Brand Comparison

Biotherm vs The History of Whoo

A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?

Our Pick

The History of Whoo

Higher editor rating (8.8 vs 7.5)

Biotherm The History of Whoo

Rating7.5/108.8/10

Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Premium ($$$)

Founded19522003

OriginMonaco, FranceSouth Korea

Products35

Best ForDry, Combo, normalMature, Dry

PhilosophyLife Plankton — a thermal-spring microorganism — is the signature active, with a deep marine-based product architecture.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

Biotherm

The French pharmacy brand most people forget exists. Life Plankton Essence is a legitimate hero serum that's been consistently reformulated since 1952. Aquasource gel moisturizer is a classic. L'Oréal ownership has watered down the 'prestige pharmacy' positioning a bit. Still a reasonable pick for hydration-forward routines.

Pros

✓ Life Plankton has real research behind it
✓ Strong hydration-focused lineup
✓ Widely available globally
✓ Reasonable premium-pharmacy pricing

Cons

✗ Brand energy has dipped in 2020s
✗ Formulations less distinctive than they used to be
✗ Not really a pharmacy brand — sold mostly at Sephora/department stores

The History of Whoo

Price tags that make you wince and packaging that belongs in a palace museum — but the Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Essence is legitimately good, and the Gongjinhyang:Seol brightening line has receipts. You're paying for the ritual as much as the results, which is either the point or the problem, depending on who you are.

Pros