What actually elevates a formula to holy-grail status? In the world of best Korean skincare, it comes down to two things: game-changing innovation backed by industry pros, or an undeniable viral frenzy driven by the people who use them daily.

Enter the 2026 Mid-Year Hwahae Awards. Powered by real-time user data and thousands of authentic reviews on Korea's premier beauty app Hwahae, this season's winner list reveals the standout formulas genuinely transforming skin right now. Our STYLEVANA editor sifted through the hype to curate the ultimate, shop-it-now edit, from low-key hidden gems to cult-favourite crowd-pleasers. Consider this your official sign to clear some shelf space.

Best Moisturising Cleansing Gel

COSRX - Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - 150ml

COSRX - Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Courtesy of COSRX

ICYDK, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a long-time bestseller of the K-beauty brand's, globally beloved for its no-nonsense formula that clears away buildup and impurities without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Packed with BHA and Tea Tree Oil, it helps to restore pH balance while keeping the moisture barrier intact. Whether your skin's calling out for a moisture boost or in need of balancing calm, this cleanser's sure to earn a permanent spot on your routine.

Best Overnight Mask for Pores

FULLY - Green Tomato Cream - 90ml

FULLY - Green Tomato Cream

Courtesy of FULLY

If enlarged pores and excess sebum are giving you a hard time, FULLY invites you to slather on their Green Tomato Cream as an overnight treatment to wake up and witness the magic. 65% Green Tomato extract is rich in Tomatidine and Vitamin C that restore skin elasticity and smooth out skin texture, at the same time controlling the skin's sebum levels with the help of Anti-Sebum P. The 100% vegan formula is dermatologically tested to be suitable for all skin types, nourishing the complexion to its most healthy, resilient form.

Best Hydrating Serum

ANUA - PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum - 30ml

ANUA - PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum

Courtesy of ANUA

Come for the captivating emerald hue, stay for the wondrously quenching and plumping effect: the ANUA PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum supports a glass skin glow with a Triple Revitalizing Complex made up of PDRN, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen. As it provides deep skin hydration, it strengthens the skin barrier to refine skin texture and support a natural radiance. Use it in the AM and PM for an instant wave of moisture after toner, or even mix it into your foundation for a luminous appearance.

Best Sun Stick for Oil Control

TOCOBO - Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50 PA++++ - 19g

TOCOBO - Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50 PA++++

Courtesy of TOCOBO

If you feel like you've been seeing the TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50 PA++++ a lot lately, it might be because Hwahae Award aside, it's also swept up the Mid-Year VANA Award 2026 for Best Sun Stick. This silky hybrid sun stick is reinforced with sebum-controlling Anti-Sebum P and hydrating Cotton extract, plus micro-powders creating a soft-matte finish that keeps the skin comfortable with every application and reapplication. The bonus? It's compact enough to fit into any pocket for ultimate portability.

Best Soothing Toner Pad

Abib - Heartleaf Essence Pad Clear Touch - 250ml/ 70pads

Abib - Heartleaf Essence Pad Clear Touch

Courtesy of Abib

Today's toner pads aren't just limited to toning your complexion post-cleanse, but they also offer additional benefits to narrow in on your specific skin concerns. Case in point: the Abib Heartleaf Essence Pad Clear Touch is drenched in Heartleaf and Succinic Acid to refine textured skin, fade post-acne blemishes and calm inflammation. Glide the embossed side across the skin to gently sweep away impurities, the smooth side as your regular toner, or patch it onto a particularly irritated area for instant relief---user's choice.

Best Brightening Eye Treatment

Mary&May - Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream - 12g

Mary&May - Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream

Courtesy of Mary&May

Blast dark circles and crow's feet with the rejuvenating prowess of the Mary&May Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream. Clinically proven to reduce dark circles in just 2 weeks, this fast-absorbing eye treatment counts Tranexamic Acid and Glutathione as MVP ingredients, both revered for their brightening and protective functions. Vitamin C boosts collagen production and Panthenol replenishes moisture, effectively smoothing skin texture to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Best Toner for Pores

beplain - Mung Bean Pore Clearing LHA Toner - 265ml

beplain - Mung Bean Pore Clearing LHA Toner

Courtesy of beplain

Dead skin cells and excess sebum begone: the beplain Mung Bean Pore Clearing LHA Toner regulates the skin's turnover processes to clear it of impurities and keep breakouts at bay. Spiked with a trio of skincare acids and Mung Bean extract, this watery tonic sloughs away buildup while cooling reddened and inflamed skin, effortlessly providing relief to a congested complexion and rough, sagging pores.

Best Face Moisturiser for Anti-Ageing

CENTELLIAN 24 - Madeca Cream Time Reverse (Season7) - 50ml

CENTELLIAN 24 - Madeca Cream Time Reverse (Season7)

Courtesy of CENTELLIAN 24

Our VANA fans aren't the only ones onto the transformative magic of the CENTELLIAN 24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse. Dongkook Pharmaceutical Co leverages their expertise in TECA technology to create this ultra-calming potion of Active-TECA and 12 Centella extracts, designed to combat skin damage, signs of ageing, dullness and more skin concerns. From dry and sagging to firm and vibrant, this cream is the secret weapon to fortifying your complexion against external aggressors.

Which 2026 Mid-Year Hwahae Award-winners are you trying out for yourself? Make sure you're following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!





FAQ

1. What are the Hwahae Awards?

The Hwahae Awards are a biannual ranking of the top Korean skincare products from South Korea's Hwahae beauty app. Products are awarded according to over 10 million real user reviews and feedback, divided into categories of product type, skin type and skin concern.

2. Where can I buy the winners of the Mid Year Hwahae Awards?

Every winner featured in this editor edit is available to shop now at STYLEVANA. Simply click on the product's name or image to add the item to your cart.

3. Does STYLEVANA have their own skincare awards?

STYLEVANA releases the VANA Award twice a year, and we've just launched our Mid-Year VANA Award 2026 for Best Skincare as voted for by our loyal VANA fans. For top-ranking makeup and hair & body products, check out the Mid-Year VANA Award 2026 for Best Makeup and Best Hair & Body.