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9 K-Beauty Products with a Cult Following That Actually Work

K-beauty (aka Korean beauty) products have taken American skin care regimens by storm in recent years. Some products with unusual ingredients—ahem, snail mucin—have developed dedicated cult followings. Why? Because they’re effective, they’re powerful and they tackle everything on your healthy skin wish list. Here are nine such products, all found at your neighborhood Walmart.

1. Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

Easiest to Use

A consistent best seller, this K-beauty import features white willow bark and betaine salicylate to quickly clear up inflamed spots—especially ones that have started to form a head. The small patches come in three sizes and are made of an absorbent hydrocolloid material (kind of like a blister bandage) that sucks out the gunk, speeds up healing and protects your blemishes as they subside. (Not to mention, they keep prying fingers off.) One PureWow editor calls them her “go-to acne treatment.”

2. Dr. Jart Facial Mask Sheets

Sheet masks are the cornerstone of K-beauty, and Dr. Jart’s formulas are the best of the best. Any one of these masks will give your skin an infusion of something good, whether you’re looking to treat dry skin, dullness or wrinkles. The brand focuses heavily on science and innovation to bring the best products to skin care enthusiasts everywhere.

skinfood black sugar mask
Walmart

3. Skinfood Black Sugar Mask

Full of organic black sugar, this mask smells just as delicious as it sounds. Sugar grains make for an all-star exfoliator as they dissolve slowly upon application, removing those dead skin cells and blackheads. This hydrating formula—which can be mixed with water for a less abrasive feel—will reveal soft, radiant skin after a single use. Don’t be afraid to use it on your neck and chest too.

Buy Now ($15)

carbonated clay face mask
Walmart

4. Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

OK, get ready to have some fun with this mask. When applied to the skin, the white clay, green tea and charcoal bubble to clean deep and refine pores. Just try not to laugh while you wear it.

Buy Now ($9)

mizon snail repair cream
Walmart

5. Mizon All-in-one Snail Repair Cream

Snail mucin is huge in K-beauty. Fun fact: It’s full of hyaluronic acid and it has antimicrobial properties, which means it hydrates and kills bacteria all at once. Great for repairing damaged or dry skin and tackling acne.

Buy Now ($19)

son and park beauty water
Walmart

6. Son & Park Beauty Water

If the fountain of youth exists, this water might spring from it. It not only balances the pH of your skin but also exfoliates with papaya and willow bark extract and hydrates with rose and lavender water. Use it alone to cleanse, tone and moisturize, or insert it into your routine right after cleansing.

Buy Now ($22)

nature republic soothing moisture aloe vera cleanser
Walmart

7. Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser

Aloe vera is the ultimate soother and moisturizer when it comes to skin repair. This gentle cleanser works on all skin types, but it’s especially important to use it after sun exposure or if you’ve got very dry skin.

Buy Now ($6)

innisfree green tea seed serum
Walmart

8. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

We all know green tea is one of the healthiest drinks to sip because it has antioxidants that combat free radicals in our bodies, so why not apply that to skin care? The best part is the green tea in this serum contains 16 unique amino acids that hydrate skin, all squished into one lightweight formula.

Buy Now ($26)

klairs freshly juiced vitamin drop
Walmart

9. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

In the market for a vitamin C serum that won’t make your skin go haywire? Try this stuff. With only 5% L-ascorbic acid, it’s designed not to irritate even the most sensitive skin.

Buy Now ($20)


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Freelance Writer

Sarah Ashley is a Chicago-based freelance journalist. She has covered pets for PureWow for six years and tackles everything from dog training tips to the best litter boxes. Her...