Love high-end skincare but hate the price tag? Try these top Korean skincare dupes for similar results at a fraction of the cost!
As someone who loves to take care of my skin and experiment with makeup, finding affordable yet effective products is always a top priority.
In a previous post, I shared my top Korean makeup dupes that deliver great results without breaking the bank.
Now, I’m excited to share my top five Korean skincare dupes that can give you that youthful, healthy-looking complexion we all desire, without burning a hole in your wallet.
K-beauty brands offer a wide range of products that deliver similar results to their high-end counterparts, so you can get the flawless skin you crave without overspending.
If you’re in the market for budget-friendly skincare dupes, K-beauty has got you covered.
Here are my top five Korean skincare dupes that are sure to give you the healthy, glowing skin you deserve at a much more affordable price point.
My Top Picks for Korean Skincare Dupes
Here’s a brief list of the best K-beauty dupes that will help you achieve healthy, glowing skin without spending a fortune.
- One Thing Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract ($18 for 150ml)
- Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule ($33 for 50ml)
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream ($16 for 100ml)
- Face Republic Purity Sun Essence ($13 for 50ml)
- Skinfood Tomato Jelly Tint Lip ($5 for 4.5g)
You’ll find all of these great K-beauty dupes and more on YesStyle. As a longtime user of YesStyle, I can attest that they offer amazing Korean skincare products.
Plus, if you’re shopping soon, don’t forget to use the code YESSTYLE at checkout for a 10% discount on your first purchase!
5 Best K-Beauty Skincare Dupes
So, here, you will find my favorite K-beauty skincare dupes for your high-end products. Try one or all of them to save serious money!
1. Kiehl’s Calendula Toner vs. One Thing Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
I was thrilled to discover One Thing Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract ($18) as an affordable dupe for Kielh’s Calendula Toner ($47).
Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also works just as well as the high-end option. Like Kiehl’s, One Thing contains calendula extract, which is known for its soothing and balancing properties.
One of the aspects I appreciate about using a calendula toner, such as One Thing, is how gentle it is on my sensitive skin.
It can be used daily and the lightweight formula is easily absorbed, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so it doesn’t dry out my skin like some toners can.
It’s worth noting that the calendula fragrance may not be to everyone’s liking, so it’s important to test it before buying. Personally, I enjoy the herbal scent and have had no issues with it.
Except for that concern, One Thing Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract ($18) is an excellent dupe for Kiehl’s Calendula Toner at half the price.
2. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair vs. Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule
As a long-time lover of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair ($80), and loving its anti-aging benefits, I was excited to discover Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule ($33) as a more affordable dupe.
And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Missha’s formula quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and looking more radiant. With consistent use, I’ve noticed smoother and firmer skin.
What sets Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule apart from Estee Lauder’s option is its budget-friendly price tag.
Despite being more affordable, it provides similar anti-aging benefits and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. It works well with other products in my skincare routine and has become a staple for me.
If you’re looking for a more affordable dupe for Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule ($33) is an excellent option to consider.
3. Clinique Moisture Surge vs. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream
The Clinique Moisture Surge ($44) is a popular gel-cream moisturizer that delivers excellent hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.
However, the high price tag was a bit of a turn-off for me. That’s when I tried the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream ($16), a Korean beauty dupe for the Clinique Moisture Surge that’s become quite popular in recent years.
I was initially skeptical about whether a more affordable alternative could really live up to the hype, but after just one use, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it.
The lightweight formula felt refreshing and soothing on my skin, and the hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract, and green tea extract left my skin feeling plump, hydrated, and healthy-looking.
For my dry skin, the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream is ideal to use in warmer weather. It’s also a great option for wearing under makeup regardless of season since it doesn’t leave any heavy residue.
I’m so glad I gave the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream ($16) a chance. Not only does it provide similar results to the more expensive Clinique Moisture Surge, but it also saves me a lot of money in the long run.
4. La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen vs. Face Republic Purity Sun Essence
I’ve used La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen ($30) in the past and loved how lightweight and non-greasy it was, but its price tag left me wanting a more affordable option.
That’s when I discovered the Face Republic Purity Sun Essence ($13), a Korean skincare dupe that has become a staple in my routine.
The Face Republic Purity Sun Essence has a similar lightweight formula to La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen, but it’s much more affordable.
I love that it contains SPF 50+ PA++++, which provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
The natural ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile extract in the formula soothe and moisturize my skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished.
But what I love the most about this product is that it doesn’t leave any white cast, and the lotion-like texture is super easy-to-use. It also fits perfectly into my skincare routine.
If you’re looking for a new sunscreen to try, I highly highly recommend the Face Republic Purity Sun Essence ($13)!
5. Dior Addict Lip Glow vs. Skinfood Tomato Jelly Tint Lip
While I really enjoy using the Dior Addict Lip Glow ($40), I find the cost to be quite high and would like to explore more budget-friendly options.
That’s when I found the Skinfood Tomato Jelly Tint Lip ($5), a Korean skincare dupe that has become one of my go-to products.
I love how Skinfood Tomato Jelly Tint Lip provides a sheer wash of color while keeping my lips hydrated and moisturized.
The tomato extract in the formula helps to nourish and protect my lips from dryness, which is especially important during the colder months.
The texture is smooth and comfortable to wear, and the tint is buildable, so I can create a natural look or a more dramatic effect depending on my mood.
Skinfood Tomato Jelly Tint Lip ($5) is a fantastic dupe for Dior Addict Lip Glow that delivers similar benefits at a much lower price point.
It’s become a staple in my daily routine, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new tinted lip balm to try!
Korean Skincare Dupes:FAQ
1. What Are Korean Skincare Dupes?
“Dupes” are basically just cheaper alternatives to expensive beauty products that are formulated to have similar benefits.
They’re a great option if you want to get the benefits of a high-end product without spending a lot of money.
Korean skincare dupes specifically are affordable products that are made to have the same ingredients and effects as their luxury counterparts.
They’re a popular choice for people who want to try out the Korean skincare routine without spending a fortune on expensive products.
2. Why Are K-Beauty Affordable?
Korean skincare products are generally less expensive than Western brands. Mostly because there is a lot of competition in the Korean market, which drives prices down.
Many Korean skincare brands produce their products in large quantities, which helps them save money and offer lower prices, too.
When you buy Korean skincare, you’re getting a great deal because they sell directly to you without middlemen, keeping costs down.
Wrap Up
So there you have it, all of my favorite Korean beauty dupes for high-end products.
Not only do these dupes offer similar benefits, but they also often contain natural ingredients that provide additional skincare benefits.
If you’re looking to try out new skincare products but don’t want to spend a fortune, I highly recommend exploring the world of K-beauty dupes.
You might be surprised at just how effective and affordable these products can be.
So go ahead and give them a try—your skin will thank you!
Further reading on KbeautyAddiction.com: Want to learn more about Korean skincare trends?
Here’s a list of my favorite Korean skincare products that can help you achieve the skin of your dream:
- 5 Best Korean Sheet Masks to Hydrate and Refresh Your Skin
- 4 Best Korean Low pH Cleansers for a Brighter, More Even Complexion
- 5 Best Korean Lip Balms to Say Goodbye to Chapped Lips
I received One Thing, ISNTREE, Face Republic, and Skinfood products from YesStyle as a gift, but, as always, all opinions are my own.
Last Updated on 06/16/2023 by Elle Kim
