Whether you have been a fan of Rio Viera-Newton’s skin-care Google doc since 2018 or just discovered CosRX on TikTok, you’ll be delighted to know that absolutely everything at Soko Glam is 20 percent off — but don’t dillydally, because the sale ends on Sunday night. We’re huge fans of the retailer — in fact, we’ve featured so many toners, face masks, and serums from the site that we have an entire post dedicated to how to shop at Soko Glam here. I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites below, which have all been pulled from our best-in-class posts and Rio’s extensive reporting.
If you don’t know where to start, I’d suggest stocking up on these inexpensive skinlike pimple patches.
We’ve called this a very convincing (if not better) dupe for SK-II’s cult-favorite (and incredibly expensive) essence. “My skin looks particularly plump, nourished, bouncy, and bright — it’s truly one of my favorite products I’ve found in years,” writes Rio.
If you use tretinoin (or any other powerful retinoid), then you know it’s important to apply a hard-core moisturizer to avoid peeling or flaking. This moisturizer — which is part of Rio’s latest skin-care Google doc — is rich but won’t clog your pores or leave you looking greasy.
This hyped body wash from Naturium, the Glow Getter, is formulated with glycerin, a blend of linoleic-rich oils, and squalane to intensely hydrate the skin.
This hormonal acne-clearing serum is a fairly recent addition to the Strategist Beauty 100. Azelaic acid can kill bacteria, break up dead-cell plugs that cause pimples, and help reduce redness.
This sunscreen “checks all the boxes on what a grown-up sunblock should be,” says Evan from the Dewy Dudes.
One side of these pads exfoliates and removes makeup, while the other is a soft and spongy and transfers products (like essences or toners) to the face.
For simpler pads to apply skin-care products, this 200-pack is organic and unbleached, and they never, ever pill.
This wash-off mask is excellent for an at-home facial. This one is filled with mugwort, an herb often used in Korean cuisine and medicine that helps to calm, soothe, and reduce redness or inflammation.
In our Strategist writer roundtable on how to treat a pimple, Dominique Pariso told us that this mandelic-acid serum has helped tremendously with her acne and skin texture.
Dieux’s Deliverance serum “it is as good as everyone says it is,” according to Pariso. She found it to be lightweight and soothing, and it helped tone down redness and discoloration.
One woman we interviewed in our survey of over 1,000 seniors says this “addictive” toner has a fermented mossy scent that reminds her of Japan, and it has made her skin “clearer and fresher.”
SuChin Pak describes this toning lotion as “super-light, milky, not greasy, and will drench your skin in a dewy glow.”
The vitamin-C serum that Rio loved enough to name-drop in her Google doc of skin-care essentials.
Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho uses this ultrafine face mist during the warmer months. Its key ingredient is licorice-root extract, which helps to illuminate the skin and combat hyperpigmentation.
Cho also uses this hydrating essence, which which is made with skin-soothing birch juice and rice extracts.
Free of parabens, artificial fragrances, and mineral oil, this majorly firming eye cream is made up of 80 percent collagen, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
This ultrapopular cleanser contains BHA, which really cleans inside the pores without messing with your skin’s pH balance. (We named it one of the best skin-care products for oily skin.)
This reader-favorite hair oil is especially effective at eliminating summertime frizz. (Which is, unfortunately, right around the corner.)
These “magical” sheet masks are essential for author R.O. Kwon, who says they “calm down my skin when nothing else will help.”
Another new addition is this calming toner from Olivarrier. It’s made with green tea, centella asiatica, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, which “all work together to not just deliver a big moisture boost but reduce redness and inflammation.”
These “cryo-toning treatments” are similar to ice-globe wands: First you freeze them, then you use a cotton pad to massage the icy disc of cooling toner into your skin.
While many toners can be harsh on your skin, this one won’t: Rio says she’s “comfortable using it even on days when my skin is inflamed and eczema-ridden.”
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
