The best Korean moisturizers will give you soft, glowy, hydrated, as well as renewed skin. A lot of women love Korean moisturizers as they are naturally nourishing and filled with high-quality ingredients. They are not too pricey either, and they will show your skin love, no matter your skin type!
If you want to find the best Korean moisturizer for dry skin, sensitive skin, or oily skin, keep on reading! In this guide, we will review some of the best Korean moisturizer options for your skin type. Luckily for you, we have loads of different skincare products to recommend, and you will want to convert to these Korean beauty items asap!
What’s So Great About Korean Moisturizers? Top 3 Benefits
If you can’t imagine your everyday routine without leaving your home with the perfect face cream, just know that you are not alone! A lot of women demand skin hydration and a moisturizing formula on a daily basis. If you’re looking for a reason to switch to some new skin care products, here are the top 3 really amazing benefits of using Korean beauty products, and Korean moisturizers!
1. K-beauty has been a go-to for most women
K-beauty was introduced to the USA in around 2011. People love the idea of Korean skincare, as well as the fact that you get to use and experiment with so many different kinds of items throughout the day. If you are also a fan of the 13 skincare steps that Korean women love to do, make sure to include, at least, their amazing moisturizers.
2. Moisturized and glowy skin
Korean beauty uses only the highest quality ingredients in its products. This means that you won’t struggle with dry patches or flaky skin, and you won’t experience any skin problems since all of its ingredients are soothing and comfortable. A good moisturizer will help you trap the moisture into the skin while boosting its optimal hydration. If you want something that is effective and deeply nourishing, you will enjoy Korean skin care.
3. Good price point
Every product and Korean moisturizer will help with your dry patches and your overall skin state. However, some of the best Korean moisturizer options do not have to be too pricey. In fact, skincare from Korea is a lot more affordable than some other products, such as your favorite high-end skincare brand from the US. If you already use a Korean serum, toner, or bb cream, why not also add a lightweight cream and enjoy glowy skin?!
How To Choose The Best Korean Moisturizer Based On Your Skin Type?
1. Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is tricky since most skincare products and ingredients can irritate you or cause inflammation. In order to avoid blotchiness or swollen faces, make sure to use fragrance free skincare items, and go for gentle and natural moisturizers that have glycerine as their active ingredient. You should also use a cream that has green tea or some other similar calming and natural ingredients.
2. Dry Skin
Women who have dry skin often have a hard time keeping their skin moisturized and at their optimal level. What you should do is apply thicker products that have way more nourishing ingredients in them. Dry skin is often dull and dehydrated, as well as dehydrated and flaky. If your skin is thirsty, make sure to apply moisturizers that have Shea butter, ceramides, as well as lanolin, and hyaluronic acid morning and night.
3. Oily Skin
If your skin is oily, don’t think that it doesn’t need additional moisture. Every skin type needs to get its dose of everyday hydration. Go for a lightweight moisturizer that is non-greasy as well as filled with different acids which will add and lock in that hydration deep underneath your pores. Avoid essence, but aim for amino acids.
4. Combo Skin
Combo skin is a bit tricky to figure out and you will need to use either different products or items that have unique ingredients that will keep your skin at its optimal level. If your T-zone is typically oily but the rest of your skin is dry, make sure to go for ingredients such as vitamin E and ceramides. You can never go wrong with this if you wish to achieve glowing skin.
5. Acne-prone Skin
Acne-prone skin can get easily irritated, as well as clogged. Stay away from coconut oil, but do incorporate glycerin, as well as salicylic acid to bring back the optimal glow to your skin. Ingredients such as willow extracts and charcoal will help with your oily skin, as well as breakouts. Acne-prone skin and oily skin types go hand in hand together, which might make your process of elimination and choosing your proper moisture cream a bit easier, and not as narrow.
6. Mature Skin
You will enjoy some green tea extract, along with caffeine and retinol. These powerful three ingredients will give you healthy, glowy, as well as hydrated skin. Meanwhile, you will lose the feeling of dullness, and your fine lines and wrinkles will look a lot smaller and not as defined. A moisturizing cream that is oil free will do wonders in terms of anti aging, as well as for women with first fine lines.
How To Apply Your Favorite Korean Moisturizer?
Most moisturizers and skincare items are applied in the same way, and by following the same rules. When it comes to applying your beauty products, follow these top tree steps.
Step 1
Use a pea-size amount of your moisturizer, and only apply it to your cleansed and makeup-free skin. Make sure that you wash your skin beforehand.
Step 2
Gradually add more if your skin demands more moisture, or if you have a larger face that will demand a bit more of a product than the pea-size amount. Different skin types will react to new skin care products different, so experiment at first with your newly-purchased cream.
Step 3
Make sure to dab in the product and press it deep into your pores with your fingers. Use circular motions and go over your cheeks several different times since they are the driest area of your face. Never drag the product down, and only push it upwards and toward your forehead. Rubbing, smudging, or smearing the cream over your skin can cause pre-mature aging, so be gentle with every skincare product.
Ingredients To Look For In Korean Moisturizers
1.Vitamin C
Korean beauty uses a lot of vitamin C ingredients. Vitamin C is an amazing go-to since it protects your skin from free radicals, as well as UV rays and pollution. Vitamin C will renew our skin + it will help with premature aging, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It also gives a bit of glow and brightness to the skin.
2. Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica (or ‘cica’) is a plant that is quite often used in Chinese medicine since it has been known as a healing plant. Asiatica is widely used in Korean skincare since it has the power to soothe, calm down, and hydrate the skin. It is commonly used in creams, as well as by women who have mature skin, as well as skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
3. Snail Mucin
This is found in essences, serums, as well as moisturizers. It is an amazing old-school ingredient that you will appreciate if you have sensitive and dry skin. Snail mucin is filled with vitamins A and E, which are antioxidants, the perfect ingredients for different skin types, as well as age groups!
4.Niacinamide
This is a form of vitamin B which is used to brighten your skin and deal with hyperpigmentation. With regular and often use of this ingredient you will achieve an even complexion. Your pores will look a lot smaller + you will have fewer wrinkles. You will also end up with that glass-like skin.
5. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid can hold 1000 times its weight in water, and in its skin cells. If your products are filled with hyaluronic acid, your skin will look a lot more plump and radiant. Ingredients like this one will suit dry skin, and will do a lot for women who are on the lookout for anti aging products.
6. Salicylic Acid
This ingredient will help with your blemishes as well as minor breakouts. It is quite often used by women who have acne-prone skin. It is naturally derived from willow bark, hence why most women with acne use it in their skincare items.
7. Green Tea
K-beauty is all about using green tea for external and internal use. It is rich and filled with antioxidants. Once applied topically it can improve your texture, help with blood circulation, and also get rid of any unwanted puffiness.
8. Bamboo Extract
It is often used in traditional medicine since it has healing properties. Bamboo contains silica, which is the main component of collagen. Bamboo can also help you strengthen and repair your skin.
9. Noni
This is a fruit extract that is used in traditional medicine. It is a yellow/green fruit that has a pungent smell, along with a bitter taste. However, it is filled with vitamins A and C, which help to revive and repair the skin. Women who have dry skin will love this ingredient in their skincare products. Although it is a bit rare, this is the best ingredient to find if you want glowing skin.
10. Propolis
This is produced by bees and is a multi-tasking ingredient that has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can do wonders for women who have blemish-prone skin. It won’t irritate you either, and works great when combined with some other acids in your everyday skincare items.
Ingredients To Avoid In Korean Moisturizers
1. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a mixture that is often found in cosmetics, and you can find it ins your moisturizer, as well as in your makeup and hair-care items. However, this is an allergen that can irritate your skin. This emollient can also clog the pores and irritate the skin.
2. Fragrance
Fragrances can irritate your skin and cause any unwanted rashes, burning, as well as itching sensation. Fragrances are also quite strong and rich in odor, which may leave some women with a headache.
3. Dyes or Color
Color and dye are found in loads of different food items, cosmetics, as well as pharmaceuticals. These are approved by the FDA, but they can be harmful to the skin, and some are even suspected to be carcinogens.
4. Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in different skincare items, such as a moisturizer. These can have an effect on your hormones, and they can disrupt your balance, so try to avoid them in most of your everyday items.
5. Alcohol
If your skin is quite sensitive you may get irritated by alcohol in a heartbeat. Alcohol can also dry out the skin and cause it to become dehydrated, as well as inflamed. Go for a moisturizer that has a 0 percent of alcohol, or as low as possible.
6. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha Hydroxy acids can cause your skin to itch, swell, as well as become red or inflamed. This acid should only be used if your dermatologist ends up recommending it. Once they approve it and tell you that it is safe for your skin type, you should continue using it. if not, never moisturize on your own since you may end up with damaged skin.
7. Petroleum
Petroleum will block your pores and cause them to clog with t’s unwanted barrier. By doing this, it won’t allow your skin to sink in and experience all of its needed moisture. If you want to get rid of dry patches as well as blemishes, avoid this ingredient.
8. Rice Flour
If your favorite moisturizer has this ingredient (which is quite often used and found in K-beauty items) you should avoid it. Rice flour can make a dramatic change in your texture and it can leave your skin dull, as well as dry.
9. Lemon
Lemons are great for brightening properties, but not if you have sensitive skin. They can dry it out, leave it red or inflamed, as well as with a burning sensation. This is also quite often the case for women who have eczema or sensitive skin in general.
Top 7 Best Korean Moisturizers
1. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream
If you have combination skin you will enjoy this moisturizer. It is an amazing watery cream that suits combination skin the best because it is on a thicker consistency. The cream is affordable and contains 80 mL of product. This Korean cream has been made with 30 different marine plants and it gives an amazing 24-hour moisture. This is the best Korean moisturizer for combination skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Nature Republic is a well-known brand yet not too pricey | Has a slight scent which may irritate sensitive type of skin |
| Great moisturizing lotion for combination skin | |
| You get 80ml of product | |
| Works and keeps your skin moisturized for 24 hours |
2. belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb | Moisturizer
This super aqua cream moisturizer will suit those who have oily skin. Belif is a pricier brand, but this cream can increase moisture levels up to 70% while keeping skin nourished. The product is dermatologically tested + you get 50 mL in a tube. There is no mineral oil, fragrance, or dyes in this item + you will enjoy it since it will help with uneven texture and larger pores. This is the best Korean moisturizer for oily skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| This moisturizer contains high-quality ingredients and keeps your skin 70% hydrated | A bit pricey when compared to some other cream options |
| Great moisturizer for oily and combo skin | |
| You get 50ml of product | |
| No mineral oil or fragrance |
3. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
Cosrx oil can hydrate the skin quickly, and this oil feels nourishing and moisturizing once applied in the right amount. This is a weightless cream lotion that contains 70% of willow bark, and it won’t leave any greasy residues on top. It will give you brighter under eyes, but it will also work wonders for anyone with oily or combo skin. You will get 100 mL of product in this tube. We feel this is the best Korean moisturizer for brightening and suit normal skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| You get 100ml of this moisturizer | Not for sensitive or acne-prone skin |
| Oil-free and paraben-free | |
| Has birch sap and will help with skin elasticity | |
| Affordable |
4. ETUDE HOUSE Moistfull Collagen Cream, Soft Moist Gel Type Moisturizing Facial Cream
If you are a fan of gel textures and you’ve tried out all there is, go for this amazing cream by Etude House! Etude House is a well-known brand in Korea, and this collagen cream or night cream will do so much for your dry patches. Aside from collagen water, this moisturizer also contains Baobab water and is super hydrating + it will leave your skin glossy for up to 12 hours after the initial application! You will get 75 mL of the product with your purchase. This collagen cream is the best Korean moisturizer for dry skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| This moisturiser helps with collagen production | Has a slight scent which may irritate sensitive skin types |
| Great cream for dry patches | |
| Leaves your skin hydrated for 12 hours | |
| Thicker cream consistency | |
| You get 75ml of product |
5. Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream
Skin without some hydrating and nourishing ingredients can’t stay plump and at its optimal state. This is a lightweight gel-cream that is non-greasy and it will lock in hydration thanks to its addition of Jeju green tea. You will get 50 mL of the product with your purchase + this tube is free of any oils, animal ingredients, or parabens. This product is the best Korean moisturizer for sensitive skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great for irritated skin or women who have sensitive skin | Not for super oilier skin types |
| Has nourishing ingredients like green tea | |
| Can be used by most skin types | |
| You get 50ml of product | |
| Well-known brand |
6.The Newest #1 Korean Skin Care All In One Best Anti Aging Vitamin C Night Cream by SKIN & LAB
If you want to feel moisturized and you love a mask feeling in a form of a moisturizer, this line of products will suit you! This anti aging moisturizer has a blend of roses, hyaluron, as well as blueberries. You can purchase the cream on its own, or pair it with a matching serum for best results. It’s formula is amazing, especially once you take a look at its price point. This cream by Skin & Lab is the best Korean moisturizer for mature skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great for mature skin | Not for younger women |
| Helps with fine lines and wrinkles | |
| You can use a serum as well as a part of your everyday skin care routine | |
| Has brightening properties |
7. Snail Repair Face Moisturizer with Snail Mucin Extract by Mizon
Last, but not least, you can go for this snail repair cream and enjoy it no matter your skin type! Snail mucus extract is an amazing and common ingredient in most skincare products and beauty items. This cream is available in three different size options, but you might prefer the 75 mL tube the best. It is great for acne-prone skin, as well as women who have a lot of texture, wrinkles, or blemishes. This snail repair cream by Mizon is the best Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Available in several different sizes | Not for women who have super sensitive skin |
| Great for anti-aging properties | |
| Affordable | |
| Has high-quality ingredients | |
| Great for women with oily or acne-prone skin |
Conclusion: Our Top Choice Korean Moisturizer
So, what moisturizing lotion was your favorite? Is your skin type normal, dry, sensitive, or do you have combination skin? Our overall favorite has to be the ETUDE HOUSE Moistfull Collagen Cream. This cream has anti aging properties and it will boost your collagen production, as well as skin cells.
Ready to convert to your new and favorite moisturizer? Make sure that this is your next go-to step after cleansing your skin. We have provided a list of the best Korean moisturizers, and we hope you have found the right one for you out of these top 7 options!
