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12 Best Korean Moisturizers for Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, then you know how difficult it can be to find a facial moisturizer that pulls double duty: hydrating and moisturizing dry skin while balancing oily skin on your face. The best Korean moisturizers for combination skin will soothe and nourish dry patches while controlling the oily areas of your skin.

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream held by hand

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The Best Korean Moisturizers for Combination Skin

The following Korean moisturizers for combination skin are lightweight and formulated to hydrate and replenish the skin without being heavy or greasy.

Many of these Korean moisturizers contain ingredients to balance sebum (oil) production on oiler areas of your face, making them ideal for oily skin or acne prone skin in addition to the combination skin type.

1. Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream

Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream calms irritated skin with a long ingredient list of effective actives. It also helps to heal troubled and damaged skin prone to enlarged pores and inflammatory acne.

This moisturizer targets blackheads and whiteheads and helps to balance combination and oily skin.

It contains 70.78% and 700,000 ppm (parts per million) of Centella asiatica extract. This extract is healing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory.

It can also help to improve hyaluronic acid production and antioxidant levels in the skin.

Niacinamide helps brighten uneven skin tone and texture, strengthen the skin barrier, balance oil (sebum) production, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory that helps repair the skin barrier and improve collagen production and skin elasticity and firmness.

The moisturizer contains 10,000 ppm of tea tree leaf water, which has antibacterial and anti-acne benefits. 4-CICA, a concentrated and highly pure blend of madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid derived from Centella asiatica strengthens the skin barrier and improves troubled skin.

The cream also contains citric acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), capryloyl salicylic acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and lactobionic acid, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA).

These acids gently exfoliate the skin and help remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

This Korean moisturizer is made with Some By Mi’s patented complex, Beautiful Herb Story, to smooth and soften rough skin texture.

The cream is lightweight and non-sticky, perfect for those with combination skin that needs hydration, moisture, and healing. For more details on this AHA BHA PHA cream, please see my complete review.

Related Post: Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner Review, Dr. Belmeur Skincare Review

2. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Belif The True Cream – Aqua Bomb is a true favorite as it made my list of best Korean moisturizers for oily skin, too. It’s a very lightweight gel cream that is cooling and hydrating.

It is formulated to burst when applied to the skin and “flood” the skin with hydration in a refreshing oil-free formula.

Perfect for combination skin, this water-based moisturizer improves skin hydration levels by 70%.

The cream contains several apothecary herbs, including Alchemilla vulgaris leaf extract, also known as Lady’s Mantle, which helps neutralize free radical damage from UV radiation, improve skin elasticity, and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.

This cult-favorite K-Beauty cream also contains moisturizing glycerin, squalane, skin barrier replenishing ceramide 3, and soothing panthenol.

The cream feels weightless on the skin, and while it hydrates, it doesn’t leave skin greasy. It leaves skin soft and supple and moisturizes under makeup. Please note that this gel cream contains fragrance.

For more details on this moisturizer, please see my belif skincare review.

3. innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream EX

innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream EX

Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream EX is a lightweight gel cream formulated to bring the skin’s hydration and oil levels back into balance, making it ideal for those with combination skin.

This face cream contains green tea grown on Innisfree’s USDA-certified organic farm on Korea’s Jeju Island.

The green tea variety is called “Beauty Green Tea,” a specialized variety that offers moisturizing benefits. It is a potent antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and has anti-microbial properties.

Fresh Green Tea Water 2.0 contains 16 amino acids that moisturize the skin. Shea butter, rich in antioxidants, hydrates and moisturizes dry skin without leaving oily skin too shiny.

The cream leaves your face soft, smooth, and very nourished without leaving a greasy residue. Plus, it’s one of the few moisturizers formulated specifically for the skin concerns of combination skin.

4. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap

COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap

COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap is a weightless daily moisturizer that is chock full of antioxidants and vitamins to calm and soothe irritated skin.

It’s an ideal everyday moisturizer since it hydrates and restores moisture in a gentle formula.

Betula platyphylla japonica (birch sap) juice contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and proteins to hydrate and moisturize the skin.

Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. This study demonstrated that a 5% concentration of tea tree oil gel was as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne.

This oil-free lotion is perfect for oily and combination skin types, as the formula absorbs quickly without any greasy or oily residue.

Related Post: COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule Review

5. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream is formulated with 92% snail secretion filtrate, also known as snail mucin, to nourish the skin without the oiliness, making it perfect for those with combination skin.

Snail secretion filtrate is famous in the K-Beauty world for its ability to heal, regenerate and hydrate the skin. It has antioxidant and anti-aging benefits, as it even helps to smooth fine lines.

Betaine and panthenol moisturize the skin. Arginine is an amino acid that hydrates and repairs the skin. Allantoin soothes the skin, and sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) hydrates and temporarily plumps the skin.

This Korean moisturizing cream protects against moisture loss while improving skin elasticity and skin firmness.

The moisturizer is also ideal for irritated and sensitive skin and skin dealing with redness after a breakout. It is 100% cruelty-free and fragrance-free.

Related Post: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream Review

6. Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream

Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream

Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream is a lightweight gel cream containing 92% snail mucus extract to repair and regenerate skin dealing with multiple skin concerns.

Snail mucus extract, also known as snail slime, contains copper peptides that help heal wounds and help smooth wrinkles and fine lines. It can even help fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

The cream also contains Centella asiatica extract and adenosine to soothe the skin, calm inflammation, and support a healthy skin barrier.

Portulaca oleracea extract is rich in moisturizing fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to protect and heal the skin. Camellia sinensis leaf (green tea) extract provides potent antioxidant protection.

Copper tripeptide-1 helps stimulate collagen and elastin, helping skin to look firmer and more youthful. Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) hydrates and plumps the skin.

The lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish on the skin, making it perfect for combination and oily skin types.

When this fragrance-free moisturizer dries on your skin, you can feel a tightening effect.

Related Post: The Best Korean Moisturizers

7. Seoul Ceuticals Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream

Seoul Ceuticals Multi-Function All-In-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream

Seoul Ceuticals Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream is formulated with snail mucin extract, also known as snail secretion filtrate.

This active provides multiple benefits for the skin thanks to its antioxidant properties and ability to heal, repair and hydrate the skin.

Aloe vera helps soothe inflammation and helps repair the skin. Shea butter and organic sunflower oil and jojoba oil moisturize the skin.

Organic green tea extract has antioxidant properties and helps protect the skin from damaging free radicals from UV exposure.

This face moisturizer is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and can even help with acne. This study demonstrated that a 2% green tea lotion effectively treats mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

Related Post: The Best Snail Mucin Skincare Products

8. Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream

Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream

Klairs Fundamental Water Gel Cream is a lightweight, non-greasy gel-cream moisturizer. With 63.7% Jeju Green Tea Water, it soothes and protects the skin.

Green tea is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure. It is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Additionally, it helps treat acne.

This water-based moisturizer also contains panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5) to soothe and moisturize skin. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties help repair the skin.

The cream contains several plant extracts, including Centella asiatica extract, which stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid (a powerful hydrator) and moisturizes and heals the skin.

Phytosphingosine, a lipid found naturally in the skin, is antimicrobial and can even help with acne.

The gel-type moisturizer is suitable for all skin types but is especially helpful for combination, oily, and dehydrated skin as it provides hydration without being sticky or greasy.

Combination skin will appreciate this antioxidant-rich moisturizer.

Related Post: Klairs Skincare Review

9. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream is a hydrating moisturizer formulated specifically for combination skin. It contains mineral-rich seawater from 914 meters deep in the region of Kona, Hawaii.

It also contains 30, yes 30 (!), different mineral plant extracts that contain minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium to nourish the skin.

Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract contains the highest plant-based concentration of moisturizing omega-3 fatty acids along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also anti-inflammatory and reparative.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root (licorice) extract is known for its skin-lightening benefits. Sodium hyaluronate hydrates and plumps the skin.

The cream is very light and silky. It hydrates and balances combination skin. It provides a pretty glow without leaving oily skin shiny. Please note that there is fragrance in this combination skin moisturizer.

10. Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream

Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream

Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream is a fragrance-free moisturizer formulated with natural ingredients for a clear and fresh complexion.

It has a thick consistency that melts onto the skin to nourish and moisturize skin. Shea butter and macadamia nut oil moisturize and leave the skin cushiony soft.

This Korean skincare product is formulated with Astragalus membranaceous root extract, a Chinese medical herb that is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Ideal for combination and dry skin, this Korean product improves skin elasticity and radiance.

It also does not contain unnecessary ingredients that may cause skin irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is formulated without scent, color and is cruelty-free.

Related Post: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner Review

11. Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream

Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream

Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream is a lightweight moisturizer formulated with 68.7% Damask Rose Water to hydrate and refresh the skin.

The lovely scent of roses envelopes you in this watery gel-cream that uses Damask Roses from the world-renowned Rose Valley in Bulgaria.

The roses are harvested early in the morning during a specific season for the best quality roses that hydrate and soothe the skin.

The cream also contains glycerin for moisture and sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) to hydrate and plump the skin.

This face moisturizer is perfect for combination and oily and acne-prone skin types, thanks to its lightweight texture, balancing, and purifying properties.

It leaves no stickiness and works well under makeup too.

Please note that there is added fragrance in this moisturizer. It is free of animal-originated ingredients, mineral oil, polyacrylamides, imidazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine, synthetic colorants, silicone oil, and parabens.

12. SkinFood Premium Peach Cotton Juicy Cream Sebum Control

SkinFood Premium Peach Cotton Juicy Cream Sebum Control

SkinFood Premium Peach Cotton Juicy Cream Sebum Control hydrates skin to feel like the flesh of a peach while leaving skin soft and smooth on the outside.

This sebum-control cream has a non-greasy finish and is enriched with 20% peach extract.

Peach extract is a fruit extract rich in vitamins A and C. These vitamins are antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage and offer anti-aging benefits.

Naturally occurring acid helps to heal acne scars and prevent acne.

Pectin from the skin of peaches helps to tone and firm the skin. Glycerin moisturizes and sodium hyaluronate hydrates.

Perfect for combination and oily skin types, this Korean cream controls oil while leaving skin soft and fresh.

What is Combination Skin?

Combination skin is having at least two different skin types on your face.

You may notice flaky, dry skin on some areas of your face while other areas of your face are shiny, oily, or have enlarged pores. You may experience acne, breakouts, and blemishes while also dealing with dry and itchy patches of skin.

Areas like your forehead, nose, and chin (t-zone) may be oily, while other areas like your cheeks are dry.

If that weren’t enough, if you have combination skin, you may also deal with dandruff (flaky, itchy skin) on the scalp. You may experience these different skin types based on the season or all year round.

Korean Moisturizers: The Best Ingredients for Combination Skin

Look for Korean moisturizers that come in a gel, lotion, or lightweight cream that aren’t too heavy for the oily areas of your face.

Multi-tasking ingredients that address the skin concerns of both dry and oily skin types are the best ingredients for combination skin:

  • Niacinamide: An all-star multi-tasker, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and helps to reduce water loss. This helps minimize inflammation that can cause dryness and redness. Niacinamide also helps to control excess sebum (oil) production in the skin, minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and fade hyperpigmentation and post acne marks.
  • Squalane: Lightweight moisturizer that balances oil in your skin and won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts that can worsen acne.
  • Antioxidants: Antioxidants offer multiple benefits for skin. They protect the skin from damaging free radicals and address the signs of aging.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Ideal for all skin types, hyaluronic acid, found naturally in the skin, hydrates and plumps the appearance of the skin. It attracts and helps skin retain moisture, which helps keep the skin barrier strong and healthy.

Final Thoughts on the Best Korean Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Korean beauty is all about targeted skincare products for your skin type.

These Korean skin care products are thoughtfully formulated and will work with your partially dry and partially oily complexion that is experiencing multiple skin concerns at once.

Use these face moisturizers with a multi-step Korean skincare routine after a Korean serum, or incorporate one of these moisturizers into your current skincare routine.

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