When looking for a moisturizer, you’re more likely to switch from a lightweight cream to heavy and rich creams! So maybe it's time to consider one of the best Korean moisturizers, high quality product that demonstrates how serious Koreans are regarding the health of their skin.
When it comes to skin care, Korean beauty products are the epitome of innovation. Combined with gentle ingredients suitable for dry, oily, acne prone skin, or sensitive skin. Plus, the packaging is also quite pleasing. But here’s the most important part. Korean moisturizers don’t demand you to loosen your purse strings.
So if you’re looking for the price-savviest skin care innovations, you might want to have a look at what’s below.
The Best Korean Moisturizers
When you want your skin to look youthful, moisturizing it is the key to unlock that path. However, it’s quite daunting selecting the right formula from a universe of options out there. Thanks to the breakneck innovation pace of Korean beauty products.
But you know what; you can leave all your worries and doubts behind. Cause I have whittled down the search to just 13 winners. And they’re all reviewed below.
Mizon Collagen Cream
Our first pick of the best korean moisturizers is the Mizon Collagen Cream. The magical solution contains highly concentrated marine collagen. Along with adenosine inhibit. In simple words, the formula restores your skin’s moisture. And it reduces facial wrinkles and fine lines. The former part means improving the visual glow and elasticity of your skin.
It’s a dermatologically tested beauty product. Doesn’t that offer some kind of relief? Now it’s time for you to breathe another sigh of relief. Because there are no parabens and artificial coloring packed in here.
The soothing and lifting nature of the Mizon Collagen Cream is the most unbeatable quality. That and the fact that this collagen cream sinks into your skin very quickly. You don’t have to think twice about using it even if your skin type is sensitive or oily.
But here’s the only issue with the cream. If you think it hydrates more intensely, you’re wrong. This collagen cream does moisturize. But not so much if you have extremely dry skin. It’s a little lightweight in that aspect so as to prevent breakouts.
SKIN&LAB Anti Aging Vitamin C Night Cream
You might not want to turn down this one. And you know why? It’s because the SKIN&LAB Anti Aging Vitamin C Night Cream rejuvenates the skin like no other. After all, it contains a huge heap of Damascan roses. So the elasticity of your skin certainly resets.
What is this Vitamin C night cream best for? If your skin is losing elasticity and developing wrinkles and fine lines. If you desire immediate results. If your skin is looking dull and dark. If you want your skin to look moisturized but not sticky. The solution to all of this is SKIN&LAB right here, making it one of our favorite picks of the best Korean moisturizers.
The unisex moisturizer is also good for leveling out your complexion. And it’s got antioxidants as well. And let me make it clear that the stem cells of the roses aren’t artificial. Everything is real. And so is the hydration this moisturizer can provide. To discolored or sun damaged skin!
But don’t expect the cream to absorb very quickly. And that offers inconvenience if you wish to make this product a part of your daily routine.
THEFACESHOP Mango Seed Moisturizing Facial Butter
Now here’s probably the only mango-infused facial butter on this list. If you go with it, you’ll be introducing your skin to deep moisturizing properties. That’s great news if you have extremely dry skin.
There’s pure mango seed in the form of a creamy and rich texture. That creates a barrier for holding moisture. You can use this in your 20s and 30s. Or like I said, if your skin is very dry. The facial butter also infuses radiance into your skin. That means it minimizes wrinkles, fine lines, redness, and itchiness.
The moisture effect lasts for 36 hours. And the best part about it is that the butter melts on your body temperature. For coating your skin and moisturizing it.
Mango contains anti-aging natural ingredients like Vitamin E. It pampers your skin with essential amino acids as well. The product is also dermatologist tested, implying it’s safe to use for your skin problems.
However, you might think the mango scent is delicious. But instead, it’s pretty potent. You’d wish it were a little more subtle.
Skinfood Royal Honey Hydro Cream
How do you like the concept of using honey topically? Don’t forget that honey has remarkable healing properties. It makes for a moisturizer that isn’t greasy-feeling and leaves you with glowing skin.
The treatment this Skinfood Royal Honey Hydro Cream provides is totally hydrating. There are jelly extracts and black honey included. For transforming your skin and replenishing moisture. The black honey comes from the forests of South Asia. And the ingredient is full of nutrients beneficial for your skin.
You’ll appreciate the large quantity of the moisturizer. That and even the capacity of the cream to target your damaged areas and dry patches. Korean skincare products like these always attract attention. Cause they work exceptionally well and come in cute packaging.
My only concern here is the slightly high content of alcohol present in here. It’s not so great if your skin is already very dry. Even so, you’re looking at an excellent cream.
Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream
Why should you or anyone consider buying the Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Cream? I have a compelling reason for you. The formula is blessed with extracts of green tea (Jeju). These nourish your skin while also moisturizing it. The current option is suitable for all skin types if you ask me. Combination skin and sensitive skin included.
The cream absorbs well and quickly. Even the smell is more than just satisfactory to the senses. Innisfree is one of the very few Korean skin care brands that give importance to quantity. So the chances are you’ll be using the cream for months.
I don’t want you to miss out on the acne preventing properties here. Thanks to the essence of green tea. That also offers a very pleasant smell by the way.
You’d expect a Korean moisturizer like this to be thick and heavy. But it’s not. Instead, the texture is thin and runny. But that doesn’t interfere with absorption in any way.
Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream
The first ingredient here is none other than sea water. Let me tell you that ocean properties are quite beneficial to the skin. And that’s what defines the Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream.
If your skin type is more combination-like, you’ll be pleased with this moisturizer. Even oily skin types will be satisfied with this pick of the best Korean moisturizers. It’s a lightweight cream yet it keeps the skin hydrated with a fresh scent.
But the presence of ocean water and different ocean plant extracts are what set the stage. In comparison to other expensive Korean skin care products, this one offers higher quality. And you know that right when you realize the moisture remains locked in.
It’s a thin, lightweight gel. That leaves a sort of cooling sensation on your skin after application. But there’s no pleasant scent to look forward to, in this case. In fact, the fragrance part is almost null and void.
Little Seed Farm Goat's Milk Moisturizer - All Natural, Organic Facial Moisturizer
Much like breast milk, goat milk also consists of nutritious minerals. Like beta-casein and selenium. These are highly nutritious when it comes to providing skin vitality. To make the experience safe, the product doesn’t cause any irritation. Good for sensitive skin that means!
The hydrating cream is packed with more than with just moisture. It’s got excellent anti-aging benefits too. This suggests skin firming action is also in the cards.
But let’s talk a little more about the goat milk ingredient. After all, it is a unique element. Goat milk has the ability to strengthen the immune system of your skin. It’s an innovative formula that, when applied, delivers instant hydration and glowing skin. This means you can say goodbye to lackluster, dull skin cells.
Also, the packaging is quite classy if you ask me. But for oily skin types, you might want to consider using this cream only in the colder months of the year.
ETUDE HOUSE Moistfull Collagen Cream
When the cream contains a huge amount of collagen, what should you expect? You can hope for it to absorb into the skin softly and easily. That’s the kind of experience waiting for you in the case of this ETUDE HOUSE Cream.
The hydrating effect is long-lasting. That’s for sure. Another thing I can guarantee is the presence of three very useful ingredients.
The first is baobab oil. It’s known for maximum water storage. The second one is collagen water. As you already know, this enters into your skin quickly and easily. to set in motion hydration. And the third and final ingredient is Aqua Stream Complex. This is an innovation after all. That further encourages the collagen to gush moisture into your skin.
All this moisturizing action doesn’t leave the skin sticky. In case you’re wondering! Instead, the drawback here is the cheap plastic jar this amazing collagen cream comes in.
Belif Korean Cosmetics The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
What you’re about to say yes to is a long-lasting, very powerful moisturizing cream. It has the strength to keep your skin smooth and soft. The formula supplies the surface with moisture. And doesn’t dry it out at any point of the day or night.
You’re more likely to buy this moisturizing bomb for the second time. After going through the first batch that is!
If you have oily skin, you have nothing to worry about. Cause the texture is not greasy or heavy at all. To be honest, Korean beauty products are popular for their effectiveness and quality. At the same time, they’re affordable too. So if you’re used to buying US products, you’ll notice this difference right away.
In all, the cream is true to its name. It’s a lightweight yet deep moisturizer that disappears quickly post-application. So you can make the most of it even if you have oily skin. But it does cause breakouts in some cases.
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’re hearing about the brand Klairs. It’s a very popular Korean skincare company. And their Rich Moist Soothing Cream is a force to be reckoned with. The moisturizing layer is not too little or too much. It’s just enough in my opinion.
The cream works well on sensitive skin too. No matter the weather or season! When the skin is dry, it restores hydration for stabilizing the surface. When the skin is heated, the formula reduces the skin temperature. For minimizing redness and pore appearance. To hypersensitive skin, the cream does an excellent job of comforting it.
The tube makes way for a more hygienic and easier application. The quantity of the moisturizer is also quite a lot. And enhanced natural ingredients like ceramide 3, lipidure and shea butter are used. For deep moisture care!
But here’s a quality that beats all the others. The Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream is a vegan-friendly product. This sort of overshadows the flaw that it doesn’t do much for excessively dry skin.
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
If you have acne prone skin that's a bit sensitive, believe me, the Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is one of the best Korean moisturizers for you. Once you use it, you don’t feel the need to apply anything else on top of it. You even don’t feel the need to switch to another moisturize over time.
The formula plumps up the skin, making it feel moisturized and soft. Throughout the entire day that too! The cream is only a little bit greasy. After all, it’s supposed to feel slightly heavy and thick at first. Once your skin gets used to it, the greasiness sort of goes away.
The most noteworthy effect it has on the skin is making it incredibly soft. Yes, hydration is also a big part of the picture here. Even if you have sensitive skin, the moisturizer performs its job without complaints.
Moreover, the brand manufactures some of the best sleeping masks and eye creams as well. The only disappointment you might come across is that it takes too long to penetrate the skin. You have to wait for over 5 minutes for the cream to get absorbed completely. And not feel too heavy.
MIZON Premium Snail Repair Cream, Intensive Care, Korean Skin Care
You can definitely rely on Korean technology to improve the way your skin looks and feel. But this is possible as long as products like the MIZON Premium Snail Repair Cream exist. It’s like a magic potion when it comes to repairing damaged or dead skin cells.
The innovation here stimulates the growth of new cells. And it restores the natural skin pH balance. Meaning the chances of visible results showing after just one application are very high.
Needless to say, the face cream makes the skin look dewy and fresh from the outside. And it keeps your skin well-nourished from the inside. Radiance is also a part of the big picture here.
The vitamins this moisturizer is packed with provide protection. Against potential toxins and triggers! Moreover, there’s no artificial fragrance you have to put up with. And not only that. You can revel in the fact that it’s a cruelty-free skin care product. No animal testing!
As for the moisturizing part, there’s sodium hyaluronate. It has the ability to move into your deep skin layers more freely. So no worries about keeping the skin hydrated and moist.
This product does have a menthol-like scent that may be unpleasant to some, but overall presents a versatile solution for many of your skin problems.
COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
What does this moisturizing lotion have that the others don’t? Willow bark water! It’s a natural, skin-friendly ingredient. With a high content of antioxidants and vitamins. That effectively treat and calm irritated skin simply by nourishing it.
You don’t have to wait for 5 minutes for the cream to get absorbed into your skin. The process happens quickly. And that too without leaving the greasy residue. So it’s safe to say this moisturizing lotion is suitable for oily skin types. As much as it is for dry and combination skin!
The unique birch sap present in here doesn’t let you down. As far as maintaining hydration and restoring moisture are concerned.
What about the consistency? The texture is lightweight and, as I mentioned earlier, not greasy. Once you apply it, the cream penetrates into your deep layers. Leaving your skin silky smooth, soft, and fresh.
It’s a pump bottle, which keeps the hygiene part in check. And listen to this, the product is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, AND parabens-free too.
However, the consistency is slightly on the thicker side. But the good part is that the cream dries up quickly.
What is a Moisturizer?
It’s a term you, I, and most people use for creams and lotions applied on the skin. A moisturizer is what keeps the surface of the skin smooth, hydrated, and soft. And that’s the job of every moisturizer. It minimizes the loss of water while sealing in extra moisture to keep the barrier healthy and strong.
Such moisturizing action is just what your skin demands because of all the potentially damaging environmental microbes and irritants present in the air. That tend to cause not only dehydration but also inflammation.
The current scene includes plenty of skincare products that moisturize the surface. But not all of them are labeled as moisturizers. For example, face oil. So it all depends on what ingredients are added and what your skin type is. If both combine well with one another, you can call that particular skin care oil, cream, or lotion a moisturizer.
What is K-Beauty or Korean Skincare?
K-beauty was introduced in America around 2011. Since then, Korean skincare has transformed into a whole new beauty category. Most emerging and classic skincare/beauty brands have now dedicated an entire section for their K-beauty products.
The Korean skincare routine involves applying a toner after you wash your face. The toner is what adds moisture into your base layer to prep it. Then you use a serum or essence that contains active ingredients such as plant extracts or Vitamin C. Both eliminate potential concerns and bring in additional moisture.
And the final step is to seal the whole protection with a good lotion or cream. I won’t deny that this does sound like a task. But once you get in the habit of doing it daily, it becomes more and more effortless.
Benefits of Using a Moisturizer
I don’t need to tell you that moisturizers provide your skin with moisture. Dehydrated, dry, or flaky skin is not an uncommon occurrence these days. So at such times, your skin stands in need of extra reinforcements. There’s nothing wrong or unhealthy about that. Especially when a good moisturizer is a part of your daily routine. Much like the 13 best Korean moisturizers I’ve reviewed above.
The thing about our skin is that it has a natural barrier, known as lipid. This protects the surface against damage and dehydration. But sometimes the barrier doesn’t perform its job. So it’s up to the moisturizer to make up for that loss.
If you have dry skin, you know you’re already dealing with this kind of a problem. The chances are your skin does not generate the required lipid cells. So it becomes vital to use a moisturizer in such situations. Because how else will your skin retain all that lost moisture!
What To Do About Dehydrated Skin?
You can’t control your surroundings but you can certainly control your skin’s exposure to its harmful elements. Skin becomes dehydrated because of many reasons. Natural factors like weather and wind along with not drinking enough water are some common causes.
The most rewarding thing you can do for your dehydrated skin is consume plenty of water every single day. The health benefits of water are pretty much out there. So there’s no harm in increasing the amount of water you drink daily.
Did you know that the majority of the human body is water? In fact, the brain and heart are 73 percent water. Lungs consist of 83 percent water and skin is 64 percent water. Now that’s a lot, isn’t it? So it’s only common sense to boost your daily water intake if you want your skin to look and feel healthy and not dehydrated.
Tips for Using a Moisturizer
And that’s about it.
How to Choose the best Korean Moisturizer
You’ve got to keep certain pointers in mind when selecting the best Korean moisturizers. Just remember that the process greatly depends on the type of skin you have. Not all skin is the same after all.
For Dry Skin
When struck down by dry skin, a simple moisturizer is not enough. For keeping the skin hydrated and looking fresh all day long. Instead, you should opt for a moisturizer that includes shea butter or natural oil.
Not a fan of either? Then why not choose cream-based formulas? Go for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lanolin, or lactic acid, among many others.
For Oily Skin
How about oily skin, how to deal with that? Such a surface doesn’t dehydrate because of dry conditions. So there’s no need to pick moisturizers that contain too much oil.
There are many oil-free options too equipped with hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These ingredients tend to give your skin a well-moisturized matte look.
For Sensitive Skin
So your skin is susceptible to developing problematic skin conditions? In that case, always choose unscented, hypoallergenic moisturizers. Fragrance elements irritate the skin.
Also, avoid skin care products that aren’t natural. Stuff like aloe vera and chamomile are skin-friendly elements. Plus, they’re plenty effective too. As much as their sensitivities-causing compounds like retinoids, AHA, BHA, etc.
For Combination Skin
This one might seem tricky, but it really isn’t it. Combination skin means some parts of your face are oily while the others aren’t. If that’s the kind of skin you have, don’t worry too much about selecting moisturizers. Just apply the cream on the dry regions. And avoid the oily areas.
Also, remember to use lightweight creams with a neutral moisturizing effect.
For Normal Skin
When the texture of your skin is normal, you should consider buying lightweight creams. You know the kind that is just a tad bit thicker than gels but equally absorbent? This type of moisturizer works best when it comes to subduing your greasy spots and softening the drier areas.
As for the ingredients, they can be lightweight oils or silicone-based. Such components bode pretty well with normal skin.
Final Choice
The ingredients present in Korean moisturizers are quite generic if you ask me. But it’s the combination of these elements that’s unique. And that works in your favor. Be it for oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin.
The one worth trying without blinking an eye is the Mizon Collagen Cream. Not only does this moisturize the skin like no other. But the cream also improves skin elasticity. All thanks to marine collagen which works like magic on your skin.