Brand Comparison

Darphin 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 7.7)

Darphin The History of Whoo

Rating7.7/108.8/10

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

Founded19582003

OriginFranceSouth Korea

Products45

Best Fornormal, Dry, Sensitive, MatureMature, Dry

PhilosophyParisian apothecary elegance — aromatherapy-forward facial oils and creams with serious heritage.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

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

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