To support a sensitive complexion, it is important to use a moisturizer that will not aggravate your skin. That is why I put together this list of the 10 best Korean moisturizers for sensitive skin.
These moisturizers are free of harsh chemicals and will provide the hydration your skin needs without causing unwanted irritation.
Korean skincare brands are known for their innovative and high-quality products. Many Korean skincare products are known for being soothing and gentle on the skin and often avoid the use of more potent actives like retinol and acids. The products in this post are no exception, as they are intended to repair and calm the skin.
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The Best Korean Moisturizers For Sensitive Skin
The best Korean moisturizers for sensitive skin are gentle yet effective products that will hydrate, soothe and protect your skin from any potential irritants.
Due to the gentle soothing formula, my pick for overall best Korean moisturizer for sensitive skin is: Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream!
Whether you are looking for a Korean skin care moisturizer that is a lightweight gel moisturizer for sensitive, oily skin or a richer cream for sensitive, dry skin, there is something for everyone on this list.
1. Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream is a gentle and effective Korean moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. It is made with natural ingredients, and it helps to soothe and calm the skin.
The moisturizer is blue, thanks to guaiazulene, a natural plant-based ingredient that helps to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
Centella asiatica extract is also included in the formula and is known for its skin-healing properties.
Antioxidant-rich shea butter, emollient argan oil, and wax ester jojoba oil are also included in the moisturizer. They help lock in moisture while providing a dose of nourishment to dry, dehydrated skin.
Soothing plant extracts include Portulaca oleracea extract and Anthemis nobilis flower extract.
Ceramide NP strengthens the skin’s barrier function to help keep moisture in, while sodium hyaluronate helps attract and bind moisture to the skin.
Multiple peptides are cell-communicating compounds that help repair and heal more youthful-looking skin.
The blue shade of this sensitive skin cream disappears once the cream absorbs into your skin. It’s great for sunburns and irritation and is very soothing.
2. Etude House Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion
If you are looking for a low-irritant moisturizer in a lightweight emulsion formula, Etude House Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion is a great choice.
This Korean emulsion (a light lotion-type moisturizer) is free of 10 harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.
The emulsion is free of mineral oil, color additives, animal materials, synthetic perfume, silicon oil, PEG surfactants, parabens, polyacrylamide, triethanolamine, and imidazolidinyl urea.
The emulsion is formulated with panthenol, a form of pro-vitamin B5 that helps to moisturize and soothe the skin while strengthening the skin barrier.
The skin barrier protects the skin from the environment and harmful irritants.
Squalane is a lightweight and non-greasy emollient that helps to moisturize and protect the skin. Madecassoside is a soothing and healing ingredient derived from the Centella asiatica plant.
It helps calm and protect the skin from irritation.
Vitamin E and Camellia sinensis leaf (green tea) extract are antioxidants that help to fight free radical damage in our cells and protect the skin from environmental agressors.
This Korean emulsion is perfect for those with damaged, weak, or sensitive skin that is easily irritated. It contains a variety of beneficial ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation.
Soon Jung 10-Free Moist Emulsion is non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog pores, which can worsen acne and breakouts.
It has a light, refreshing texture that is perfect for sensitive, oily, or combination skin types.
3. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream
If you have sensitive skin and are a fan of snail slime (snail mucin) in skincare products, then COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream is the moisturizer for you.
The star ingredient in this moisturizer is snail secretion filtrate (snail mucin/snail slime), which is an excellent ingredient if you have a sensitive skin type.
Snail secretion filtrate is packed with antioxidants, peptides, and glycolic acid that help to repair and revitalize the skin.
It’s also anti-inflammatory, can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to reduce scarring.
This Korean moisturizer also contains various other beneficial ingredients like the humectant betaine, which helps draw moisture from the air into the skin.
Panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, has anti-inflammatory and reparative benefits.
Allantoin, a natural compound derived from the comfrey plant, helps soothe and calm irritated skin.
Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid and is known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.
Arginine, a beneficial amino acid, reduces irritation that comes from using AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids). Adenosine, a nucleoside, helps to improve the appearance of skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Don’t let the slimy texture dissuade you from trying this rich but lightweight snail repair cream.
This moisturizer is perfect for sensitive skin, as it is free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates and phthalates, and alcohol.
Related Post: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream Review
4. Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream
Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream is a best-selling Korean snail repair cream moisturizer that contains 92% snail secretion filtrate.
Snail secretion filtrate is an ingredient that contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, and other compounds that help to repair and revitalize the skin and reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and acne scars.
The snail cream also contains multiple skin-protective antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients like peptides to support collagen production and improve skin texture.
There are also several soothing ingredients in the cream, like Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract, Rubus idaeus (raspberry) fruit extract, Camellia sinensis leaf (green tea) extract, Centella asiatica extract, and beta-glucan, which makes this cream ideal for sensitive skin.
This fragrance-free cream would be a good choice for those with sensitive, acne-prone, or oily skin, as it feels weightless on the skin and leaves a matte finish after it dries.
5. Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream is a rich and comforting moisturizer that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
Betaine is an osmolyte, which is a molecule that helps regulate hydration levels. It attracts and binds water to the skin, which can help to keep it hydrated.
Arginine is a powerful amino acid that has anti-aging properties and helps to improve the appearance of the skin.
Scutellaria baicalensis (Skullcap) root extract is a multi-benefit ingredient that offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-soothing properties.
Skullcap root extract can help reduce redness and irritation and even targets P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.
Centella asiatica extract is also included in this soothing moisturizer and is well known for its skin-healing properties.
Portulaca oleracea extract and aloe are also in the formula for their reparative and soothing properties. Beta-glucan is a type of sugar molecule that has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
This Korean cream is deeply moisturizing while it soothes and calms sensitive skin. It’s also great for dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin in need of nourishment.
6. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is a lightweight oil-free gel cream that contains 72% Centella leaf water and 10% tea tree leaf water to calm, clarify and refresh the skin.
This gel-cream has brightening and anti-aging benefits that help even out skin tone and smooth wrinkles and fine lines.
This Korean skincare product contains Centella asiatica leaf water and extract, which are natural anti-inflammatory agents that help soothe the skin.
It also contains tea tree leaf water and extract, which are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Niacinamide helps to brighten your complexion and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. Allantoin helps to soothe and calm the skin.
Sodium hyaluronate (a sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid) is a humectant that helps hydrate and moisturize the skin.
Licorice root extract is a natural skin brightener and has anti-inflammatory properties. Wheat germ extract is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and helps nourish and revitalize the skin.
This gel cream is perfect for sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin but can also be used by those with dry or normal skin. It is ideal for those with a dislike of heavy cream textures.
Please note that this cream contains essential oil and added fragrance.
For more on this Korean moisturizer, please see my iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream review.
7. Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel targets irritation with aloe vera and propolis in a lightweight gel.
Ideal for sensitive, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, this face moisturizer also helps to brighten the skin, fade acne scars, and hydrate the skin.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract and water from the aloe vera plant are known for their skin-soothing and healing properties. They help calm and cool the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
Propolis extract is a natural substance collected from honeybee hives and is known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps to soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors and can also be beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Betaine and glycerin moisturize the skin while Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract, cucumber fruit extract, and allantoin soothe and calm the skin.
Camellia sinensis leaf (green tea) extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect the skin from free radical damage and is an anti-inflammatory agent.
This soothing gel is excellent for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. It has a lightweight texture that doesn’t weigh your skin down. It’s also a great choice for redness and sunburns.
8. Dr. Belmeur Advanced Cica Recovery Cream
Dr. Belmeur Advanced Cica Recovery Cream is a thick, rich moisturizer perfect for dry, sensitive skin. It forms a protective barrier similar to the skin’s natural lipids to prevent moisture loss.
This Korean cream is rich in ceramides, antioxidants, and cell-communicating ingredients to repair damaged skin.
Niacinamide works its magic to promote healthy skin by stimulating collagen production, evening out skin tone, and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Glycerin and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) are humectants that hydrate and moisturize the skin. Squalane, macadamia oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil are emollients that help to moisturize and soften the skin.
Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP are lipids that are essential for the maintenance of the skin barrier and are the glue that holds the skin cells together.
Ceramides become depleted with age and environmental stress, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.
Cholesterol is an emollient that works with ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier. Phytosphingosine, a skin-identical ingredient, helps restore the lipid barrier, prevents moisture loss, and even has antimicrobial benefits.
Madecassoside is a calming extract from the Centella asiatica plant that is an antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory agent and helps to soothe the skin.
Panthenol and beta-glucan are both known for their wound healing and regenerative properties.
This thick cream is perfect for dry or very dry, sensitive skin that needs intense hydration and barrier protection.
Please note that there is added fragrance and essential oil in this cica cream.
Related Post: Dr. Belmeur Skincare Review
9. iUNIK Black Snail Restore Cream
IUNIK Black Snail Restore Cream aims to repair the skin with 58% black snail extract, Centella asiatica leaf water, and leaf extract.
Thanks to several natural plant extracts, this anti-aging cream smoothes the skin and improves skin elasticity for a more youthful complexion.
Snail secretion filtrate is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare products, and it’s no wonder why.
This ingredient is known for its hydrating, healing, and regenerative properties, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Shea butter, jojoba, and camellia oils are emollients that moisturize and support a healthy skin barrier.
Arginine is an amino acid and building block of skin-firming collagen that helps with wound repair and replenishes moisture.
Adenosine is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that is soothing to sensitive skin. It is also known for its anti-aging properties that help to firm the skin and improve elasticity.
Centella asiatica extract and water are skin-soothing ingredients that help improve the appearance of redness and inflammation.
MultiEX Rosanic is a trademarked ingredient that contains licorice, mugwort, gingo, blueberries, and rosehip to calm the skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
Skin plumping sodium hyaluronate, the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid that helps to hydrate and improve skin elasticity, rounds out the list of beneficial ingredients in this Korean cream for sensitive skin.
This moisturizing cream would be a great choice for dry, sensitive, aging skin dealing with roughness and other visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines.
10. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion is a very lightweight moisturizer made with birch sap juice to comfort the skin.
Birch sap juice is a natural source of minerals, nutrients, and moisturizing amino acids for improved hydration.
Glycerin, betaine, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) are moisturizing ingredients that help to bind water to the skin and keep it moisturized.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient that helps to calm and protect the skin.
Please note that this Korean lotion contains lemon peel oil and tea tree leaf oil that imparts a light citrus, herbal fragrance.
Formulated at a pH of 5.5 – 6.5, it feels weightless on the skin, making it perfect for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.
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- CeraVe Healing Ointment vs Aquaphor vs Cetaphil
- Aveeno vs Cetaphil: Which Lotion Is Better?
- Best Moisturizer in Korea
Final Thoughts
Sensitive skin can be challenging to take care of, but luckily there are plenty of Korean skin care moisturizers for sensitive skin that will keep your face hydrated without irritating it.
Whether you need a moisturizer for dry skin or a moisturizer for oily skin that is sensitive, these Korean beauty products have you covered.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!
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