Who remembers when the iconic Korean beauty ten-step skincare routine nearly broke the internet when it debuted on YouTube in the mid-2010s? I certainly do! I began posting consistently on my YouTube channel in 2012, and as I grew my curated playlists of licensed Master Esthetician tips, an entirely new skincare arsenal arrived—complete with new ingredients, techniques, and routines!
Fast-forward to 2024, and it’s Korean beauty trends that are leading the pack. From incredible skincare ingredients, like poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), to extraordinary skincare routines (hello, Korean glass skin!), here’s a look at the top K-beauty trends to look out for in 2024!
I don’t have a crystal ball, but I can predict that Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and Centella Asiatica extract will explode in popularity in 2024!
If you’re a long-time reader or YouTube subscriber of mine, chances are that you’ve heard me rave about poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a bio-stimulator found in medical-grade products like dissolvable sutures. When applied topically, PLLA boosts collagen production to gradually restore facial volume. I discovered one of my favorite K-beauty brands, House of PLLA, through this amazing ingredient!
As more 2024 Korean beauty trends arise, you can bet that the lifting and firming benefits of PLLA will have skincare lovers running to pick up products with this incredible ingredient! I recommend starting with the House of PLLA HOP+ Promoter Repair Cell Moisturizer and HOP+ Pilleo Stem Cell Mist!
Alongside the lifting and firming benefits of PLLA are Centella Asiatica extract’s strengthening and soothing benefits. Traditionally known as gotu kola or tiger grass, Centella Asiatica is an Asian herb rich in amino acids and a potent antioxidant. It’s become a staple in K-beauty skincare products because it promotes collagen synthesis, boosts skin elasticity, and reduces inflammation.
Did I mention that Centella Asiatica also improves hydration by reducing waterloss from the skin’s surface? Yes, really! I recommend trying out this trending K-beauty ingredient in the HEVATOX Gold Ampoule or House of PLLA HOP+ 24k Gold Volumizing Sheet Mask (it comes as a box of five!).
As an antiaging esthetician, you already know that my favorite Korean beauty trends for 2024 will involve revitalizing skincare routines!
The seven skins method might be a 2024 beauty trend, but I’ve used it in my routine for years! In Korea, ‘skins’ refers to lightweight, water-based ampoules and essences. So, ‘seven skins’ translates to ‘seven toners’—or, really, seven layers of toners. However, these are not the toners of old. They are ampoules or watery elixirs that nourish the skin. You disperse the toner/ampoule onto the palm of your hand and delicately pat it onto the face and décolleté seven times, allowing it to dry each time.
So many people, myself included, love the seven skins method because it saturates the skin for a beautiful glow. I begin by double-cleansing my skin with a hydrating product, like the CBE Botanicals Just Soothing Creamy Cleanser, and use the Dr. Esthé Hyal Moisture Solution as my ‘seven skins.’ I’m always multi-tasking, so I go in with my Clareblend Mini Microcurrent between each layer!
Pro Tip: Watch me walk you through the seven-skins method on my YouTube channel! Korean Glass Skin
If any K-beauty trend has made more waves than the seven skins method, it’s Korean glass skin! Searches for this popular new routine grew 134% year-over-year in 2023, and I predict it will continue to trend in 2024 and beyond. As the name might suggest, Korean glass skin refers to a super dewy complexion—so dewy that it’s almost shiny, like the skin is made of glass.
This trending routine should also begin with a double-cleanse with a non-drying cleanser as well as an exfoliating product to sweep away dead skin, like the CBE Botanicals Scrub Away the Day Cleanser or CBE Botanicals Revive Exfoliating Serum. Then, layer serums and mists that maximize hydration, like the CBE Botanicals 4D Quench Hyaluronic Serum or Hydrating Mineral Mist.
Korean beauty is all about maximizing to serve double-duty, like ingredients that can tighten and tone or routines that soothe and hydrate. So, why should the products be any different? K-beauty is introducing powerhouse products, especially skincare-infused makeup, to offer dual benefits.
One product I believe fits this bill perfectly is the House of PLLA HOP+ Skin Repair Sun Cushion. This compact product fits in the palm of your hand but packs in broad spectrum SPF 50, PLLA and four other beneficial growth factors, AND a light coverage beauty balm in one creamy formula. The Sun Cushion protects the skin, provides a natural glow, and promotes overall skin vitality!
Yes, but use GENTLE exfoliants to avoid stripping the PLLA building in your skin. PLLA works by building up in the skin to boost collagen production. Stripping it out with harsh exfoliants will prevent the building process. I don't recommend using deep chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or abrasive scrubs while building PLLA.
HOP has two amazing exfoliators that contain PLLA. You can safely peel and volumize with these two PLLA-formulated products.
HOUSE OF PLLA® HOP+ Pilleo Skin Prep
Both are specifically designed to work in partnership with PLLA products.
Yes. Apply tiny amount of NeoGenesis Eye Serum first allowing it to completely absorb. Then follow with a tiny amount of House of PLLA Eye Cream.
The differences between House of PLLA Eye Cream and NeoGenesis Eye Serum are NeoGenesis is a serum (more of active ingredients) and causes zero eye irritation if it gets in the eye. Super convenient for those who wear contacts.
NeoGenesis Eye Serum contains 10% S²RM® stem cell molecules, peptides and hyaluronic acid. HOP+ contains PLLA, 4GF, PDRN and Volufiline, some call liquid botox for it’s lipofilling effect of plumping fine lines and wrinkles in the delicate eye area. Visit the full ingredient deck listed on each product page for more information.
You can search the House of PLLA directory found HERE.
I’ve been a licensed Master Esthetician since 2001—so you can bet that these 2024 beauty trends are a far cry from the product lines and skincare routines that were trending two decades ago! But you know what hasn’t changed in the slightest? My desire is to share how to achieve a brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. Fortunately, these latest K-beauty trends help to achieve just that!
If you want to learn how to put these trends to work for your skin, join me in the Christine Byer Beauty Club, my corner of the internet, to share unlimited PRO skincare tips. Sign up today to unlock a FREE 14-day preview—if you don’t find value in your membership, you can cancel at no charge!
Trying to keep our skin healthy and glowing is a lifelong process. It protects us, shields us, and defines us in a lot of ways! But every layer of the skin acts as our armor in a different way. On the very top, we all have a "skin barrier" that requires its own care for long-term health.
