Want to know your centella asiatica from your sacred lotus? Or how to get really glassy-looking skin? It’s time to brush up on your K-beauty knowledge. After all, the range of skincare products available on the market is constantly evolving (there’s much more to Korean cosmetics than just 10-step routines) and according to Allied Market Research, the industry will be worth an estimated £15bn by 2026. If you’re wondering where to start, follow these K-beauty Instagram accounts for science-backed tips, expert tricks and industry-insider trends.

Claudia Christin aka @FunSkincare

 

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Born and raised in Indonesia, Claudia Christin is a medically trained dermatologist and brand consultant. Christin’s interest in K-beauty started when she had a series of bad breakouts at school. “It was the only accessible skincare product for students back then,” she says. However, it wasn’t until she moved to South Korea in 2017 that she felt the need to share her encyclopaedic knowledge with the world, which she continues to do today via Instagram. Head there now for science-backed tips on skincare layering and how to treat hyperpigmentation and acne.

Michelle Wong aka @LabMuffinBeautyScience

 

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Self-confessed skincare nerd Michelle Wong broadcasts her skin tips from Sydney, Australia. With a PhD in chemistry, Wong’s main focus is demystifying the science behind complex ingredients and product formulas in easy-to-understand ways. “I’ve been using Korean beauty products since my mum took me to a Laneige store in Hong Kong when I was in high school,” she says. “My aunt owned a beauty clinic and recommended their products. K-beauty has a lot of interesting innovations and it’s fascinating to dig into how exactly they work.” Currently writing her second book about active ingredients in skincare — you can find her first, The Lab Muffin Guide to Basic Skincare, on her website — follow her now if you want to understand the ins and outs of K-beauty.

Renée Chow aka @Gothamista

 

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As Renée Chow declares at the top of her page, she tries every product so you don’t have to. After a decade of working in product development for various skin and body care brands and as a beauty buyer, her insight into ingredient technology, formulation, pricing and packaging is invaluable. The New Yorker got into K-beauty eight years ago after a trip to Seoul and has been sharing her knowledge via her YouTube and Instagram accounts ever since.

“K-beauty is very innovative and brands continue to create interesting new formulas with luxurious ingredients, integrity and cute packaging, making it very accessible,” she says. “They also bring what I like to call ‘skintertainment’ into our routines and make them feel less of a chore. Whether it’s unique textures, zombie face masks or rubber ones, I often find myself excited to take care of my skin.” Funny, honest and authentic, she knows how to create good content.

Jude Chao aka @FiddySnails