Dr. Sam Ellis’s Best Korean Skincare Picks for 2026
Dr. Sam Ellis names eight Korean beauty standouts. See her real reasons, skin-type matches, fragrance warning and sponsored-content disclosure.
Dr. Sam Ellis: timestamped source
Video: HANDS DOWN! Best Korean Beauty Products of the Year: 2025
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser (1:41–3:38)
Creator Take
Dr. Ellis calls this a 10/10 cleanser. She likes the creamy-to-foamy texture,
says it can remove most of her makeup even without a pre-cleanse and often recommends it to acne-prone and teenage patients
because it cleans thoroughly without leaving skin depleted.
Medicube AGE-R Glutathione Glow Toner (3:38–5:49)
Creator Take
The toner is a personal favorite for its thin, easy-layering texture and the smoother, bouncier look Dr. Ellis sees immediately. She associates consistent use with brighter-looking skin.
It contains fragrance, which she explicitly flags for sensitive users.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule (5:49–7:28)
Creator Take
Dr. Ellis nearly skipped it because the name was vague, then strongly recommends it as a non-sticky peptide serum in a generous bottle.
She uses it on face and body. The peptide/anti-aging interpretation is hers; the video does not establish clinical outcome data for this finished formula.
celimax Pore + Dark Spot Brightening Cream (7:28–9:59)
Creator Take
One of her surprise favorites, this thick cream combines niacinamide and tranexamic acid in what she finds a gentle formula.
She says it can sit under a moisturizer or function as one. “Melazero” and pigment-pathway statements should remain attributed to the creator/brand rather than written as proven disappearance of dark spots.
haruharu wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum (9:59–12:05)
Creator Take
Dr. Ellis recommends this repeatedly to retinoid beginners and reactive patients. She likes the serum texture and encapsulated-retinol delivery, and advises starting only a few nights per week with moisturizer before increasing use.
SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream (12:05–14:47)
Creator Take
This mid-weight, hydrating eye cream is recommended for people who cannot tolerate retinol near the eyes or dislike richer creams that can feel milia-prone. Dr.
Ellis says it wears under makeup and notes that bakuchiol support she references involves twice-daily use. It should not be sold as identical to retinol.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream (14:47–16:18)
Creator Take
After many repurchases, Dr. Ellis’s best-fit description is specific: moisturizing but not oily, hydrating but not heavy, and reliable under makeup for combination-to-dry or mature skin.
She expects little white cast on most skin tones but does not show a multi-tone cast test.
haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen (16:19–17:47)
Creator Take
Also repeatedly emptied, this is creamier and less wet-feeling than Round Lab while finishing more matte. Dr. Ellis recommends it for shoppers who want sunscreen to disappear visually, including oily skin.
Related Guides
Best Korean sunscreens creators recommendBest Olive Young skincareOlive Young sunscreen guide
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