Top 10 Must-Buy Products at Olive Young in Korea (2026)
Heading to Olive Young in Korea? Don't leave without these 10 cult-favourite K-beauty products β dermatologist-loved, TikTok-viral, and impossible to find at full price back home.
Top 10 Must-Buy Products at Olive Young in Korea (2026)
Walking into Olive Young for the first time can feel overwhelming β thousands of products, countless brands, and staff handing you samples at every turn. Don't worry. We've done the research so you don't have to.
These are the 10 products that beauty editors, dermatologists, and K-beauty obsessives consistently recommend picking up at Olive Young. They're affordable, effective, and either hard to find overseas or dramatically cheaper in Korea.
Quick tip: Prices at Olive Young in Korea are typically 30β50% cheaper than the same products sold through international retailers or Amazon.
1. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Price: β©18,000β22,000 Β· Skin type: All types
The product that put K-beauty on the global map. This lightweight essence contains 96% snail secretion filtrate β sounds strange, but it's a powerhouse ingredient for repairing the skin barrier, fading acne scars, and delivering intense hydration without any heaviness.
It layers beautifully under moisturisers and is gentle enough for daily use. A bottle goes a long way, making it one of the best value purchases in the store.
Why buy here: Significantly cheaper than overseas. One of Olive Young's all-time bestsellers.
2. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Price: β©12,000β15,000 Β· Skin type: All types, especially sensitive
Korea takes sunscreen seriously, and this one sits at the very top of the charts year after year. It applies like a lightweight serum β no white cast, no greasy finish, no heavy chemical smell β just clean, effective UV protection with a subtle skin-brightening effect from rice extract.
Why buy here: Overseas versions of this sunscreen are frequently out of stock. Grab multiple tubes.
3. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Price: β©16,000β20,000 Β· Skin type: All
If you've ever woken up with chapped or dry lips, this overnight mask is the solution. A thick, balm-like formula infused with vitamin C and antioxidant berry complex works while you sleep to deeply hydrate and plump lips by morning.
Available in Berry, Vanilla, Gummy Bear, Peach, and more flavours. The Berry original is still the bestseller.
Why buy here: Available globally, but significantly cheaper at Olive Young. Makes an excellent gift.
4. Some By Mi AHAΒ·BHAΒ·PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Price: β©16,000β19,000 Β· Skin type: Oily, acne-prone, combination
The toner that went viral for a reason. This triple-acid formula gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces breakouts β all without the harshness of a traditional acid toner. The brand promises visibly clearer skin in 30 days, and millions of before-and-after photos suggest it delivers.
Why buy here: One of Olive Young's most-gifted and repurchased products. Budget-friendly price point.
5. Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Price: β©18,000β22,000 Β· Skin type: All, especially oily and acne-prone
Cleansing oils were already a K-beauty staple, but Anua's heartleaf version took it to another level. It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without stripping the skin, then rinses clean with water without leaving an oily film. Heartleaf (houttuynia cordata) is a traditional Korean herb known for calming redness and controlling oil.
Why buy here: One of the hottest K-beauty launches of recent years. Frequently sold out internationally.
6. Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Price: β©19,000β24,000 Β· Skin type: Dry, dehydrated, sensitive
If your skin feels perpetually thirsty, this serum is the answer. It contains five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, meaning it hydrates at every layer of the skin rather than just the surface. Lightweight, fragrance-free, and suitable even for the most sensitive skin types.
Why buy here: A newer brand with a cult following β availability outside Korea is still limited.
7. Dr. G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream
Price: β©20,000β26,000 Β· Skin type: Sensitive, reactive, post-acne
A dermatologist-formulated moisturiser originally designed for post-procedure skin β meaning it's incredibly gentle and effective for anyone with redness, irritation, or a compromised skin barrier. Centella asiatica (cica) calms inflammation while the cream strengthens and repairs the skin's natural defences.
Why buy here: A long-standing pharmacy favourite now stocked at Olive Young. Harder to find and pricier abroad.
8. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
Price: β©18,000β22,000 Β· Skin type: All types, especially sensitive and dry**
Named after the mineral-rich seawater used in its formula, this toner is all about deep, lasting hydration and skin balancing. It's fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and has a watery yet effective texture that layers well under serums. A cult favourite among the sensitive-skin community worldwide.
Why buy here: Round Lab is primarily a Korean brand β this is your best chance to try it at local prices.
9. Numbuzin No.3 Skin Softening Serum
Price: β©28,000β34,000 Β· Skin type: Dull, uneven, ageing skin**
One of Korea's fastest-growing skincare brands, Numbuzin's No.3 serum targets uneven texture, dullness, and fine lines with a blend of niacinamide and skin-brightening actives. The results are visible quickly β skin looks glassy and luminous within days of use.
Why buy here: Numbuzin is still predominantly a Korean market brand. Availability internationally is limited.
10. Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Sheet Masks (Box of 10)
Price: β©12,000β16,000 for 10 masks Β· Skin type: All
No Olive Young haul is complete without a box β or three β of Mediheal sheet masks. These are the classic K-beauty sheet masks that sparked the global obsession: soaked in concentrated serum, perfectly fitted, and delivering immediate results. The N.M.F Aquaring variant for intense hydration is the most beloved, but try a few varieties from their extensive range.
Why buy here: Fraction of the price compared to overseas. Buy multiple boxes β they make perfect gifts.
Olive Young Shopping Tips
- Get the app before you go β it shows loyalty discounts, coupons, and which products are trending
- Ask for samples β staff are generous with samples when you buy products
- Check the sale shelf β there's almost always a clearance or bundle deal section near the entrance
- Tax refund β spend over β©30,000 and claim VAT back at the airport (around 10% back)
- Opening hours β the Myeongdong flagship stays open until midnight; most branches close at 10β11 PM
- Bring a list β it's easy to get distracted and forget what you came for
Whether you're a seasoned K-beauty fan or a first-timer stepping into a Korean beauty store for the first time, these 10 products are a solid starting point. Your skin β and your friends back home β will thank you.