Brand Comparison

Summer Fridays 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 7.9)

Summer Fridays The History of Whoo

Rating7.9/108.8/10

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

Founded20182003

OriginUnited StatesSouth Korea

Products75

Best ForDry, normal, Sensitive, MatureMature, Dry

PhilosophyClean, capsule-size skincare — one hero product per concern, aesthetically obsessive packaging.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

Summer Fridays

Influencer-founded and influencer-shaped. Jet Lag Mask earned its hype; the rest is plush, pretty, sometimes slight. A lifestyle brand that happens to sell skincare.

Pros

✓ Gorgeous textures
✓ Capsule simplicity
✓ Great gifting range

Cons

✗ Price-to-ingredient ratio
✗ Style over substance critics
✗ Limited actives

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