Moisturization is the key to getting clear and glowing skin. But most people skip moisturizers because of the greasy residue they leave behind. If you’re one of those people, you need to invest in the best Korean moisturizer.
K-beauty moisturizers are known for their lightweight formulas packed with some really powerful ingredients. They drench your skin in hydration without feeling heavy at all. In addition, they also slow down the aging process and make your skin healthier overall.
The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to reap the rewards as these products come with an affordable price tag.
What’s more, Koreans are obsessed with their skin. They mostly create products using natural ingredients that treat the problem at the source. So, the results are guaranteed.
If you’re looking to buy lightweight moisturizers, you’re in the right place. We scoured the internet to bring you the best moisturizer according to your needs.
Best Korean Moisturizer: Recommendations for Maximum Hydration
The marketplace is full of products with fake and confusing claims. To save you the confusion, our editors reviewed the top Korean moisturizers that you can buy right now!
1. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
Etude House is best known for its makeup products such as lipsticks and eyeliners. But the Moistfull Collagen Cream is one of the top-selling products for the brand.
It contains hydrolyzed collagen obtained from saltwater fish that strengthens your skin and improves elasticity. Additionally, it addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and premature aging.
Fortified with the goodness of baobab oil, it nourishes your skin and soothes dryness. All the damage your skin has sustained over the years, this moisturizing cream will repair that. The formula goes on smooth and makes skin visibly brighter.
The product doesn’t contain parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, benzophenone, etc. Thus, it’s safe to use on all skin types. It has a gel-like texture and you are sure to get long-lasting hydration. Even better? It’s quick-absorbing and keeps shine at bay.
You won’t be left with a heavy residue. The product is tested by IC Korea and it’s an award-winning product. It was named the second-best moisturizer in Korea back in 2010. And the formula has only improved over the years.
2. Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Light Cream
Okay, so this moisturizer from Mamonde is straight magic. It works on all skin types, including dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. Despite its lightweight texture, it deeply hydrates and nourishes your skin.
The formula uses hibiscus as one of its key ingredients. And hibiscus is renowned for its skin-saving properties. It purifies your skin and increases cell turnover. It also helps boost collagen synthesis. On top of that, it helps with age spots, controls acne breakouts, and promotes youthful skin.
What’s more, this moisturizer contains a high concentration of ceramides to lock moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier. The best part? It absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave any greasy residue.
Some users reported that this formula also shrinks your pores and improve the texture of your skin. It’s a bit expensive, though, but it’s totally worth it. Your skin will stay hydrated and moisturized throughout the day.
3. Skin Food Royal Honey 100 Hour Moisture Cream
How would you feel about a moisturizer that has successfully completed skin irritation tests? Sounds pretty promising, right? Well, Skin Food Royal Honey moisture cream has the perfect recipe if you have sensitive skin.
It boasts a gentle formula that is able to keep your skin moist even in extreme temperatures. The product contains honey that moisturizes your skin, prevents acne, and boosts complexion. And people have been using honey to treat skin problems for ages.
Tired of those stubborn dark spots? This moisturizer will zap them in a couple of uses. The highlight of the product is that it provides hydration for up to 100 hours. And that’s no bluff.
It has been clinically proven. Users also reported that it helped speed up the healing process. So, you will notice acne scars & wounds fading away!
The formula is non-sticky and a little goes a long way. Apply a small amount of cream on your face and your skin will stay moisturized throughout the day.
Also: Check out our roundup of the best Korean eye creams
4. Innisfree Green Tea Balancing Lotion
Choosing a new skincare product can be pretty daunting especially if you have combination skin. Lucky for you, this moisturizer is perfect for someone with a combination skin type. The advanced moisture formula nourishes your skin and prevents dryness while regulating oil production at the same time.
The formula is packed with the goodness of green tea extracts that will quench your skin’s thirst. Additionally, green tea extracts have polyphenols that offer sun protection.
The texture is gel-like with a fast-absorbing formula that doesn’t leave your skin oily or greasy. All in all, your skin will feel fresh and alive.
It also has orange and grapefruit extracts that have antioxidant properties. They fight off free radicals and remove dead skin cells. Plus, your skin gets essential vitamins and other nutrients. On top of that, grapefruit is a natural skin toner.
All these things add up and we get this miraculous moisturizing lotion by Innisfree that works wonders on your skin. If you’re the one with combination skin, this is the product that you should try.
5. Mizon Collagen Cream
Thinking about taking the plunge with a Korean moisturizer but don’t know where to start? Enter Mizon Collagen Cream that’s one of the most effective K-beauty products ever.
It has a really effective hydrating formula that not only moisturizes but also makes your skin supple and smooth.
The good thing about the product is that you will notice your skin brightened up only after a few uses. The dark spots that you have will start to fade away.
The product contains marine collagen and adenosine that restore moisture levels and prevent it from escaping. It’s a dermatologically tested cream and goes into your skin pretty quickly. The formula is extremely lightweight that makes it suitable for oily skin types. And you won’t have to worry about acne breakouts.
Also, there are no harsh ingredients, so it can be used on sensitive skin as well. However, you might find it a tad bit ineffective if your skin is super dry.
6. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream
This powerful Korean moisturizer contains ceramides that prevent moisture loss simply by creating a protective layer in a way that moisture cannot escape. Also, they hydrate the skin barrier from within. Studies have shown that even a single application of ceramide moisturizers can increase hydration levels.
It’s a boon for dry skin. Your skin will stay hydrated for up to 26 hours. Apart from that, it also strengthens your skin and gives you a youthful appearance. Fine lines and flakiness won’t be a problem anymore so long as you have this product by your side.
Plus, if you’re suffering from redness and irritation, this cream will rid you of all those problems. It doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, DEA, or any other ingredients that might trigger skin irritation.
The lightweight formula prevents greasiness and oiliness. It has a herbal scent that smells good! The cream is great for all the skin types from dry to oily. And a single tube will last you a couple of months even with daily use.
7. Meebak Cica Face Cream Moisturizer
Imbued with Centella Asiatica extracts, this face moisturizer soothes your skin and strengthens the skin barrier. Centella extracts are known to relieve inflammation, build collagen, and improve blood circulation.
It also delays skin aging. The retinol present in the product firms your skin and makes it smooth. The hyaluronic acid adds hydration, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and speeds up wound healing. If you have irritated skin, this moisturizer will help you get rid of that.
Also, there are Dioscorea japonica root extracts that condition your skin and trap the moisture in your skin. On top of that, the cream contains peptide 8 complex that increases skin elasticity and makes it bouncy. Niacinamide helps with dullness, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores on the surface of your skin.
It has a very light texture that is suitable for all skin types. Meebak Cica face cream moisturizer is made in Korea and is not tested on animals. Plus, it contains organic ingredients and does not contain parabens, phthalates, etc.
8. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
This pale blue gel moisturizer keeps dryness at bay. It has Napiers aqua formula that offers maximum skin hydration. This product has two versions. The aqua bomb version is meant for oily and combination skin types whereas the moisturizing bomb is for dry to normal skin types.
Belif uses natural ingredients in the moisturizer, so it’s safe to assume that the moisturizer is perfect for sensitive skin. Both the versions are non-oily and non-sticky and you can use any. However, if your skin is super dry, then you should go with Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb.
There is no mineral oil, artificial fragrances, dyes, sulfates, parabens, etc. And it is not tested on animals. It’s the holy grail for oily skin type. The formula is quick-absorbing and lightweight.
It controls oil production, hydrates your skin instantly, and is very easy to apply. You can also use it as a sleeping mask if you like. Your skin will thank you for that!
The moisturizer will plump your skin. What we do not like about this product is its price. Had it been a little cheaper, this would be the best Korean moisturizer out there.
9. Ladykin Affinitic Snail Cream
The snail mucus has been an important ingredient in Korean skincare products for quite a while now. The Ladykin Affinitic Snail cream is an effective moisturizing cream formulated with 80% snail mucus.
It hydrates your skin, repairs damaged skin, gets rid of dead skin cells, promotes skin regeneration, and has anti-aging properties.
Also, it is very hydrating and keeps your skin fresh. And you’ll so fall in love with the packaging. It has the cutest packaging ever. You get a snail container but there’s no spatula with the product.
Overall, it’s a very nice product. It has a floral scent to it which is okay. The smell is not overwhelming and you might like it.
It’s a great cream for glowing skin. The firming effect improves vitality and resilience. It also contains phytoncides that reduce skin stress. The moisturizer is definitely worth a shot.
10. Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream
With 92% snail extract, this snail repair cream by Mizon is appreciated by the users all across the globe for its efficacy. The cream nourishes and protects the skin from environmental damage.
It will also help in diminishing the blemishes, sun spots, etc. Along with snail mucus filtrate, it also contains adenosine, vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid. All these ingredients keep your skin nourished and prevent further damage.
Snail extracts are a rich source of copper peptides. And let us tell you, copper peptides are known to promote collagen production and remove damaged collagen.
If you want to achieve that flawless complexion, you have to try Mizon’s snail repair cream. It’s free of fragrance and irritants, so your sensitive skin is safe. Also, it will shrink the size of your pores and tighten your skin.
On top of that, it’s a great pick for spot treatment. So, you can say goodbye to your acne marks, sun spots, or uneven skin tone. A little goes a long way, so take a small amount and apply it on your face. Your appearance will improve with continued use.
11. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream
Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Watery creamy is one of the best daily moisturizers that protect your skin by forming a protective barrier on your skin. The barrier also traps the moisture. It’s a perfect product for people with combination skin. Since it’s a watery cream, you will get that cooling effect that keeps you energized and fresh throughout the day.
Upon application, you will stay hydrated for up to 24 hours. It contains seawater, collagen, licorice root extracts, hydrolyzed algae extracts, laminaria japonica extracts, and more such powerful ingredients that moisturize your skin and gives you a vibrant glow.
The packaging is also very nice. You get a nice glass jar that feels heavy and looks really good. It has a creamy gel-like texture that spreads really well on your skin. Your skin will feel smooth, soft, and supple. And the product doesn’t feel heavy at all.
It’s safe to say that the product is very effective. The moisture levels will increase after a single-use. The cream has a floral scent and is a little strong. If you like fragrance-free products, this one is not for you.
12. Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
Looking for a moisturizer that won’t leave you with a greasy feeling? Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream is one of the best you can try. The product will quench your skin’s thirst by adding hydration and keeping it moisturized.
The skin barrier becomes weak during winter, so the Laneige cream works by strengthening the skin barrier and protecting you from external damage. The product will make your skin feel plumped without leaving a heavy residue.
The moisturizer contains hydro ionized mineral water that not only hydrates your skin but also prevents future moisture loss.
All the ingredients used in the product are safe and non-toxic. So, the moisturizer can be used on sensitive skin types as well. All in all, it’s a perfect solution for dehydrated skin. Use the cream twice a day and your skin will feel different (in a good way?) in just a week.
Please note that it might not be the best fit for you if you have excessively dry skin.
13. COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
If you’re looking for a moisturizer that you can use in winters as well as hot summer days, COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion is something you should try. It is packed with the goodness of birch sap that soothes inflammation and purifies your skin.
The moisturizing lotion uses a 70% birch sap instead of water. Birch sap is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and other essential enzymes that are good for the skin.
It is suitable for all skin types but it’s targeted at helping people moisturize oily skin. It has a mild scent that comes from tea tree oil. Although the product says it’s oil-free, it does contain lemon peel oil and tea tree oil. That is not to say it’s bad.
These oils are actually very good for moisturizing and keeping your skin nourished. But the name is misleading to some extent. It penetrates into your skin quickly and works its magic. You will, undisputedly, like this product.
It’s dermatologically tested and doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients. Plus, it is animal cruelty-free.
14. Suxxess Revitalizing Face Cream With Hyaluronic Acid
Suxxess employs the latest Korean technologies in all its skincare products. The moisturizer in question is no exception. It contains a boatload of powerful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and shea butter to make your skin dewy and fresh.
When it comes to skincare, hyaluronic acid reigns supreme as a hydrating hero ingredient. Shea butter, on the other hand, softens, conditions, and soothes your skin. In fact, shea butter is one of the widely used ingredients in moisturizers all across the world. So, you know it’s bound to work on your skin.
What’s more, this face moisturizer also restores the skin’s natural pH levels. Ingredients such as arginine, honeysuckle, thistle extract, etc. protect your skin from environmental damage and also prevent inflammation.
Upon regular application, you can also reap the anti-aging benefits of this product. Plus, there are other conditioning ingredients such as lemon, orange, dandelion, etc. that nourish your skin pretty well.
On top of that, it is fragrance-free. So, to all of you with sensitive skin, this product is the right fit for you. Besides, it only contains ingredients that are safe to skin. And it’ll be safe to say that it’s one of the best Korean moisturizers for dry skin.
15. Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
There’s no way we could’ve missed this product. Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream provides instant hydration and keeps your skin moist. The product will rescue your dry skin.
Its advanced formula repairs damaged skin and prevents skin irritation. The penetrating action of the moisturizer conditions and strengthens the skin barrier from within. It’s a perfect product for dry skin. It’s good for sensitive skin as well. However, there are some essential oils that might irritate your skin.
The formula is non-greasy and doesn’t make your skin shinier. People with combination and oily skin can also benefit from this cream. It has soothing properties. Aside from that, it also controls sebum activity.
It’s a vegan and gentle skincare product. The moisturization is long-lasting. Use twice a day for the best results. You will get a radiant glow after a few uses.
See Also: The Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin in 2020
How Does a Moisturizer Work?
Well, we all know how important a moisturizer is. We also know that it prevents dryness. But how exactly does a moisturizer work? You see, the job of a moisturizer is to replenish water content in your skin.
Our skin has three layers namely the outer layer, middle layer, and the lower layer. The skin becomes dry and flaky when the moisture evaporates into the air from the outer layer (aka epidermis).
The moisturizers hold water in the outer layer (epidermis). In layman’s terms, a moisturizer traps the moisture in the outer layer of the skin and prevents dryness. It also restores the moisture that has already been lost.
When you apply a moisturizer, it forms a protective layer that prevents moisture from escaping and keeps your skin protected from the dryness-causing elements outside.
How to Pick the Best Korean Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Every skin is different. Therefore, it’s important that you choose a product suitable for your skin. It’s so easy to get lost in a sea of moisturizers out there. Here are a few things to consider before buying a Korean moisturizer:
Understand Your Skin
The most important tip is that you understand your skin type really well. There are different moisturizers for different skin types. For example, if you have oily skin, you would want to buy an oil-free and lightweight moisturizer as it won’t leave your skin greasy and sticky.
Similarly, if you have extremely dry skin, you should opt for somewhat thicker and heavy moisturizer as it will prevent dryness and keep you hydrated all day long. Going with moisturizers that contain essential oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, etc. would make perfect sense.
For people with sensitive skin, the best bet would be to go with moisturizers that are free of parabens, sulfates, artificial dyes, etc. Luckily, all the Korean moisturizers that we have mentioned above do not contain these harsh ingredients.
And for people with normal skin, a regular lightweight Korean moisturizer should do the trick.
Check Ingredients
It’s no brainer that you should always check the ingredients before you buy a skincare product. Make sure that the product doesn’t contain any ingredients that you are allergic to. Avoid products with alcohol, irritants, parabens, etc. Go with the natural and organic moisturizers wherever possible.
Keep Your Skin Problems in Mind
Another great tip is never to forget about your skin problems. It helps a lot in meeting your expectations. For example, if you’re someone who gets a lot of acne breakouts, you should go with anti-acne moisturizers. Honey is great for acne.
So, you should consider Korean moisturizers that contain honey if you have acne-prone skin. Consequently, you can check for other ingredients that help with acne or any other skin problems you have.
Research
Just like anything, it’s important to do your due diligence before making any decision. The same is the case for Korean moisturizers. Don’t just buy any moisturizer you find. Do your research. Look for the reviews and what the customers have to say about the product. Lucky for you, we have made the whole process easier.
Consider the Price
There are products that are cheaper than others. Now, you shouldn’t go with the cheapest available option as they might not work. At the same time, don’t just assume that the most expensive product is the best. Do your research, consider your options, compare, and buy a moisturizer that fits your budget.
Why Choose a Korean Moisturizer?
There are some advantages of Korean moisturizers over regular moisturizers. First off, Koreans are very conscious about their skin. They generally use natural ingredients in skincare products. The ingredients used are safe, gentle, and effective.
Secondly, these products are usually pocket-friendly. You won’t be spending hundreds of dollars on these products.
Also, they provide immediate hydration. You don’t have to wait for the product to take effect. On top of that, you get long-lasting moisturization.
Other than that, Korean brands create innovative skincare products as they are constantly working on improving their technology. As a result, we get top-notch moisturizers and other beauty products.
What is the Best Time to Use a Moisturizer?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should apply the moisturizer right after you get out of the bath. In general, you should put on a moisturizer at least twice a day. When you feel your skin is getting dehydrated, you should re-apply it. There’s no hard and fast rule. You use it when your skin needs it.
If you have normal skin that doesn’t get too dry, applying once in the morning and once before going to bed would be great! Please note that it’s important to moisturize every time you wash your face. So, let’s say you wash your face twice a day, you should be applying the moisturizer at least twice.
How to Apply a Moisturizer?
Well, it’s pretty easy! Just follow the tips mentioned below and you’ll be good to go.
- The first step will be to wash your face with your face wash. Make sure your face is clean before you apply anything to it.
- Take a small amount of the moisturizer in your hand. Don’t put too much as it may leave your face greasy.
- Dab it on different areas on your face using your fingers.
- Now spread the product using your fingers. Massage gently in a circular motion. Do it gently and don’t put too much pressure.
- Let the moisturizer sink in.
- Now, you can put on your makeup!
Final Words
It’s very important to invest in a good moisturizer if you want to have beautiful skin. Korean moisturizers make a perfect choice because of their perfect blend of ingredients, great quality, and affordable prices. More importantly, they can do wonders on your skin. You can finally have well-nourished and moisturized skin.
Along with that, make sure to eat well, drink lots of water, and take good care of your skin. Always go for the best when it comes to your face. If you have tried Korean moisturizers before, we would love to know about your experience. Please let us know in the comments below.
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Sheryll is a lifestyle editor with over 7 years of experience in beauty. She is obsessed with Korean skincare, and she mostly covers the Beauty and Skincare space at Skin Seas.