As a former pharmacy owner, these are my favourite places, I enjoy them way more than beauty stores and they're where I find the things I repurchase most and actually need.
In this video I'm sharing my everyday, non-sexy, non-aesthetic purchases. I also breakdown the difference between "OTC" pharmacy products in Korea vs US.
These OTC formulas tend to not be available outside of a Korean pharmacy so save this video for your next trip!
Just FYI, the pharmacies I visit are Optima Wellness Museum, Ready Young Pharmacy and Eight – mainly because of their proximity to were I stay plus they are huge with a crazy variety of products. Prices can be lower at smaller, local pharmacies but the selection is far smaller.
If you want updates to any of these, please let me know in comments!
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• Formulas Mentioned •
Dong A Pharm – D-panthenol ointment
PharmaResearch – Rejuvenex Cream
REVION Rx – Niacinamide Balance Clear Gel Cream
Dong-A Pharm – Keranon Ointment
Hanmi Pro-Calm Panthenol Lip Essence
Dr.Different Retinal Lip Balm
Donghwa CuLip Ointment Medical Lip Care – Herbal
Dong wha pharmaceutical – Aftach (艾福達治)
HEB Wellness Patches – Xtra Goodnight + Xtra Energy
Wellver (웰버) – Wellness Enzyme (웰니스효소)
Daewon Pharmaceutical (대원제약) – Newvein Liquid (뉴베인액)
PharmaResearch – Re-An® PDRN Eye Drops
Sinsin Pharmaceutical – Mulrindy Mini Liquid (물린디미니액)
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My skin type : Dehydrated, sensitive. You may have a very different experience with the products I review if you have a different skin type or preference.
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This video is based on my own experiences and what’s worked for my skin. I only share products I genuinely enjoy. I’m not a medical professional—just your skinthusiast friend sharing the journey. Everyone’s skin is different, so please patch test, listen to your skintuition, and consult your dr. if you have any concerns. Some links may be affiliate links (I might earn a small commission at no cost to you, thank you for supporting me!). Sponsored content will always be disclosed. Let’s glow together! ✨
Pharmacy haul ❤, but 😢 can only dream to get
Someday🧡
I keep telling myself that I am going to just take out a loan for a vacation to Korea and bring an empty suitcase.
I don’t bring a single beauty product whenever I go. Waste of space!
Renee never misses with these hauls! Korean pharmacies are literally goldmines. That soothing gel and the cica cream are HG status. 🇰🇷✨
Thank you love! Total goldmines, I can spend hours digging around!
How can I buy some of the products
Stylevana yesstyle or stylekorean
Sadly, since the majority of these are OTC Korean pharmaceutical products, they can only be purchased in pharmacies. I’ve also only found these in Korea.
I’ve saved this video for my future visit to Korea❤The only product I recognize is Dr.Different’s lip balm. That one is available on Olive Young global.
Did you try Dr.Ceuracle’s Vegan Kombucha tea mist? Is it as good as the essence? I found it on YesStyle.
Hi love! Yes it’s as good as the essence – I think I’m just used to the essence format and like to get a lot of it on my face ha! The mist is very fine – the size of it is perfect.
How can I get the mosquito roller in US?
You can get similar in the US in roller form for post-bite care but I personally feel as though they’re not strong at all. This one unfortunately has OTC status so can only be purchased in the pharmacy
This is tickling all the right K-beauty spots. Looks like I’ll be able to visit Korea again next spring so I’ll definitely visit more pharmacies then!
Hi my love! Spring is glorious in Seoul!
Need the Minoxidil mousse! My scalp does not tolorate anything with Propylene glycol
This mousse is sublime. Pretty much melts on contact!
Have you ever tried Riman Skincare? It’s a South Korean company.
Heard of but not familiar!
You’ve given me some must try’s for my next Korea trip! Can’t wait
Great!
Do you have recommendation for good pharmacy in Korea which have better selection for Skin Care OTC? or do all typical Korean pharmacy carrie similar products?
Hi love! The ones I tend to go to have a huge amount of skincare OTC – Optima Wellness museum and Ready Young pharmacy mainly because they are located close to where I usually stay. I think the price can vary between the pharmacies and are usually lower in the smaller, local ones. But the selection isn’t as vast!
I’m Korean and most of the otc products you introduce here are very familiar to me in a good way ;) Good recommendations!
Thank you for the affirmation, love! This is great to know! 🧡
As always, great content and even better timing! I go in 47 days (can you tell I’m excited and counting days? 😊). Does anyone know what is the best pharmacy to go to? Any recommendations are welcome.
Hi love, you’re gonna have such a great time! I like to go to Optima wellness museum and Ready Young pharmacy because they tend to be close to where I always stay, but they’re also huge with a great, vast selection. They’re also quite an experience! There are also many smaller local pharmacies scattered around where the prices are better sometimes.
@g@gothamistathank you so much Renee, I cannot wait! You won’t remember it, but when you did your London event years ago I asked you about cosmetics treatments and spas in Seoul. Things happened and I’m finally going, 3 weeks in Korea and Japan and I could not be more excited!! Taking only essentials with me!
OMG ofcourse I remember! Aww I have the best memories of that event 🥰 and meeting all of you! I’m so excited for you, it’s a great time to be going and just bring the barest of essentials! 😘😘
Oh no I want so many of the Korean OTC items 😭😂 Time to start planning a trip! I’m very curious about these digestive enzymes, are there any more widely available that you think are good?
I’ve tried others like from Thorne or Elevenzyme which are good, but I’ve never noticed as much of a difference compared to this one. I’m wondering if the pill form isn’t as effective as this powder format 🤷🏻♀️
I’m so excited to get to the Korean pharmacies…it seems the quality and focus of the products is so much more beneficial and targeted. The quality at that pharmaceutical grade really is worth investing in.
Really enjoyed this❤
Thank you love!
Hi Renee. Does the minoxidil formula cause the dread shed that the US one does? I am going to Seoul soon so I have noted all your recommendations.
Yes, any minoxidil formula has the tendency for that, it actually signals that it’s working and don’t worry, it’s temporary! I personally didn’t experience that much, most of my shedding had already occurred before I started minoxidil.
A fascinating look at the Korean pharmacy OTC haul. It is always interesting to discover how everyday over-the-counter products and pharmacy essentials compare across different countries.
Yes I will always find a pharmacy when I travel to different countries!
Hello Renee, do you have any recommandation for fresh scares from korean pharmacies ? tia
Yes! Pro Calm line is fantastic for fresh scars. They have 2, one for breakouts and one with EGF for skin regenerating that can be used for healing wounds!
Hi Renee! The one for the lips that turns matte reminded me of a French pharma staple (which I use on the lips esp. during winter), the Boiron Homeoplasmine. Is it similar in texture and result–assuming you’ve tried it? Really enjoyed your Korean pharmacy products review, till the next one! xx from Greece 💙
Hi love! Yes, it’s kinda like Bioron, which was one of my staples (seriously effective), but I like this one because it’s more balm than cream-like.