Why Do So Many K-Beauty Products Come From Jeju Island?

Undoubtedly, you’ve heard the name Jeju Island in the world of beauty. Jeju-do, known as the Hawaii of Korea, is a booming skin care and vacation destination due to its lush vegetation and ‘gram-worthy scenery. The tropical island is home to Hallasan Mountain, a large dormant volcano that dominates the landscape. Like other tropical islands, Jeju’s flora and fauna are some of the heartiest and contain the most fortified ingredients. Some of the coveted ingredients from Jeju result from the volcanic ash soil as well as the mineral-rich, geothermic natural spring water. Other unique ingredients in Jeju skin care include: green tea, camelia oil, bija seeds, soybeans and an abundance of exotic fruit. You don’t have to travel to Korea to reap the benefits of Jeju Island’s potent ingredients. Here, we’ve selected some of our favorite Jeju Island beauty products that cost way less than airfare. Read ahead and feed your beauty travel bug with these K-beauty faves.

[ Next: Rejoice: These Epic K-Beauty Buys Are Now Available at Your Local Drugstore ]

This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com

Why Do So Many K-Beauty Products Come From Jeju Island?

Innisfree

Firming Energy Essence with Fermented Soybean, $39 at Innisfree

This essence is the perfect prep step before any skin care routine. It's packed with fermented soybean essence and oil from Jeju Island, which contains a natural form of lactic acid that aids in cell turnover. This hydrating liquid works best when patted into skin after cleansing to increase hydration and lend a dewy glow as well as priming skin for receiving the next skin care products. It's so light and refreshing, you won't want to go without it.
The Lotus

Lotus Leaf Extract Sleeping Pack, $39 at Peach & Lily

This lightweight sleeping mask contains 70 percent lotus leaf extract from the Jeju Island. The lightweight gel-lotion sinks right into skin and makes it plump and dewy overnight, without aggravating acne or other skin irritations. It smells light and refreshing as you drift off to sleep and awaken to brighter, smoother, more hydrated skin.
Erborian

Dong Baek Camellia Essence, $69 at Soko Glam

Great for most skin types (including combination), this floral-scented, lightweight oil blend contains 73 percent camelia oil from Jeju Island. It absorbs quickly and rapidly improves the tone and texture of your skin. If you're looking for a facial oil that will smooth and brighten, without making you oily, give this one a go.
PureHeals

Volcanic Pore Tightening Mask, $28 at Ulta

This mask works wonders for oily, acne prone skin with congested pores. It contains volcanic lava powder from Jeju Island, which helps to draw out impurities from pores as well as helps to control excess sebum production. Use up to two times per week to see a difference in pores and a decrease in oil production.
Innisfree

My Real Squeeze Mask - Aloe, $1.80 at Innisfree

This mask is a steal at under $2. The mask itself is made of biodegradable eucalyptus fibers and fits comfortably on your face. It's soaked in a serum of aloe vera that was harvested from Jeju Island and works to calm and soothe stressed-out skin. Wear the mask up to 20 minutes and pat in remaining serum for skin that is visibly hydrated and downright glowy.
The Face Shop

Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam, $15 at Nature Collection

Get a deep facial clean with this exfoliating lava scrub. Containing Jeju's famous volcanic ash, it has tiny scrubbing particles that clear pores and remove dead skin cells, revealing soft smooth skin. The combination of physical exfoliants and rich, satisfying foam leave your face feeling squeaky clean, without being stripped.
Julep

No Excuses Invisible Sunscreen Gel, $28 at Ulta

Most people hate applying sunscreen — that is, until they've tried this one. It contains camelia oil and Jeju Island love plant extract, which hydrates and protects skin from environmental damage as well as a blend of other hydrating botanical oils and extracts. The SPF 40 is delivered in a truly lightweight gel-essence formula that isn't sticky or heavy and allows for easy makeup application afterwards, with absolutely no white cast.
GlamGlow

Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer, $49 at Sephora

Containing water sourced from Jeju Island itself, this moisturizer feels as light as a droplet of water. The gel cream is fast-absorbing and plumps the skin with hyaluronic acid as well as blue nymph lily extract. If you have combination skin or are a fan of gel-cream moisturizers, you're sure to love this one.
AmorePacific

Vintage Single Extract Essence, $145 at Sephora

Definitely a bit of a splurge, this hydrating, plumping essence is well worth the money. It's formulated with fermented green tea that was harvested in Jeju Island's Dolsongi tea gardens. The antioxidant-packed leaves are fermented for 50 days to create this liquid skin superfood. Pat in after cleansing, before applying skin care treatments, and watch your skin drink up the hydrating elixir. It brightens and evens texture and leaves you with a dewy, plump visage.
Erborian

Yuza Sorbet Night Reinforced Nighttime Emulsion, $55 at Sephora

This lightweight night cream contains antioxidant-rich yuzu extract (from Jeju Island), which lends a delicious lemony smell that you'll love applying at bedtime. Full of natural moisturizers like shea butter, sweet almond oil and beeswax it works to hydrate skin and lock in moisture as you sleep. Dry skin sufferers will love applying this creamy citrus treat (that is never greasy) to wake up to softer, smoother, more supple skin.