How I test
How I test Korean skincare before I recommend it
I’m a licensed esthetician in Seoul with combination skin. Here’s exactly what happens before a product shows up on Glosi Korea, and what I’m honest about not doing.
- I go to the store myself.I test at Olive Young in Seoul, using the in-store testers, the same shelves Korean shoppers use.
- I take every photo myself.No brand images, no stock photos, no AI images. I crop out price tags so photos stay accurate after prices change.
- I swatch it on my hand.As an esthetician I check three things: how well it absorbs, whether it’s too watery or too heavy, and whether it stays light when you layer it.
- I read the Korean label.Claims like “tested on acne-prone skin,” footnotes, and the full ingredient list. When something comes from the label, I write “the label says,” not “I found.”
- I check the ingredient list.I compare the label with the published ingredient list and flag fragrance, essential oils, and anything worth a patch test.
- I say what I actually used.Products I use at home are marked as mine. Products I only tried in store are described as store tests. If I haven’t tried something on a skin type, I say so.
What I don’t do
- I don’t take payment for placement or positive reviews.
- I don’t copy star ratings or “buyers say” summaries and call them my opinion.
- I don’t give medical advice. For acne, eczema or anything persistent, see a dermatologist.
Updates
Korean formulas and packaging change often. When I go back to the store and something has changed, I update the post and its date. Spotted something out of date? Tell me and I’ll check.