When we think about skincare in the traditional sense, we think of elaborate multi-step routines: a lineup of toners, creams and serums for the face. And yet, lest we forget, the skin is the largest organ of the body—extending past the mien and encompassing everything from head to toe. Scalp care has surfaced as a non-negotiable component of luscious locks; in the K-beauty world, oral care is emerging as a category all on its own.
The latest frontier to turn your attention to? Body care. And while it might not be new, the formulations certainly are. Moisturising creams and oils have been around since the dawn of the beauty world, but dryness isn’t the only thing to combat. The skin on our arms, legs, shoulders and everywhere else is susceptible to hyperpigmentation, sun damage and sagging too. Sure, our facial skincare can multi-task, but it’s important to note the distinction between the skin structures on the face and the body. Thickness, for one, but also the cell turnover rates—all of which factor into the efficacy of formulations. Beneath the surface of the skin—especially for women—there are plenty of other concerns which are factors too: the menstrual cycle, our energy and hormone levels and more. As the skincare and wellness brands venture south, they’re casting their sights further than just restoring hydration—and innovating new methods of application too. Below, see the latest and greatest body care products to add to your evening rituals.
1 / 8
Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Body Cream
If you already loved the facial cream, you’ll love the latest addition to the Resveratrol-Lift line. Powered by resveratrol extracted from Caudalie’s famed grapevines, alongside proprietary pro-collagen grape multi-peptides, the formulation targets 20 types of collagen and supports the entire collagen network to boost skin firmness. Expect a lifted and toned appearance—especially with the added hydration and nourishment of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and grapeseed oil.
Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Body Cream, $62, available at Sephora
2 / 8
Knock Whipping Milk Body Wash in Seoul Vanilla
We might take the wash step for granted, but just like the skin on our faces, our bodies deserve to be properly cleansed too. From the viral Korean brand comes the Whipping Milk Wash, an enriching formulation featuring almond milk, lactic acid and glycolic acid. Just as its name suggests, it foams up—like whipped cream—to gently remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier. Making your shower time feel even more luscious is its scent: Seoul Vanilla shrouds the skin in an addictive veil of vanilla bean, jasmine, milk ice cream and musk.
Knock Whipping Milk Body Wash in Seoul Vanilla, $40.07, available at YesStyle
3 / 8
Muihood Immunity & Yang Moxibustion Patch
You’re constantly tired, even after sleeping for 12 whole hours; your feet and hands get clammy. These are all signs of depleted yang, a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to refer to the active energy in your body. A common remedy for this is moxibustion, where dried mugwort is burned to warm the body and improve blood circulation. Muihood’s patches recreate that effect in a convenient self-heating, stick-on format, encapsulating mugwort, astragalus, cinnamon bark and ginger. Mugwort dispels cold and dampness; astragalus supports the spleen, an organ that TCM regards as vital to energy production and immune resilience; cinnamon bark and ginger disperses warmth. For optimal results, apply to the lower abdomen or lower back as part of your wind-down routine.
Muihood Immunity & Yang Moxibustion Patch, $35, available at Muihood
4 / 8
The Moon Trace Moon Duet Box
On days where menstruation—or our reproductive organs in general—has us beat, our bodies deserve to be treated with the utmost care. Menstrual cramps are best calmed with heat, a principle Singaporean brand The Moon Trace transformed into a healing regimen. Within the Moon Duet Box, you’ll find the Moon Wrap and Moon Oil. First, massage the Moon Oil into the abdomen; made with castor oil and TCM herbs, it stimulates warmth and circulation. Then, let the Moon Wrap cocoon you—by keeping the womb space toasty, it’ll facilitate the flow of blood and qi to relieve discomfort. Consider this your sign to treat menstrual care as a dedicated ritual on its own.
The Moon Trace Moon Duet Box, $110, available at The Moon Trace
5 / 8
L’Occitane Almond Resurfacing Body Serum
Body acne can be a frustrating thing to deal with, but having a soothing body serum on hand can make it all easier. This one by L’Occitane comes infused with 5% AHA, prickly pear extract and hyaluronic acid to exfoliate, regenerate and hydrate. Applying as a lightweight gel, consistent use reveals luminous, radiant skin, especially in areas of irritation.
L’Occitane Almond Resurfacing Body Serum, $115, available at L’Occitane
6 / 8
Iwillmeback Oil To Milk After Shower
For anyone concerned about the residue that some body creams leave behind, there are other alternatives—one being this post-shower oil-to-milk from Iwillmeback. Going on as a clear oil, moistened hands transform it into a milky emulsion that parched skin will drink up quickly. Formulated with low-molecular-weight, vegan PDRN, squalane and tocopherol, it moisturises deeply to impart a healthy, dewy glow.
Iwillmeback Oil To Milk After Shower, $29.70, available at Olive Young
7 / 8
Celimax TXA Body Clarifying Pad
With everything that we do with our bodies, build-up certainly accumulates on the surface. The TXA Body Clarifying Pad from Celimax helps exfoliate without harsh scrubbing—thanks to 3% glycolic acid and the textured grooves on one side of the pad. Flipped over to the other side, a potent mix of tranexamic acid, niacinamide and Melazero V2 helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, brightening unevenness over time. Swipe this over the underarms, elbows, knees and anywhere else with a bumpy texture to smoothen and refine before moisturising.
Celimax TXA Body Clarifying Pad, $32.40, available at Olive Young
8 / 8
Medi-Peel Red Lacto Collagen UV Hand Cream
This isn’t just your average hand cream. While we already know the importance of applying SPF to our faces, our hands are also susceptible to UV damage. The SPF50+ PA++++ formula not only protects the skin from harmful rays, but also contains niacinamide to combat dullness. Lactobacillus ferment and collagen round out the ensemble, imparting hydration to overworked hands.
Medi-Peel Red Lacto Collagen Hand Cream, $17.55, available at Olive Young
