What You'll Need
I've tried a lot of DIY skincare over the years, and these five Korean home remedies are the ones that actually worked for me. No fancy equipment needed, no expensive products — just stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.
Before we start: wash your face first. And if you've got sensitive skin, do a patch test on your forearm before slathering anything on your face. Leave it for 1-2 hours and check for a reaction.
- Cucumber
- Aloe gel
- Rice (any type)
- Honey
- Yogurt
- Almonds (or almond powder)
- Green tea bags
- A blender
- A strainer
- A spray bottle or glass jar for toner
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cucumber + Aloe Soothing Mask
Korean households have been putting cucumber slices on their faces for decades. It's the OG soothing treatment.
Wash half a cucumber. Grate it or slice it super thin. Spread a thin layer of aloe gel on your face first — this keeps the cucumber from sliding off. Place the cucumber slices on your skin, lie down, and chill for 10-15 minutes.
Cucumbers are mostly water with vitamins, so they're great for hydration and calming irritated skin. When you're done, just take the slices off and do your regular skincare.
2. Rice + Honey Brightening Mask
This one goes way back. There are historical records from the Chosun Dynasty showing women used rice to wash their faces and as lotion. If it worked for them, it'll work for us.
Put half a cup of rice in a bowl. Rinse it about three times — more if you still see impurities. Add one cup of water and cook it until it turns mushy. Let it cool.
Throw the cooked rice into a blender with 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of honey. Blend until smooth.
Rice helps with skin tone, brightening, and keeping your skin soft. Here's the catch: don't leave this on longer than 10-15 minutes. It can actually dry your skin out if you overdo it. Rinse with lukewarm water and slap on moisturizer after. And don't use face masks more than 1-2 times a week — overdoing it causes irritation.
Make just enough for one use. Storing leftovers isn't ideal.
3. Yogurt + Almond Exfoliating Mask
Grind some almonds into powder, or use pre-ground almond powder. Mix:
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons almond powder
- 1½ tablespoons aloe gel
Yogurt and almonds both have antibacterial properties that help prevent bad bacteria from growing on your skin. They also give you a mild exfoliating effect without being harsh.
4. Rice Water Toner
I've shown this in previous videos, but it's worth repeating because it's that good.
Wash your rice 3-4 times. On the last rinse, agitate the rice gently in the water. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Strain out the rice and keep the water.
That's your rice toner. You can use it to rinse your face or apply it like a regular toner. Some people ferment it by leaving it out for 24+ hours — fermented rice has more nutrients. But honestly, the smell is pretty strong, so I skip that step.
5. Green Tea Toner
This one's ancient too, and it's great for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Boil water. Pour it over a green tea bag in a cup. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes — don't go longer or the acidity increases. Let it cool until lukewarm, then pour it into a spray bottle or jar. Optional: add a splash of aloe vera gel.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants and soothes your skin. Store this in the fridge and use it within 5 days max since there are no preservatives.
How to Use These Toners
Use them like any toner in your routine — apply after cleansing, before moisturizer. Or use them as a mist throughout the day when your skin needs a pick-me-up.
A Note on Skin Types
Honestly, these work for most skin types. But everyone's different. You could be allergic to any of these ingredients, so patch test first. Put a small amount on your forearm, wait 1-2 hours, and check for redness or irritation.
