A 101 GUIDE TO ERBORIAN
Rooted in Korean tradition and technology, Erborian has slowly been making waves within the beauty sphere with its intentional, skin-first approach. Highley effective, nourishing and powered by herbs, it’s a beauty brand that’s committed to ensuring your complexion looks and feels its best.
To understand more about this cutting-edge phenomenon, we sat down with Serena Banfield, Erborian’s Brand Manager for the UK & IE, to learn more about its innovation, history and, of course, discover some of its bestsellers.
In This Article
- The Story of Erborian
- Erborian’s Ingredient Selection
- Serena Banfield’s Erborian Approved Skin Care Routine</a
- How Erborian Caters To Different Skin Types and Tones
- Erborian’s Bestsellers
- What's Next For Erborian
THE STORY OF ERBORIAN
Erborian’s journey began with a clear and focused vision. “Erborian launched in 2007 with a simple goal: to provide multi-purpose and easy-to-use products that promise to always put you and your skin first,” explains Serena. Rooted in the power of Korean skin care expertise, the brand has always aimed to create products that not only enhances complexions, health but also support self-esteem. “Fast forward nearly two decades and our core values remain unchanged. We remain committed to creating products with advanced, clinically effective formulas that are designed to unlock your skin’s true potential,” she adds.
At the heart of Erborian is the link between skin care and self-worth. “At Erborian, we believe life would be brighter if you recognise your worth and prioritise feeling good in your skin. Self-care is one of the first steps to building real self-esteem, including learning to love and care for your skin,” Serena says, reinforcing the brand’s deeper mission.
The name itself reflects this foundation. “‘Erborian’ is roughly translated as ‘Oriental Herbs’ and is a nod to Seoul, Korea, where all our products are developed and produced,” Serena shares. “Erborian products are made with the latest Korean technologies and innovation to deliver real results.” This thoughtful fusion of heritage, innovation, and empowerment continues to shape Erborian’s unique place within the skin care industry.
THE PROCESS OF ERBORIAN’S INGREDIENT SELECTION
At the core of Erborian’s philosophy is a deep respect for Korean skin care principles, particularly its unique ability to blend traditional herbal wisdom with forward-thinking innovation. “Korean skin care has revolutionised the beauty market, reshaping global beauty standards and routines with its emphasis on achieving healthy, radiant skin,” explains Serena. This legacy of excellence is reflected in Erborian’s careful and intentional approach to ingredient selection.
“We are so proud of our Korean heritage and authentic link to K-beauty,” Serena continues. “All our products are formulated and produced in Seoul, so you can rest assured that Erborian is coming from the heart of true K-beauty innovation. K-beauty is an exciting, ever-evolving landscape, and we are constantly looking for the next innovation that will help care for your skin.”
This commitment goes beyond trend-following—it’s about real results and long-term care. “What really sets Erborian apart are expert formulations with high concentrations of actives that are clinically proven to care for and improve complexions,” Serena explains. From traditional ingredients like ginseng and centella asiatica to cutting-edge delivery systems, every formula is built with purpose and precision.
“At Erborian, we aim to go beyond the ‘K-beauty’ trend by making high-quality, supercharged skin care accessible whilst highlighting our Korean heritage, synonymous with expertise and credibility,” she adds. “This approach allows us to reinforce the depth and authenticity of our brand while delivering on instant gratification, visible transformation, and long-term care.”
Ultimately, Erborian creates products that fit seamlessly into everyday routines. “Our mission is creating products that answer that and help make your day a little bit easier,” says Serena.
ERBORIAN’S RECOMMENDED SKIN CARE ROUTINE
With the concept of minimal steps for maximum results, Serena explains that “Erborian’s aim isn’t to cover up skin, instead it’s to care for it with the best ingredients and multi-purpose formulas that work hard to free up valuable time.” With that in mind, this is Serena’s Erborian approved routine:
Morning Ritual:
Step 1: Start with the Centella Cleansing Gel to cleanse skin but maintain a healthy, hydrated skin barrier.
Step 2: Then, go in with the Skin Hero Glow: a non-tinted cream that preps you complexion for the day. “Infused with micro-pearls, the formula gives you instant glass skin and a radiant glow. Plus, enriched with 2% Korean Ginseng extract, clinically proven to be as effective as retinol, Skin Hero Glow works long term to reduce fine lines, smooth skin and boost collagen.
Step 3: Next, pick your hybrid secret weapon! Erborian’s BB and CC Crèmes really are a cut above the rest when it comes to combining skin care and make up in one. If you prefer medium coverage, we recommend BB Crème. Madewith 2% Korean Ginseng, your skin will be bouncy and smoothed over time. The lightweight formula immediately blurs blemishes with medium coverage and a velvet finish. Or, if you prefer something lighter but equally as hardworking, we recommend Erborian CC Crème. And if you’re confused about the difference? CC stands for ‘colour corrector’ and works to colour correct and neutralise uneven skin tone. Powered with 2% Korean Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid and formulated with encapsulated pigments, it initially appears white but adapts to your skin tone once blended. The result? Moisturised, even and glowy skin.
Nighttime Ritual:
Step 1 & 2: Korean night time routines always start with a double cleanse. We recommend Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil followed by the Centella Cleansing Gel. Gentle on skin and ultra nourishing, this duo will easily remove all make up residue and properly cleanse the skin. The Centella Asiatica in the formula helps to keep skin soothed.
Step 3: Then, use Skin Therapy: a multi-perfecting nighttime serum that targets everything from uneven texture, evenness, luminosity and fine lines. Available in two textures (a rich nighttime oil and hydrating milky-serum,) both are packed with 17 Korean-approved ingredients as well as 10% PHA to refine skin texture, hydrate and plump.
Whatever your texture preference, simply shake the bottle to combine the bi-phase formula and apply a few drops to cleansed skin. The potent formula works while you sleep to deliver results from the 1st night. It’s ultra-nourishing, so you don’t need to add a moisturiser.
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ERBORIAN’S APPROACH TO SKIN CARE FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES AND TONES
With a skin-first approach at its core, Erborian is committed to using the finest Korean ingredients to care for all skin tones and textures. “Centella Asiatica (AKA Cica) is one of Erborian’s hero ingredients and has been used in Korea for centuries,” shares Serena. “Its benefits include soothing inflammation and redness, and it can be found in our entire CC Crème family, as well as our Centella Cleansing range.”
Another standout ingredient is Korean Ginseng, which Erborian uses in several forms. “Our ginseng is aged for six years to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness,” Serena explains. “Products containing 2% Ginseng Extract are clinically proven to be as effective as retinol in reducing fine lines, smoothing skin, and boosting collagen.” You’ll find this ingredient across the BB Crème and Skin Hero families, as well as in the Ginseng and Skin Therapy skin care ranges.
But Erborian doesn’t stop at skin care alone. “We understand that people want visible and immediate results,” Serena adds. “That’s why our hybrid ranges—BB, CC, and Super BB—are formulated with pigment to deliver the desired level of coverage while treating the skin.” The CC Crème family, for example, is designed to colour correct and even out skin tone. “Erborian CC Red Correct contains green pigments to neutralise redness. Because green and red are opposites on the colour wheel, they cancel each other out to create a neutral base.”
ERBORIAN’S BESTSELLERS
With the concept of creating multi-use products that slip seamlessly into your routine, it’s no surprise that Erborian’s hybrid formulas are among its bestsellers. But what exactly is an Erborian hybrid? “A true blend of skin care and make up, the one product ticks multiple boxes,” says Serena. “Our BB and CC Crèmes provide coverage and Korean skin care — ideal if you want a ‘one-and-done’ formula that’s quick, easy, and helps you look and feel great in your skin,” she continues. And the numbers speak for themselves: “Don’t just take our word for it— one CC Crème sells every 12 seconds worldwide!” Now that’s impressive.
MORE ERBORIAN BESTSELLERS
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ERBORIAN
“We are constantly listening to our customers, noticing trends and developing products that offer solutions,” reflects Serena. “Watch this space for several more Korean skin care innovations coming from Erborian in 2026 — including a very exciting skin care product that’s rarely available in the UK.” In addition to futuristic formulas, inclusivity is also front of mind. “Erborian is working hard behind the scenes to expand the shade range in our hybrid products,” she concludes.
With skin-first innovation and customer needs at the heart of everything they do, we can’t wait to see what’s next from this complexion-enhancing brand.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
