12 Best Korean Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin, you need a moisturizer to hydrate your skin without worsening your acne and breakouts. You also need a moisturizer formulated to calm irritation and redness from acne and reduce the look of post-acne scars, discoloration, and uneven skin tone.

Korean skincare products are some of the best in the world when it comes to soothing acne-prone skin care.

So, if you are looking for a great moisturizer to help keep your skin clear and healthy, then check out some of the best Korean moisturizers for acne prone skin in this post.

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12 Best Korean Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin

The following are 12 of the best Korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin that will help keep your skin hydrated and soothed while helping to improve your skin clarity.

Incorporate them into a Korean skin care routine or any skincare routine for a healthy, vibrant complexion.

Perfect for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin, this Korean lotion contains panthenol (pro-vitamin B-5) and allantoin to soothe and calm the skin. Betaine, an amino acid, provides long-lasting hydration.

Sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, plumps and smooths the skin, while Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil offers antibacterial and antifungal properties to help keep the skin clear.

The lotion has a light, liquidy texture that sinks into the skin quickly without leaving any greasy or sticky residue behind.

You’ll see calmer skin with improved skin texture and skin tone with continued use.

The gel-cream formula contains AHA (citric acid, an alpha hydroxy acid ), BHA (salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid), and PHA (lactobionic acid, a polyhydroxy acid).

These acids gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, more even complexion and glowing skin.

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, brightens the skin and helps balance sebum production, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types.

The cream is loaded with plant extracts and natural ingredients like 70.78% Centella asiatica extract, turmeric extract, green tea extract, madecassoside, and tea tree leaf water that soothe and replenish the skin, making this cream ideal for those with sensitive skin.

The lightweight formula feels soothing on the skin, and the natural ingredients and essential oil give it a very light minty fragrance. Please see this post for my complete review.

Formulated with 92% snail secretion filtrate, this snail cream has a lightweight gel-cream consistency perfect for acne-prone and oily skin.

This moisturizer also contains adenosine, known for its anti-inflammatory and barrier repair benefits. Portulaca oleracea extract, also known as purslane, is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and soothes the skin.

Plant extracts like strawberry, raspberry, and green tea extracts provide additional antioxidant benefits. Sodium hyaluronate helps hydrate and replenish moisture in the skin.

Centella asiatica extract is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to improve the appearance of scars. Peptides support collagen formation for improved skin texture and firmness.

This Korean cream targets fine lines, acne scars, and discoloration while tightening the skin.

The lightweight formula is non-sticky and sinks into the skin quickly, leaving a matte finish. It’s also non-irritating and gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.

The light, refreshing formula is perfect for hot summer days when you want a moisturizer to hydrate your skin without making it feel heavy or greasy.

Formulated with a blend of apothecary herbs, including Lady’s Mantle, a skin protective antioxidant known for its ability to minimize the look of pores, this cream provides long-lasting hydration.

Malachite extract is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors, while Plaintain leaf extract speeds up the healing of pimples.

Oat kernel, nettle, and marigold extracts soothe the skin.

Perfect for oily, normal, combination skin types dealing with acne flareups, belif Aqua Bomb’s unique jelly-like texture instantly cools and refreshes the skin.

Snail secretion filtrate is an excellent hydrator containing skin-loving compounds like glycolic acid, copper peptides, hyaluronic acids, glycosaminoglycans, which hydrate, soothe and target skin concerns like fine lines and skin texture.

This all-in-one cream also contains betaine, a humectant derived from sugar beets that helps the skin retain moisture.

Arginine, an amino acid and natural moisturizing factor (NMF), also helps to keep the skin hydrated while improving skin barrier function.

Sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid, helps the skin attract and retain moisture. Allantoin, panthenol, and adenosine soothe inflamed and irritated skin.

While the cream has a slimy texture when removed from the jar, it sinks into your skin easily without any stickiness at all. It leaves the skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and looking plump.

COSRX notes that no snails are harmed in the making of this cream. Snails are placed on mesh netting in a dark, quiet room, and the mucin is collected as the snails move around without any external force.

Related Post: COSRX Snail 92 All In One Cream Review

Guaiazulene is a natural ingredient derived from plants such as chamomile with anti-inflammatory properties that target the red swelling stages of acne for clearer skin. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors.

The cream also contains Centella asiatica extract, Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract, and Anthemis nobilis flower (Roman chamomile) extract to calm and soothe the skin.

Shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba seed oil hydrate and nourish the skin.

This cream’s luxurious, velvety texture melts into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. The blue shade dissipates once applied to the skin, so it won’t leave your skin discolored.

This Korean skincare product is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin as it calms redness associated with breakouts. It’s an excellent spot treatment, especially when applied overnight.

This Korean cream is also ideal for sensitive skin or after sun exposure.

This fragrance-free gel moisturizer is formulated with up to 80% aloe leaf juice and 10% bee propolis to soothe and calm the skin.

Aloe vera is rich in components that calm and nourish the skin. It helps heal damaged skin and even has some antibacterial properties.

Propolis is a resinous material that is collected by bees from plant sap. It contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

This soothing skincare product also contains allantoin to help soothe and calm the skin and betaine to lock in moisture.

Ideal for stressed, damaged skin, the lightweight gel has a light, watery texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and hydrated.

This Korean gel moisturizer is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin as it won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy.

The star ingredient, Centella asiatica, is a medicinal herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to heal wounds.

Centella asiatica is also known as Gotu Kola and has become a popular ingredient in skin care products in recent years due to its ability to calm and soothe the skin.

This gel cream also contains niacinamide to brighten dull skin and balance sebum production, licorice root extract to soothe the skin, and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the skin.

Great for sensitive skin prone to oiliness, acne, and breakouts, this gel-cream turns into a lightweight liquid when applied to the skin and quickly absorbs without leaving any greasy residue behind.

It gently calms skin irritation while leaving a semi-matte/matte finish on the skin.

It may not be rich enough for dry skin, but it is light enough to layer with richer, thicker moisturizers.

Please note that bergamot fruit oil and added fragrance are included in this Korean moisturizer.

Please see my iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream review for more on this Korean product.

This natural ingredient is effective at healing the skin.

Other ingredients include betaine, a humectant that draws moisture to the skin and helps to keep it there. Zinc PCA is an oil-absorbing mineral and active ingredient that helps to control sebum production.

This moisturizer also contains tea tree oil, a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that helps soothe and heal breakouts.

COSRX instructs you to apply a thick layer of the cream where your skin has broken out to prevent an acne scar.

The cream comes in a light, gel-like formula that feels refreshing on the skin and dries quickly, making it an excellent choice for daytime use.

This clarifying moisturizer contains multi-tasking niacinamide, which controls excess oil production, brightens skin, and improves overall skin texture while targeting the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide also helps restore the skin barrier and soothes dry skin with its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Other key moisturizing ingredients include shea butter, which deeply moisturizes and soothes the skin, panthenol, a form of vitamin B5 that helps heal and protect the skin, and beta-glucan, a natural sugar that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Skin-sync Rx Complex contains multiple plant extracts that support a balanced and healthy complexion.

Jojoba oil is a wax ester similar in structure to the sebum produced by our skin, making it absorb easily and leave a lightweight feel on the skin.

This moisturizer comes in a light, refreshing lotion formula that quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and looking healthy.

Please note that there are essential oils and added fragrance in the moisturizer, which provides a light minty herbal scent.

Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), helps unclog pores, reduces oiliness, and clears away acne-causing impurities.

This lightweight Korean acne moisturizer also contains a hyaluronic acid complex that blends short-chain, medium-chain, and long-chain hyaluronic acid molecules to hydrate and moisturize at multiple levels for smoother, plump skin.

Acerola, a shrub that bears cherries, is rich in vitamin C and other vitamins that help treat blemishes and support skin elasticity. Cucumber fruit water soothes and contains antioxidants that protect your skin from environmental aggressors.

Niacinamide calms inflammation and brightens dull skin and discoloration. Cica, also known as Centella Asiatica, and allantoin also calm irritation and redness.

This moisturizer is a perfect lightweight moisturizer for those who suffer from oily acne prone skin. It is non-greasy, leaves a satin-matte finish, and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and very oily skin.

The mineral-rich water comes from the northernmost part of the Korean East Sea and contains 300 times more minerals (like calcium, magnesium, and potassium) than surface water.

Niacinamide provides multiple skin benefits. It helps lighten hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone while balancing sebum (oil) production and calming redness.

Niacinamide also supports a healthy skin barrier by improving ceramide production and helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles thanks to its collagen-boosting abilities.

The moisturizer also contains sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and plump your skin and a Marine Complex of glasswort, sea grapes, and kelp to nourish, soften, and condition your skin.

The cream is extra hydrating yet lightweight and non-irritating, making it a perfect choice for acne-prone skin that is dealing with dehydration and dryness.

Related Post: Best Korean Moisturizers For Sensitive Skin

Does Acne-Prone Skin Need A Moisturizer?

If you are tempted to skip a moisturizer so as not to irritate your acne or reddened skin, think again.

Regardless of your skin type, you should always apply a moisturizer, as it will lock in hydration and seal in moisture while keeping irritants out.

Moisturizers help keep your skin barrier intact and strong. A weakened skin barrier can lead to worsened acne and a host of skin problems like sensitivity, dehydration, and premature aging.

How To Use Korean Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin

In both the morning and evening, apply your moisturizer after you have cleansed and toned your skin and applied any serums or treatments for your acne-prone skin.

Gently tap onto your face and neck in an upward motion. In your morning skincare routine, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You can use a Korean sunscreen, like one from this post on Korean sunscreens for acne-prone skin.

You can also mix your moisturizer with a high-coverage foundation to create a tinted moisturizer or mix it with a highlighter for a dewy look.

Final Thoughts on The Best Korean Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin

If you have a skin type that deals with acne and blemishes and are looking for the best Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin, these options from Korean beauty brands will help you get your skin back on track.

Korean skincare brands know how to formulate skincare products that are gentle and effective at the same time.

They are affordable, easy to use, and will give you the hydration your skin needs to look and feel its best.

Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!