Finding new beauty products that are actually effective can be 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, there are beauty secrets that have been passed down for generations, providing fixes for issues ranging from dandruff to dry skin.
To let you in on these beauty secrets, dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recently stopped by TODAY with Jenna & Friends to share her favorite products from around the world. From Brazil to South Korea, read on to discover these globally loved picks.
Beauty products around the world seen on Jenna & Friends
Brazil
Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Moisturizing Shower Oil
Engelman says this oil-to-foam body wash from Sol de Janeiro "nourishes and hydrates skin as it cleanses." The brand contributes those effects to its Brazilian oil blend, which includes Brazil nut seed oil and coconut oil, among other delicious oils, that soften and balance the skin after every use.
South Korea
Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
We get it — skin care routines can be time-consuming. This unique face mask, however, is all about convenience. "It protects and enhances your skin’s elasticity with our collagen wrapping film, delivering eight hours of intensive care while you sleep," explains Engelman. It applies and comes off in one piece, and just requires you to wear the mask overnight. "Perfect for waking up with firmer, more resilient skin," she adds.
Canada
SkinFix Triple Lipid-Boost 360° Eye Cream
The eye area, especially the lids, is a delicate part of the skin, says Engleman. SkinFix's eye cream was designed to deeply hydrate and brighten, from the lids to the under eyes, and is one of Engelman's most loved products for this area.
Mexico
Santu Beauty Lima Mexicana Body Lotion
Get ready for moisturized skin with this body lotion from Santu Beauty. The born-in-Mexico brand has its roots in its products, with the body lotion containing locally harvested Mexican lime, Guerrero eucalyptus and rosemary de la madre tierra for a deeply rich and radiant formula.
"The ancestral benefits of copal resin, sourced from the trees native to Costa Grande, will give your body a luminous glow," notes Engelman. You can also shop for more scents here.
United States of America
Commence 2-in-1 Instant Dry Shampoo
Not all dry shampoos are alike, and Commence's 2-in-1 dry shampoo proves just that. Created by supermodel and actress Brooke Shields, this product promises to instantly refresh the hair and scalp by absorbing excess sebum and oil and moisturizing dry areas. Plus, if you're looking for a boost of volume, "It['s] revitalizing hair at the root for thicker, fuller looking hair," adds Engelman.
More beauty products from around the world
Engelman previously joined TODAY to share more of her favorite products from around the world.
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 Engelman. We attribute 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 Engelman. So, all skin types should enjoy the perks of this product. It contains a blend of jojoba oil, squalane and olive oil that deeply cleanses and moisturizes the skin. So as it is removing away makeup and dirt, your skin shouldn’t feel stripped of moisture.
Maxsoft Hair Scalp Massager
With over 89,000 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.
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 Engelman 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 Engelman. 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.”
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Night Serum
This night serum is a favorite in the United Kingdom and has won over 23 awards to prove it. The star ingredient inside is retinaldehyde, which the brand defines 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.
South Korea
Medicube Collagen Glow Booster Milk Serum
“Milk is a very traditional ingredient in South Korean culture,” explains Engelman. “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.
Medicube Super Cica Daily Quick Mask
After a long workday, 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.
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 Engelman. It contains caffeine, calendula extract, shea butter and apricot oil to simultaneously moisture, hydrate and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Denmark
Skandinavisk ØY Organic Wash
Most hand washes can dry out the skin, but this Denmark-based brand claims its 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 are also other scents to choose from if you’re looking for something lighter or more seasonal.
Iceland
Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
Free of any parabens and other harsh chemicals, the brand says 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! According to the brand, it features key ingredients such as Turkish coffee from Arabica coffee seeds, avocado and cacao, which helps aid in resurfacing, tightening and hydrating skin. The coffee exfoliates, the hydrating avocado reduces fine lines and inflammation and the cocoa helps boost moisture.
Morocco
NOW Solutions Organic Argan Oil
This multi-functional Moroccan oil is nourishing for your hair, scalp, cuticles, hands and full body. According to 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.
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, and the brand mentions 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, and then massage the cream into the skin. The main ingredient in this cream is coconut oil, says the brand.
Meet the expert
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist.
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.
