Skin Essentials for Autumn – Featuring COSRX & The INKEY List
As the leaves start to fall and the days get cooler, our skin goes through its own seasonal shift. Gone are the humid summer days when hydration felt effortless—autumn brings crisp air, lower humidity, and the beginning of indoor heating, all of which can leave your skin feeling tight, dry, and sometimes a little dull.
But don’t worry—this is where a few smart skincare swaps can make all the difference. Two brands I absolutely love for affordable, effective, and no-fuss products are COSRX and The INKEY List. Both offer targeted formulas that keep skin balanced, hydrated, and glowing—exactly what we need for this time of year.
Let’s dive into the autumn essentials you’ll want in your routine.
Step 1: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
If your skin feels tight or flaky in autumn, it’s crying out for hydration.
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence: A cult classic for a reason. This essence is like a tall drink of water for your skin. The snail mucin works to repair and deeply hydrate, leaving your skin plump and bouncy.
The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This lightweight serum sinks right in and helps your skin hold onto moisture all day. Pro tip: apply it to damp skin for an extra hydration boost.
Step 2: Protect Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is your shield—it keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Autumn’s dry air can weaken it, so barrier-friendly products are a must.
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (Tube): Rich in 92% snail mucin, this all-in-one cream is intensely hydrating and helps repair the skin barrier. It locks in moisture, calms irritation, and leaves skin silky soft—perfect for autumn dryness.
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream: A lightweight gel-cream with omega fatty acids that balance hydration and reinforce your skin’s protective barrier. It’s refreshing yet nourishing, ideal if you want barrier care without heaviness.
Step 3: Gentle Exfoliation for That Glow
When the weather cools down, dead skin cells can build up, making your skin look a little lackluster. A gentle exfoliant keeps your complexion smooth and radiant.
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid: A glycolic acid formula that helps melt away dead skin cells for clearer, brighter skin.
The INKEY List PHA Toner: Ideal if you’ve got sensitive skin. It’s super gentle but still helps refine texture and add glow.
Step 4: SPF Still Matters!
It’s a myth that sunscreen is only for summer. UV rays are present year-round, so SPF remains a non-negotiable.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+: Lightweight, hydrating, and leaves no white cast—this is hands-down one of the best affordable sunscreens for everyday use.
Step 5: Targeted Treatments for Autumn Woes
Seasonal changes can bring surprise breakouts or redness. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: Keeps pores clear and reduces congestion if your skin is acting up.
The INKEY List Niacinamide: A multi-tasker that helps with oil control, redness, and brightening overall.
Autumn skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on hydration, barrier protection, gentle exfoliation, and SPF, and your skin will transition smoothly into the cooler months. If you’re looking to refresh your routine, COSRX and The INKEY List offer affordable yet powerful products that make autumn skin care simple—and effective. So, light that pumpkin spice candle, pull on your favorite cozy jumper, and treat your skin to some seasonal TLC.