Best Cruelty Free Korean Skincare Brands in 2023

Are you interested in using Korean skincare products but want to make sure they are cruelty-free? With so many brands available, it can be challenging to identify which ones are ethical. Fortunately, there are several ways to determine if a Korean skincare brand is cruelty-free. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the products you use are not tested on animals, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Korean skincare while also supporting ethical practices. In this blog post, we will explore how to identify if a Korean skincare brand is cruelty-free and provide a list of brands to try.

Guide to Identifying Vegan Korean Skincare Products

When looking for cruelty-free Korean skincare products, there are several guidelines to follow. Here are some tips to help you identify if a Korean skincare brand is cruelty-free:

1. Look for a certified vegan logo: One of the easiest ways to know if a product is genuinely vegan is to look for a certified vegan logo, which is typically displayed on the packaging.

2. Check for independent audits: Some Korean skincare brands provide documents proving that they do not use animal testing and are subject to independent audits yearly if they want to get their cruelty-free certification.

3. Research the brand's animal testing policy: Check the brand's website or contact their customer service to ask about their animal testing policy. Brands that sell in brick-and-mortar stores in China must test on animals by Chinese law, so avoid those brands.

4. Look for cruelty-free certifications: Some K-beauty brands do have Leaping Bunny certification, which offers a standard for a product to be free of animal testing.

By following these guidelines, you can identify if a Korean skincare brand is cruelty-free and make an informed decision when purchasing products. Additionally, you can refer to the list of Korean cruelty-free skincare brands provided by Ethical Elephant and the Ultimate Guide to Cruelty-Free K-Beauty Brands by Cruelty-Free Kitty to find brands to try.

Our Cruelty-Free K-Beauty Brand List

1. Nacific: Nacific is a Korean skincare brand that uses natural ingredients to achieve healthier and radiant skin. The brand was launched in 2015 and has quickly gained popularity due to its affordable, innovative, and caring approach to skincare. Nacific is cruelty-free and vegan, offering a range of skincare products suitable for every skin type. If you're looking for a natural and ethical Korean skincare brand, Nacific is an excellent choice.

2. COSRX: COSRX is a South Korean skincare brand that prioritizes simple yet effective skincare solutions for a wide range of skin concerns. The brand was founded in 2013 and has quickly gained a strong reputation in the global beauty industry. COSRX believes that cosmetics should provide more than just outward beauty and aims to help customers gain self-confidence by finding solutions according to their personal skin conditions. The brand uses high-quality and high-concentration ingredients to make skincare more manageable and offers a range of products suitable for all skin types. If you're looking for a minimalist and effective approach to skincare, COSRX is an excellent choice to add to your routine.

3. Beauty of Joseon: Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand that combines traditional Korean Hanbang ingredients with modern skincare technology to create effective and gentle products. The brand's philosophy is to create skincare products that deliver a sense of comfort and relaxation to the skin. Beauty of Joseon is cruelty-free and offers a range of products suitable for all skin types, including those with acne-prone, dry, and dull skin. The brand's name comes from the Joseon dynasty, when Korean beauty prized a neat, clean appearance with calm, moisturized skin and healthy red lips.

   

4. Dear, Klairs: Dear, Klairs is a Korean skincare brand that focuses on simplicity and essential products. The brand was established in 2010 and is cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and eco-friendly. Dear, Klairs offers a range of clean and functional skincare products suitable for all skin types. The brand's products are formulated with the best ingredients to best fit the skin's needs, without using non-vegan ingredients. Dear, Klairs products are PETA certified, and a selection of their products are Vegan Society certified, with the aim to expand the certification to all of their products.

5. Purito: Purito is a Korean skincare brand that focuses on using natural and eco-friendly ingredients to create gentle yet effective products. The brand's name is a combination of the English word "purify" and the Korean word for "soil," reflecting its commitment to using natural ingredients. Purito is 100% cruelty-free, vegan, and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The brand offers a range of skincare products, including cleansers, serums, toners, and creams, that are affordable and effective. Purito's Centella Unscented Toner, Serum, Recovery Cream, and Eye Cream are some of the brand's bestsellers, and they also offer unscented versions of their other products.

6. I'm From: I'm From is a Korean skincare brand that offers a range of clean and effective skincare products. The brand is committed to using natural and eco-friendly ingredients, and it emphasizes ingredient transparency, honest materials, and no harmful additives. I'm From is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for all skin types.

7. Benton: Benton is a Korean skincare brand that was established in 2011 by brothers JangWon and ChaeWon Lee. The brand's name is a combination of the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and the Benjamin Button tree, which grows younger as it ages. Benton is known for using natural and gentle ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The brand is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, and it offers a range of skincare products, including toners, essences, serums, creams, and masks. Benton's Snail Bee High Content Essence, Aloe BHA Skin Toner, and Fermentation Eye Cream are some of the brand's bestsellers.

8. Axis-Y: Axis-Y is a Korean skincare brand that offers clean and effective skincare products. The brand was established in 2019 and is dedicated to creating gentle yet efficacious skin solutions that protect against the impact of climate change. Axis-Y curates its product line specifically for oily and acne-prone skin types, taking into account changes in the climate and the seasons. The cruelty-free brand takes a minimalist approach to skincare with a 6+1+1 formulation, enriching its products with six kinds of botanical extracts, one main ingredient targeting a particular skin problem, and one patented ingredient. All of Axis-Y’s products are 100% made in Korea and are free from parabens, mineral oils, artificial colors, and fragrances.

9. iUnik: iUnik is a Korean skincare brand that offers clean and minimalistic skincare products suitable for all skin types. The brand's name stands for Ideal, Unique, Natural, Ingredients, and Know-how, reflecting its commitment to using natural ingredients and innovative skincare technology. iUnik's products are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and use only EWG green level ingredients, making them gentle and safe for all skin types. The brand's focus on minimalism is reflected in its simple packaging and affordable prices. iUnik offers a range of skincare products, including toners, serums, creams, and masks, with its Centella, Beta-Glucan, Tea Tree, Black Snail, and Propolis collections being the most popular. 

10. Banila Co:  Banila Co is a South Korean cosmetics brand that was established in 2005 by F&F. The brand offers a range of cosmetic products, including skincare, lip makeup, and eye makeup. Banila Co is known for its popular Clean It Zero oil cleansers and base makeup. The brand's products combine the rich tradition of K-beauty with modern skincare technology to develop the most gentle and effective skincare and makeup products for all skin types. Banila Co's Clean It Zero sells every 3.1 seconds globally

11. Krave Beauty: Krave Beauty is a Korean skincare brand that offers uncomplicated and basic products for intentional skincare. The brand was founded by Liah Yoo, a well-known Asian skincare/beauty influencer, with the concept of "press reset" to simplify skincare routines. Krave Beauty's products are vegan and cruelty-free, and they focus on using clean and functional ingredients that are gentle on the skin. The brand's capsule collection of skincare includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF, which are all you need for a simplified routine.

12. By Wishtrend: By Wishtrend is a Korean skincare brand that offers a range of products targeting various skin concerns for healthy and glowing skin. The brand is part of the leading K-Beauty company Wishtrend, and its products are vegan and cruelty-free. By Wishtrend's products focus on using clean and functional ingredients that are gentle on the skin. The brand's popular products include the Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water, Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum, and Propolis 15% Ampoule. 
    

13. Tony Moly: Tony Moly is a South Korean beauty and health-care company that offers innovative, skin-loving ingredients housed in adorable, playful packaging. The brand's mission is to create beauty and share happiness with its customers.

14. Isntree: Isntree is a Korean skincare brand that was founded in 2009. The brand utilizes pure and naturally derived ingredients to develop safe yet highly effective skincare and body care products. Isntree's products are vegan and cruelty-free, making them suitable for all skin types. The brand offers a range of skincare products, including toners, serums, creams, and masks, with its Hyaluronic Acid Toner, Green Tea Fresh Toner, and Real Mugwort Clay Mask being some of the brand's bestsellers. 
    

15. Rovectin: Rovectin is a Korean skincare brand that offers a range of clean and effective skincare products. The brand's name comes from the Latin word "reverti," meaning "to go back to where it was," which has become the basis of their restorative skincare philosophy. Rovectin's products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals, making them suitable for all skin types. The brand offers a range of skincare products, including toners, serums, creams, and masks, with its Activating Treatment Lotion, Conditioning Cleanser, and Lotus Water Cream being some of the brand's bestsellers.

16. Dr. Ceuracle: Dr. Ceuracle is a Korean skincare brand that offers a range of clean and effective skincare products. The brand was established in 2000 as LJH Cosmetics and rebranded as Dr. Ceuracle. The brand's name combines the words "cosmeceutical" and "miracle" to reflect its commitment to using natural ingredients and clinical data to create effective skincare products. Dr. Ceuracle's products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals, making them suitable for all skin types. The brand offers a range of skincare products, including toners, serums, creams, and masks, with its Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule, Hyal Reyouth Hydrogel Neck Mask, and Pro-Balance Biotics Moisturizer being some of the brand's bestsellers.
    

17. Millford: Millford is a Korean skincare brand that launched in 2021, inspired by a visit to the Milford Sound Fjord in New Zealand. The brand offers skincare products suitable for all ages and skin types, using nutritious ingredients. Millford has four product lines: Be Your Own Master for blemish-prone skin, Everlasting Allure for anti-aging, Love Your Skin for deep hydration, and One-For-All for all skin types. 

18. Skin 1004: Skin 1004 is a Korean skincare brand that offers a range of clean and effective skincare products. Skin 1004's products are 100% made in Korea and target problems like acne, skin hypersensitivity, enlarged pores, and redness using the best sources for ingredients. The brand's signature product is the Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum, which contains 100% Centella Asiatica extract from the untouched nature of Madagascar.
    

19.  Sollalla: Sollalla is a Korean skincare brand that is devoted to nurturing natural beauty and making nourishing skincare a delightful daily routine. The brand emphasizes the use of natural ingredients such as Vitamin C and rice extract to promote healthy and happy skin. Sollalla offers a range of products, including toners, serums, and skincare sets, that are crafted to support healthy skin and promote self-love and confidence. The brand's products are vegan-friendly and free of parabens, GMOs, gluten, silicone, and other harmful chemicals. 

20. Needly: Needly is a Korean skincare brand that believes in providing the skin with the necessary cosmetics and nutrients without over-nourishing or undernourishing it. The brand selectively includes ingredients that are required by the skin and aids in getting those materials to where they are needed. Needly offers a range of effective skincare products that are vegan and free of harmful chemicals.
    

21. Hyggee: Hyggee is a Korean skincare brand that offers essential and simple skincare products that focus on using less but enjoying more. The brand's name is derived from "skin requirements" or "necessary cosmetics," and it emphasizes the use of high-quality and powerful ingredients to simplify the skincare routine without compromising effectiveness. Hyggee offers a range of skincare products, including toners, serums, creams, and cleansing foams, that are vegan and free of harmful chemicals. 

22. Pyunkang Yul: Pyunkang Yul is a Korean skincare brand that offers a range of products that are formulated with essential and minimal ingredients to help the sensitized skin rest and restore its optimal balance. The brand's products are designed to help the sensitized skin rest and restore its optimal balance. Pyunkang Yul's products are free of harmful chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, making them suitable for all skin types. The brand's Essence Toner, Moisture Cream, and Calming Mask Pack are some of the brand's bestsellers.
    

     

23.  Acwell: Acwell is a Korean skincare brand that combines traditional medicinal herbs with modern technology to improve the health of your skin. The brand offers a range of products that are formulated with sensitive skin in mind and work to improve it while preventing any future issues. Acwell's products are vegan, clean, and free of harmful chemicals, making them suitable for all skin types. The brand's Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner, Moisture Fluid, and Bubble-Free pH Balancing Cleanser are some of the brand's bestsellers. 
    

24. Haruharu: Haruharu is a Korean skincare brand that offers natural and vegan skincare products for everyday use. Haruharu Wonder is a lifestyle skincare brand that offers natural and vegan skincare products for everyday use. The brand's name means "everyday" in Korean, and it pursues honest beauty using the healthiest, superfood ingredients. Haruharu Wonder's products are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making them suitable for all skin types. The brand's products are tested by dermatologists to be irritation-free.
    

25. Heimish: Heimish is a Korean cosmetics and skincare brand that offers natural and effective products. The brand's name means "modern and chic" in Korean, and it focuses on individual uniqueness and beauty. Heimish's products are free of harmful chemicals, making them suitable for all skin types.