically active form of vitamin C—so it can act more directly than derivatives to help neutralize free radicals and support collagen production. To round things out, it’s paired with niacinamide and licorice root for added brightness and even tone, while panthenol, allantoin, and squalane cushion potential irritation with hydration and barrier support. Even with those soothing supporting players in the mix, 23% can still feel like a lot—so if you’d rather ease in, there’s also The Vitamin C 13 Serum as a gentler starting point.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“Even with sensitive skin, I went straight for the 23% version of this serum—a bit bold, but I’ve historically done well with vitamin C, so I figured it was worth it. The first thing I noticed is just how thin the formula is. It barely hangs in the dropper, so I’d skip applying it directly to your face and instead dispense it into your hands first to avoid any rogue drips. Texture-wise, it almost reads like a dry oil—it spreads easily and absorbs crazy fast. Don’t expect an instant, mirror-level glow the second it sinks in. It's more about the slow and steady brightness you'll get from using it consistently!” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ascorbic acid (vitamin C), licorice root, niacinamide, panthenol, allantoin, squalane, caffeine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Hero Hydrator: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
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Cosrx
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Nordstrom
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: If CosRx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence isn’t already on your radar, you must have somehow dodged every corner of skin-care TikTok and Instagram. This K-beauty mainstay has been around since 2014, has made countless laps around the viral skin-care circuit, and—unsurprisingly—has earned a loyal following among Allure editors.“It enriches the skin with panthenol and 96% snail mucin to repair and hydrate,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City.
For the uninitiated, snail secretion filtrate may sound a little out there. Still, it’s essentially a mix of water, glycoproteins, and amino acids that help keep skin hydrated, resilient, and better able to repair itself—similar to how snails protect their own delicate skin. It’s paired with sodium hyaluronate and betaine to draw in moisture, plus panthenol and allantoin to calm and support the barrier. The texture is that signature stretchy, slightly gooey essence, but it sinks in quickly, leaving behind a bouncy, glass-skin finish that K-beauty is famous for.
As for the sourcing, CosRx’s R&D team explains that “snails are placed over a mesh net in a dark and quiet room. As nocturnal creatures, this provides them with a comfortable space to freely roam about. After about an hour, the snails are transferred back to their homes while the mucin is collected and processed for use.”
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"The texture is so fun and surprisingly not tacky seconds after applying. But more importantly, it gives my skin lots of love, glow, and bounce with every application. It's a must any time of the year." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: snail secretion filtrate, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Supple Sensation: I’m From Rice Serum
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I'm From
Rice Serum
Nordstrom
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the I’m From Rice Serum
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: In Korea, especially during the Joseon Dynasty, women—particularly in aristocratic circles—were known to save the milky water left over from rinsing rice (ssal tteumul) into their beauty routines. Rice water is packed with amino acids, vitamins, and starches that soften, gently brighten, and support the skin barrier. I’m From’s Rice Serum takes that old-school idea and gives it a modern upgrade. Instead of leftover rice water, you’re getting 73% fermented rice embryo extract—smaller, more concentrated, and loaded with nutrients to soothe, brighten, and strengthen the barrier thanks to linolenic acid. Niacinamide balances oil and refines the appearance of pores, while a blend of hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid delivers layered hydration—the latter has a smaller molecular size, allowing it to penetrate more easily for deeper, longer-lasting moisture.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“I reach for this product when I need a gentle, all-season serum. I'm constantly switching up my skin-care routine—due to testing, but also based on the weather; how humid it is, if my allergies are acting up, if I'm super dry, the list goes on! But the I'm From Rice Serum has been a mainstay through it all. It has a nice, thin texture that's a bit gel-y (but not goopy), and absorbs so quickly. It's become a key hydrating step in my routine, and leaves my skin feeling supple, fresh, and ready for a lightweight moisturizer over top. I also love the packaging. It's a beautiful glass bottle, and the branding feels like a serene cottagecore dream.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice embryo extract, linolenic acid, niacinamide, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Soothing Milky Goodness: I’m From Rice Toner
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I'm From
Rice Toner
Nordstrom
Han applying the I’m From Rice Toner
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Maybe you’re in the camp that still wonders if toner is even necessary, but in Korea, it’s one of those steps people rarely skip. I’m From’s Rice Toner is a longtime K-beauty staple, formulated with rice extract from Korea’s Yeoju region, known for its clean water and nutrient-rich soil. That’s what gives the formula its signature milky look—and its ability to hydrate, soften, and subtly boost radiance in one step. Beyond rice extract to nourish and brighten, niacinamide evens tone and refines the look of pores, while adenosine supports smoother, more bouncy-looking skin. A blend of lightweight emollients keeps things silky, and soothing botanicals like purslane and Japanese elm bark calm irritation. Give it a quick shake, then either soak a cotton pad or pour a little into your palms and press it gently into your skin.
Tester feedback from Han
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"A hydrating toner or essence is a non-negotiable step of my daytime and nighttime routines. I'm From’s Rice Toner is so gentle and great for all skin types: It instantly plumps my skin, giving it a brighter, refreshed look and prepping it for the serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to follow. Now that we're in the office four days a week, I can't be bothered to wear makeup every day—but, with the help of this toner (which is so worth the hype), at least my skin looks nice and glowy." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice extract, adenosine, niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol, purslane, Japanese elm bark
- Fragrance-free: yes
20 Minutes to Glow: I’m From Rice Glow Peel Off Mask
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I'm From
Rice Glow Peel Off Mask
Nordstrom
Lee applying and removing the I’m From Rice Glow Peel Off Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: If you couldn’t tell, Koreans really love their rice—and your skin reaps the benefits in this mask. I’m From’s Rice Glow Peel-Off Mask pairs rice extract with rice bran to gently exfoliate, lift away impurities, and boost brightness while keeping skin hydrated. The rest of the formula is thoughtfully balanced, too. Niacinamide helps even out tone and support the skin over time, while glycerin and panthenol maintain moisture levels. “Ceramides in the formula are particularly important in a peel-off format, since removal can otherwise feel drying,” says Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, who notes that it delivers smoothness and glow “without leaning heavily on harsh exfoliating acids.” And if overnight masks aren’t your thing, the thick (but easy-to-spread) formula peels away cleanly in as little as 20 minutes.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“This was my first time trying a peel-off mask, and it instantly brought me back to that weirdly satisfying childhood habit of putting glue on your fingers just to let it dry and peel it off. The texture really does feel glue-like—thick and slightly tacky—but it works fast, so you only have a couple of minutes to spread it evenly before it starts setting. I have dry skin, and it dried in about 20 minutes (oilier skin types may need closer to 40 minutes). When I peeled it off, I was impressed by how juicy and moisturized my skin looked. The photo honestly doesn’t do it justice—this is one of those you-gotta-see-it-for-yourself moments.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice extract, jojoba seed oil, niacinamide
- How to use it: leave on for 20 to 40 minutes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Korea Top Seller: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock Spectrum 45 Sunscreen
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Round Lab
Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock Spectrum 45 Sunscreen
Nordstrom
Lee applying the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock Spectrum 45 Sunscreen
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Birch trees—often called the “queen of the forest”—have long been tapped for their nutrient-rich sap, especially in early spring before the leaves emerge. That slightly sweet sap is packed with natural moisturizing factors—like amino acids, PCA, and hyaluronic acid—that keep skin hydrated and balanced. It’s this same ingredient that gives Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock Spectrum 45 Sunscreen its skin-care-meets-SPF appeal. “It’s a moisturizing sunscreen that is formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidants to hydrate and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Chang. Panthenol and purslane extract calm and reduce visible redness, while the lightweight formula blends in easily and layers seamlessly under makeup. And if you’re not already in on it, Korean sunscreens—which are known for blending in seamlessly without a white cast or pilling—are in a league of their own. Consider this a great, dewy place to start.
Tester feedback from Lee
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"I can’t believe it took me this long to try the Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen. Now I fully get the hype. It disappears instantly, makes my skin feel hydrated thanks to the birch sap, and honestly, my only complaint is that it doesn’t come in a jumbo bottle so I can slather it everywhere." —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, birch tree sap, niacinamide, glycerin (no percentages of UV filters listed)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Melts Away Waterproof Eye Makeup: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
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Round Lab
1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
Nordstrom
Han using the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Picture this: Off the coast of Ulleungdo, deep-sea water sits about 5,000 feet below the surface—cold, untouched by sunlight, and naturally filtered over time. It’s rich in magnesium and calcium, which balance out your skin. That’s the mineral-rich goodness packed inside Round Lab’s 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil. It also features a blend of plant oils—meadowfoam, grape seed, avocado, and evening primrose—that effortlessly breaks down makeup and sunscreen without leaving behind a greasy film. Meanwhile, panthenol, allantoin, and ceramides support the skin barrier, and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid add a hit of hydration. It emulsifies quickly (we haven’t met a waterproof liner or mascara that stood a chance), then rinses clean, leaving skin soft and comfortable, never tight.
Tester feedback from Han
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“Round Lab's standout products, for me, come from the 1025 Dokdo line, which uses Ulleungdo deep-sea water as its star ingredient. That's what gives the cleansing oil a slightly refreshing feeling, I don't find with other oils I've used. (Apparently, this seawater is extracted 5,000 feet below sea level and stays at a cool two degrees Celsius all year round, so this checks out!) It gets rid of my eye makeup—I love my waterproof, lifeproof gel liners—in the blink of an eye, so it passes my main criteria with flying colors. It leaves my skin feeling baby-soft post-rinse, too. This is pretty niche, but I love how much the pump dispenses at once because of how high it sits. I go heavy on cleansing oil in general, especially when I'm wearing makeup, so this little design detail is appreciated!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
3x the Vitamin C of Other Citruses: Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
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Saturday Skin
Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
Nordstrom
Han applying the Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Yuzu has a long history in East Asia for skin-softening and wellness rituals—think citrus baths and traditional remedies—so it was only a matter of time before it made its way into a modern, glow-inducing formula. Big bonus: It also boasts three times(!) the vitamin C of most citrus fruits. Saturday Skin’s Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask pairs yuzu with ascorbic acid and niacinamide to brighten and even tone overnight. It’s not just about radiance, though. Glycerin keeps skin comfortably hydrated, while ceramides, cholesterol, and linoleic acid support the barrier. Antioxidant-rich extras like sea buckthorn and vitamin E fend off dullness, and peptides smooth the complexion over time. There’s also a touch of retinol—low on the ingredient list—but since this sleeping mask stays on overnight, sensitive skin types may want to patch-test first.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I like loading up with retinol at night, and this overnight mask is also packed with vitamin C-rich yuzu extract, so my skin is left immediately radiant but also smoother the next morning. And despite piling on hydrating essences and serums beforehand, this doesn't leave my skin feeling overly glowy or sticky. Head's up: The citrusy scent is quite potent, so some people might not be into that, but I love it!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: yuzu extract, niacinamide, retinol, ceramides, sea buckthorn
- Fragrance-free: yes
Custom Fit: Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Butterfly Hydrogel Mask
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Saturday Skin
Yuzu Vitamin C Butterfly Hydrogel Mask
Nordstrom
Han applying and removing the Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Butterfly Hydrogel Mask
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: If overnight masks simply aren’t your thing, Saturday Skin’s Yuzu Vitamin C Butterfly Hydrogel Mask is a quicker, more targeted option. This cooling, three-piece design hugs the “butterfly zone”—cheeks, nose, undereyes, and crow’s feet—for a snug, second-skin fit that actually stays put. The embossed hydrogel matrix locks in brightening and hydrating ingredients right where you want them. At the center of it all is yuzu (noticing a pattern?) to boost glow and wake up dull, tired-looking skin. Niacinamide and tranexamic acid even tone and refine the look of pores, while ceramides, cholesterol, and peptides support the barrier—so skin looks smoother, brighter, and more refreshed in under 30 minutes.
Tester feedback from Han
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“Though less common, I’m a big fan of these in-between masks (Superegg’s Calm Movement Eye & Cheek Mask is another fave.) Why wouldn’t I? In addition to treating my undereyes, these Saturday Skin butterfly masks address any dry patches on my cheeks (especially prevalent during the colder months and the separate nose patch goes to work on that pore-ridden area. As opposed to the depuffing eye patches I like to throw on quickly in the a.m. before makeup, these masks are a great nighttime option that I like to leave on for longer (up to 30 minutes!) to really let the skin-boosting actives seep in before my all-important beauty sleep picks up the rest of the work.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: yuzu, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, ceramides, cholesterol, peptides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Silky Makeup Melter: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
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Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Nordstrom
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: It feels like every time we get comfortable with a cleanser, K-beauty finds a way to raise the bar. Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) is already a staple in Korean skin care, but Skin1004 goes a step further by sourcing theirs from Madagascar, where it grows in a relatively untouched environment—known for its soothing, skin-repairing benefits, especially when your barrier is feeling a little off. In the Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, it’s the very first ingredient, and the formula stays refreshingly simple from there. A blend of lightweight oils—sunflower, olive, and jojoba—melts down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without leaving behind a heavy film.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"I don't want to be dramatic, but this has capital-T transformed by cleansing routine. I got it in a set paired with the brand's Cleansing Ampoule Foam, but this is a non-negotiable first step for melting all of my makeup off before I go in with the lather. It has a generous slip, little to no scent, and a lightweight texture that's easy to emulsify and rinse. My only complaint is that I will need a jumbo size made." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, bergamot, sunflower seed, olive fruit, and jojoba seed oils
- Fragrance-free: yes
Powered by 500 Hours of Fermentation: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
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Sulwhasoo
First Care Activating Serum
Nordstrom
Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it's worth it: We can spot a filler ingredient from a mile away—but ginseng, especially when Sulwhasoo gets involved, is doing the heavy lifting. The brand ages its ginseng for 500 hours before it ever makes it into the First Care Activating Serum, and then pairs it with a blend of peony root, lotus seed, white lily, Solomon’s seal, and rehmannia to make skin look brighter, stronger, and more energized. It’s not just about glow, either: The formula works beneath the surface, “helping repair the barrier, boost collagen, and fight signs of aging,” says Dr. Chang. And because this is K-beauty, the experience is part of the appeal. “Sulwhasoo’s products always feel luxurious. The herbal extracts give it an elegant, grounding scent that feels so soothing,” adds Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor based in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“When my skin's in serious need of extra TLC—as in, spend-an-entire-night-doing-a-12-step-routine serious—this serum is the first thing I grab after my face is double-cleansed. It's the ultimate K-beauty serum in my eyes because its barely-there texture allows me to layer it with as many other serums, sheet masks, and creams as I like without pilling, which is exactly what it's designed to do. Packed with antioxidant ginseng, it works with your other skin-care steps to boost hydration, elasticity, brightness, and overall skin barrier strength. It's a non-negotiable step before I put on any sheet mask, but it works just as effectively on its own.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ginseng, herbal extracts, vitamin C
- Fragrance-free: no
Cuddly, Cloud-Like Cleanser: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
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Sulwhasoo
Gentle Cleansing Foam
Nordstrom
Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler using the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
Ingrid Fowler
Why it's worth it: If you’re someone who dreads that tight, squeaky-clean feeling after washing your face, Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Foam is a nice departure. It starts rich and cushiony, then builds into a soft lather that lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling stripped. True to Sulwhasoo form, it’s infused with ingredients like ginseng and orange peel extract to keep things balanced and comfortable. It also sneaks in a few under-the-radar extras—like chestnut shell extract for mild exfoliation, brightening coix seed, and hydrating yam root—which explains why your skin feels soft after rinsing. Still side-eyeing the price? There’s a mini 50-milliliter size that makes it easy to try (and toss in your travel bag) before you inevitably love it.
Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler
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“As the name says, it's super gentle. I find it effectively cleanses without stripping my skin, leaving it soft after use and after following up with a moisturizer. It smells fresh but not too strong, and the bottle looks chic in my bathroom. I prefer a pump bottle like this for easy use on a sink or in the shower. The price is a tad high for a simple liquid-to-foam cleanser, but I love using it so much that it's worth it. I think this would be an effective product for many skin types, thanks to its gentle formula. It's one of my favorite cleansers!” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: herbal extract blend (raspberry, mulberry leaf, mountain yam, cocoa):
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trust buying Korean skin-care products online?
Yes, especially if you’re shopping for Korean beauty products through a trusted retailer like Nordstrom—but it’s still worth paying attention to who you’re buying from. While Nordstrom curates its assortment, some beauty brands like Haruharu Wonder may be fulfilled by third-party sellers. A quick check to make sure the product is sold directly by Nordstrom (rather than a marketplace partner) can give you a little extra reassurance.
It also doesn’t hurt that shopping for K-beauty products at Nordstrom makes the whole process feel low-risk: If something doesn’t work out, returns are easy to handle either online or in-store (no repackaging stress), which isn’t always the case with other e-tailers.
How does Nordstrom curate their K-beauty products?
Nordstrom’s approach to curating K-beauty is, as West puts it, “rooted in thoughtfulness.” Rather than chasing trends, the team looks for brands that “balance innovation with integrity,” prioritizing clinically backed ingredients and formats that make routines feel “lighter and more intuitive”—like toner pads and ampoule-infused treatments that simplify steps while still delivering results. “Transparency matters, too,” she adds, noting a focus on formulas centered on hydration, sensitivity, and barrier health. “Those everyday concerns that resonate across every skin story.” Just as key is how those products are introduced: Nordstrom relies on curation and clear storytelling to “simplify that journey,” spotlighting approachable entry points that make discovery feel effortless rather than overwhelming.
Meet the experts
- Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor and Medical Director of PureenMD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best K-beauty at Nordstrom, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists, estheticians, and brand founders. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
