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Beauty of Joseon Skincare

9 Must Try Clean & Cruelty-Free K-Beauty Brands

Photo courtesy of Beauty of Joseon

Last updated 7/26/23

Clean + Cruelty-Free Korean Beauty

The Korean beauty industry, also known as K-beauty, has taken the world by storm in recent years with its innovative and effective skincare and makeup products. However, with the rise of ethical and sustainable consumerism, many beauty enthusiasts are now seeking out K-beauty brands that are not only effective but also clean and cruelty-free.

Clean beauty refers to products that are made with non-toxic, natural, and safe ingredients. On the other hand, cruelty-free beauty products are those that are not tested on animals. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best clean and cruelty-free K-beauty brands that you can add to your skincare and makeup routine.


9 Clean & Cruelty-Free Korean Beauty Brands

Photo courtesy of Beauty of Joseon

1) Beauty Of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon is one of the most popular K-Beauty brands and for good Reason. The products are some of the “cleanest” on the market, and best of all, fragrance-free. Among the bestsellers are the Radiance Cleansing Balm, Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, Ginseng Essence Water.



Photo courtesy of COSRX

2) COSRX

COSRX is a cult-favorite K-beauty brand that offers effective and affordable skincare products. All of their products are cruelty-free and vegan, and many of them are also free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Their best-selling products include the Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream, and the Acne Pimple Master Patch.




Photo courtesy of Whamisa

3) Whamisa

Whamisa is a renowned Korean skincare brand that epitomizes the essence of natural and organic beauty. With a commitment to harnessing the power of fermented botanicals, Whamisa offers a range of innovative and effective products that promote healthy and radiant skin. By fusing traditional fermentation methods with modern skincare technology, Whamisa creates formulas that are rich in nutrients and easily absorbed by the skin. Their best-selling products include the Cactus Bouncy Serum, Organic Flowers Lotion Double Rich, and Pear Blossom Peeling Essence.




Photo courtesy of Aromatica

4) Aromatica

Aromatica is a clean and sustainable K-beauty brand that uses only organic and natural ingredients in their products. All of their products are cruelty-free, vegan, and free from harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates. Their best-selling products include the Reviving Rose Serum, Tea Tree Balancing Foaming Cleanser, and Calendula Juicy Cream.




Purito Face Wash
Photo courtesy of Purito

5) Purito

Purito is a K-beauty brand that prides itself on creating clean and effective skincare products. All of their products are cruelty-free and vegan, and many of them are also free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Their best-selling products include the Centella Green Level Buffet Serum, Deep Sea Pure Water Cream, and Centella Green Level Eye Cream.




6) Benton

Benton is a K-beauty brand that focuses on using natural and safe ingredients in their products. Their products are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil. Benton is also a cruelty-free brand that doesn’t test on animals. Their best-selling products include the UV Defense Sun Cream, Fermentation Essence, and Deep Green Tea Cleansing Foam.




Photo courtesy of I’m From

7) I’m From

I’m From is a K-beauty brand that sources its ingredients from various regions in South Korea, such as Jeju Island and the Korean Ginseng country. Their products are free from artificial fragrances, parabens, and sulfates. I’m From is also a cruelty-free brand that doesn’t test on animals. Their best-selling products include the Rice Toner, Mugwort Mask, and Pear Soothing Pad.




Photo courtesy of Be Plain

8) Be Plain

Be Plain is a minimalist K-beauty brand that focuses on using simple and natural ingredients in their products. Their products are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil. Be Plain is also a cruelty-free brand that doesn’t test on animals. Their best-selling products include the Cicaful Ampoule, Chamomile pH-Balanced Cleanser, and Greenful pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam.




Photo courtesy of Dear, Klairs

9) Dear, Klairs

Dear, Klairs is a sister brand of Klairs, and they also offer clean and cruelty-free skincare products. Their products are free from artificial fragrances, alcohol, and animal-derived ingredients, making them safe for sensitive skin. Dear, Klairs is also a vegan brand that doesn’t use any animal-derived ingredients. Their best-selling products include the Midnight Blue Calming Cream, Supple Preparation All-Over Lotion, and Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask.




Conscious Korean Beauty

In conclusion, there are many clean and cruelty-free K-beauty brands that offer effective and innovative skincare and makeup products. By choosing to support these brands, you can take care of your skin while positively impacting the environment and animal welfare.

Shop ALL of these amazing brands in one convenient spot on our Amazon Storefront list!


Any Questions?

If you have any questions regarding other K-Beauty brands and if they meet our Clean & Cruelty-Free standards, first view our Brand Directory to see if it’s there. If not, send us a message on our contact page and we’ll do some digging!


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This post is not sponsored but may contain affiliate links from which we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Nothing stated in this article should be used in place of professional medical advice. All opinions are our own.

Stephanie Thorn
Founder of Clean & Cruelty-Free. A Midwest girl with a passion for green beauty, makeup artistry, animals rights, and comfy leggings. Since being diagnosed with PCOS she's made it her mission to adopt a less-toxic lifestyle.