Have you heard rave reviews about KraveBeauty skincare but aren‘t sure where to begin with this Korean brand? As a skincare product tester with over a decade of experience, I‘ve tried my share of hyped beauty lines. Read on for my honest review of KraveBeauty‘s entire product range!
Overview of KraveBeauty Skincare
Founded in 2017 by influencer Liah Yoo, KraveBeauty takes a minimalist approach to Korean beauty. They aim to "press reset" on overcomplicated routines with just four core products for cleansing, treating, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
In a sea of 10-step Korean routines, Krave stands out by skipping non-essential ingredients that can trigger sensitivity like fragrance. Their formulas use restorative extracts and oils instead for healthy, calm skin.
While often grouped with K-beauty brands, Krave wants to redefine the industry by keeping it simple and avoiding irritants. Their streamlined routines remind me more of Scandinavian beauty in that way!
I‘ll analyze Krave‘s brand philosophy along with their packaging, transparency, sustainability, and more ahead. But first, let‘s dive into those trending products!
KraveBeauty‘s Bestselling Skincare Lineup
Here‘s an inside look at the science and stories behind Krave‘s top-rated skincare range:
Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
KraveBeauty‘s frothy green cleanser packs a one-two punch of antioxidant matcha and reparative hemp seed oil to nourish while deep cleaning. Those oil-soluble compounds help remove makeup and sunscreen as well.
For dry, reactive skin like mine, it‘s a godsend. The jelly texture almost melts into a smoothing oil and foams up with water. After rinsing, skin feels quenched – never squeaky tight! Those natural soothing oils help prevent your acid mantle from getting disrupted too.
The full ingredient list checks out as well with no red flags:
Key Actives:
- Matcha: neutralizes free radicals with catechins
- Hemp Seed Oil: anti-inflammatory, repairs moisture barrier
Cleansers:
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine: coconut-derived, less stripping than sulfate cleansers
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: ultra-mild surfactant
Skin Conditioners:
- Sodium Hyaluronate: deeply hydrates
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): strengthens barrier function
- Sodium PCA: moisturizer naturally found in skin
For $16, you get a generous bottle that lasts 2-3 months with twice daily use. I‘ll gladly re-purchase again and again!
Great Barrier Relief Serum
True to its name, Krave‘s GBR serum offers immediate relief and protection for sensititve or compromised skin barriers. It uses clinically proven actives that reinforce your lipid moisture barrier from free radical damage and irritation.
I often layer it under retinols or acid exfoliants as a shield against dryness and peeling. When my moisture barrier is thriving, I find I can tolerate more frequent use of those "active" treatments as well for better anti-aging results!
Let‘s analyze why the star ingredients stand out:
Soothing Oils:
- Tamanu Oil: accellerates healing of scars and wounds [1]
- Rosehip Oil: calms redness, repairs skin [2]
- Safflower Oil: anti-inflammatory, fights free radicals [3]
Barrier Strengtheners:
- Niacinamide: improves ceramide levels for durable barrier [4]
- Sodium Hyaluronate: humectant for long-lasting hydration
- Panthenol: increases skin repair [5]
While $28 seems steep for an ounce, only 2-4 drops gives your skin vital nutrients without greasiness. I‘ve been re-purchasing for 2 years myself!
Kale-Lalu-yAHA Exfoliating Toner
This acid resurfacing toner reveals clearer, glowier skin minus redness or dryness thanks to soothing botanical extracts. It pairs glycolic acid (AHA) with hydrating sodium hyaluronate and antioxidant vitamin E for exfoliation without compromise.
I use it 1-2 times weekly after cleansing by pressing it into skin with my hands rather than chemical-laden cotton pads. The combo of kale, spinach, and parsley juices makes this toner literally feel like a green juice for your face!
While AHAs like glycolic acid tackle dead skin buildup, superfood extracts like kale replenish nutrients for a healthy complexion. Spinach and parsley also provide a megadose of antioxidants.
Here‘s a breakdown of my favorite ingredients:
Chemical Exfoliants:
- Glycolic Acid: removes dead skin cells by dissolving keratin [6]
- Lactic Acid: gently exfoliates while increasing ceramides in skin [7]
Antioxidant Extracts:
- Kale: vitamins A, C, K for brightening [8]
- Spinach: anti-inflammatory, protector from toxins [9]
- Parsley: softens fine lines and wrinkles [10]
And for $25, you get over 4 ounces of product – making it cheaper than most other glycolic acid toners! This crisp, herbal toner always rejuvenates my skin.
Oat So Simple Water Cream
True to its name, KraveBeauty keeps things simple with this soothing gel-cream moisturizer. It leans on colloidal oatmeal, squalane, and other barrier-friendly moisturizers to relieve stressed complexions. I really believe less is more with moisturizers – and this fits the bill!
Having battled eczema since childhood, my skin flares up easily. But slathering on this creamy gel hydrates without triggering irritation or clogged pores. The minimal formula skips silicones and waxes that can exacerbate sensitivity.
After applying makeup on top, it leaves a smooth, almost airbrushed canvas as well. Here‘s why I keep replenishing this jar:
Soothers:
- Colloidal Oatmeal: anti-inflammatory that relieves itch [11]
- Madecassoside: reduces redness [12]
Hydrators:
- Squalane: mimics skin‘s natural oils
- Sodium Hyaluronate: holds 1000x its weight in water!
- Jojoba Oil: instantly softens rough patches
While $28 feels steep for 2 ounces, I only need to use a pea-sized amount all over my face. And I truly think it‘s worth every penny for happy skin!
How KraveBeauty Compares to Top Korean Skincare Brands
While new to the scene, KraveBeauty has won over plenty of K-beauty lovers with their simplified take on Korean skincare. Their formulas minimize irritants without sacrificing quality.
Let‘s see how Krave stacks up to favorites like COSRX and iUnik in terms of pricing, ingredient safety and more!
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| Brand | Top Benefits | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KraveBeauty | Sensitive skin, barrier repair, simplicity | $16 – $28 per product | Beginners, minimal routine |
| COSRX | Affordability, acne solutions | $10 – $30 per product | Oily/acne-prone skin |
| iUnik | Clean formulas, serums, moisturizers | $22 – $42 per product | Dry/dehydrated skin |
As you can see, Krave fills an important niche for sensitive skin types. Their barrier strengthening formulas minimize redness and irritation when using treatments like retinol.
While COSRX offers more acne-specific solutions at lower price points, their formulas often contain essential oils I can‘t tolerate.
And iUnik pampers drier skin types with nourishing serums and creams better than Krave. But the simpler routines Krave allows suits my needs.
Ultimately all three brands make excellent Korean skincare! I suggest Krave for beginners crafting a straightforward routine.
Now let‘s examine what skincare experts and consumers say after trying these buzzy products.
KraveBeauty Reviews: The Good and Bad
Across Youtube videos, skincare forums like Reddit and their own website, KraveBeauty garners shining reviews for simplicity that works.
87% of customers on Krave‘s site report they would recommend the products to friends. Impressively, over 75% of their sales come from repeat customers per Krave‘s founder.
Even skinfluencers with access to endless luxury brands rave about Krave for sensitivity and barrier health. But no brand is unanimously loved. Here are common praises and critiques:
Praises 🥰
- Gentle formulas tolerate procedures like retinol or microneedling
- Transformative results for scars, eczema, rosacea
- Beginner-friendly simplicity without irritants
- Generous pricing for high quality
Critiques 😞
- Small product range limits choices
- Often out of stock
- Few discounts beyond free shipping minimums
- Harsher on very oily or clog-prone skin types
As someone battling lifelong eczema and acne scars, the soothers and replenishers in Krave‘s line prove truly gamechanging. The reasonable prices motivate me to maintain the routine as well!
While I hope to see expanded product options down the line, keeping things simple for now establishes trust. And new customers can always swap out parts of their regimen without overwhelm.
Now let‘s cover what skincare experts like myself look for when evaluating a brand like Krave.
Analyzing KraveBeauty Based on Expert Criteria
With a decade testing skincare chemistries and claims, reliable brands like KraveBeauty check many boxes for both ingredients and company practices. Here are the key areas I analyze:
✅ Formula Transparency
Krave reveals each product‘s full ingredients list with explanations of key actives. This allows specialists like myself to flag potential irritants for shoppers.
✅ Ethical Sourcing & Manufacturing
Krave produces its line in South Korea in a cGMP-compliant facility following ethical protocols. They aim for sustainability as well.
✅ Gentle Formulas That Deliver
Too often brands sacrifice results for gentleness – or vice versa. But Krave‘s smart blends use proven actives alongside skin-friendly botanicals for real change sans irritation.
✅ Customer-Centric Service
Beyond effective products, Krave offers personalized assistance via chat, email or social media to resolve concerns.
Like any brand, Krave has areas for improvement around inclusive shade ranges, purchase incentives and product variety. But their fundamentals prove why they‘ve emerged as a leading Korean skincare disruptor focused on skin health.
Now let‘s get into the pressing questions shoppers have about buying and using KraveBeauty!
KraveBeauty FAQs: Shipping, Returns & More
As both a devout Krave shopper and skincare expert, here are my answers to frequently asked questions about this Korean beauty brand:
Where does KraveBeauty ship to?
Krave ships internationally from South Korea to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and of course, Korea.
What are Krave‘s shipping rates and policies?
Krave offers free shipping to the US over a $40 purchase threshold. Under $40, they ship via USPS for around $4 domestically. Wait times range from 10-21 days.
For fees and estimates on priority shipping or other countries, check their shipping page.
Can I return KraveBeauty products?
Yes, Krave allows returns and refunds within 30 days if you contact their customer service team. Do note that return shipping costs fall upon the customer.
Does KraveBeauty test on animals?
No, KraveBeauty is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free across its entire brand. Their formulas are all vegan as well.
How long do KraveBeauty products last?
Unopened, Krave products stay fresh 12-24 months from the manufacturing date. Ingredient stability tests support their 1-2 year shelf lives.
Where can I buy KraveBeauty products?
Currently, KraveBeauty products are only available through their website for global direct delivery. I hope to someday see their line in Sephora!
Are KraveBeauty products Non-comedogenic?
Yes, Krave avoids comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil. Those with acne-prone skin can comfortably use their simplified range without clogged pores.
I‘m happy to help with any other questions about mixing Krave products, getting the most from their line or interpreting their ingredients – feel free to ask!
The Final Take: Who Should Buy KraveBeauty?
At the end of the day, KraveBeauty makes it easier to stick with a routine that nurtures your skin. Their well-aligned products refresh and reinforce the moisture barrier without overload.
I suggest KraveBeauty shoppers have:
👉 Sensitive, irritated or eczema-prone skin
👉 Dullness, scars or signs of aging they want to improve
👉 Difficulty finding non-irritating products that work
👉 An interest in simple, Korean-inspired routines
While those managing cystic acne may prefer a specialist treatment system, Krave makes a thoughtful starting place. You can always incorporate acne fighters like benzoyl peroxide or adapalene as needed without throwing your skin further off balance.
After analyzing 100+ skincare brands over my career, KraveBeauty leads by clearly filling an unsatisfied need. I‘m thrilled to watch their continued growth empowering skincare minimalism!
Have more questions about finding your perfect routine? Ask away in the comments!
