Brand Comparison

Darphin vs Hera

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

Our Pick

Hera

Higher editor rating (9 vs 7.7)

Darphin Hera

Rating7.7/109/10

Price RangePremium ($$$)Premium ($$$)

Founded19581995

OriginFranceSouth Korea

Products44

Best Fornormal, Dry, Sensitive, Matureluxury skincare, Mature, K-prestige, gifting

PhilosophyParisian apothecary elegance — aromatherapy-forward facial oils and creams with serious heritage.AmorePacific's luxury skincare-meets-color-cosmetics house — Black Cushion icon, Sensual Powder Matte Lipstick, and serious skincare.

Darphin

The 8-Flower Nectar oil is a cult object for a reason. The Intral line is a quiet redness-calming standout. A little expensive for what it is, but the sensorial story is genuinely lovely.

Pros

✓ Sensorial and sophisticated
✓ Solid aromatherapy tradition
✓ Intral line is a real standout for sensitive

Cons

✗ Essential-oil-forward — not for highly reactive skin
✗ Under Estée Lauder now; some formulas have drifted prestige-generic
✗ Fragrance is central to the product experience

Hera

Hera is the AmorePacific-owned Korean luxury house that has produced one of the most photographed cushion compacts in beauty history (the Black Cushion) and a quietly excellent skincare lineup that doesn't get the same Sephora-front-row coverage as Sulwhasoo or Whoo. Premium pricing, Korean luxury heritage, formulations that earn their place at the top of any K-prestige routine.

Pros