Team USA vs. Team Korea: The Ultimate K-Beauty Showdown!

Happy 2025 everyone! It feels a little surreal to be saying that, doesn't it? I don't know about you, but I was expecting flying cars by now! Regardless, I hope you're all having a fantastic start to the year.

To kick off 2025, I thought it would be fascinating to compare the most popular K-beauty skincare products in the US and Korea. There's a surprisingly significant difference in what's trending in each country. For instance, it's shocking how many people still believe the Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) sunscreen reigns supreme in Korea. While it's gaining traction now that BOJ is focusing more on the Korean market, it was relatively unknown until recently. This isn't a knock against the product itself, but rather a testament to how K-beauty brands strategically target their audiences and investments. I've worked with many brands prioritizing the US market over Korea, so it's a common practice.

For this comparison, I've consulted rankings from various platforms, including Olive Young Global, Powder Room, YesStyle, and Glow Pick, to get a comprehensive overview. So, let's dive into this transpacific skincare showdown!

Before we jump into the product comparisons, let's examine the underlying skincare philosophies in each country. These differing approaches explain why certain products resonate more with each audience.

In Korea, skincare is a deeply ingrained lifestyle. It's about prevention: meticulous sun protection, a supplement-rich diet, and a conservative approach to ingredients and formulations. Gentle is the name of the game, with a heavy emphasis on SPF and minimizing potential irritation.

The US, in contrast, leans towards a solution-based approach. The focus is on quick, visible results using potent actives like retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliants. While Korea is starting to embrace some of these ingredients, the core difference remains. Neither philosophy is inherently superior; they simply represent different priorities.

Let's start with the most controversial category: sunscreens! In this corner, we have the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++, a US favorite that topped the YesStyle charts. And in the other corner, the reigning champion in Korea, the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, a consistent number one for years.

The BOJ sunscreen highlights rice extract for brightening and probiotics for smoothing and barrier support. Round Lab, on the other hand, features birch juice, packed with hydrating amino acids and minerals.

Here's the twist: despite their differing popularity, these sunscreens are remarkably similar in formulation. Both are manufactured by Cosmax in Korea, and I wouldn't be surprised if many couldn't tell them apart in a blind test. They share a creamy, hydrating texture that spreads effortlessly, leaving a healthy glow without any white cast.

Given their similarities, the deciding factors come down to accessibility and price. Round Lab now offers a US version and is available on Olive Young Global, while BOJ is readily available in the US. Price-wise, BOJ retails for 18,000 won in Korea, while Round Lab is 25,000 won. For sheer affordability, BOJ takes the round.

Personally, I gravitate towards Round Lab due to my familiarity with the brand and its commitment to social responsibility. However, if you're looking for the best value, either option will provide excellent sun protection.

Next up: cleansing oils! We have the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, a global favorite ranking second on YesStyle, versus the Ma:nue Pure Cleansing Oil, a four-time consecutive winner of the Olive Young Awards in Korea.

SKIN1004 markets itself as a potent all-in-one cleanser, effectively removing makeup and sunscreen. Ma:nue emphasizes gentleness and its ability to address sebaceous filaments.

Unlike the sunscreens, these cleansing oils offer distinct experiences. SKIN1004 is a lightweight, effective cleanser that often eliminates the need for a second cleanse. It's my former go-to and remains a favorite for its effortless makeup removal.

Ma:nue, with its thicker, more viscous texture, initially wasn't my cup of tea. I found thicker oils suffocating and difficult to rinse. However, my experience with the similarly textured FANCL cleansing oil changed my perspective. The thicker consistency acts as a buffer, minimizing friction and potential irritation. While gentle, Ma:nue often requires a second cleanse.

The choice between these two depends on your preferences. For a quick, efficient all-in-one solution, SKIN1004 is the winner. For a gentler, more protective cleanse, Ma:nue is a great option.

Price-wise, Ma:nue is 39,000 won for 300ml, while SKIN1004 is 21,000 won for 200ml. While SKIN1004 is slightly cheaper per ml, the overall cost difference isn't significant. Consider your needs and accessibility when making your decision. This round is a tie, with each oil catering to different preferences.

(This blog post continues with Round 3: Creams, Round 4: Cushions, and a Conclusion. Please let me know if you'd like the rest!)