20 Best Korean Moisturizers

The popularity of Korean skincare products has exploded in recent years as the availability of Korean skincare has expanded throughout the globe.

Koreans are serious about their skincare, as evidenced by Korean skincare routines, known for layering several products, sometimes ten or more, to treat all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, normal, and even sensitive skin on a daily basis.

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My Top Picks for Different Skin Types

The Best Korean Moisturizers

Korean beauty, or K-Beauty, is here to stay, and the quality of effectiveness of Korean moisturizers is a testament to advancements made in Korean skincare products.

Here are 20 of the best Korean moisturizers:

The high amount of snail secretion filtrate helps soothe skin irritation and evens skin tone.

Snail secretion filtrate also repairs and hydrates with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, proteoglycans, antimicrobial peptides, and trace elements.

This 2017 study from the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists found that snail mucin even has antibiotic activity.

The gel-cream formula initially has a somewhat tacky texture due to the snail secretion filtrate, but your skin is left silky smooth without any greasiness or oiliness after it absorbs into your skin.

The brand name COSRX comes from the words “cosmetics” and “prescription (RX).” Their goal is to provide individually customized skin solutions for their customers.

For a complete review of this Korean skincare product, please see this post, and for more Korean snail mucin products, please see my post on the best snail mucin skincare products.

The moisturizer is ideal for normal to dry skin types and those concerned with the loss of elasticity and firmness.

Antioxidant oat kernel extract helps soothe dry, itchy skin, and marigold extract contains flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a best-seller in Korea. It was the number one selling product in Korea’s beauty market across all categories.

This cream works best on dry, flaky, and dull skin with its supple cream format formulated to “burst” when applied to the skin.

It provides intense nourishing hydration leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

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

The green tea and green tea seed oil come from Innisfree’s USDA-certified organic fields on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Green tea seed oil is rich in 16 amino acids and antioxidants, which protect your skin from environmental aggressors.

The green tea used in this cream is chosen from 3,301 varieties specifically for its skincare benefits. This Korean face cream seals in moisture without feeling greasy or oily.

The lightweight formula sinks into your skin, providing nourishing antioxidant benefits.

Perfect for combination, dry, dehydrated, and even sensitive skin.

This unscented water cream is formulated with 60% deep seawater, ideal for dryness or other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

A 2% concentration of niacinamide brightens, soothes, and balances your complexion.

Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, this cream is rich in marine ingredients, such as green caviar and seaweed extract.

The cream supports water-oil balance and leaves your skin hydrated and soft without any thick sticky finish.

This Purito cream uses niacinamide to brighten and balance oil (sebum) in your skin and Salicornia herbacea extract, a plant extract to support your skin’s barrier.

Adenosine is wound healing and also supports your skin barrier.

Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, moisturizes and plumps your skin.

Related Post: Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream Review

It is formulated with yeast-derived beta-glucan to soothe and firm your skin, nourishing shea butter, and ceramide 3 to form a protective layer to help prevent moisture loss.

It also contains soothing jojoba seed oil, several plant extracts, and lipidure to help your skin retain moisture and protect it from irritants.

Ideal for dry skin and especially sensitive skin, your skin will feel soft and smooth, never sticky after applying this moisturizer, which has a pH of 7.11. It is free of dyes, fragrances, and animal-based components.

Related Post: Klairs Skincare Review

Glycerin, betaine, and glucose are humectants that lock in moisture.

This Korean moisturizer also contains Adansonia digitata (baobab) seed oil which contains antioxidants to support skin elasticity and collagen formation while helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturizing fatty acids protect your skin barrier. It also contains tocopherol (vitamin E) to protect and nourish your skin.

Its texture is similar to a gel cream, and it’s rich but not sticky, so you don’t need to apply a lot.

It absorbs quickly without any greasy or sticky feeling and leaves skin soft and moisturized.

Great for dry, normal, combination, and dehydrated oily skin.

Pure fermented green tea extract is high in antioxidants, has moisturizing properties, and makes up over 63% of the cream.

This lightweight cream also contains lemon seed oil for antibacterial and antifungal protection and rosewood oil that soothes the skin.

The star ingredient in this product is ChungTaeJeon, a fermented Korean green tea fermented for over 365 days in the sun to provide lasting hydration and moisture.

This cream can also be used as a 5-minute moisture mask to rescue dry, dehydrated skin.

It provides a stable delivery system of ingredients that penetrate deeper, leading to greater effectiveness of their products.

It contains tea tree oil, an antioxidant that has antibacterial and soothing properties, along with macadamia nut oil is an emollient that contains moisturizing fatty acids.

Sodium hyaluronate hydrates the skin, while cholesterol and ceramide NP work to support a healthy skin barrier.

The texture of this moisturizer is described as a pudding-like gel that is quickly absorbed into the skin without any greasy or oily feeling, improving elasticity, and creating bouncy skin and a hydrated glow.

This K-beauty moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and would be especially helpful for combo/oily skin, as the texture is lightweight but still highly moisturizing.

What does “Make P:rem” mean? It’s a combination of make, pragmatism, and remedy, i.e., make p:rem. The company’s goals for its products are functionality, effectiveness, reasonable cost, and convenience without excess packaging.

This cream is formulated for all skin types and lifts and hydrates with 51% Sahara cactus extract. Sahara cactus is a plant that survives in harsh desert climates and helps to lock in moisture while firming your skin.

The cream is also formulated with Moroccan prickly pear cactus oil, containing vitamins E and K and essential fatty acids for antioxidant protection.

Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps your skin, and SC-glucan supports collagen production and improves elasticity.

This antioxidant-packed K Beauty cream protects from environmental stressors such as pollution and heat and supports the skin barrier while improving skin texture.

The texture is that of a cream oil and should be warmed between your fingers before applying it to your skin. This rich cream sinks in quickly and is ideal for dry skin.

Midnight Blue Calming Cream helps strengthen your skin barrier and balance your skin.

Guaiazulene, a plant-based element extracted from camomile oil, is what makes this cream blue. The cream creates a protective layer over your skin.

This night cream also contains Centella asiatica extract, also known as tiger grass. Centella asiatica extract kick starts healing in damaged skin and also prevents scarring.

This cream is ideal for after the sun or if you have oily skin and want a soothing cream. Only a small amount is needed of this concentrated cream.

Nighttime is the best time to apply this cream to allow your skin to regenerate and to avoid having makeup break the protective layer.

Please see my complete review for more details on this soothing Korean Cream.

Birch sap is also high in amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, and minerals.

The lotion is formulated at a skin-loving pH level of 5.5, making it ideal to use both in the morning and evening. This lotion is oil-free, making it perfect for acne-prone skin or combination/oily skin types.

If you have dry skin, you will also benefit from birch sap’s ability to maintain hydration and moisture. The lotion absorbs quickly without any greasiness.

You can use COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion after alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid chemical exfoliating treatments or vitamin C treatments.

This concentrated lotion will hydrate and moisturize your skin after these exfoliating treatments.

Adenosine has anti-inflammatory benefits, supports a healthy skin barrier, and may even help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is an anti-inflammatory compound found in the licorice plant that helps balance sebum (oil) production in the skin.

Multiple antioxidants including Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract, Rubus idaeus (raspberry) fruit extract, Camellia sinensis leaf (green tea) extract, Centella asiatica extract, copper tripeptide-1, madecassoside, and asiaticoside help to scavenge free radicals and protect skin from environmental damage.

It is a lightweight cream that absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or greasy. This snail cream is fragrance-free, which should appeal to those with sensitive skin.

This would be an ideal moisturizer for acne-prone, oily, and very oily skin types, as it helps to control sebum production while leaving a matte finish on your skin.

Formulated to prevent dryness and dullness, the lush cream contains 29% rice bran water which was known as “Beauty Water” in the Joseon Dynasty.

Rice bran water is rich in moisturizing amino acids, minerals, and vitamin E. These actives work together to nourish and moisturize the skin.

The cream also contains 5% ginseng root water derived from the ginseng plant. Ginseng is rich in antioxidants and helps to brighten the skin.

Squalane (2%) is a lightweight non-pore-clogging moisturizer that helps regulate oil and protects from moisture loss.

Niacinamide (2%), also known as Vitamin B3, brightens your skin and reduces the look of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It also supports a healthy skin barrier and reduces inflammation.

This fragrance-free moisturizer is rich and creamy but absorbs quickly and gives your skin a beautiful glow and radiance without feeling heavy or greasy.

This gel cream boasts a potent mix of actives for effective exfoliation, unclogging pores, and fighting acne, making it a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin.

A 70.78% concentration of Centella Asiatica Extract soothes and calms redness, irritation, and inflammation. The moisturizing cream also contains 4 Cica-Care, which are components of Centella Asiatica.

Tea tree extract provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is excellent for acne-prone skin, as it helps to clear away bacteria that can cause breakouts. This moisturizing cream contains 1% tea tree extract for improved skin clarity.

Niacinamide helps brighten the look of dark spots, even skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Green tea and other nourishing plant extracts help to protect your skin from environmental stressors.

Betaine, allantoin, turmeric, witch hazel, and other plant extracts soothe your skin and offer an anti-inflammatory effect.

The lightweight gel cream absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or greasy and helps to keep your skin looking clear and healthy. I love it during the summer months!

Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve dirt, oil, and other impurities that can contribute to acne.

Niacinamide calms redness, balances oil, and brightens dull skin and discoloration.

Acerola, a shrub that grows cherries, is also included to provide antioxidant protection and helps with blemishes, and minimize the look of pores and uneven skin tone.

Cucumber fruit water soothes while niacinamide calms inflammation and brightens dull skin and discoloration. Cica (also known as Centella Asiatica or Gotu Kola) and allantoin also calm irritation and redness.

This lotion 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.

This Korean acne moisturizer has a lightweight texture and is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.

It isn’t greasy or sticky, leaves a satin-matte finish, and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and very oily skin.

The ingredient list is chock full of anti-aging all-stars, including peptides and ceramides to support the skin barrier and nourishing shea butter.

It also contains Centella asiatica extract, which supports collagen formation and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

This study published in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology in 2013 determined that Centella Asiatica can even be used to treat photoaging in the skin.

Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetics (AHC) Essential Eye Cream for Face is so popular that per AHC, one tube is sold every three seconds in Korea.

You get all the benefits of specialized eye cream for your entire face in this lightweight formula.

AHC uses microemulsion technology that helps the cream sink into the skin easily and quickly. It contains plumping hyaluronic acid and improves the appearance of fine lines and dullness around the eyes and entire face.

The cream contains a host of plant extracts, niacinamide, squalane, ceramides, five peptides, and vitamins to reduce the appearance of the signs of aging.

Apply to the t-zone, along the undereye area, on laugh lines, along the jaw and your neck, and massage in using gentle pressure to reduce dullness and for dewy, glass-like skin.

The cream also contains all-star skin care ingredients like niacinamide to help balance oil production, calm your skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and brighten your skin.

Notably, niacinamide is listed as ingredient #3 in this cream, which means it is in higher concentrations than many other ingredients in the product.

This moisturizer is a true multi-tasker, as it helps with healing blemishes and damaged skin, soothes and lifts dry, crepey skin while moisturizing and plumping your skin.

While you can apply this cream both AM and PM since it is a richer, more concentrated formula, you may want to save it for evenings, so you don’t have to be concerned with applying makeup on top.

Cica in the name stands for cicatrizing or healing through scar formation. This cream is, therefore, ideal for damaged, sensitive, or irritated skin.

This moisturizer also contains wrinkle-smoothing retinol and peptide 8 complex to improve skin elasticity.

Niacinamide reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet around the eyes, stimulates collagen formation, improves elasticity and brightens dull and uneven skin tone.

Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps your skin, shea butter nourishes, and Dioscorea japonica root maintains moisture levels in your skin.

This rich yet non-greasy cream not only repairs but also protects your skin against environmental factors. Perfect for mature or dry skin but ideal for all skin types. Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

The top layer of the product is in gel form. The gel is formulated with lemon extract and vitamin C, both antioxidants that brighten your skin.

Lemon extract will help to reduce the appearance of imperfections and target the signs of aging, while vitamin C will even out skin tone and protect against environmental stressors such as free radicals and pollution.

The bottom layer of the product is in cream form formulated with banana extract, which helps skin to retain moisture.

Use the spatula provided to mix the gel and the cream to create a hybrid gel-cream for application to the face and neck.

K-Beauty at its most fun, this sunny yellow moisturizer will hydrate your skin and help reduce the appearance of the signs of aging.

This vegan formula is formulated without harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and formaldehyde.

Related Post: The Best Korean Cleansing Balms and Oils

Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate and plump your skin for lasting hydration. Glycerin, trehalose, and sucrose are natural humectants that draw and retain moisture in your skin.

The gel cream helps soothe, hydrate, and protect skin from environmental aggressors. If you love the scent of rose, then this is the moisturizer for you!

This cream is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and does not leave a greasy residue. Formulated for all skin types, those with oily skin will especially appreciate how light this gel-cream feels on your skin.

Beneficial Ingredients in Korean Moisturizers

Korean skin care has the world’s attention, not just because of the trends it brings but also due to the natural yet innovative ingredients they use.

Let’s take a look at some of the common effective ingredients in Korean moisturizers:

Centella Asiatica (Often Referred to as “Cica” or “Gotu Kola”)

• What is it?: Derived from a small herbaceous plant native to wet environments in Asia, Centella Asiatica has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties.
• Benefits:
  • Wound Healing: It promotes faster skin healing and reduces scarring, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and soothes irritated skin. This makes Centella Asiatica a favorite for those with sensitive or redness-prone skin.
  • Boosts Hydration: Strengthens your skin’s barrier, leading to better moisture retention.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Protects your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays.

Snail Mucin (Snail Secretion Filtrate)

• What is it?: This unique ingredient is collected from the trail of snails, typically without harming the snails. It’s been used in skincare for many years.
• Benefits:
  • Promotes skin healing and reduces acne scars and blemishes.
  • Offers anti-aging properties by boosting the production of collagen and elastin.
  • Provides deep hydration without a greasy feel.

Propolis

• What is it?: A resin-like material made by bees and used by them to seal their hives. It’s a blend of beeswax and resins collected from the bark and bud of trees.
• Benefits:
  • Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory: Propolis is a natural antiseptic that fights bacteria and infections, making it excellent for acne-prone skin.
  • Moisturizing: Despite its anti-acne properties, it’s also deeply hydrating without being heavy, ideal for maintaining a balanced complexion.
  • Rich in Vitamins: Especially vitamins B, C, and E, it promotes a brighter, even-toned complexion and offers antioxidant protection.
  • Wound Healing: Can promote faster skin recovery, reduce redness, and diminish signs of scarring.

Green Tea Extract

• What is it?: Derived from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, green tea has been a staple in Korean culture and skincare for centuries.
• Benefits:
  • Packed with antioxidants, green tea helps to neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting your skin from UV radiation and environmental pollutants.
  • Reduces inflammation and redness, making it excellent for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
  • Green tea also has antimicrobial benefits, another draw for acne-prone skin.

Ginseng

• What is it?: Ginseng is a root that has been at the heart of traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years. The most prized ginseng often comes from Korea, specifically the species Panax ginseng.
• Benefits:
  • Anti-aging: Ginseng promotes collagen production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Brightening: Helps to combat dullness by improving circulation, resulting in a more radiant complexion.
  • Antioxidant-rich: Protects your skin against free radicals and environmental stressors that can lead to premature aging.
  • Rejuvenating: Known for its energizing properties, ginseng can revitalize fatigued skin, providing a fresh and youthful look.

Birch Juice (Sap)

• What is it?: Extracted from birch trees, birch sap is primarily found in Northern Europe and parts of Asia. In Korea, it’s seen as a hydrating treasure, especially since birch trees have the ability to retain water, even in very dry climates.
• Benefits:
  • Deep Hydration: Birch sap is a natural source of minerals and amino acids, which provide deep hydration to your skin. It’s often used as a more natural and effective alternative to plain water in formulations.
  • Calming Effect: Great for soothing inflamed or irritated skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive or reactive skin types.
  • Improves Elasticity: Helps in maintaining your skin’s natural collagen, promoting a more supple and youthful appearance.
  • Detoxifying: Contains antioxidants that help to detoxify your skin and protect against harmful external factors.

Fermented Ingredients

• What is it?: Traditional Korean ingredients, like rice or yeast, that undergo fermentation.
• Benefits:
  • Increased antioxidant content, which fights free radicals and signs of aging.
  • Enhance your skin’s moisture retention.
  • Boost the absorption of other skincare ingredients.

Hyaluronic Acid

• What is it?: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin that holds water. The version in skincare products is made in laboratories but mimics the natural HA in our bodies.
• Benefits:
  • Retains moisture, making your skin look plump and hydrated.
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Increases skin elasticity.

Niacinamide

• What is it?: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that has become a skincare favorite due to its broad spectrum of benefits for almost every skin type.
• Benefits:
  • Barrier Strengthening: Niacinamide aids in fortifying your skin’s protective barrier, which means it can assist in locking in moisture and keeping irritants out.
  • Brightening: Known for its ability to visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, dullness, and skin tone. It reduces the impact of environmental damage due to its ability to improve skin’s resilience.
  • Reduces Redness: Offers anti-inflammatory properties, which can help minimize redness and blotchiness, making it beneficial for skin conditions like rosacea.
  • Regulates Oil: Helps balance sebum activity, which can be particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
  • Minimizes Fine Lines: Assists in boosting collagen production, helping to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Why Use Korean Moisturizers and Korean Skincare Products?

Korean skincare is where many trends begin and innovative products are birthed, i.e., sheet masks, BB cream, or glass skin.

Seoul, South Korea, leads the way and is the center of the K-Beauty world, so to speak. This is where innovations in Korean skincare routinely occur.

Korean skin products are always at the forefront of innovation, whether your goal is jelly skin with a springy, bouncy texture or achieving cream skin with nourishing toner-moisturizer hybrids.

There is a Korean moisturizer for everyone in the above list of products. These K-Beauty moisturizers are best-sellers for a reason: they work by moisturizing and protecting your skin.

Why You Should Moisturize Your Skin

Whether your skin is dry, oily, combo, normal or sensitive, everyone’s skin needs moisture. Moisturizing lotions and creams hydrate your skin and protect your skin barrier from environmental stressors and pollutants.

Be sure not to over-moisturize. Use about a nickel-sized amount, as too much product can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

How to Incorporate A Korean Moisturizer Into Your Skincare Routine

Be sure to wash your face before applying a moisturizer. If you are only applying moisturizer, apply after cleansing while your skin is still damp.

This will help to seal in the hydration from your moisturizer. Be sure to use a moisturizer both in the morning (followed by sunscreen) and in the evening.

Depending on your skincare routine, you may have additional steps before applying a moisturizer, such as using a toner, essence, or serum. Using a moisturizer will be one of the last steps in your skincare routine.

For a basic skincare routine, follow these steps in order:

1. Cleanse
2. Toner
3. Essence/Serum
4. Moisturizer
5. Sunscreen (AM only)

TIP: Don’t forget the skin on your body! Please see my post on the best Korean body lotions for some fantastic Korean body moisturizers.

How to Apply A Moisturizer to Your Face

Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together to warm the product. Apply with your fingers to your cheeks in a circular motion and your forehead and chin in upward and outward strokes.

Use your ring finger to pat moisturizer into delicate areas.

Never tug or pull at your skin, and don’t forget your neck! Use gentle upward strokes on your neck.

Final Thoughts on The Best Korean Moisturizers for All Skin Types

Korean brands produce some of the best moisturizers in the world.

Korean moisturizers are formulated for serious skincare concerns and address issues such as dryness, oiliness, acne/blemishes, aging, hyperpigmentation and dark spots, irritation, aging skin, and more.

Best of all, most are very reasonably priced and easy to find online.

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