Even occasional breakouts are not welcome. In that case, the condition of hormonal or persistent acne is even worse. But you should know that occasional or persistent, likewise acne-prone or oily; every skin type demands moisture. And when that’s the demand, the supply has to be the best korean moisturizers for acne prone skin.
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Korean moisturizing formulas are infused with a broad range of natural, skin-friendly ingredients. These, by the way, are not easy to come by in commercial drugstore moisturizers.
The thing about Korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin is that they boost the water content present within your skin, not the oil content. This means the special formulations are oil-free with a lightweight consistency. Plus, they’re packed with natural ingredients that reduce inflammation, soothe redness, and further promote hydration.
So how about getting to know the best Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin created by the most renowned Korean skincare brands?
The Best Korean Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
1. SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Snail Repair Cream
In many cases, the best Korean moisturizer for oily acne prone skin is often a special formula equipped with snail mucin extract. There’s about 97.5-percent of that stuff in here, which is a higher concentration in comparison to other K-beauty snail repair moisturizers.
So what does this snail mucin extract do exactly? It boosts your skin’s hydration levels, no doubt. Along with reducing the visibility of your wrinkles and scars. Meaning anti-aging benefits are included too.
Apart from snail mucin extract, there’s organic and naturally derived aloe, shea butter, Vitamin E, and jojoba oil. A healthy skin glow and fading of dark spots are the kind of results you should be expecting.
What also matters is the non-comedogenic and anti-microbial quality of the Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin. So nothing comes in the way of the super nutrients, which have the capacity to deliver a more youthful, radiant, and brighter complexion. Not even acne!
2. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream
Super Aqua Max is created for combination skin type. But the mere fact that it provides 24-hour moisture is what makes the cream suitable for acne-prone and oily skin.
Skin oily during the summer, dry during the winter, and acne-prone throughout the year is what the combination skin type looks like. So if you can relate, then you’re certainly going to love the Nature Republic. The formula has the power to moisturize your skin and meet all of its needs.
The first ingredient present is seawater. There’s no denying that ocean properties are nothing but beneficial to the skin. Apart from seawater, there are also over 27 marine extracts. Like algae, seaweed, kelp, and more.
The consistency is lightweight, thus ideal for moisturizing even acne-prone and oily skin. No greasy feeling post-application. And that’s a huge plus.
3. Nature Republic New Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel
Did you know that Korean skincare for oily acne prone skin almost always involves using aloe vera? This explains why aloe vera is a huge part of this particular moisturizer, which once again is manufactured by the Nature Republic.
It’s the perfect solution to those struggling with acne. The formula keeps your skin not only acne-free but also clear. You can put it on below your daily makeup. And you don’t even require too much for activating all the acne-preventing, skin-hydrating action.
Since 92-percent aloe vera is used, expect acne treatment, in this case, to be quite effective. Aloe vera also helps in treating sunburns and dry skin. So you can apply the gel even if your skin type is dry and not acne-prone or oily.
The thin consistency and generously-sized container earn bonus points. All in all, the K-beauty product keeps your pores from enlarging and causing breakouts. It’s very refreshing as well to use on a daily basis.
4. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
What acne-prone skin needs is abundant moisture. And when it comes to providing long-lasting hydration, ingredients like super collagen water have proven to be quite powerful. The Etude House cream contains around 63-percent super collagen water.
This natural substance gets softly and easily absorbed into the skin. The water particles of super collagen supply tons of moisture for creating the perfect gelatinous appearance throughout the day.
The watery gel consistency of the moisturizer enhances both adherence as well as absorption. Rapid moisture delivery is brought about by this kind of adherence and absorption. The hydrating effect is such that your skin remains healthy and moisturized all day long without feeling sticky at all.
Another very useful ingredient included is baobab oil. Even this one is packed with abundant water. So your skin receives all the moisture it requires for keeping acne, dullness, and premature aging miles away.
5. COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
Acne-prone skin can be sensitive too, right? So here’s the first best Korean moisturizer for sensitive skin. The COSRX Ultra Moisturizing Lotion is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. It’s a very lightweight formula perfect for your night-time and day-time skincare routine.
But the formulation doesn’t contain water, unlike the previous one. Instead, there’s birch sap. What this particular skin-friendly ingredient in Korean products does is hydrate the skin. It also purifies your skin and reduces inflammation.
You should also know that birch sap has plenty of amino acids, antioxidants, proteins, enzymes, and minerals. And all of these are beneficial for every skin type, be it acne-prone, oily, dry, sensitive, or combination.
Since it’s an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer, you don’t have to worry about absorption or any greasy feeling after application. Just the simple fact that birch sap is included is enough to install faith regarding moisture retention and hydration.
And if it matters to you, which I think it should, the product is free of parabens. Plus, it’s cruelty-free as well.
6. Belif Korean Cosmetics The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
The next on the list is indeed The True Cream. It has the wonderful capacity to provide moisture for as long as 26 hours. So you can look forward to smooth and soft skin all day long. The moisture, just so you know, is brought about by comfrey leaf. It’s a very powerful hydrating ingredient.
No denying it’s a non-greasy moisturizing cream that you can use all over your face, including around the eyes. Many women have applied it to treat skin conditions like eczema as well. In that case, it’s suitable for dry skin too. You can make it a part of your daily skincare routine irrespective of what season it is.
The moisturizer gets absorbed pretty quickly to leave your skin feeling naturally smooth. And it has a mild, refreshing scent that in no way irritates the olfactory senses. Chances are you’ll keep coming back for more!
7. The Face Shop Arsainte Eco-Therapy Moisturizer
If preventing and treating acne is a priority, then you need to use a daily moisturizer that strengthens your skin’s natural moisture levels. And what other better way to do so than by using natural ingredients! Such is the quality and effectiveness of this Arsainte Eco-Therapy formula.
The natural ingredients added to the special Korean-based formulation create a fine barrier filled with moisture. There are lecithin and ceramide for balancing the moisture and oil content present within your skin. So the chances of acne formation get drastically minimized.
Feel free to apply the moisturizer in the day and at night. For both scenarios, it’s plenty lightweight with a soft, refreshing scent. For the day, you can even layer it under your daily foundation. Even with liquid foundation, this thing doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky.
8. Baebody Retinol Moisturizer Cream for Face, Neck and Décolletage
Acne-prone skin can benefit a great deal from a large serving of snail mucin extract. The ingredient is perfect for boosting moisture retention, fading scars, and providing skin regeneration. A healthy and youthful glow is what Korean snail repair creams have in store for you.
The thing about snail essence is that it produces elastin and collagen that do more than just hydrate your skin. They also have magic-like power for balancing out your skin complexion and delivering anti-aging benefits.
Then there are peptides, known as building blocks for protein. Antioxidants and glycolic acid are also a part of the formula. The former eliminates toxic substances and offers protection against free radicals. As for glycolic acid, it’s added to many Korean formulas for getting rid of dead skin cells. And for delivering moisture. No wonder this cream is so highly recommended.
9. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
If there’s a Korean water bank, then it’s definitely created by Laneige here. The moisturizing formula, no doubt, delivers long-lasting hydration to keep your skin clear and smooth all day long.
It works best on acne-prone, sensitive, and even combination skin. The water bank doesn’t fail to plump up your skin, thus leaving the face moisturized. At first, the texture might seem a bit thick or heavy. However, give it a few minutes for the consistency to get absorbed completely.
If you apply it at night, you’ll wake up to soft, moisturized skin. That’s for sure! And this moisturized look remains unhinged throughout the day. That’s the beauty of a Korean water bank like this.
10. Dear Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
For those who believe balance is everything in terms of skincare, this cream is likely to become a part of your daily acne-prone skincare routine. It moisturizes the perfect amount to boost hydration and prevent breakouts. You can apply it throughout the year, no worries about that.
The cream restores hydration and shrinks the size of your pores. It even reduces redness often associated with common skin conditions like rosacea. Speaking of soothing skin conditions, you might also appreciate the fact that the K-beauty product is safe to use on hypersensitive skin.
Ingredients like lipidure, ceramide 3, and shea butter are included. These are very effective for providing intense moisture. On top of that, the Korean brand has not used a single animal-based ingredient. You’re looking at a vegan moisturizer just by the way.
So if your skin type is a combination of super-sensitive and acne-prone, this moisturizer hits all checkboxes.
How to Choose the Best Korean Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin
If you wish to increase the chances of your moisturizer actually working on your acne-prone skin, then you’ve got to make sure it’s the right product.
Type of Moisturizer
By type, I mean what form is it? Is the moisturizer gel-based, cream-based, or lotion-based? For skin very susceptible to developing acne, gel moisturizers are the most suitable. Typically speaking, these are oil-free to prevent breakouts and lightweight for quick absorption.
Type of Ingredients
Harsh chemicals are always a bad idea for the skin, be it acne-prone, oily, or dry. Instead, go for skin-friendly, hydrating ingredients like glycolic acid, snail mucin extract, birch sap, comfrey leaf, aloe vera, marine extracts, etc. These work effectively against acne too.
Another thing you need to check is if the moisturizer is non-comedogenic or not. If it is, then that means the formula doesn’t clog pores, thus preventing breakouts.
Pick “Dermatologist-Tested” Formulas
When you know the moisturizer is dermatologist-tested, it adds credibility to the product. More often than not, this credibility lives up to expectations with regards to not only treating existing breakouts but also preventing the onset of new ones.
How to Use Korean Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
Every skincare routine starts by cleansing the face. In the case of acne-prone skin, do a double cleanse. The first one with an oil-based cleanser. And the second cleanse should be done by using a water-based formulation.
Then comes antibacterial care to prevent acne. For this, you can get a good Korean ampoule. Apply a few drops all over the face.
The next step is using the moisturizer. Gently pat and massage the moisturizing formula into your skin, starting from the center and then moving toward the outer edges. Now you’ve locked in all that hydration and protection.
And finally, don’t leave out the sunscreen. Be it for acne-prone skin or oily skin or dry skin, SPF is a must if you want your skin to look healthy, young, and radiant. Just make sure you put on sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to stepping outdoors.
Useful Skincare Tips to Care for Acne-Prone Skin
Apart from incorporating a specially designed Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin, you have to take a few more steps if you wish to keep breakouts at bay.
Use an oil-based cleanser daily
Even this product should be manufactured by a renowned Korean brand. Because Korean oil cleansers have the ability to eliminate excess sebum and oil-based dirt from the pores.
Your first cleanse consists of using an oil-based cleanser. And the second one involves washing your face with a Korean water-based cleanser this time. That’s a double cleanse!
Don’t forget to exfoliate
Now I don’t mean buy harsh scrubs for the purpose of exfoliation. There are plenty of gentle cleansers and scrubs manufactured by Korean skincare brands that help in getting rid of dead skin cells and impurities. These unwanted elements are the main culprits that give rise to acne.
At the same time, what gentle exfoliation does is soothe skin sensitivities and redness.
Spot treatment for acne
Korean acne spot treatment is also quite popular and effective. This involves applying the cream or moisturizer using the spot method. Target your most problematic areas for controlling sebum production and soothing skin.
It’s a fast-acting treatment method that has the power to target your acne within only 12 hours.
Conclusion
Acne, no doubt, is a part of life. However, this doesn’t mean you have to live with it. You can treat and prevent breakouts simply by using the right skincare products. And by right, I mean Korean moisturizers equipped with hydrating, soothing, and nourishing ingredients.
The 10 best korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin I’ve reviewed in this article are very effective when it comes to fighting acne. And they do so by providing your skin with tons of hydration throughout the day or night.