Everything you need to know about Korean skincare, from Then I Met You founder Charlotte Cho
Famed for its focus on gentle, hydrating and innovative formulations, Korean skincare, or K-beauty, has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years, transforming skincare routines across the globe. By blending time-honoured traditions with cutting-edge science, K-beauty has garnered a dedicated following for its commitment to long-term skin health rather than quick fixes or overly harsh chemicals. With a staggering projected market value of $13.9 billion globally in just two years, K-beauty is cementing its place as a dominant force in the beauty industry.
Since its launch in 2018, one brand at the heart of this movement is sensorial Korean skincare line, Then I Met You. Inspired by the Korean concept of jeong – a deep emotional connection that forms over time – the brand offers a unique take on beauty, encouraging a more mindful and thoughtful approach to skincare that not only produces visible results, but emphasises the joy of the ritual itself.
To learn more about the world of Korean skincare, we spoke with beauty expert, aesthetician and the brand’s founder, Charlotte Cho, who shared the brand’s skincare staples and the groundbreaking innovations that have turned K-beauty into a global phenomenon.
“Korean skincare is driven by innovation, but at its core, it’s about prevention, hydration and gentle care. K-beauty has helped redefine skincare as self-care rather than just a problem-solving step, whilst showing that consistency and gentle care yield better long-term results than aggressive treatments,” Cho explains.
“Consumers are shifting away from harsh chemicals and looking for solutions that strengthen their skin barrier over time. As a result, we’re seeing more Western brands adopt K-beauty’s layering approach and focus on hydration, which is a big shift from the days of over-exfoliating and stripping the skin.”
With heritage ingredients like fermented rice, ginseng and persimmon, Then I Met You is changing the way we nurture our skin, with its ethos grounded in the belief that skincare should be more than a routine, but a meaningful practice of self-care.
Cho adds, “Skincare isn’t just about results, it’s about the experience. Then I Met You is all about the importance of deep connections – both with yourself and your skincare rituals. I wanted to create a line of effective products that make people excited to spend that extra moment with themselves.”
When it comes to creating a routine that works, Korean skincare emphasises prioritises barrier-first formulas and skin-nurturing ingredients. Charlotte says, “Instead of one powerhouse ingredient at high concentrations, K-beauty focuses on synergistic blends that work gently and effectively over time. Layering allows your skin to absorb hydration and lock it in, without anything too greasy or pore clogging. A well-layered routine results in that signature plump, dewy glow that Korean skincare is known for.”
As for the unmissable brand’s products, every formula has been designed to deliver both immediate glow and long-term skin benefits. Cho recommends their award-winning cleanser as the best place to start, “It’s the first step in double cleansing and melts away makeup effortlessly while nourishing the skin. It contains sea buckthorn oil, which is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamin C for nourishment and radiance.”
Enriched with seaberry, grapeseed and olive oil, the balm’s sorbet-soft texture transforms into a sumptuous oil cleanser to leave skin feeling clean and refreshed. After a long day, you’ll find yourself eagerly counting down until you can kickstart your evening skincare with this cleanser.
Key to the brand’s effectiveness is the careful selection of soothing Korean ingredients combined with potent actives, like in this antioxidant essence. Cho explains, “The Giving Essence is powered by 78% fermented ingredients like sake and galactomyces to deeply hydrate, as well as 5% niacinamide for that glowy, fortified skin barrier.”
With a brightening blend of antioxidants, the optimal concentration of niacinamide, and ellagic acid which is derived from berries to naturally brighten the skin without impacting cell DNA, it’s expertly formulated to unveil a luminous complexion.
Cho says, “This is a fan favourite. It’s a lightweight yet intensely hydrating gel barrier cream that leaves skin feeling plump, bouncy and dewy with natural vitamin C infused in every drop.”
With hallabong fruit to boost elasticity, ceramides to fortify the skin’s barrier and squalane to supplement natural moisture content, this lightweight cream isn’t thick or heavy, making it the perfect everyday moisturiser for those with oily, combination or blemish prone skin.
Renewing Rich Beauty Cream, £57
Ideal for sensitive, dry and mature skin, this rich daily moisturiser is great for skin that needs intense nourishment. Created with Quad Ginseng Complex that has been steamed and dried nine times to maximise its potency, this silky cream delivers free-radical fighting antioxidants to reinforce the skin’s barrier and give you a plump, dewy glow.
Inspired by Charlotte’s cherished childhood memories of her grandmother preparing juicy slices of honeydew melon after dinner, this versatile lip treatment works as a nourishing daily balm or an intensive overnight mask. Thanks to antioxidant-rich honeydew, moisturising squalane and soothing honey, your lips will be left softer than ever.
Looking ahead, Cho sees Korean skincare continuing to push boundaries while embracing sustainability. “Gen Z is favouring reusable, eco-conscious products like sustainable wash-off masks and toner pads,” she notes. “And of course, fermented ingredients look set to be a huge focus for maintaining a strong, healthy skin barrier.”
Beyond trends, K-beauty’s influence remains undeniable, making advanced ingredients and carefully crafted formulations more accessible than ever.
Alexandra Davis
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS