'Magic in a bottle': This $70 cult-classic K-Beauty cleanser is editor-approved — and worth every penny
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Beauty is a serious business, and nowhere more so than in South Korea. Even Western brands have started to turn to South Korea for inspiration, since they’re known for their unique takes on game-changing skincare formulas and routines.
One top-rated K-Beauty staple has Sephora shoppers raving, and has also made its way into my own collection of beauty must-haves. The Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser has racked up more than 60,000 “loves” on the Sephora website, and has forever changed my skin.
Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser
SHOP IT: Sephora, $70
What’s inside the bottle and how does it work?
This gentle cleanser is a unique powder to foam exfoliating daily treatment that’s formulated with papaya- and green tea-derived enzymes to remove dead skin cells, impurities, and makeup while leaving skin super moisturized.
The water-activated formula targets dullness and uneven texture, while minimizing pores and leaving skin feeling noticeably smoother after just one wash.
What are reviewers saying?
If you're debating whether the $70 price tag is worth it, a quick look through customer reviews is likely all the confirmation you’ll need. Backed by more than 1,000 reviews, it’s earned an impressive 4.6 star rating from satisfied shoppers.
“This stuff is an actual miracle, as in it does what it promises and without stripping the skin...,” one Sephora shopper wrote. “My skin glows after I use the stuff and it also preps my skin really well for the serum/moisture treatments that come after. It's expensive but one bottle goes a long way and will last you months - even if you use it everyday. Skip the masks from the other brands and buy this stuff.”
“Magic in a bottle is understatement for this face cleanser,” said another. “I have very sensitive skin and I’ve never had any problems with this one...It has been over a year and I still have almost half the bottle left because I don't use too much of the product. I don't usually write reviews, but this cleanser deserves it.”
ALSO SEE: 8 of the best hydrating facial mists to soothe dry winter skin at every price point
Other Sephora reviewers have called the Amore Pacific cleanser “a holy grail product” and “better than the rest of the competition.”
Having tried it myself, I would like to echo the sentiments of other reviewers. This is truly the best cleanser I’ve tried because it's not only effective in keeping skin looking radiant, but after one wash my skin feels smooth as silk whereas other cleansers usually leave it feeling dry or tight.
Along with the Amore Pacific enzyme treatment, there are plenty of other K-Beauty classics that are well worth the investment. Take a look at five other top-rated and shopper-approved picks below.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Natural skincare brand Glow Recipe’s first product released was the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, which was meant to replicate the effects of a classic Korean facial by hydrating the skin. It's a cult-favourite nightly sleeping mask formulated with watermelon, hyaluronic acid and AHAs that refine the look of pores while exfoliating the skin.
Promising review: “One of the best sleeping masks! It smells so refreshing and such a fun facial to do at home. Definitely smooths my skin and I love the formula!”
SHOP IT: Sephora, $59
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask
This is an overnight, moisture-recharging gel mask that deeply hydrates skin while you're asleep. It’s formulated with highly concentrated Hydro Ionized Mineral Water, which works to infuse high doses of moisture to stressed, dehydrated skin.
Promising review: “This is my favourite post-DIY facial hydrator. Super hydrating but doesn’t feel heavy at all!! Skin feels like silk in the morning. The price is well worth it.”
SHOP IT: Sephora, $33
belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
This editor-approved cream gives a cushiony feeling that hydrates dull, flaky skin with an explosion of comforting moisture. Use this at night for a plumped look in the morning, or as a day cream for dehydrated skin.
Promising review: “Harsh winter skin approved. My skin has been acting up since I have to have my mask on for eight to 12 hours a day at work. I gave this a try and now has become my holy grail daily moisturizer. Loving it.”
SHOP IT: Sephora, $50
Dr. Jart+ Sheet Masks
This targeted sheet mask has a wide range of benefits, ranging from brightening to purifying to fighting blemishes. Each mask is made with fine cellulose fibre to help deliver maximum targeted actives to the skin.
Promising review: “I love sheet masks and Dr. Jart make my favourite face masks. Hands down this is one of my favourites and personally I’d be happy using it everyday for the rest of my life. It leaves my skin feeling so moisturized and plump.”
SHOP IT: Sephora, $8
Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask
This best-selling 10-in-1 clay mask uses volcanic ash from the South Korean island of Jeju to purify and exfoliate the skin. The Jeju volcanic ash is rich in minerals, absorbing excessive sebum and dead skin cells due to its porous structure.
Promising review: “I have always been insecure with my nose pores because of blackheads. I don't want to squeeze them because it will make them look worse. [This mask] always makes my skin look cleaner and feel softer especially after applying my favourite moisturizer. I recommended this product to my sister and my friends and they all love it, too.”
SHOP IT: Amazon, $24
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