Always keep your acne in check with these top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin.
If you have acne-prone skin you have to be especially careful of the products you use. Many people in the western world think that if you have acne-prone skin, you must skip the moisturizer to avoid the risk of clogging pores. But this is a big mistake.
In fact, if you have acne, you must use a moisturizer best suited for your skin to ensure that it gets the right hydration to help reduce the occurrence of acne.
Best Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin: Quick Summary
| Top Korean Moisturizer For Acne-prone Skin | Best for | Key Features |
| ETUDE HOUSE Moistfull Collagen Cream | Mature Skin | Contains super collagen, free of mineral oils |
| THE FACE SHOP Arsainte Eco-Therapy Moisturizer | Sensitive Skin | 85% natural ingredients |
| Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion | Sensitive Skin | Contains birch sap, soothes skin |
| Nature Republic New Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel | Irritated Skin | Contains high percentage of aloe vera |
| Damaged Skin | Repairs skin | |
| belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb | Dry Skin | Keeps skin hydrated for over 24 hours |
| Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream | OIly Skin | Plumps skin |
| Mizon Water Volume Ex Cream | Aging Skin | Tackles skin damage |
| Mizon Snail Repair Cream | Damaged Skin | Regenerates skin |
| Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream | OIly Skin | Tightens pores and smoothens skin |
- Related: Best Korean Moisturizer Reviews
- Related: Best Korean Skincare for Acne
- Related: Best Korean Acne Face Wash
This is something that the Koreans have discovered and they have nailed this with the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. Here is the list and reviews of the ones I have researched just for you!
Which is the best Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin?
We tested 10+ Korean moisturizers for acne prone skin to find the best one. We tested the moisturizers based on their moisturization and hydration power, application, formula, and ingredients used. We found that Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is the best Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is a water-based moisturizer with a light formula making it perfect for acne prone skin. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream deeply moisturizes the skin to give soft and smooth skin, and reduce acne. It also keeps the skin hydrated for long hours.
Best Picks For Korean Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin
- ETUDE HOUSE Moistfull Collagen Cream – contains super collagen
- Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion – oil-free formula, contain birch sap
- Mizon Snail Repair Cream – helps in skin regeneration
Korean Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin
#1 – ETUDE HOUSE Moistfull Collagen Cream
What acne-prone skin needs is abundant moisture with ingredients that are close to those naturally present in the skin so that they don’t trigger any more acne. Etude House’s Moistfull Collagen Cream gives you just that.
It contains super collagen that keeps your hydrated and moisturized throughout the day. It also contains White Lupin that keeps your skin well-nourished.
The formula is free of mineral oils that can clog your pores. Definitely one of the top Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin!
Key Features:
- 63% super collagen water is one of the active ingredients in this cream that give your skin plenty of hydration and keep it moisturized throughout the day
- The other active ingredient, White Lupin gives your skin protein to keep it well-nourished
- Has no mineral oils that can clog the pores
Pros:
- Skin feels bouncy, soft and dewy while you see a visible reduction in acne
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne Prone skin here!
Related: Best Korean Ampoule for Acne Scars
#2 – THE FACE SHOP Arsainte Eco-Therapy Moisturizer
This super-light moisturizer with the most gentle of natural ingredients helps hydrate your skin and form a light barrier, keeping environmental dust and allergens from entering your pores.
Key Features:
- The active ingredients, baby bamboo extract and golden palm oil are delicate on the skin but provide enough moisture for the skin
- Has 85% natural ingredients
- Made without animal extracts
Pros:
- Lightweight, spreads easily and has a delicate, refreshing fragrance
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin down below!
Related: Best Korean Oil Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin
#3 – Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
The next top Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin in this list is the Cossrx Oil-free Ultra-moisturizing lotion. Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this Cosrx moisturizer gives your skin the best treatment money can buy. With nature’s gift, birch sap as its key ingredient, this is a miracle in a bottle.
Key Features:
- The main ingredient, Birch sap, soothes the skin, purifies it, reduces inflammation while also providing moisture and hydration
- The antioxidants and amino acids keep your skin nourished and healthy
- Oil-free formula that is light and spreads easily
- Free of parabens
Pros:
- Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic formula
Check it out here!
Related: Best Korean Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin
#4 – Nature Republic New Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel
Here’s another top Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin that’s a favorite amongst the Koreans. The high percentage of aloe vera in the Nature Republic moisturizer makes sure that your acne-prone skin gets nothing but the best.
Key Features:
- The active ingredient, aloe vera is known to have calming properties that reduce inflammation, redness and itching
- Aloe is an excellent non-comedogenic moisturiser that hydrates the skin and keeps it plump and youthful
- It is light and gets absorbed quickly unlike many aloe gels that tend to feel sticky
Pros:
- Very effective for sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts. Helps calm the skin almost as soon as you apply it
Check it out here!
Related: Best Korean Serum for Acne prone Skin
#5 – Dear Klairs Rich Moist Soothing cream
Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream is fantastic for renewal of sensitive skin that has been damaged by too much acne. Its gentle ingredients cool the skin and help repair it.
Key Features:
- Lipidure and ceramide 3 are the key ingredients that moisturize the skin
- Shea butter as one of its active ingredients is a gentle, yet effective moisturiser that soothes the skin and reduces inflammation
- Vegan product
- Free of steroids, parabens and fragrances
Pros:
- Best for sensitive and acne-prone skin and can be used throughout the year
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin dow below!
Related: Best Korean Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
#6 – belif Korean Cosmetics The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a fabulous moisturiser by Belif, perfect for acne-prone skin where you don’t want to clog the pores. Formulated with Comfrey leaf, this top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin hydrates the skin for more than 24 hours.
Key Features:
- The active ingredient, Comfrey leaf provides hydration that lasts for more than 24 hours
- Has a refreshing fragrance that does not irritate the skin
- Safe and gentle on acne-prone skin
Pros:
- Water based, light and easily absorbed
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne Prone skin here!
Related: Best Korean Gel Cleanser
#7 – Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
One of the leading Korean brands, Laneige brings us a moisturiser that you can use day and night. Wake up to supple skin that glows from within when you use this regularly. Even though it’s a bit expensive, this top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin can also be used for most skin types. It plumps your skin and makes it soft.
Key Features:
- Water based non-comedogenic moisturiser that is great for sensitive skin
- Plumps up your skin with plenty of hydration
- The moisture content makes your skin soft and smooth
Pros:
- Can be used by all skin types and in any weather
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne Prone skin here!
Related: Best Korean Peel off Mask
#8 – Mizon Water Volume Ex Cream
When the weather changes, it can be annoying because your regular moisturiser doesn’t seem to be doing the job.
Mizon takes away that pain by giving you the Water Volume Ex cream that specifically tackles skin damage due to temperature changes.
This top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin nourishes the skin from within and provides your skin with enough moisture to combat the temperature changes.
Key Features:
- Hydra tox gives your skin ample moisture to help combat temperature changes
- Relieves the stress on the skin and nourishes it from within
- Gentle on the skin
- Does not clog the pores
Pros:
- Perfect to be used throughout the year
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne Prone skin here!
#9 – Mizon Snail Repair Cream
Acne brings with it redness, itching and those scars that we dread. The Mizon Snail repair cream helps you calm your skin and bring back the smoothness and softness that you much desire.
Formulated with snail mucus, this top Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin, repairs damaged skin.
Key Features:
- Snail mucus is the active ingredient in this cream that effectively repairs damaged skin
- It helps in skin regeneration and pumps in collagen
- Soothes inflamed skin and reduces redness
- Hydrates just the right amount
Pros:
- Ideal for skin that has been damaged due to too much acne
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne Prone skin here!
Related: Best Korean Foundation for Oily Acne Prone Skin
#10 – Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream
This water-based formula by Nature Republic is apt if you experience damage when the weather changes. As it is light, you get lots of hydration without a greasy feeling.
Formulated with Portulaca oleracea extract and licorice extract, this top Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin, not only smoothens the skin but also tightens pores.
Key Features:
- The deep sea water from the islands of Hawaii give your skin plenty of moisture the instant you apply it
- The other active ingredients, Portulaca oleracea extract and licorice extract smoothen the skin and tighten the pores
Pros:
- Great for all skin types and for all types of weather and climate
Check out this top Korean moisturizer for acne Prone skin here!
How to Choose the Korean Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Moisturizers come in different forms – gel, cream, and lotions. For acne-prone skin it’s best to opt for Korean moisturizers that are in gel forms as it’s usually light and oil-free.
When choosing the best Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin double-check the ingredients that go into the moisturizer. Avoid moisturizers with mineral oils and olive oil.
Opt for a moisturizer with glycerin and hyaluronic acid instead. Avoid moisturizers with Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and go for moisturizers with a small amount of salicylic acid. Also, make sure that the Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin has SPF protection.
- Choose a moisturizer that hydrates your skin without clogging the pores. This can be achieved by skipping those with mineral oils, olive oil, or coconut oil
- Choose a moisturizer with glycerin and hyaluronic acid for acne-prone skin as these are light, keep your skin well hydrated without clogging the pores.
- Choose a moisturizer with a small percentage of salicylic acid for acne-prone skin as this helps treat acne and bring down the occurrence
- Acne-prone skin requires calming and soothing ingredients that can reduce redness, inflammation, and itching. Using a moisturizer that is good for sensitive skin will help achieve this as these come with non-allergen ingredients
- Stay away from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate as this is the primary ingredient responsible for drying the skin and causing more irritation
- Lastly, keep away from moisturizers that are heavy on the fragrance. This can be a huge allergen and something you may not realize is causing more breakouts.
How to Use Korean Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
- The first and basic step of your skincare routine must be to clean your skin thoroughly. Go the Korean way and do a double cleanse to make sure you’ve removed every last fragment of dirt and grime clogging the pores of your skin
- Secondly, use a Korean toner for acne-prone skin to close the pores and tighten your skin. This helps prevent your pores from clogging up and in turn, helps avoid blackheads and pimples
- Next, use a lightweight Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Take a few drops on your fingertips or dot your skin with the moisturizer. Gently pat it into the skin and gently massage in light circles, using only your fingertips, all over your face and neck and let it get absorbed
- Finally don’t skip your sunscreen. Use one that is meant for acne-prone skin so that it is not greasy while it protects you from the harsh rays of the sun
Useful Skincare Tips to Care for Acne-Prone Skin
- Double Cleanse: I can’t stress enough on the importance of squeaky clean skin when it comes to avoiding acne. This is one skincare tip from the Korean skincare industry that we simply cannot ignore. So, make sure you cleanse with a good Korean cleansing oil, followed by a Korean cleansing foam face wash if you want to keep your skin clear of acne
- Exfoliate: Do this once in two weeks with a gentle Korean exfoliator that is meant for acne-prone skin. This will help remove dead skin cells and get rid of blackheads while revealing the fresher skin underneath. Don’t over-exfoliate as you don’t to completely strip your skin off its natural oils. This can trigger acne as well.
- Moisturise: Every type of skin needs a good moisturizer, even acne-prone skin. One reason acne occurs is that when you skin the moisturizer, your skin produces more oil to make up for the lack of hydration and ends up clogging the pores
- Spot treatment for acne: You could use any of the best Korean spot treatment creams and ointments for acne as these work really well in helping you dry up the pimple quickly without scarring the area
- Keep your hands off: Your hands are in constant contact with germs, dirt and bacteria. It’s best to keep your hands off your face to minimize the transfer. These bacteria can then trigger acne. If you already have acne popping up – Don’t. Pick. On. It. This will simply worsen the situation and cause inflammation.
- Watch what you eat: Avoid food that is excessively oily. Eat lots of leafy vegetables (like how your mum always told you to) and fruits that are rich in anti oxidants. This will imporve your overall skin health and reduce inflammation. Also, last but not the least, drink lots and lots of water! This will not only keep you hydrated but will also keep your skin hydrated.
What is the difference between humectants, emollients, and occlusives in Korean moisturizers?
Humectants are ingredients that attract, absorb and hold moisture from closest sources like the deepest layers of your skin or from the air in humid climates.
Applying Korean moisturizers rich in humectants with AHAs like aloe vera, honey, glycerin, glycolic acid, soluble collagen, etc. will give your skin a temporary plumping effect and visibly smoothen out wrinkles and fine lines. It keeps your skin hydrated and bright when used properly.
Occlusives, on the other hand, build a protective skin barrier to lock in moisture. Ingredients like squalane, lecithin, shea butter, dimethicone, propylene glycol, cocoa butter, and more are occlusives. If you have oily skin type then it’s recommended that you opt for Korean moisturizers that are lower in occlusives and higher in humectants.
Emollients are ingredients that are moisturizing in nature and fill the gaps between skin flakes and skin cells. Emollients make your skin softer, visibly smoother and also increase elasticity. Ingredients like trisiloxane, linoleic acid, dimethicone, ceramides, etc. are some examples of emollients.
Other ways to take care of acne prone skin
- Wash your face regularly: Stick to gentle cleansers and wash with warm water. Stay away from harsh ingredients and cleansers with artificial scents.
- Don’t rub, pat: Once you’re done cleansing, do rub a towel against your skin. Just pat dry gently.
- Tone your skin: Before applying moisturizer, it’s recommended that you use a toner to balance the pH levels of you skin and get rid of any remaining dirt
- Use an exfoliator: You can exfoliate your skin once a week to open pores and get rid of impurities
- Use facial masks: If you have oily skin, facial masks are your best bet to improve hydration and soothe the skin. Clay or honey masks are best for oily skin.
Best Korean Moisturizer for Acne prone Skin: FAQs
How to pick the right moisturizer for oily skin?
Make sure that the moisturizer is oil-free is you have oily skin. Check the ingredients label and avoid moisturizers that contain pore clogging ingredients. Our skincare experts recommend water-based moisturizers or gel moisturizer for oily skin.
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