What to Buy at Olive Young (2026): Must-Buys by Skin Type, Plus Smart Shopping Tips

Walking into Olive Young for the first time is a lot: thousands of products, bright signs and “1+1” stickers everywhere. This list sorts the products visitors buy most by what they do for your skin, with tips on finding what’s actually trending this month.

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Last checked: October 2026. We don’t list prices because Olive Young discounts change every week. Rankings move fast, so check the in-store ranking shelf too. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

First time in Korea? Start here: our step-by-step guide from landing to your first day.

First, how to shop smart

• Pick the right store. The Myeongdong flagship and Olive Young N Seongsu have the biggest ranges: see Olive Young Seoul: best stores and tax refund.
• Find the ranking shelf (랭킹). Most stores have a display of the current best sellers. It’s the quickest way to see what Koreans are buying right now.
• Look for 1+1 and 2+1 stickers. “1+1” means buy one, get one free. Prices are often lowest during Olive Young’s big sale weeks (Olive Young Day and seasonal sales), announced on the Olive Young app.
• Use the testers on your hand before buying, especially sunscreen and foundation.
• Bring your physical passport to get the tax back at the counter in tourist-area stores (tax refund guide).

Sunscreen

Korean sunscreens are light, non-greasy and don’t leave a white cast, which is why they’re the number one thing visitors stock up on.

• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: the famous one, creamy and gentle.
• Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream: watery and hydrating, good for dry skin.
• Sun sticks (several brands) are handy for reapplying over makeup.

Dry or dehydrated skin

• Torriden DIVE-IN hyaluronic acid serum: one of the products foreign shoppers buy most at Olive Young.
• Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner: a mild, hydrating everyday toner.
• Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask: the overnight gel mask that went viral worldwide.

Sensitive or redness-prone skin

• Anua Heartleaf toner: heartleaf (houttuynia) is a soothing ingredient Korean brands love.
• Centella (cica) creams from several brands. For pharmacy-style versions, see Korean pharmacy skincare.

Oily skin, pores and dullness

• Medicube toner pads: pre-soaked pads that are easy to travel with.
• Numbuzin No.5 ampoule and other brightening serums, also among foreign shoppers’ favourites.
• Cleansing: a cleansing oil or balm plus a gentle foam is the classic Korean double cleanse.

Makeup

• Lip tints (rom&nd, Peripera and others): light, long-lasting and great gifts.
• Cushion foundations (Clio and others): test the shade in store, because Korean ranges can run light.

Easy gifts to bring home

• Sheet masks: light, cheap and loved by everyone. Buy a mixed pack.
• Hand creams and lip balms: small, cute packaging and TSA-friendly sizes.
• Gift sets appear before holidays (Chuseok, Christmas, Lunar New Year) with extra minis.

Liquids over 100 ml must go in checked luggage. Wrap bottles in a plastic bag in case of leaks.

FAQ

Is Olive Young cheaper in Korea than online?
Usually yes, especially during sales and with 1+1 deals, plus you can get the tax back as a tourist.

What sells the most at Olive Young?
Sunscreen, hydrating serums, toner pads and sheet masks are consistently top sellers with visitors. Check the ranking shelf for this month’s list.

Can I bring Korean skincare in my carry-on?
Only liquids up to 100 ml each in a clear bag. Pack bigger bottles in your checked suitcase.

Sources: CosmeticsDesign – Olive Young sales data by country · Financial News – Olive Young global mall trends 2026 · Olive Young Myeongdong – official store page
Photos: Siyoung In / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sgroey / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0