Moisturizing is an important part of a good skincare routine. And I’ve scoured the net to find the Best Korean Moisturizer for you! Check out this best Korean moisturizer review and pick the one that suits your skin type to get that soft, dewy skin!
Best Korean Moisturizers — Quick Summary
| Best Korean Moisturizers | Best For | Link |
| COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap | Oily Skin | View on Amazon |
| Huxley Secret of Sahara Cream More than Moist | Sensitive/Dry Skin | View on Amazon |
| Innisfree Green Tea Mist Face Moisturizer | Oily Skin | View on Amazon |
| Klairs Rich Moist Soothing cream | All Skin Types | View on Amazon |
| Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream | All Skin Types | View on Amazon |
| Mamonde Floral Moisture Cream | Normal And Oily Skin | View on Amazon |
| ETUDE HOUSE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream | Sensitive/Allergy-prone Skin | View on Amazon |
| Mizon Snail Repair Cream | Anti-ageing | View on Amazon |
| TOSOWOONG Super Aqua Cooling Gel | All Skin Types | View on Amazon |
| IOPE New Derma Repair Cica Cream | Healing And Repairing Damaged Skin | View on Amazon |
Which is the best Korean moisturiser?
I tried and tested over 10 Korean moisturizers based on hydration and application in my quest to find the best Korean moisturizer. Most Korean moisturizers provide instant hydration and are gentle on the skin. But the COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap won the award for the best Korean moisturizer, and here’s why:
COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap feels light on application and is provides instant hydration to the skin. Since it has an oil-free formula, it’s best recommended for oily skin. However, this Korean moisturizer is also suitable for those with normal or combination skin type. This Korean moisturizer by COSRx is formulated with birch sap that is known to calm irritation.
Our Top Picks For Best Korean Moisturizer Review
- COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap – Recommended for oily skin – Get it here!
- Innisfree Green Tea Mist Face Moisturizer – has anti-bacterial properties, good for acne-prone skin – Get it here!
- Mizon Snail Repair Cream – 92% snail mucin content, good for sensitive skin – Get it here!
Top Korean Moisturizer 2023
Why should I go for Korean moisturizers?
The Korean skincare standards are really high. Korean beauty brands are known to use all-natural ingredients to help you achieve better-looking and younger skin. The ingredients used in Korean moisturizers are safe to use, gentle on the skin, and super effective.
Also, Korean moisturizers are affordable. Korean skincare products are among the best in the world and they come at an affordable price – it’s a win-win situation!
Another reason why you should pick a Korean moisturizer is that Korean moisturizers instantly hydrate the skin and have a long-lasting moisturizing effect. In fact, many celebrities swear by Korean moisturizers to keep their skin looking fresh and healthy.
How to choose the best Korean moisturizer for you?
Korean products are one of the best; now you need to understand more about Korean moisturizers. As the Koreans are deeply invested in skincare, you will be spoilt for options when you check for these, and they will all seem very good and useful.
When it comes to skincare products, especially Korean products, you should always look at the ingredients. Korean beauty products tend to have a few typical ingredients in common. If you intend to purchase a product, check if it contains one or more of these ingredients.
Ingredients To Consider
- As an external body secretion, snail mucin or snail slime is a substance similar to mucus. That sounds gross and icky, but try it and see what happens to your skin.
- There is a reason why tea tree oil has become common in beauty products. Traditionally, its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties prevent and reduce acne scars to leave your skin clear and healthy.
- As a natural component of our bodies, hyaluronic acid is also known as hyaluronan. In the connective tissues and joints, this clear, gooey substance usually forms.
- Honey bees produce propolis or bee glue, which is made from natural ingredients. K-beauty is literally blown up by this amazing ingredient because of its appearance benefits.
- There’s Aloe Vera gel in practically every skincare product, be it Korean, Indian, or any other.
- Honey skin is popularly known to hydrated, dewy and plumped up skin also that it focuses more on crystal clear skin.
Identify skin type
Your skin type will determine the problems and complications you may experience. Oily skin, dry skin, combination skin – you can all suffer from them.
Try Finding Authentic sites
Try to order Korean skincare products from reputable online retailers and be careful about imposters, since many are popping up now!
Best Ingredients For Moisturizer in Korean Moisturizers
Korean moisturizers are known for their hydrating and nourishing properties, and they often contain a variety of beneficial ingredients. Here are some of the best ingredients commonly found in Korean moisturizers:
- Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient is excellent for hydration as it attracts and retains moisture in the skin, leaving it plump and supple.
- Ceramides: Ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, promoting a healthy and moisturized complexion.
- Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
- Niacinamide: Niacinamide is a multitasking ingredient that offers multiple benefits, including hydration, brightening, and improving the overall texture of the skin.
- Centella Asiatica: Also known as “tiger grass,” Centella Asiatica has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm and hydrate the skin.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.
- Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage while providing hydration and soothing effects.
- Shea Butter: Shea butter is a rich moisturizer that deeply nourishes the skin and helps to improve its elasticity and suppleness.
- Beta-Glucan: Beta-glucan is a soothing ingredient that boosts hydration and helps to improve the skin’s moisture barrier, promoting overall skin health.
- Panthenol: Also known as provitamin B5, panthenol is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated.
These ingredients work synergistically to provide deep hydration, improve skin elasticity, and maintain a healthy moisture balance. However, it’s essential to consider your skin type and specific concerns when choosing a moisturizer and to patch test new products to ensure compatibility.
Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
A potent hydrating ingredient, comfrey leaf, is a powerful apothecary herb embedded in this highly effective moisturizer. It contains apothecary herbs and several plant extracts, including aloe vera extract.
Moisturizing can be effective for dry skin types and for those concerned about the loss of firmness and elasticity. Oat kernel extract, a potent antioxidant, helps soothe dry, itchy skin, and marigold extract contains flavonoids, which act as anti-inflammatory agents.
Korea’s True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a top-selling product. It has been the number one seller across all categories of the Korean beauty market. This cream works best on dry, flaky, and dull skin with its supple texture that bursts when applied.
Pros
- Great for combination skin and dry skin
- Hydrating
- Unique texture
- Works as a primer too for sensitive dry skin
Cons
- Not for people with Keratosis pilaris.
Related: Best Korean Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
AHC Essential Eye Cream for Face
It’s a cream designed to be used as an eye cream, but it’s so popular that Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetics (AHC) Essential Eye Cream for Face is sold every three seconds in Korea, which makes it the most popular Korean moisturizer.
A powerful formula that protects the eyes, hands, and chest from the signs of aging, containing a host of plant extracts, niacinamide, squalene, ceramides, five peptides, and vitamins.
Massage the product in using gentle pressure to reduce dullness and to provide smooth, dewy skin. Use as directed in the T-zone, along the undereye area, along the jaw, and around the neck.
Pros
- Gives sensorial benefits
- Has light-feeling
- Multi-functional skincare
Cons
- The scent is a bit too strong for my liking for a eye cream
COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer For Oily Skin Type
The first one our best Korean moisturizer review is the Ultra Moisturizing lotion with Birch Sap by Cosrx. This is a brand that you can go for as it is priced moderately and it’s affordable by most people, with no compromise on the amazing quality offered by most top Korean skincare brands.
This is a lightweight lotion that is heavily hydrating without making your skin feel too oily or sticky. It can be used both, during the day as well as during the night and its oil-free formula makes it best to be used by those with combination and oily skin.
It does a good job on dry skin as well. Birch sap nourishes the skin with antioxidants, calms irritations and hydrates it well. This lotion is priced at around $17.50 for a 100 ml container.
Key Features
- Lightweight formula
- Intensely hydrating
- Oil-free formula
- Contains birch sap for anti-oxidant properties
- Calms irritation
- Recommended for oily skin type
Pros
- No stickiness
- Skin doesn’t breakout after application
- Gentle formula
- Long-lasting
- Enhances skin texture
- Affordable
Huxley Secret of Sahara Cream More Than Moist Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For Sensitive Skin
If you have very sensitive skin that breaks out or burns when you apply a moisturizer, give the “More than Moist” by Huxley Secret of Sahara a try. This is made with delicate, yet effective ingredients that are gentle on the skin while nourishing and healing it.
Shea butter gives your skin the required hydration and moisture while healing it from sunburns and harsh cold weather conditions, whereas the birch sap extract does its job of pumping in antioxidants and vitamins while cooling and calming the skin.
This works wonders on dry skin as the rich ingredients add a lot of moisture. This cream comes in a small jar and is priced in the mid, affordable range.
Key Features:
- Contains birch sap
- Contain shea butter
- Deeply hydrating
- Gentle formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Pros
- Has an anti-ageing effect
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Cools and calms the skin – effective for sunburns as well
Innisfree Green Tea Mist Face Moisturizer Review
Best Koream Moisturizer Review For Acne-prone Skin
Innisfree is one of the most familiar Korean brands as the products are easily accessible in most cities across the world. This is a premium brand with top-notch skincare products that can be trusted and relied upon to take care of acne-prone skin.
The Green Tea Mist face moisturizer is meant for people with moderately oily to very oily skin who cannot handle thick moisturizers and creams. This is also good if you are prone to acne as green tea is known to have antibacterial properties.
This comes in a unique spray bottle, which is hygienic and easy to use. Simply spray it on your face and the Jeju green tea extracts hydrate your skin and nourish it. This may not be suitable if you have very dry skin. This Mist moisturizer is priced at around $14 per bottle.
Key Features
- Light formula
- Hydrates skin
- Contains jeju green tea extracts
- Suitable for oily, sensitive and acne prone skin
Pros
- Doesn’t make skin feel sticky
- Comes in a spray bottle
- Has antibacterial properties
- Easy to use
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For Sensitive Skin
This purely vegan moisturizer by Dear, Klairs is great for any type of skin. We find this to be a good skincare product to be used during the summer as it works on cooling down the skin, taking care of sunburns, soothes rough and irritated skin and heals it inside out.
The Shea butter, ceramide 3 and lipidure content infused in the formula improve your skin texture. Beta gluten yeast promotes growth of new cells and repairs any damaged pores. This Korean moisturizer hydrates wonderfully without making the skin too oily.
You can also use it during harsh winters where dry and rough skin is very common. Other elements like soap chemicals and fine dust can also cause mini bruises which we don’t usually realise and this cream heals all of that.
It doesn’t have too strong a fragrance and is free of colour, so it can be used every day even by those with very sensitive skin without fearing that it will set off any allergies.
Key Features
- Vegan moisturizer
- Lightweight formula
- Intensely moisturizes the skin
- Contains Shea butter
- Fragrance-free
- Recommended for sensitive skin
Pros
- Vegan product
- Skin doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Treats anti-aging lines
- Soothing effect
Cons
- Expensive compared to similar moisturizers
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For All Skin Types
Laneige is another well known Korean brand of skincare, reputed for their efficient line of products. The Water Bank Moisture Cream does not come cheap. This is an expensive moisturizer but it is worth every penny.
Like most premium products, a little bit goes a long way and the 50 ml jar can be used over a few months. The cream is light and spreads well, it gets absorbed quickly. Your skin feels plump and hydrated for the whole day without an oily texture.
We discovered that no matter what your skin type, and in any weather, hot and humid or cold and dry, this is perfect. This cream is priced at a little lesser than $50 and is pure luxury.
Key Features
- Keeps skin hydrated through the day
- Contains minerals like zinc, magnesium
- Dermatologists tested
Pros
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces acne effectively
- Reduce dark patches and spots
Cons
- Might irritate the skin
- Expensive
Recommended to perform a patch test before use
Mamonde Floral Moisture Cream Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For Acne
The packaging of the Mamonde Floral Moisture Cream does remind you of a pure, beautiful flower, in all its delicateness and glory. Enriched with hibiscus extracts, this is a rich moisturizer that infuses vitamins and hydration into your skin.
Your skin takes on a subtle, dewy glow in a few weeks of using this regularly. All you need is a tiny little bit on your fingertip to spread across your face. This is light, gets absorbed in no time and does not make the skin too oily.
This is suitable for normal and oily skin and can be used without the fear of developing acne. This is a high end product, priced accordingly at $35 for a small jar, but it delivers as promised.
Key Features
- Infused with ceramides and hibiscus flower extracts
- Strengthen skin’s moisture barrier’
- Locks in essential moisture
Pros
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Helps visibly reduce fine lines
- Improves skin texture
ETUDE HOUSE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For Sensitive Skin
Soon Jung Barrier Intensive Cream by Etude House is the best Korean moisturizer you can find for healing damaged skin. It is free of any fragrance, uses safe ingredients that can be used if your skin is prone to allergies.
The pure shea butter moisturises the skin from deep within, while the combination of panthenol and madecassoside heals sunburns, bruises and other types of damages to the skin. This cream soothes your skin, cools down redness and irritation and protects the skin barrier while also doing the job of a moisturizer.
It can be used every day, especially if you have sensitive skin. Etude House is a brand that is moderately priced, yet makes premium products. This cream is priced at around $15 for a 60 ml tube.
Key Features
- Contains shea-butter
- Infused with panthenol and madecassoside
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologically-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Pros
- Heals sunburns, bruises and other types of damages to the skin
- Skin doesn’t breakout after application
- Non-irritating formula
- Majorly natural ingredients used
Mizon Snail Repair Cream Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For Anti-ageing Effects
As weird as it may sound, snail extracts are a prominent ingredient in many top Korean brands. The benefits of this ingredient are plenty, right from healing the skin to nourishing it, helping in regeneration and functioning as an anti-aging element.
The Mizon Snail Repair cream comes in a jar of almost 92% snail extract. Now that’s a very high level of concentration which assures us that the product is going to work, and it does. It deeply hydrates and over a period of time you notice that blemishes, scars and fine lines are much lower.
This is one of the purest you can find, with no added fragrance or parabens. It is also priced nominally which is a bonus for the quality you get, and therefore, widely used by many in Korea and across the world.
Key Features
- Has anti-ageing properties
- 92% snail mucin content
- Deeply hydrates the skin
- No added fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Pros
- High snail mucin content
- Visibly reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Non-irritating formula
TOSOWOONG Super Aqua Cooling Gel Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For Summer
The next one on our list of the best Korean moisturzser review is the Super Aqua Cooling Gel by Tosowoong. It is usually difficult to find moisturizers that take care of your skin all day long, and might require a few reapplications, which can be quite annoying, but Tosowoong solves that problem for us.
This moisturizer does indeed hydrate the skin intensively and keeps it that way for at least 20 hours. This is an amazing cream to be used during the hot and humid summer months as its primary function is to cool the skin. Your skin feels soothed and well hydrated without the stickiness we usually find with moisturizers. Priced at around $30, this is value for money.
Key Features
- Light formula
- Keeps the skin hydrated for 20 hours
- Cools the skin
Pros
- Doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Intensely hydrates the skin
- Doesn’t require frequent application
- Value for price
IOPE New Derma Repair Cica Cream Moisturizer Review
Best Korean Moisturizer Review For Sensitive Skin
IOPE New Derma Repair Cream is another moisturizer specifically concocted to heal and repair damaged skin. Dermatologically tested, this is free of the usual common allergens like fragrances and colourants.
This is also made without harmful parabens and silicones, so you can use this long term without any worry. IThis moisturizer also protects your skin from the UVA and UVB rays and helps it heal quickly.
It is one of the best you can give your sensitive and delicate skin to soothe and calm irritations and redness while working effectively to bring back the youthfulness, plumpness and elasticity. It is light and all you require is a tiny bit on the tips of your fingers.
It spreads well and gets absorbed in a moment. Continuous usage can help reduce the occurrence of pimples and rashes as this mild cream does not clog the pores or have ingredients that can trigger acne.
Key Features
- Light formula, absorbs quickly
- Heals damaged the skin
- Paraben-free
- Protects skin from UVA and UVB rays
- Soothing effect
- Reduces acne
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Pros
- Does not clog pores
- Improves skin elasticity
- Non-irritating formula
Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Cream
Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Cream is a lightweight moisturizer for sensitive, acne-prone, oily and combination skin types that calms and soothes the skin intensely. It’s formulated with turmeric, minerals, and bananas that help in brightening skin tone, balancing skin, reduce skin irritation and builds a healthy barrier against stressors.
Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Cream is my personal favourite moisturizer as it suits my skin type and has brought quick results to get rid of my skin issues. The best part about it is that it’s free of sulphate, parabens, alcohol and other harsh ingredients.
Pros:
- No harsh ingredients
- Suits almost all skin types
- Lightweight
- Reduces skin inflammation
Cons:
- No value for money
Best Korean Moisturizer: FAQs
What is the best Korean moisturizer?
The best Korean moisturizer is the Mizon snail cream with 92% snail mucin. It’s suitable for all skin types and intensely hydrates the skin.
What ingredients to avoid in a moisturizer?
It’s best to avoid moisturizers that contain Alcohol and acids, Oil-based ingredients, artificial colors, and perfumes.
Alcohol and acids: Look for moisturizers that contain lesser acids and alcohol. These ingredients are known to extract moisture from your skin. This is especially harmful if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Oil-based ingredient: While oil-based ingredients like shea butter, oil, and other natural moisturizers are great for your body, having these ingredients in your facial moisturizer can be problematic as they can cause acne.
Artificial colors, and perfumes: These ingredients can easily irritate your skin and don’t have any actual benefit to your skin. So it’s best to steer clear of these ingredients in your moisturizer.
How to apply a Korean moisturizer?
Take a small amount of the moisturizer in your palm and rub your hands together to warm it. Then using your fingers apply the moisturizer to your cheeks in circular motion. And for your forehead and chin, move your fingers upward and outward. To reach the delicate areas of your skin lightly pat it using your ring finger. Use gentle motions and don’t tug at your skin. Don’t forget to moisturize your neck. Move your finger upward motion on your neck.
How to add a Korean moisturizer to our skincare routine?
Before you apply your Korean moisturizer make sure to (double) cleanse your face. If you’re skincare routine only involves applying a moisturizer then let your skin be a bit damp when applying moisturizer so that some moisture is locked in. It’s best to use a moisturizer in the morning and night before bed. In the morning, make sure to apply sunscreen after applying the moisturizer.
If you have multiple steps to your skincare routine other than cleansing then applying your Korean moisturizer would be one of the last steps (just before the sunscreen). Here’s basic skincare routine you can follow with a Korean moisturizer: Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Moisturizer, and finally Sunsreen. (Skin the sunscreen during your night skincare routine).
When to apply Korean moisturizer?
Right after your face is washed, apply moisturizer. The first thing you should do is using the most common and easiest moisturizer.
Which Korean moisturizer is best for oily skin?
If you have oily skin then look for ingredients that are hydrating and balances the sebum in your skin like aloe vera, tea tree extracts, hyaluronic acid etc. Go for water-based moisturizer like Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream, Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Cream, and Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion.
Which Korean moisturizer is best for dehydrated skin?
If you have dehydrated or dry skin then look for a Korean moisturizer that’s intensely moisturising and formulated with ingredients like honey, glycerin, jojoba oil, ceramides etc. Some of the Korean moisturizers to go for are COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream, and Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Cream.
Which Korean moisturizer is best for acne prone skin?
For acne prone skin, the best Korean moisturizers are Innisfree Green Tea Mist Face Moisturizer, Mizon Snail Repair Cream, and COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion. Look for skin soothing ingredients that help in exfoliation and are mild. Don’t go for acne-triggering ingredients like alcohol, parabens, phthalates, etc.
How do I test if my moisturizer is fit for me?
To test if the moisturizer is a good fit for you or not, always do a patch test first. Apply the moisturizer on your wrist or inner arm and let it sit for 24 hours. Ensure that it doesn’t come in contact with water. Make sure you don’t wipe it either. Allow your skin to absorb the moisturizer. If your skin doesn’t show any reaction after 24 hours, you can continue using the cream. If you experience any itching, redness, or discomfort, do not use the moisturizer.
Also when you choose a moisturizer, ensure that it is dermatologically approved. If the moisturizer claims to have anti-aging effects or any other medicinal properties, then make sure that you look for FDA approval on the product.
Why You Should Trust BestKoreanProducts?
All our editors including the author of this article, Jih Yun do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. BestKoreanproducts has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.
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