Brand Comparison
DUO 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 8.8)
DUO
Japan's #1 cleansing balm, full stop. DUO (the parent company is Premier Anti-Aging) has sold over 15 million units of The Cleansing Balm and won six consecutive Cosme Awards — the Japanese beauty industry's most-watched rankings. It's a cleansing balm that claims to do five things (makeup removal, cleansing, exfoliation, massage, primer) and actually delivers on at least three. A cult favourite for a reason.
Pros
- ✓ #1 cleansing balm in Japan — genuine market leadership
- ✓ 5-in-1 efficacy reduces steps without feeling stripped
- ✓ variants for specific skin types (charcoal for oily, matcha for antioxidant, white for brightening)
Cons
- ✗ premium pricing for a cleansing balm
- ✗ the '5-in-1' claim is marketing-forward — it's mostly a great cleanser
- ✗ not available at most Western retailers
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
- ✓ AmorePacific-backed luxury
- ✓ Black Cushion is iconic
- ✓ Strong skincare lineup beyond cushions
- ✓ Premium texture quality
Cons
