Last Updated on February 16, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Can we talk about cruelty-free Korean skincare? I was out skincare shopping with a friend the other day and she was looking at those harsh scrubs because they’re made with natural ingredients (as if that’s a guarantee they’re good…). So I suggested a gentler option, like a Korean exfoliant. And that’s where the cruelty-free issue came up. My friend is a vegan animal activitist and very careful that her money doesn’t go towards hurting innocent creatures. This incident inspired me to write this article about Korean cruelty-free products and brands. If you care about animal welfare and want to avoid animal-derived ingredients in your Korean skincare products, read on:
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The Complete List Of Cruelty-Free K-Beauty Brands:
Aromatica: One of those clean Korean brands that actually walks the talk. They’re genuinely committed to sustainability, not just throwing “eco friendly” on the packaging for marketing points. They use certified organic ingredients, their packaging is biodegradable, and everything is vegan. You can tell they actually care about the environmental impact behind what they’re making. Their Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo has a serious cult following because it genuinely works. A lot of people say they notice less hair fall and healthier regrowth when they use it consistently.
AXIS Y: They built their whole brand around climate responsive skincare, which is honestly a really smart idea. Your skin behaves differently in humid summer weather compared to dry winter air, and they formulate products with that in mind. They focus a lot on sensitive skin, and their ingredient lists are pretty clean and straightforward. My fave product is the Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. Enriched with niacinamide, it hydrates skin while providing excellent sun protection.
Beauty of Joseon: Inspired by traditional Korean herbal medicine ingredients that have been used for centuries, they make everything feel modern and easy to use. It never feels gimmicky or like you’re putting some ancient potion on your face. The formulas are elegant, and the packaging has this beautiful traditional vibe without being too much. Their Dynasty Cream is a rich, nourishing moisturizer that’s great if your skin leans dry. But the product that really put them on the map is their Relief Sun SPF50+. It’s genuinely one of the best sunscreens out there. It’s creamy and moisturizing, doesn’t leave a white cast, and honestly just feels like a regular moisturizer on your skin instead of a heavy sunscreen.
Benton: Benton is basically the definition of no fuss skincare. They strip everything back to what actually works and leave out fragrance, essential oils, and other common irritants. It’s a go to brand if you have sensitive or acne prone skin and just want straightforward formulas with ingredient lists you can actually understand. They’ve got a reputation for being “boring” in the best possible way. No flashy packaging, no trendy hype ingredients, just solid products that do what they promise. Their Snail Bee High Content Essence is pretty legendary at this point. It’s packed with snail mucin and bee venom, which help heal acne, fade scarring, and deeply hydrate without feeling heavy or sticky.
By Wishtrend: By Wishtrend comes from the K beauty platform Wishtrend, so they’ve had years of direct customer feedback shaping their formulas. You can tell they really know what they’re doing. They’re super transparent about ingredients and take a more scientific approach, creating products that target specific concerns in a clear, thoughtful way. Everything is designed to be effective but still gentle, and they’re great at explaining why they use certain ingredients and percentages. Their Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is perfect if you’re new to exfoliating acids or have sensitive skin. Mandelic acid has a larger molecular size, so it sinks in more slowly and gently compared to glycolic or lactic acid. That means you still get smoother, brighter skin without the harsh irritation.
CLE Cosmetics: A Korean American brand that blends the skincare focus of K beauty with the polish of Western makeup. Their whole thing is multitasking products that simplify your routine without sacrificing performance. The vibe is clean, minimal, and very skin first. Their CCC Cream is the standout. It sits somewhere between a foundation and a tinted moisturizer. It evens out your skin tone, includes SPF, and has skincare ingredients like peptides that actually help improve your skin over time. It gives you that polished look without feeling heavy or cakey.
DAM DAM: This brand is fun and approachable, but still genuinely effective. The packaging is cute and playful, which makes the whole routine feel less serious and more enjoyable. Everything is vegan and plant based, with a focus on gentle but hardworking ingredients. Their Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule is beautifully simple. It’s basically pure centella extract that calms irritation, reduces redness, and helps repair your skin barrier. If you have sensitive, reactive, or acne prone skin, this is the kind of soothing staple you end up reaching for again and again.
Dear Dahlia: A luxury vegan skincare brand done right. They prove that clean makeup can still perform just as well as conventional formulas. Everything is infused with dahlia flower extract for antioxidant benefits (and marketing hype), and the overall aesthetic feels polished and sophisticated. Their Blooming Edition Paradise Dual Palette gives you coordinated eye and cheek shades that blend beautifully and actually last.
Dear, Klairs: Dear, Klairs is one of the original K beauty brands that built its name on gentle, honest skincare for sensitive skin. No fragrance, no irritating extras, just simple products that work. They’ve been around since before K beauty really went global, and they’ve kept a loyal following because their formulas are consistently reliable. The Supple Preparation Facial Toner is a true cult favorite. It hydrates, balances your skin’s pH, and is gentle enough even for very reactive skin, but you can still see the difference.
DIBS Beauty: DIBS Beauty was created by celebrity makeup artist Courtney Danielle, and you can really feel that pro makeup energy behind everything. It’s clean beauty, but not the kind where you sacrifice performance for the sake of a label. The whole idea is high impact color, serious staying power, and formulas that feel luxe, just without the questionable ingredients. It’s very much for people who love makeup and want it to show. What also stands out is the shade inclusivity. Deeper skin tones are clearly considered from the start, not added in as an afterthought. The Slick Salve Glossy Lip Balm is one of those products that makes you question why all lip products aren’t made this way. It’s genuinely hydrating like a balm, but the pigment and shine make it look intentional and styled.
EADEM: Founded by two Black women who were tired of the Korean beauty industry overlooking melanin rich skin. Instead of trying to make “universal” products that work best on lighter tones, they specifically formulate for deeper skin tones and the concerns that come with them, like hyperpigmentation and post inflammatory marks. Their approach is clinical but still gentle. The formulas are tested and results driven, but you don’t feel like you’re using something harsh. The Mark Advanced Dark Spot Serum is the standout. It’s become a holy grail for people dealing with stubborn discoloration because it visibly fades dark spots without triggering more irritation.
Glow Recipe: The brand from South Korea that made fruit skincare cool. They helped bring K beauty fully into the Western mainstream, and they did it in a way that felt playful and accessible. Founded by Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, who were beauty insiders before launching the brand, there’s real expertise behind the cute packaging. Yes, everything looks adorable and Instagram ready, but the formulas are genuinely solid. They’ve mastered that balance between fun and functional. The Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops went viral for a reason. They give that instant glass skin effect, but over time they also help refine pores and smooth texture.
Haruharu Wonder: This Korean clean beauty brand is all about ultra low pH formulas and fermented ingredients. Fermentation basically breaks ingredients down into smaller molecules so your skin can absorb them more easily, which means better results with less irritation. The name means day by day in Korean, which reflects their philosophy that gentle consistency beats aggressive treatments. Their Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner is thick and almost serum like in texture. It deeply hydrates while also delivering antioxidant and anti aging benefits from fermented black rice. It’s one of those products that makes your whole routine feel more effective because your skin is so well prepped and balanced.
I Dew Care: I Dew Care looks playful and cute on the outside, but the formulas are actually well thought out. It’s the kind of brand that makes skincare feel fun again, especially if you’re newer to it or get overwhelmed by complicated routines.The Matcha Mood Soothing Green Tea Wash Off Mask is perfect for when your skin is stressed or irritated. It calms redness and feels super comforting, like a reset button for angry skin.
I’m From: I’m From takes a farm to face approach, sourcing single-origin, high-quality ingredients directly from Korean farms. They’re very transparent about where everything comes from, which adds a level of trust you don’t always see in skincare. Each product focuses on one star ingredient from a specific region known for producing the best quality. The Mugwort Essence is iconic for calming irritated, sensitive skin. Mugwort has a long history in Korean skincare for its soothing properties.
Innisfree: Innisfree is one of the biggest Korean beauty brands, built around natural ingredients from Jeju Island like volcanic clay and green tea. They’ve made real efforts toward sustainability, including refill programs and reducing plastic packaging. They’re accessible and affordable, but still consistent in quality. The Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is practically iconic at this point. It deep cleans pores and controls oil without leaving your skin feeling painfully dry. It’s a great option for acne-prone skin.
Isntree: Isntree focuses on minimal, clean formulas and avoids a list of common irritants like synthetic fragrance and artificial dyes. It’s especially good if your skin reacts easily and you need something gentle. The Hyaluronic Acid Toner is simple but effective, layering multiple types of hyaluronic acid for long lasting hydration.
iUNIK: iUNIK is proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune for high concentrations of active ingredients. The packaging is simple and no frills, but the formulas are packed with effective, mostly natural extracts. The Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum combines propolis and sea buckthorn to brighten dull skin and support healing. It’s one of those affordable gems that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting in your routine.
Kaja Beauty: One of those brands that instantly makes you smile. It was created exclusively for Sephora, and you can tell it was designed to be playful, approachable, and a little different from the typical makeup line. The packaging is compact, stackable, and honestly kind of adorable, but it’s not just cute for the sake of being cute. Everything is genuinely functional and thoughtfully made. The whole vibe is about making beauty feel less intimidating. You don’t need to be a makeup artist or watch ten tutorials to use their products. The Bento Bouncy Eyeshadow Trios are probably their most recognizable product. They come in these little stacked compacts with three coordinated shades that take the guesswork out of building an eye look. The texture is what makes them special. They’re creamy and almost springy to the touch, which makes them super easy to apply and blend, even with your fingers.
Krave Beauty: Founded by Liah Yoo, who was already a respected voice in the skincare world before launching her own line. The whole philosophy behind the brand is “press reset.” It’s about simplifying your routine, focusing on your skin barrier, and stepping away from the idea that you need ten different actives layered on top of each other. Krave pushes back against the overcomplicated skincare culture and encourages people to actually listen to their skin. The formulas have a minimalist approach, but they’re not basic. Every ingredient has a purpose. The Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser is a cult favorite because it’s genuinely gentle while still doing its job. It removes dirt, oil, and sunscreen without leaving your skin tight or stripped. It feels balanced, which is surprisingly rare. The Great Barrier Relief serum is another standout. It’s specifically designed to repair a compromised skin barrier, using ingredients like tamanu oil and ceramides to soothe irritation and restore strength.
Nooni: Nooni specializes in gentle cleansing and skincare that respects your skin’s natural balance. Instead of chasing that squeaky clean feeling, which usually means your barrier has been stripped, they focus on formulas that cleanse effectively while keeping your skin comfortable. The Snowflake Whipping Cleanser is a standout. It creates this marshmallow soft foam that feels almost cushiony against your skin. It removes impurities thoroughly, but when you rinse it off, your face doesn’t feel tight or dry.
Peach and Lily: Peach and Lily started as a curated K beauty platform founded by esthetician Alicia Yoon before expanding into their own skincare line. That professional expertise shows in the formulations. There’s a strong emphasis on effective skincare solutions that are also safe. Their Glass Skin Refining Serum combines gentle exfoliation with hydration to give that smooth, luminous “glass skin” look.
Peach Slices: Brought to you by the same people as Peach & Lily, Peach Slices is more accessible and budget friendly, but still effective. It’s great for younger people or anyone just starting to build a conscious skincare routine. The brand focuses on common concerns like acne and dullness without overcomplicating the process. Their Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner uses snail mucin along with calming ingredients to help clear breakouts and fade leftover marks. It’s approachable, easy to understand skincare that delivers visible results.
PURITO: Built its reputation on clean ingredients, minimalist formulations and transparency around ingredient suppliers. They did face controversy with a sunscreen formula a few years ago, but they addressed it, reformulated, and came back stronger with properly tested products. Their Wonder Relief Centella Toner is packed with centella, making it an excellent choice for calming irritation. The reformulated sunscreens are now properly verified and widely trusted. PURITO feels like a brand that learned from its mistakes and doubled down on doing things right.
Rovectin: Originally developed for radiation patients with extremely compromised skin, which tells you everything about how gentle their formulations are. They specialize in barrier repair. The Aqua Hydration Hyaluron Essence is a deeply hydrating essence that strengthens your barrier and helps your skin hold onto moisture better.
Sacheu: Sacheu blew up for its stainless steel gua sha, but we’re not talking about that here. I’m not convinced it does anything for skin. I mean, I haven’t seen any scientific proof it does. They also have some skincare now, like the Stay Dewy Setting Spray, which keeps your makeup looking fresh but also adds a touch of hydration so you don’t end up looking dry or cakey. Sacheu kind of turns your routine into a little self-care ritual. I’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good while you do it.
Saturday Skin: Saturday Skin is basically like a weekend vibe in a bottle, but for people who don’t actually have weekends. The Rub a Dub Refining Peel Gel gently buffs your skin without scrubbing it raw, so your texture gets smoother and more even. The brand feels fun without being childish. Packaging is cute, product names are cheeky, but the formulas actually work. If you want easy, effective products that make you look more awake and polished without overcomplicating things, this is a solid pick.
Skin1004: The brand went viral thanks to its Madagascar centella products, and for good reason. This stuff is perfect if your skin’s sensitive, acne-prone, or just easily irritated. Their Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ is lightweight (more like a serum than a sunscreen) so you get protection and hydration without feeling greasy. The brand keeps things simple and minimal, focusing on barrier-friendly ingredients that calm and heal while still giving visible results.
SUPPURU: This brand is for people who are over complicated routines and trends. It’s minimalist skincare that just works – no fancy packaging, no extra steps, no gimmicks. Everything is meant to strengthen, calm, and hydrate your skin. It’s pretty under-the-radar, but if you like straightforward, reliable products that get the job done paired with ethical beauty practices, SUPPURU hits that sweet spot. Perfect for anyone who wants simple, fuss-free skincare.
Sweet Chef: This Korean skincare brand makes natural products based on food ingredients, like kale and vitamins, that target common skin issues. The Kale + Vitamin B Serum Shot hydrates and helps brighten tired or stressed skin. The textures are easy to apply and absorb without leaving a heavy or sticky feeling. The formulas are simple and mostly straightforward. There’s no unnecessary layering or complex steps; it’s just products that do what they claim, without extra gimmicks.
The Vegan Glow: Every single product is plant-based and cruelty-free, which honestly should be the standard but unfortunately isn’t. They’re focused on making skincare that actually works while sticking to their ethics, which can be tricky because a lot of “clean” brands end up being pretty but useless. They use botanical ingredients and plant extracts to tackle normal skin stuff like dryness, dullness, and texture issues. It’s basically for people who want their skincare to align with their values but also aren’t willing to sacrifice results-like you still want your dark spots to fade and your skin to look good, you just don’t want snail slime or beeswax or whatever in there.
Then I Met You: This is Charlotte Cho’s brand – she’s the woman who started Soko Glam and basically introduced a ton of us to K-beauty in the first place, so she really knows what she’s doing. The whole vibe is about making your skincare routine feel like an intentional and luxurious spa break. The packaging is gorgeous, the textures are really nice to use, and the formulas actually work. Their Living Cleansing Balm is this cool sherbet texture that turns into an oil when you massage it in, and it gets everything off your face – makeup, sunscreen, all of it – without leaving your skin feeling tight or gross.
Tony Moly: You know those super cute K-beauty products shaped like peaches and pandas that are all over Instagram? That’s Tony Moly. They’ve been around forever and honestly helped make K-beauty feel fun and accessible when most Western skincare was boring and clinical. Their Wonder Ceramide Mocchi Toner has this thick, bouncy texture that feels like patting jelly into your skin (in a good way), and it helps repair your moisture barrier with ceramides – super helpful if your skin feels sensitive or dried out. The I’m Real Sheet Masks are kind of legendary at this point. They have like a million different varieties (avocado, rice, tea tree, pomegranate, you name it), and they’re cheap enough that you can actually use them regularly without your bank account crying.
Whams: A Korean makeup brand that’s all about bright colors, bold looks, and just having fun with makeup. They’re not here to give you a subtle “no-makeup makeup” look: they want you to play around, try weird color combinations, and express yourself. The formulas are really good though, like seriously pigmented and long-lasting, which proves you don’t have to choose between fun creative makeup and stuff that actually performs well. Everything’s clean and cruelty-free too, so you’re not putting sketchy ingredients on your face while you’re experimenting. It’s for people who see makeup as creative and fun, not just something you have to do to look presentable.
The Bottom Line
There are tons of cruelty-free options from K-beauty brands out there that actually work. You don’t have to choose between good vegan products and not supporting animal testing. You can have both. The best part is that a lot of these Korean beauty companies have been cruelty-free from the beginning, it’s just how they operate. Pick whatever sounds interesting, try it out, and see what works for your skin. Your face will thank you, and so will the bunnies.
