Finding new beauty products that are actually effective is always a challenge. With shelves stacked with tons of products, many labeled with complicated lists of ingredients, it can be difficult to decide on what brands to trust.
Across the globe, however, there are beauty secrets that have been passed down for generations, providing fixes for issues ranging from dandruff to dry feet.
To let you in on these beauty secrets, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share her favorite products from around the world. Read on to shop face cleansers, glowing body lotions, exfoliators, color-correcting treatments and more.
As seen on TODAY | More beauty from around the world | How we chose
Beauty around the world as seen on TODAY
Colombia
Toty Solaria Mineral SPF 50+
Founded by actress Sofia Vergara, “this product is like a three-in-one: [It] delivers antioxidants to the skin like a serum, provides broad spectrum SPF 50+ mineral protection and works perfectly as a makeup primer,” says Dr. Dendy. We contribute this to its soft beige pigment, which the brand labels as a universal formula, and the velvety finish.
China
Florasis Botanical Hydra-Soothe Balancing Cleansing Oil
“Oil-based cleansers are fantastic for removing makeup and are actually a great way to gently cleanse for most skin types, including dry, sensitive or oily/acne-prone skin,” suggests Dr. Dendy. So, all skin types should enjoy the perks of this product. It contains a blend of jojoba oil, squalane and olive oil that deeply cleanse and moisturizes the skin. So as it is removing away makeup and dirt, your skin shouldn’t feel stripped of moisture.
South Korea
Medicube Collagen Glow Booster Milk Serum
“Milk is a very traditional ingredient in South Korean culture,” explains Dr. Dendy. “And this product is enriched with amino acids and lactic acid derived from cow milk, which helps care for skin elasticity and gently exfoliates dead skin cells.” Dr. Dendy recommends applying two to four pumps, twice daily, before your moisturizer and SPF (in the morning) for optimal results. Expect a boost of hydration, supple skin and a luminous glow after use/over-time.
Switzerland
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Those with dry, rough skin should indulge in the ultra-hydrating benefits of this Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream. It is filled with “rosemary, chamomile, and pansy in a nourishing base of sunflower and sweet almond oils to help unlock the look of radiance,” says Dr. Dendy. It can be used on the cuticles, elbows, knees and anywhere else that needs hydration. And as a final pro tip: “You can even use it for flyaways in your hair!,” she adds.
United Kingdom
Barrière Vitamin Patches
“These vitamin patches are meant to be worn for eight to 12 hours as the vitamins and adaptogens are absorbed transdermally (which means through your skin) as you wear it,” explains Dr. Dendy. You apply the product as you would a band aid, and simply stick to your arm. “They have different ingredient blends depending on your supplement goals: Daily Defense for daily immune support, Skin Support which has ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacin, and biotin, and Travel Well for a healthy mind & body on the go.”
Amsterdam
Reuzel Refresh & Restore Intensive Care Eye Cream
For a lot of people, the eye area is one of the most common aging concerns. After all, it is one of the most delicate parts of the skin, but a gentle eye product — such as this one from Reuzel — can help treat the area. “This men’s eye cream is a lightweight, quick drying, fragrance-free formula that helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles,” says Dr. Dendy. It contains caffeine, calendula extract, shea butter and apricot oil to simultaneously moisture, hydrate and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
More beauty products from around the world
South Korea
Medicube Super Cica Daily Quick Mask
After a long work day, we want our nighttime routines to be quick and simple. That’s where Medicube’s Daily Quick Mask enters the picture. It is described as a daily sheet mask that instantly smoothes, cools and moisturizes the skin. Give it just 60-seconds to experience such results, and use either day or night (or both!).
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
Best known for their BB cream, Dr. Jart+ has a product that uses tiger grass from the Asian wetlands to calm sensitive skin. This color correcting treatment is designed to cover blemishes, neutralize redness and restore skin.
Netherlands
Reuzel Clean and Fresh Beard Serum
This beard serum conditions the beard and skin without clogging the pores — talk about a win-win. The product achieves these results through its lightweight and hydrating formula, which consists of sunflower, argan and coconut oils. After application, the beard should feel soft and the hair more tamed. But if you’re still not convinced, this serum was developed by world renowned barbers based in the Netherlands.
Chad
Salwa Petersen Chébé Desert Glow Body Lotion
Besides all of its hydrating benefits, what we adore most about this body lotion is that it creates a sun-kissed glow. The brand claims the product leaves a universal tint “that adapts to all skin tones,” along with a light earthy scent. This would be perfect to layer underneath your favorite fragrance or scented body oil to enhance its delicate notes.
England
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Night Serum
This night serum is a favorite in the UK, and has won over 23 awards to prove it. The star ingredient inside is retinaldehyde, which is defined as a “next-generation form of vitamin A that is proven to deliver results up to 11x faster than traditional retinol.” This alone will help to reduce dark spots and improve the appearance of fine lines. But if you’re new to vitamin A, don’t fret: The product comes in five progressive strengths to accommodate every level.
Denmark
Skandinavisk ØY Organic Hand Wash
Most hand washes can dry out the skin, but this Denmark-based brand claims their version does the opposite. The primary ingredients inside this wash, such as organic glycerin and Danish spring water, are incredibly moisturizing for all skin types. This is especially helpful during the cooler months when you want to take extra care of your hands. There’s also other scents to choose from if you’re wanting something lighter or more seasonal.
Iceland
Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
Free of any parabens and other harsh chemicals, these cooling gels are 100 percent vegan. They feature a hexapeptide technology that targets delicate under-eye skin. In less than ten minutes, the product is sure to help with firming, toning and depuffing — leaving your eyes refreshed and rejuvenated.
Turkey
Testament Beauty Turkish Coffee 3-In-1 Mask
As a facial scrub, mask and moisturizer, this Turkish facial treatment does three times the work in one use! Featuring key ingredients such as Turkish coffee from Arabica coffee seeds, avocado and cacao, this product aids in resurfacing, tightening and hydrating skin. The coffee exfoliates, the hydrating avocado reduces fine lines and inflammation and the cocoa helps with boosting moisture.
India
Indē Wild AM Sunscreen Glow Drops
From a female-founded brand, this sun and skin care hybrid had a 12,000 person waiting list before its official launch. The lightweight formula is specially designed to soothe and protect acne-prone, hyperpigmented and sensitive skin. Created through an innovative formula rooted in Ayruveda, it features powerhouse ingredients like zinc oxide, niacinamide, centella and liquorice root — all of which offer skin benefits without clogging pores.
Morocco
NOW Solutions Organic Argan Oil
This multi-functional Moroccan oil is nourishing for your hair, scalp, cuticles, hands and full body. According to Dr. Engelman, it's perfect for all skin types due to its rich fatty-acid component. It's also "easily absorbed" and therefore aids in maintaining skin pH balance.
Israel
Melach 33 Silky Shea Body Butter
Made with ingredients such as shea butter, dead sea salt and natural antioxidant plant oils, this cream easily absorbs into your skin to help soften and soothe it. The Dead Sea — where this product's star ingredient is sourced from — has a 33 percent salt content (10 times more than the saltiest ocean water) and features the same minerals that facilitates the body's ability to regenerate cells and detoxify naturally.
China
First Aid Beauty Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is formulated with one percent zinc pyrithione to fight flakes and dandruff. This formula is made to work with all hair types, including color-treated hair, and leave scalps smooth and hair soft.
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager
With over 80,000 ratings on Amazon, this scalp massager is a bestseller. In ancient China, hair combing to massage the head was used to maintain one's health, said Engelman. This massager used with the above shampoo might help with dandruff, too.
Japan
NatureLab. Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub
This sake-infused scalp scrub leans into the ancient Japanese tradition of scalp care, said Engelman. The exfoliating cubes are also made of sugar rather than salt to prevent hair damage while exfoliating.
Cure Aqua Gel Exfoliator
Formulated to help you say goodbye to dry, dull and blotchy skin, this Japanese exfoliator works to smooth and brighten skin for a more even-looking complexion. The brand also says this exfoliator works to improve pigmentation, has anti-aging benefits and can reduce the appearance of bumps and acne scars.
Italy
Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo
This lip duo is made in Italy but is owned and founded by two Pakistani sisters. The brand has an inclusive shade range with 25 different shades of nude. The lipstick is dual ended with lip gloss and a matte lipstick. The formula is also vegan and cruelty free.
Brazil
Sol de Janeiro Samba Foot Fetish Cream
If you are looking to keep your feet soft and smooth, this foot care kit could be helpful. With the smooth board, users should exfoliate their feet, then massage the cream into the skin. The main ingredient in this cream is coconut oil.
How we chose
Dr. Dendy Engelman shared with the Shop TODAY team her favorite and most recommended beauty products from various countries, as well as tips for proper usage.