Shopping for Korean skincare in Spain has been hit-or-miss—until now.
One of my favorite observations after relocating to Spain? K-beauty is everywhere. Mostly at Sephora, where I see shelves lined with Beauty of Joseon and Innisfree (but not VT Cosmetics). It almost feels like a throwback. These were the formulas that had their big moment in the U.S. a decade ago. But instead of feeling dated, it’s actually kind of refreshing.
On the flip side, Amazon here is just okay when it comes to Korean skincare—especially if you’re looking for anything beyond the usual suspects like COSRX. Fulfillment isn’t as fast, and some listings feel… questionable. So I was pleasantly surprised when I gave iHerb.com another look.
My earliest memory of iHerb goes back almost twenty years. The site used to be bare-bones and heavily supplement-focused: vitamins, teas, protein powders. Skincare was limited to Epsom salts and that giant tub of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay—which, believe it or not, was quite exciting back then. So imagine my surprise when I randomly placed a K-beauty order—and a week later, the package arrived in Madrid. From Illinois. With free shipping. Zero customs drama.
Here’s what made it into my current routine:
VT Reedle Shot Synergy Sparkling Toner Pads
I’m still working my way through the Reedle Shot serum lineup (which goes way beyond what Ulta stocks), but these toner pads were an easy yes. While marketed as a preparatory step in the Reedle routine, they work beautifully on their own as a hydrating, skin-smoothing treatment after cleansing.
Each disc is dual-textured—smooth on one side, slightly coarse on the other—and soaked in a blend of Centella Asiatica, Tea Tree Leaf, Green Tea Leaf, Cypress Leaf, Purslane, and Propolis extracts. With multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid in the mix, they leave your skin calm, fresh, and comfortably hydrated. Whatever serums follow will absorb more effectively—your skin’s just been prepped to properly absorb and respond to them. $30 (80 ct)
Dr.Ceuracle Pro Balance Night Enzyme Powder Face Wash
I’ve always had a soft spot for powder cleansers, and this one is right up there with my favorites. It’s water-activated, travel-friendly, and doesn’t dry out your face. Dr.Ceuracle’s formula combines enzyme exfoliation (thanks to protease) with charcoal powder to detox and deep clean without stripping.
While the “Night” label gives it a PM nod, that’s not a hard rule. Since this doesn’t contain resurfacing acids, it won’t increase photosensitivity—which makes it perfectly safe for morning use, too. (That said, daily sunscreen is non-negotiable no matter what kind of exfoliation is in your routine.)
Texture-wise, it’s a bit more granular than most, but foams up easily when you rub it between damp hands. You’re left with a soft, cushiony lather that rinses clean and leaves skin feeling noticeably smoother. I tend to add a few dashes into my shampoo every few washes to tackle scalp buildup—works like a charm. $17 (50ml)
Sheet Masks, Because I Had to Hit Free Shipping
Did I need more sheet masks? Of course not. But nothing rounds out an order like a few extra masks to justify the shipping minimum. I went with three from LAPCOS—a brand I’ve come to appreciate for its no-fuss, actually-hydrating formulas. They’re marketed by skin concern, but honestly, they all deliver a solid hit of balancing hydration, which is exactly what I want during this never-ending Madrid summer.
If you’re feeling uninspired by local K-beauty options or just want to explore some formulas you can’t find in-store, definitely check out iHerb. I did a quick price check against Amazon Spain and iHerb came out ahead almost every time. Yes, it took a full week to arrive—but with no customs delay and no markups? Worth it.
Shop at iHerb.com or if you're in Spain also, check out es.iHerb.com.
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend what I personally use and love.
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