Q: How do I know my skin type?

A: An easy way to find out at home is by washing your face with lukewarm water only and waiting about 10 to 15 minutes without applying any further products.

Or find out directly by taking the skin type quiz here.

Q: I am a newbie, where should I start?

A: If you are just starting with skincare, first focus on the absolute basics: cleansing and moisturizing your skin daily. Once you have mastered this routine, gradually expand it with a toner and sun protection.

As soon as this advanced basic routine feels comfortable, you can move on to targeted steps such as an essence, serums, or specific actives.

Also, feel free to take the routine quiz here for personalized advice.

Q: What is K-Beauty and why is it so popular?

A: K-Beauty stands for Korean Beauty. For several years now, Korean skincare has been conquering the world. Korean cosmetic products are known for their innovative ingredients, refined packaging, surprising results, and excellent value for money. Due to intense competition in South Korea, brands continuously innovate to offer the highest possible quality.

Q: What is so unique about Korean skincare?

A: Korean skincare focuses on making and nourishing the skin healthy from within, rather than covering up imperfections with makeup. The philosophy is simple: prevention is better than hiding!

Q: What is the main focus of K-Beauty?

A: The focus lies on personalized routines, deep hydration, an even complexion, and protecting the skin barrier against sun damage and premature skin aging (such as wrinkles and fine pigmentation spots).

Q: Is Korean skincare suitable for a Western / non-Asian skin?

A: Yes, absolutely! Korean skincare is suitable for every skin type and ethnicity. The most important thing is choosing products that match your specific skin type and skin needs.

Q: When do I know if a product works?

A: When adding a new product to your routine, it is important to use it consistently for at least 1 month according to the instructions to see results. This is because new skin cells become visible then, allowing you to assess the actual result.

Q: How do I recognize an allergy?

A: Do you experience a burning or itchy feeling fairly soon after applying a product, and does the skin become red and blotchy? Then there is a high chance it is an allergic reaction.

Do itching and burning sensations not occur, but does the skin look a bit red or feel tingling after use? Then there may be other causes, such as stimulated blood circulation or active ingredients penetrating deeper into the skin layers.

Q: What is pilling and how do I prevent it?

A: Pilling is the phenomenon where skincare products roll, ball up, or flake on the face. This usually happens when you apply a subsequent layer before the previous layer has been fully absorbed by the skin.

You can effectively prevent pilling by gently patting the products into the skin and giving each layer a moment to absorb before moving on to the next step.

Q: Is a natural ingredient always better than a synthetic ingredient?

A: Not necessarily. Although we often think "natural" is always better, natural substances (such as essential oils) can sometimes cause allergens or irritations. Safe synthetic ingredients are often perfected in the lab to increase efficacy, stabilize the formula, or make them specifically suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Q: Can I combine different brands?

A: Yes, that works fine! If a face cream from one brand works perfectly for you, you don't necessarily have to use the cleanser from the same brand. If you want to achieve a specific goal (such as tackling pigmentation or fine lines), it can be wise to carefully coordinate actives (such as AHA/BHA) to avoid irritation.

Q: Is there a production date or an expiration date on the packaging?

A: In the West, we are used to a BBE date ("best before"). In Korea, however, brands often mention the production date to show how fresh the product is. This can sometimes be confusing!

Q: Why does the date display sometimes vary per product (such as with sheet masks)?

A: Sheet masks and cosmetics are produced in specific batches (lots). Depending on the packaging type or ingredients, a manufacturer sometimes chooses to print the production date on one batch and the expiration date on another. Within the same batch, this designation is always identical.

Q: When should I throw away a product?

A: Does the scent, color, or texture of a product change? Then it is time to say goodbye to it.

In addition to the unopened shelf-life date, every product has a PAO (Period After Opening). This is indicated by an icon of an open jar with a number inside (e.g., 6M, 12M, or 24M). This indicates the number of months the product is optimal and safe to use after opening.

PAO Symbol

Q: Are the products animal-friendly and cruelty-free?

A: Yes! South Korea has officially banned testing cosmetics on animals by law. Many well-known brands such as Klairs, Etude, Innisfree, and Benton also hold official certifications from organizations like KARA or PETA.

Moreover, all products in the assortment of Haru Haru Beauty are carefully checked according to the strict legislation of the European Union. One of the strict conditions in the EU is that cosmetics and ingredients may not be tested on animals.