Shopping·11 min read

17 Must-Have Beauty Products From Our Favorite Asian-Owned Brands

Must-Have Beauty Products From Our Fave Asian-Owned Brands
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Cocokind, Tower 28, Superegg
May 4, 2023

This post was originally published in May 2022 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

With Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month underway, we're shining a spotlight on the best beauty items from some of our fave AAPI-owned brands. We’ve got everything from makeup to help level up looks to skincare products that’ll make you look forward to your daily self-care routine. Shop them now, reorder them always.

Glow Recipe watermelon mask
Amazon

A cult-fave overnight watermelon mask to make your skin oh-so-glowy…

The girls that get it, get it. And this internet-famous mask from Glow Recipe is it. It’s made with watermelon and hyaluronic acid and is designed to hydrate and smooth your skin. Did we mention it smells incredible? Because it does. Apply it right before bed and wash it off in the morning for best results. ($30+, Amazon)

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Soft Services body treatment
Soft Services

A breakout treatment for your body…

Acne on your face? Super common. Breakouts on your body? Less talked about but so, so real. Enter: this lifesaver from Soft Services. It’s ideal for anyone who’s got acne, blackheads, inflammation, or scarring on their back, chest, neck, or butt. It’s a greenish-white paste that’ll help absorb oils, soothe, and exfoliate your skin. You can use it a few ways — as a body rinse in the shower, as a mask, or even as a spot treatment. You can thank us later. ($28, Soft Services)

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Tower 28 SPF
Tower 28

Tinted sunscreen foundation you can wear daily…

This two-in-one mineral SPF from Tower 28 has broad spectrum protection (aka you’ll be safe from both UVA and UVB rays, which is a good thing) and can help soothe skin and even your skin tone too. It’s designed for sensitive skin, but is safe for all types and won’t leave behind a white cast or chalky layer. With 14 shades, light-to-medium coverage, and a natural finish, it’s the perfect building-block piece to add to your skincare regime. PS: We also go crazy for their rescue facial spray. Great for a post-gym refresh or to spritz on after a long day at the office. ($32, Tower 28)

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Jason Wu freckle pen
Target

A rose water-infused freckle pen…

With this vegan formula from Jason Wu Beauty, you can easily add some tiny freckles back to your skin. It’s great for days when you’re wearing a full-coverage foundation that covers up your little cuties. Just tap this across your face and you’ll get that sun-kissed look sans the UV damage. ($13.99, Target)

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Tatcha
Sephora

A rich moisturizer that can help reduce your pores…

Tatcha is a fan fave for a reason. This oil-free water cream is great for anyone with dull, dry, or uneven skin. It feels like actual heaven thanks to the nutrient-rich formula of Japanese botanicals. Reviewers love that it’s not greasy and can make your skin feel hydrated and renewed, sans all the oil remnants. Pillowy skin, coming right up. ($70, Sephora)

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Peach & Lily eye cream
Peach & Lily

A retinoic eye cream to brighten, firm, and hydrate that sacred skin area…

This one from Peach & Lily combines the positives of traditional retinol (cell turnover, collagen production) with a formula that’s gentle enough to keep your skin safe from irritation. Use it at night to help with things like deep lines, loss of firmness, dark circles, and overall dryness. What’s bright and tight and full of peach extract? This guy. ($43, Peach & Lily) 

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Jinsoon nail polish
Jinsoon

Glitter nail polish that actually lasts…

No next-day chipping here, courtesy of Jinsoon. This bright, confetti-esque polish is free of harsh chemicals (think: formaldehyde, lead, parabens) and is vegan-friendly. The formulas are long-lasting and have a UV filter that protects against fading. If you’re looking for quality polish for your next manicure or pedicure, this is it. They’ve got a ton of fun colors, and even make some trendy flower appliqués too. ($18, Jinsoon) 

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Hero Cosmetics pimple patches
Hero Cosmetics

Pimple patches to remove all the gunk that sits underneath your skin…

Stress blackheads, we’re looking at you. These hydrocolloid patches from Hero Cosmetics cover breakouts and reduce inflammation. They work to extract pus, healing your damaged skin along the way. Apply one before heading to bed and then remove it in the morning. We’re talking minimal effort, big reward. ($11.97/36 pack, Amazon)

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Cocokind lotion
Cocokind

Lightweight body lotion to use AM and PM…

Hydrate, soften, soothe, repeat. This body cream from Cocokind is formulated with sake extract, sunflower oil, and shea butter so you’ll be smooth and comfy after lathering. We especially love this one because the bottle’s made up of upcycled plastic and is 100% recyclable. Win. ($22, Cocokind) 

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Patrick Ta brow wax
Sephora

Brow wax from a celeb-fave makeup artist…

Patrick Ta knows all. This vegan wax (you can choose a tinted or clear formula) helps you shape your brows, get that feathery look, and set them in place so they’ll stay all day. Bushy brows FTW. ($24, Sephora) 

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Cosrx intensive face cream
Amazon

Hyaluronic acid intensive face cream for when your skin’s going through a Mojave Desert phase…

If you want to deeply nourish your skin, say hi to Cosrx. This face cream locks the moisture right in (thanks to hyaluronic acid) and provides genuinely long-lasting hydration that’ll leave you feeling supple and smooth. Plus, it’s great for anyone with sensitive skin — it’s hypoallergenic and free of parabens and sulfates. ($18.55, Amazon)

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Blume face wash
Blume

Super-gentle face wash that’ll look good in your bathroom…

Self-care selfie or it didn’t happen. We love this creamy cleanser from Blume because it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry after use. The non-stripping formula has a hint of lavender in it (hi, it smells lovely) and is safe to use in the AM and PM. ($20, Blume)

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Then I Met You cleansing duo
Soko Glam

A cleansing duo that’ll change the way you take off your makeup at night….

Sometimes two really are better than one. Then I Met You is the cool-girl brand that’s made us want to try double cleansing, which is basically a two-step process to help you really deep clean your skin. With this duo you’ll get their famous balm that’ll dissolve any oil-based impurities on your skin (think: sebum, sunscreen, and makeup). Then you’ll follow up with their cleansing gel, which will remove any water-based grime like dirt and sweat. Once you try this method, you’ll never want to go back. Trust. ($68, Soko Glam)

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Em Cosmetics lip gloss
Em Cosmetics

'90s-inspired lip gloss…

ICYMI: Glossy lips are back, baby. With Em Cosmetics you’ll get a shiny, lacquered look sans the sticky texture. The gel-based formula has a lip-plumping peptide that’ll help stimulate collagen production. (So spoiler: You might feel a bit of a tingle). Plus, there’s vitamins C and E, and fatty acids in it to keep your babes feeling conditioned, soft, and ultra hydrated. ($20, Em Cosmetics)

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face serum
Maelove

An HQ’r-favorite face serum that lasts all day…

If you’re looking for long-lasting brightness and moisture (who isn’t?), we can’t recommend this serum enough. It’s packed with Vitamins C and E, plus ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid — not to mention it’s vegan and made in the USA. Apply it in the morning and at night, after toning and before your skincare. ($32.95, Maelove)

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Skincare set
Superegg

A skincare set made with top-of-the-line vegan ingredients…

If using animal-free products is a priority, you need to know about Superegg. They’re serious about their ingredients — just check out their “never” list of all the many things (like parabens, phthalates, and artificial dyes) they won’t put in their products. This complete set of the company’s line includes face masks, serums, moisturizers, and more. You’ll get 12 individual full-sized products at a $79 discount. Self-care Sundays, here you come. ($310, Superegg)

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Perfume
Elorea

A set of sample-sized perfumes…

In this discovery set from a brand that explores Korean historical tradition, you’ll find  four fragrance options, each inspired by a forgotten Korean word. Try them out, and when you’ve found your favorite, use the included $33 voucher toward any full-sized bottle. BRB, adding to cart. ($33, Elorea

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