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BeautyBody CareWellness

5 Skincare Brands Making Dr. Jart+ Look Like Old News

Ioli Baltas

Ioli Baltas

Editor @ Marmalade

Published on: November 25, 2024
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The meteoric rise of Dr. Jart+ brought Korean skincare innovation to mainstream attention, popularizing everything from barrier creams to tiger grass treatments. But while the brand deserves credit for blazing trails, a new wave of skincare companies has emerged with equally compelling approaches. We've identified several brands that rival Dr. Jart+'s effectiveness while bringing fresh perspectives to the beauty counter.

Hero Cosmetics
: Where Science Meets Simplicity

When acne strikes, the usual response involves throwing a medicine cabinet's worth of products at the problem. Hero Cosmetics takes the opposite approach, stripping away complexity to focus on what actually works. Their formulations exclude over 2,400 potentially irritating ingredients - a refreshing departure from the "more is more" philosophy that dominates skincare.
We're particularly intrigued by their Rescue Balm +Red Correct, which tackles both the immediate appearance and long-term healing of blemishes. Rather than making grandiose promises, Hero provides straightforward education about their ingredients and expected outcomes. This no-nonsense approach feels like a breath of fresh air in an industry often clouded by marketing hyperbole.

Why we like Hero Cosmetics

  • 1

    Simplified Formulations

    Excludes over 2,400 potentially irritating ingredients

  • 2

    Educational Approach

    Clear communication about ingredients and expected outcomes

  • 3

    Targeted Solutions

    Focused products that address specific skin concerns

  • 4

    Science-Based Results

    Emphasis on proven effectiveness over marketing claims

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LOOPS
: The Sheet Mask That Finally Got It Right

Sheet masks have become such a skincare cliché that it's easy to dismiss them entirely. But LOOPS has reimagined the category from the ground up, creating hydrogel masks that actually stay put (goodbye, horror movie face-sliding). Their Korean manufacturing process focuses on maximum ingredient absorption - a stark contrast to the glorified wet tissues that crowd drugstore shelves.
The Weekly Reset mask exemplifies this innovation, delivering active ingredients through a material designed to prevent evaporation. We appreciate how LOOPS addresses the elephant in the room - environmental impact - by making their masks compostable. It's a rare example of sustainability enhancing rather than compromising product performance.

Why we like LOOPS

  • 1

    Superior Fit

    Hydrogel masks that stay in place during use

  • 2

    Enhanced Absorption

    Korean manufacturing process maximizes ingredient delivery

  • 3

    Eco-Conscious

    Compostable materials without compromising effectiveness

  • 4

    Innovative Design

    Material prevents ingredient evaporation during use

Shelby

Shelby

05/17/24

I love these face masks! They feel so refreshing and hydrating.

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Topicals
: Breaking the Beauty Industry's Silence

While most skincare brands chase the perfect "glow," Topicals tackles the unglamorous reality of chronic skin conditions. Their scientific advisory board isn't just for show - it shapes every formulation decision, resulting in products that prioritize function over flash.
The Slick Salve Lip Balm demonstrates this philosophy perfectly. Instead of promising Instagram-worthy lips in 30 seconds, it focuses on maintaining long-term lip health through carefully selected vegan ingredients. Topicals' emphasis on education creates an informed community that understands the "why" behind their skincare choices.

Why we like Topicals

  • 1

    Scientific Approach

    Formulations guided by professional advisory board

  • 2

    Focus on Chronic Conditions

    Addresses overlooked skin health issues

  • 3

    Educational Community

    Helps customers understand the science behind products

  • 4

    Vegan Formulations

    Carefully selected ingredients for long-term skin health

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Experiment
: The Brand That Tests Everything (So You Don't Have To)

Most skincare companies trumpet their "breakthrough" ingredients. Experiment prefers to let rigorous testing do the talking. Their Super Saturated serum emerged from countless iterations, with each version scrutinized for optimal ingredient concentrations.
The brand's transparency about their development process - including failed experiments - offers a fascinating glimpse into modern skincare creation. This openness extends to their formulation choices, explaining not just what ingredients they use but why specific concentrations matter. It's like having a cosmetic chemist as your personal skincare consultant.

Why we like Experiment

  • 1

    Rigorous Testing

    Extensive iteration process for optimal formulations

  • 2

    Complete Transparency

    Open about both successes and failures in development

  • 3

    Scientific Education

    Detailed explanations of ingredient concentrations

  • 4

    Evidence-Based Approach

    Focuses on proven results over marketing claims

Pita

Pita

05/03/24

This is one of my favorite parts of my skincare routine. It really locks in water and/or essences.

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COSRX
: Proving Less Can Be Revolutionary

In a world of 12-step routines, COSRX dares to ask: what if we only used ingredients that actually did something? Their Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence embodies this minimalist philosophy, delivering results without unnecessary fillers.
The brand's approach to customization focuses on mix-and-match simplicity rather than endless product variations. We find their elimination of common irritants particularly noteworthy - it's not just about what they include, but what they consciously leave out. This thoughtful formulation strategy has made their products accessible even to those who typically react to everything.

Why we like COSRX

  • 1

    Minimalist Formulations

    Only includes essential, active ingredients

  • 2

    Customizable Solutions

    Simple mix-and-match approach to skincare

  • 3

    Irritant-Free

    Thoughtful elimination of common skin irritants

  • 4

    Universal Accessibility

    Suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types

Hayley Villapudua

Hayley Villapudua

09/03/24

This is the 2nd step of my daily skincare routine! I've noticed a reduction in the size of my pores since I started using this. Love it.

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Moving Beyond the Familiar

These brands demonstrate how the skincare landscape has evolved beyond the familiar names that introduced us to K-beauty innovations. Each brings a distinct philosophy to the table, whether it's Hero's laser focus on problem-solving, LOOPS' sheet mask reformation, Topicals' chronic condition expertise, Experiment's testing obsession, or COSRX's minimalist effectiveness. The result? A skincare scene that's more diverse, innovative, and thoughtful than ever before.