Korean skincare is known for mastering simple formulations, using only essential ingredients to nourish and hydrate the skin. With a focus on strengthening the skin's protective barrier, Korean moisturisers are designed to lock in moisture while boosting the effects of the ampoules, serums and essences that go before it.
If you're new to the world of K-Beauty, a moisturiser is a good place to start. To help you achieve healthy, glowing skin, we've reviewed the 10 best Korean moisturisers for dry, oily, combination and acne-prone skin - and where to buy them in the UK!
Quick List - Top Korean Moisturisers
COSRX
Rich, Gel-Like Cream With 92% Snail Mucin and Hyaluronic Acid
Dr. Jart+
Ultra-Light Cream to Instantly Relieve Stressed and Sensitive Skin
COSRX
Non-greasy Lotion With 70% Birch Sap to Calm and Hydrate Skin
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Table of Contents
Moisturisers are formulated using a combination of humectants, emollients and occlusives. This results in three main moisturiser formulas, with varying consistencies that offer benefits for different skin types and skincare needs:
Amp up hydration in your skincare routine with one of our favourite hyaluronic acid serums!
If you want to observe a difference in the appearance of your skin, using a product containing the right active ingredients is important. Here are some ingredients to look for in your moisturiser to help you target specific skin concerns.
Try applying a lightweight rosehip oil to hydrate skin and enhance your complexion!
Now that you know all about Korean moisturisers, get to know some of our favourite Korean toners!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream|100 g | ![]() | Rich, Gel-Like Cream With 92% Snail Mucin and Hyaluronic Acid | |
2 | Dr. Jart+ Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream|50 ml | ![]() | Ultra-Light Cream to Instantly Relieve Stressed and Sensitive Skin | |
3 | COSRX Daily Acne Facial Moisturiser With Birch Sap|100 ml | ![]() | Non-greasy Lotion With 70% Birch Sap to Calm and Hydrate Skin | |
4 | Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream|60 ml | ![]() | Thick Cream for Moisturising Dry Skin Throughout Winter | |
5 | Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Face Moisturiser|25 ml | ![]() | Fan-Favourite Oil-Free Moisturiser for a Silky Glow | |
6 | Helloskin Have a good cream Face Cream|50 g | ![]() | Blend of Centella Asiatica and Snail Mucin for Restoring Problem Skin | |
7 | Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream|50 ml | ![]() | Ceramide-Packed Formula for Hydration Without Clogged Pores | |
8 | COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream|80 g | ![]() | All-Natural Korean Moisturiser That’s Vegan and Cruelty Free | |
9 | The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisture Emulsion|150 ml | ![]() | Nano Particle Ceramides and Rice Extract for Fading Dark Spots | |
10 | Glow Recipe Banana Souffle Moisture Face Cream|50 ml | ![]() | Long Lasting Hydration Suitable for Acne-Prone Skin |
This cream formula from COSRX contains 92% of snail secretion filtrate to moisturise, soothe and leave skin looking and feeling supple and radiant. As snail mucin is the main active ingredient, this moisturiser is great for calming and restoring inflamed, sensitive skin.
If you're prone to breakouts, this is the one you'll want to try. It helps to reduce redness and irritation, whilst providing your skin with the moisture it needs to retain elasticity. Although it's a cream, this moisturiser won't leave behind any greasy or oily residue either!
Our second favourite Korean moisturiser is this one from Dr. Jart+ which utilises several key ingredients to help maintain healthy skin. First is the brand's own patented microbiome complex, Jartbiome, which works to enhance, balance and reinforce the skin's barrier against environmental stressors.
Secondly, their unique Cicabond™ formula helps to improve and repair the appearance of even the most irritated skin, with centella providing a soothing and calming effect. Although ideal for sensitive skin, the skin-boosting blend of herbs, minerals and probiotics is beneficial for all!
For oily skin types, this oil-free lotion is a dream come true! That said, we think people with all skin types will soon be reaching for this weightless moisturiser that will leave the skin feeling silky-smooth, without clogging pores - especially during the warmer months!
Birch sap is known for its moisturising, clarifying and anti-inflammatory properties. This also makes it a good choice for providing much-needed comfort to sensitive complexions.
The goal of this moisturiser is to help you maintain a healthy oil-to-water balance, providing relief to those with inflamed, dry, or itchy skin. In addition, it improves cellular repair by strengthening the skin's protective layer from within.
Despite a thick consistency, this cream absorbs quickly without leaving behind any unpleasant tackiness. If you have a particularly dry or sensitive complexion, look no further than this rich and soothing cream - especially during colder months when the air is dryer!
Glow Recipe has become known for their attractive packaging design and fruit-powered recipes, such as this comforting gel-emulsion enriched with 90% watermelon extract. The main moisturising ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which is great for attracting and locking in moisture, for plump and supple skin.
Jasmin and peony extract further soothe, while helping to keep dark spots at bay. Plus, the consistency will leave your face feeling fresh. If you're looking for an oil-free moisturiser to prep the skin before applying makeup, look no further!
This hydrating cream from Helloskin is one that those with problematic or acne-prone skin will want to have on hand at all times. Centella Asiatica is a humectant with calming, anti-inflammatory properties, whilst snail mucin promotes healing.
It moisturises, soothes and repairs, without leaving the skin looking or feeling oily thanks to the lightweight formulation. Comfortable on the skin, you'll notice an instant dewy finish, making this another great choice for layering underneath makeup.
Jam packed with hydrating ingredients, including ceramide and hyaluronic acid, this cream helps to boost hydration without clogging the pores. At first glance, you might be concerned by the slightly thick consistency, but once you layer it onto the skin, it will absorb immediately.
Calming botanicals are also added to help strengthen the skin barrier and defend against moisture loss. Best of all, many users have reported their skin feeling smoother, moisturised and with a healthy suppleness, after only one week!
Rich in hydrating and nourishing ingredients, COSRX's Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream helps to combat dryness while shielding it from the damaging effects of environmental stressors and irritants.
Centella Asiatica leaf water, ceramide, sunflower oil and Centella Asiatica extract are combined to keep moisture loss to a minimum while supporting the skin's reparative and regenerative processes. So if you have dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, you'll want to give this moisturiser a go.
Out of all the options on our list, this one has the lightest consistency, which makes it great for daytime use. It may not be moisturising enough for very dry complexions, but this can be easily solved by applying more than one layer.
Although it sounds more like a dessert than a moisturiser, the Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream from Glow Recipe will do wonders for your skin! Your complexion will look and feel healthier and smoother thanks to this sweet soufflé's combination of banana, chia seeds, magnesium, turmeric and cica.
Designed to suit all skin types, including acne prone skin, this non-comedogenic cream hydrates without clogging the pores. The only downside is that the price is pretty steep for the amount you get.
Written and Researched by Audrey Tan
No. 1: COSRX|Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream|100 g
No. 2: Dr. Jart+|Tiger Grass Calming Gel Cream|50 ml
No. 3: COSRX|Daily Acne Facial Moisturiser With Birch Sap|100 ml
No. 4: Klairs|Rich Moist Soothing Cream|60 ml
No. 5: Glow Recipe|Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Face Moisturiser|25 ml
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