If you’re a K-beauty lover or planning a trip to South Korea, there’s one shopping destination you can’t miss: Olive Young. Often dubbed the “Sephora of Korea,” Olive Young is a health and beauty chain found on nearly every street corner in Seoul—and for good reason. It offers a well-curated mix of skincare, makeup, wellness products, and exclusive brands you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re shopping in person or browsing their global site, Olive Young is a treasure trove of Korean beauty innovations, viral TikTok finds, and tried-and-true favourites. But with thousands of SKUs and frequent seasonal drops, it can feel overwhelming to know what to actually buy.
As a beauty editor who’s scoured the shelves (and stocked multiple suitcases), here’s your definitive list of the best things to buy at Olive Young, from cult-favourite serums to affordable sheet masks and makeup must-haves.
1. Beauty of Joseon – Revive and Glow Heroes
Beauty of Joseon is one of the most beloved Korean skincare brands, and Olive Young carries the full range—including travel sizes and limited sets. If you’re new to the brand, start with the Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin, which helps brighten, hydrate, and smooth textured skin.
Also worth picking up is their Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+, an ultra-lightweight sunscreen with a natural finish and no white cast—often sold out online but frequently restocked at Olive Young.
2. Anua – The Viral Toner You’ve Seen Everywhere
Anua’s Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner has gone viral for a reason. This calming, hydrating toner is formulated with heartleaf extract to reduce inflammation, redness, and acne without stripping your skin barrier. It’s a bestseller on both the Olive Young Korea and global platforms, and you can often score multi-packs or value sets in-store.
Pair it with Anua’s Cleansing Oil and Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack for the ultimate calming routine.
3. Torriden – Barrier Repair Favourites
Torriden has quickly become a K-beauty insider favourite, and Olive Young stocks everything from their Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Serum to the Solid-In Ceramide Cream. These products are great for dehydrated or sensitive skin, offering hydration without heaviness.
If you’re looking to rebuild your skin barrier or need a skin reset after over-exfoliating, Torriden’s minimalist yet effective formulas are a must.
4. Mediheal Sheet Masks – Affordable and Effective
Olive Young is sheet mask heaven—and Mediheal leads the pack. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dullness, or dryness, there’s a Mediheal mask for you. Their Tea Tree Essential Blemish Control Mask and N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask EX are cult classics for calming and hydrating stressed skin.
Pro tip: Many Olive Young stores offer bundle deals (like 10+10 masks), so it’s the perfect time to stock up or try different varieties.
5. Round Lab – Clean & Calm Skincare
Don’t leave Olive Young without checking out Round Lab’s Dokdo line, especially the Dokdo Cleanser and Toner. These gentle yet effective products are ideal for anyone with sensitive skin and are packed with mineral-rich deep sea water from Ulleungdo Island.
The Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen from Round Lab is another hot item that you have to check out. It is lightweight, moisturising, and perfect under makeup.
6. 3CE – Trendy, Editorial Makeup
Olive Young has a strong selection of 3CE (by StyleNanda) products, one of Korea’s most fashionable and Instagrammable beauty lines. Look for the Velvet Lip Tints, Mood Recipe palettes, and Take A Layer Multi Pots, which can be used on eyes, cheeks, and lips.
If you’re into monochromatic makeup or the clean girl aesthetic, 3CE has exactly what you need.
7. Rom&nd – Best Affordable Lip Products
No Olive Young haul is complete without at least one lip product from Rom&nd. Known for their Juicy Lasting Tints, Blur Fudge Tints, and Glasting Water Gloss, Rom&nd has become a global favourite for a reason.
The pigmentation, comfort, and color selection (especially for MLBB and nude tones) are phenomenal for the price. Their Better Than Eyes palettes are also perfect for soft daily glam.
8. Peripera – Fun, Playful Colour Cosmetics
If you’re after cute packaging and vibrant color, Peripera is your go-to. The Ink Velvet Lip Tints are a fan favourite for their comfortable matte finish, and the Sugar Twinkle Liquid Eyeshadows are perfect for adding a subtle shimmer to your lids or inner corners.
Peripera is also known for mini-sized makeup kits, great for travel or testing multiple shades.
9. Goodal – Glowy Skin Must-Haves
Another Olive Young exclusive brand, Goodal has quietly become a glow-getter’s dream. The Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum is a top-seller for fading hyperpigmentation, and it’s formulated with a gentle form of vitamin C that’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Pair it with the Vita C Eye Gel Patches for an instant under-eye refresh.
10. Sun Care – Korea’s Best Sunscreens All in One Place
Olive Young is the ultimate destination for Korean sunscreens. You’ll find options from Isntree, Dr.G, BOJ, Round Lab, Aestura, SKIN1004, and more. Most are SPF 50+, PA++++, fragrance-free, and leave no white cast.
Standouts include:
- BOJ Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
- Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
Buying in-store allows you to try textures before committing—and you may even spot exclusive jumbo sizes.
11. K-Beauty Sleep Masks and Spot Treatments
For nighttime skin recovery, Olive Young offers a wide selection of overnight masks and spot patches. The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask remains a bestseller for hydrating skin while you sleep.
For breakouts, try:
- COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
- Nexcare Acne Dressing
- Acropass Trouble Cure (for deeper cystic acne)
- Olive Young Care Plus Scar Cover Spot Patch
These are all Olive Young staples that beauty insiders really swear by.
12. Health and Wellness Picks
It’s not just about skincare—Olive Young also stocks a well-edited collection of Korean beauty supplements, collagen powders, teas, and multivitamins. Some of the bestselling brands include Innerb, GNM, and Jongkundang.
Whether you’re looking to support skin elasticity or simply stay healthy while traveling, their supplement aisle is worth browsing.
Beauty Editor Tips for Shopping at Olive Young
- Look for Olive Young exclusives — Some brands release limited edition sets only sold at Olive Young.
- Sign up for the membership (if you’re in Korea) — You can get instant coupons and discounts, even as a visitor.
- Don’t be shy about samples — Many staff will offer them generously, especially if you buy from premium skincare lines.
- Visit the Myeongdong flagship — It’s the largest store with the widest selection and frequent deals.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Buy at Olive Young?
Whether you’re a K-beauty beginner or a seasoned skincare connoisseur, Olive Young is the place to discover Korea’s most innovative and effective beauty products. From acne patches and glow serums to trendy tints and sun-safe SPFs, it’s your one-stop shop for all things gorgeous.
And the best part? You can always order online via Olive Young Global if you’re not in Korea—but there’s nothing quite like the joy of browsing the real aisles in Seoul.
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