If you are looking at completely revamping your skincare routine, Korean skincare products should be at the top of your list. While there has been a huge leap forward in all skincare recently, there is something that Korean skincare just gets right.
One of the best things to come out of this is Korean moisturizers. These are focused on hydration and include formulations that help to achieve and maintain the skin’s natural balance. Less is more with Korean skincare, and this means that a simple moisturizer can be a powerful skincare tool.
The problem, however, is that with the popularity of Korean skincare growing, there is an abundance of products on the market, and knowing which are good, and which aren’t, isn’t easy.
What are the best Korean moisturizers? The best Korean moisturizers would be made with effective, nourishing, and hydrating ingredients that are safe and gentle on the skin. It is always worth sticking to well-known brand names to ensure quality, but there are also a few newer brands on the market that are just as good.
To navigate you through the world of Korean skincare and moisturizers, which can be overwhelming, we have put together a guide on how to pick the right moisturizer for you, and our top recommendations!
Buyer’s Guide – Korean Moisturizer
Like with all skincare, you do have to take the time to pick out a product that would be best for your skin. Choosing the right moisturizer makes a huge difference to your skincare routine, and will be what hydrates and nourishes your skin the most.
Here is what to look for when choosing the best Korean moisturizer:
Ingredients
The most important thing to consider with a moisturizer is the ingredients it contains. There are a few ingredients that Korean moisturizers use that are wonderfully effective, so make sure that the moisturizer has one or more of these:
- Hyaluronic Acid – hyaluronic acid does an amazing job at retaining moisture and keeping the skin plump and hydrated. It is also known to increase skin elasticity, which helps to make a moisturizer anti-aging.
- Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil has both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which helps to reduce the appearance of redness and scars, and which soothes and cares for the skin. Tea tree oil is great at keeping away acne breakouts and is still gentle enough on sensitive skin.
- Propolis – Propolis is a natural product produced by honey bees. It has some great beauty benefits, is packed with antioxidants, and has some great anti-aging properties. The great thing about propolis is that it can be used for all skin types, and works to create clear and hydrated skin.
- Snail Mucin – If you are not familiar with this ingredient, it might seem a little gross, but snail mucin, which is the mucus-like substance produced by snails, is amazing for your skin. It helps to quicken cell restoration, which leaves you with softer, clearer skin. It features antioxidants and helps to give a youthful and glowing complexion.
- Aloe Vera – Aloe vera is a very popular skincare ingredient. This is thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a fast-absorbing gel-like substance that is suitable for all skin types, and which delivers deep hydration.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant, so it helps to protect skin from free radicals, maintaining a youthful appearance, and it helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots. This leads to an even skin tone and beautifully radiant skin.
- Ginseng – Ginseng is derived from a plant, and has some great medicinal benefits. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and brightens the skin.
- Honey – Honey helps to hydrate the skin and creates a more plump, dewy appearance. This works to combat aging and give skin a more youthful appearance.
Know Your Skin Type
It is so important to know your skin type when picking out a moisturizer to use. There are many Korean moisturizers that are suitable for all skin types, but if you do have a particular issue, such as dry, oily, or combination skin, then it helps to get a moisturizer suited for this.
Potential Allergens Or Irritants
This does fall under the ingredients category, but you do need to be very mindful to check if the moisturizer has any potential allergens or irritants. If you are aware of a certain ingredient that causes your skin to flare up or causes redness and inflammation, make sure to check for this on the ingredient list.
Hydration
A moisturizer should be hydrating and nourishing to the skin. Make sure it has the right ingredients to be able to do this, and that it does not contain ingredients such as alcohol or artificial fragrances which could end up drying out the skin even more.
Your Skincare Goals
Along with knowing your skin type, you should determine what your skincare goals are as well. Do you want to focus on clear skin, or are you looking to plump up your skin more? By having your skincare goals in mind, you will be able to work out which moisturizer will help you achieve them!
17 Best Korean Moisturizer
Below are our top recommendations for Korean moisturizers. We have included moisturizers for all skin types, so you are sure to find the one that is best for you, and which will help you achieve your skincare goals!
1. Mamonde Rose Water Gel
Using the Mamonde Rose Water Gel, your skin will be soothed and calmed, all while you get to enjoy the delicate scent of rose petals.
The gel is concentrated with damask rose water, which delivers optimum hydration, and which replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier to keep a dewy complexion.
The fast-absorbing formula ensures that your skin is hydrated and nourished instantly. The watery essence formula gets into the skin in no time and leaves a soothed and purified finish on the skin.
The gel instantly soothes and hydrates skin, boosting complexion and giving skin a dewy, youthful appearance. The antioxidant-rich damask rose formula fights against free radicals, which prevents rapid aging and tired-looking skin.
Refreshing and hydrating, your skin will love the Mamonde Rose Water Gel, and you will love the fragrance!
Good For: All skin types
2. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
The Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream can be applied in the morning and night, to deliver powerful hydration deep into the skin.
The Water Bank Moisture Cream is powered by antioxidants and highly concentrated green mineral water, which work to nourish and care for the skin.
With extracts from Brussel sprouts and artichoke, the cream strengthens the skin’s natural protective barrier, keeping it protected throughout the day.
This is the ideal moisturizer to use if you have dry skin, as it delivers potent hydration and nourishment day and night, reducing dryness and irritation quickly.
Good For: Dry skin
3. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Intensive Moisturizer
To nourish dry skin, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Intensive Moisturizer is a great option. It is powered by green tea to effectively nourish the skin from within.
Jeju green tea extracts help to replenish hydration, keeping skin moisturized throughout the day. The extracts also help to nurture the skin and retain the moisture it delivers. Added Panthenol strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.
Rich in amino acids and antioxidants, the moisturizer delivers visibly healthy, hydrated skin, which is wrapped in nourished hydration from gentle ingredients.
Green tea is a gentle and rich ingredient to use in a moisturizer, which is why this is such a popular choice!
Good For: All skin types
4. Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb from Belif is a comforting, soft, moisturizing cream that provides dry, and dull skin with 26-hour intensive moisture. This leaves skin supple, smooth, and nourished.
It is the ideal moisturizing solution for dryness, and skin suffering from loss of firmness and elasticity. It is free from mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic dyes.
Skin will be left soft and deeply moisturized when using Belif, and it can be used both day and night for optimal nourishment at all times.
Good For: All skin types
5. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream
The COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream is formulated with both snail mucin and hyaluronic acid, allowing it to repair and soothe irritated skin during and after breakouts. It even helps to prevent breakouts going forward.
The all-in-one solution works for damaged skin, red skin, and for uneven skin tone. The rich and nourishing gel-type cream gets deep into the skin without leaving a residue on the surface of the skin. It hydrates from deep down and leaves skin fresh and revitalized.
Hyaluronic acid and betaine help to strengthen the skin’s barrier, which increases moisture retention. This makes it a great option for dehydrated and damaged skin. It is 100% natural and is hypoallergenic too.
Good For: Irritated skin with scars and acne breakouts
6. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Calming Gel Cream
The Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Calming Gel Cream is an ultra-light formula that hydrates and soothes red and irritated skin.
It has been designed to strengthen, balance, and improve the skin’s natural defense against dryness, deeply hydrating it from within.
This cream works wonders to fight against irritation, redness, and tightness which are caused by environmental stressors.
It has been infused with Tiger Grass, and a blend of skin-boosting herbs, minerals, moisturizing humectant, and a probiotic ferment, which all work together to soothe and calm the skin.
The cream can be used day and night, and not only will it soothe irritation, but it will also help reduce the chance of breakouts too.
Good For: Irritated, stressed, and dry skin
7. Huxley Secret Of Sahara Cream
The Huxley Secret Of Sahara Cream is a rich antioxidant cream that works to revitalize the skin with a blend of antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, which are sourced from the Moroccan prickly pear cactus oil.
It helps to protect skin from pollutants, by forming a rich natural barrier. Used regularly, the cream helps to make the skin healthy, resilient, and nourished. Containing hyaluronic acid, skin will be deeply hydrated, and moisture retention will be improved.
The cream can be used in the morning and at night and helps with anti-aging and moisture retention. It is suitable for all skin types and is a rich cream that quickly absorbs into the skin.
Good For: All skin types
8. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Moisturizing Multi Balm Stick
The Kahi moisturizing balm provides potent anti-aging benefits to the skin and delivers it directly to the areas that need it most.
The balm has been formulated with ingredients that stimulate collagen production, which helps to restore elasticity to the skin. It also works to create a moisture barrier, which ensures that your skin has long-lasting hydration.
When rolled onto the skin, the balm minimizes pores and even helps makeup last for longer, thanks to the hydration boost. The dewy appearance left once the balm is applied is simply beautiful too!
While different from most moisturizers, this little balm stick is effective at deeply hydrating the skin and works well when you wear makeup, to give skin a natural radiance and nourishment.
Good For: All skin types
9. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer
The Glow Recipe Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer is an oil-free cream that hydrates soothes, and preps the skin for the day, or before makeup.
It is packed with antioxidants which help to protect against environmental stressors, and which ward off fine lines and dark spots.
With amino and vitamin-rich watermelon, the cream hydrates and soothes skin, and hyaluronic acid works to instantly quench thirsty skin. Jasmine and peony extract soothe and brighten the skin at the same time.
Almost 90% of the silky glow moisturizer is spiked with watermelon extract, which leaves skin plumper, juicy, and hydrated. Instantly sinking into the skin, it provides long-lasting moisture.
The moisturizer is free from parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, drying alcohols, and synthetic dyes – meaning it is suitable for sensitive skin too.
Good For: All skin types
10. Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
This gentle cream helps to instantly calm and soothe irritated and sensitive skin.
It contains Gualazulene, which is a natural component extracted from Chamomile oil. It has wonderful calming effects, while Cantella Asiatica hydrates the skin and reduces redness.
The cream is free from parabens, silicon, steroids, artificial fragrances, and artificial coloring, so it is suitable to be used on sensitive skin too.
The beautiful blue moisturizing cream soothes and heals the skin while delivering powerful hydration and nourishment to fight off against irritants and stressors that might cause inflammation.
Increasing regeneration of damaged skin and preventing scarring, this is a great moisturizer to use if you suffer from acne or acne scars.
Good For: All skin types and acne-prone skin
11. ETUDE SoonJung Barrier Intensive Cream
The SoonJung Barrier Intensive Cream provides relief for irritated skin, with Panthenol and Madecassoside which calms skin down gently.
Panthenol helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier and maintain moisture, which reduces irritation and sensitivity caused by dryness. Madecassoside calms down irritated skin and protects it from exterior stimulants.
The soft, creamy formula absorbs into the skin quickly, and leaves skin hydrated, and keeps it moist for a longer time. It has been created to have the ideal pH level which is the same pH level as healthy skin, which helps the skin become youthful and balanced.
The cream can be used after cleansing and toning your skin, and it can be used both day and night.
Good For: Acne-prone skin, dry and sensitive skin
12. Saturday Skin Face Moisturizer Cream
This anti-aging glacier water moisturizer delivers mineral-rich moisture, while still protecting skin from free radicals. A fusion mixture of amino acids, ferments and plant extracts calm the skin while boosting vitality and suppleness.
The moisturizer hydrates skin for a brighter and suppler complexion. Organic ingredients, extracted from Alaska glacier water and Icelandic moss, help to reduce visible redness and calm skin down.
Using this cream will help to improve dullness and smooth out uneven texture. A formulation of ferment extracts and amino acids shields the skin from outside irritants and keeps skin looking beautifully radiant.
Good For: All skin types
13. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream is ideal for dry, rough skin, and plumps skin all day long with lasting nourishment and moisture.
The cream has the power of microcapsule ceramides, which hydrate the skin’s barrier from within, preventing moisture loss, and protecting the skin from outside pollutants.
Free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, the moisturizer is suitable for sensitive skin and will not add to irritation or redness.
Eczema-prone skin, and sensitive skin, can all benefit from the soothing and calming ingredients, and the protection that the cream brings. Balancing the skin’s pH, it really does help to calm and reduce irritation and redness.
Good For: Sensitive and irritated skin
14. Donginbi Red Ginseng Hydra Bounce Cream
The Donginbi Red Ginseng Hydra Bounce Cream provides 24-hour moisture for supple skin.
The cream quickly penetrates the skin for maximum absorption, ensuring that skin stays soft, hydrated, and supple for up to 24-hours.
This cream helps to create skin that bounces with a healthy glow. It is infused with red ginseng and hyaluronic acid, which soothe the skin while ensuring it is nourished and hydrated.
Enjoy premium care with natural ingredients with the Donginbi Red Ginseng Hydra Bounce Cream, which is your answer for an all-day fresh glow and healthy, youthful skin!
Good For: All skin types
15. Yeoju Korea Rice Cream
This Korean moisturizer is made from 41% bran essence, which contains various natural fatty acids, which help to improve moisture and nourishment of the skin. It also helps to build up the skin’s barrier, adding to its natural protection.
With long-lasting sebum control, skin will be clear and pores will not become clogged, helping to reduce breakouts and blemishes.
The cream is safe to use on all skin types, and no GMO ingredients have been used. Full rice bran texture, the cream melts gently into skin, keeping it hydrated all day long.
Good For: All skin types
16. IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
Enjoy all-day-long hydration with the IUNIK Cantella Calming Gel Cream. It is formulated with botanical ingredients such as tea tree extracts, niacinamide, and adenosine. It contains all the good stuff and none of the bad!
The cream moisturizers dry skin and reduces irritation. It contains at least 72% of Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, which increases the efficacy of the cream.
Suitable for all skin types, the cream is great for sensitive and irritated skin too. The cream will protect sensitive skin with natural ingredients, and strengthen skin while minimizing skin stress! It is soothing, nutritious, and hydrating!
Good For: All skin types
17. Yeouth Day Night Moisturizer
The Yeouth Day Night Moisturizer is an advanced cream that refines, hydrates, and protects the skin.
It is brimming with hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains water up to 1,000 times its own weight! Hyaluronic optimizes hydration, and in turn, creates a firming, smoothing, and plumping effect.
Supercharged with antioxidants and peptides, the moisturizer restores skin to its former plumpness and helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing elasticity.
The cream is perfect for all skin types, as the lightweight formula is instantly absorbed into the skin, maintaining moisture levels without clogging or congesting the skin.
Skin is kept fresh and comfortable with the Yeouth Day Night Moisturizer cream, and it is ideal for sensitive skin types too!
Good For: All skin types
Related Questions
What is combination skin?
Combination skin typically features oily skin in some areas of the face and dry skin in other areas. There is a mixture of both oily and dry skin, commonly with the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) being oily.
What can I use to naturally moisturize my face?
The best natural moisturizer for skin is coconut oil, which has great natural properties that deliver hydration and nourishment to the skin.
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