Brand Comparison

Sunday Riley 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 8.1)

Sunday Riley The History of Whoo

Rating8.1/108.8/10

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

Founded20092003

OriginUnited StatesSouth Korea

Products65

Best ForMature, Combo, dullness, normalMature, Dry

PhilosophyHigh-performance actives at prestige prices — no basics, just hero serums.Royal-court hanbang for the woman who wants her anti-aging to feel ceremonial.

Sunday Riley

TikTok's "first serum" era. Good Genes and A+ are genuinely punchy. The brand has had its moments (FTC, fake Sephora reviews) but the formulas still deliver.

Pros

✓ Potent actives
✓ Cult hero products
✓ Distinct luxe aesthetic

Cons

✗ Very premium pricing
✗ Past trust issues
✗ Can be irritating

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