But trust us, there are a few surprises in store!
From deodorants that don't work to feminine hygiene products with limited variety, here’s what you need to know about hygiene products in Korea, and what you might want to pack from home.
🛍️ What Toiletries Are Easily Available in Korea?
Let’s start with the good news. Korea has many modern, well-stocked convenience stores, supermarkets, and drugstores (like Olive Young, Lalavla, LOHBs). You’ll easily find:
| Shampoo & Conditioner | ✅ Very easy | Many local brands, but fewer sulfate-free options |
| Toothpaste | ✅ Easy | Local brands like Median, but fluoride-free |
| Body Wash & Soap | ✅ Easy | Plenty of options; scented, unscented |
| Pads (Sanitary Napkins) | ✅ Easy | Wings/no-wings options available |
| Razors & Shaving Gel | ✅ Easy | Gillette, Schick, Korean brands |
| Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers | ✅ Very easy | Korea excels here—huge variety! |
🧴 Olive Young is the Korean equivalent of Sephora + CVS. You’ll find most personal care products there.
😬 What Toiletries Might Be Hard to Find or Different?
Despite Korea’s amazing skincare scene, there are some items that might not meet your expectations, especially if you're from North America or Europe.
1. Deodorant
- Only roll-on or spray types are available (limited variety)
- Most are low-strength and not designed for heavy perspiration
- Antiperspirants are very hard to find
💡 Pack from Home:
Bring your favorite stick or clinical-strength brand (e.g., Secret, Dove, Degree, Mitchum)
2. Tampons & Menstrual Cups
- Very limited tampon options (mostly OB-style without applicator)
- Menstrual cups are not sold in-store—online only and expensive
💡 Pack from Home:
- Tampons with applicators
- Menstrual cups (e.g., DivaCup, Saalt)
3. Fluoride Toothpaste
- Most Korean toothpaste brands do not contain fluoride
- Some foreign brands available online or in expat areas (e.g., Itaewon)
💡 Pack from Home:
- Fluoride toothpaste (Colgate, Crest, Sensodyne)
4. Sensitive Skin Products
- Korea’s skincare is amazing, but often heavily scented
- Hard to find fragrance-free or hypoallergenic body lotions and creams
💡 Pack from Home:
- Unscented body lotion (Aveeno, Eucerin)
- Sensitive deodorant or soap bars
5. OTC Medicated Products
- No over-the-counter antihistamine creams, medicated powders, or acne spot gels like in the US
- You'll often need a pharmacy visit and possibly a prescription
💡 Pack from Home:
- Anti-itch cream (hydrocortisone)
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
- Cystic acne spot treatments
🧼 Where to Buy Toiletries in Korea
| Olive Young | Best variety, Korean & some international brands |
| Daiso | Super cheap basics: razors, toothbrushes, Q-tips |
| E-Mart / Lotte Mart | Full-size packs and house brands |
| Watsons (in some cities) | Similar to drugstores abroad |
| Online (Coupang, iHerb) | Best for foreign brands |
🧳 Toiletries Checklist: What to Pack
Here’s a quick guide on what you should bring, especially for stays over 1 month:
| Deodorant (stick) | Bring |
| Tampons (with applicator) | Bring |
| Menstrual cup | Bring |
| Fluoride toothpaste | Optional (bring 1–2 tubes) |
| Anti-itch cream / Neosporin | Bring |
| Contact lens solution | Buy in Korea (very easy) |
| Facial care (cleanser, toner) | Buy in Korea |
| Razor blades | Buy in Korea |
| Sunscreen | Buy in Korea (excellent Korean brands) |
✨ Bonus Tips from Expats
🗣 “I brought 6 deodorants and don’t regret it at all.”
🗣 “Tampons are weirdly expensive and hard to find here.”
🗣 “I stocked up on toothpaste with fluoride before I came.”
📌 Survival Korean: Shopping for Toiletries
| Do you have deodorant? | 데오도란트 있어요? | deo-do-ran-teu i-sseo-yo? |
| Where is the toothpaste? | 치약 어디 있어요? | chi-yak eo-di i-sseo-yo? |
| I have sensitive skin. | 민감한 피부예요. | min-gam-han pi-bu-ye-yo |
| Unscented, please. | 무향으로 주세요. | mu-hyang-eu-ro ju-se-yo |
✅ Final Thoughts
Korea has a lot of great products, especially in skincare—but some essentials like deodorant and tampons are just not the same.
✨ Our advice?
Pack light, but smart. Bring a few personal must-haves, and enjoy exploring Korea’s amazing cosmetics and hygiene options.
