13 Best Korean Moisturizers, Recommended by Skincare Experts

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on May 16, 2024
Best Korean Moisturizer
Best Korean Moisturizer
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Moisturizing the skin is one of the most vital steps of skincare right after cleansing and toning. A moisturizer is essentially the superfood from which your skin derives necessary nourishment. To lend your skin an ultimate boost of hydration, you can indulge in the best Korean moisturizers. 

Based on our first-hand research, Korean beauty products are ruling the beauty world and their moisturizer is the key to attaining healthy, glowing, luminous glass-like skin and radiant complexion. All thanks to the deep hydration and luxe blend of active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, etc that aims to seal adequate moisture.

Drawing from our experiences, all skincare junkies and experts appreciate a moisturizer’s lightweight and rich texture. Being formulated in that manner helps it get absorbed deeply into the layers of the skin, promoting skin elasticity and vitality. 

Furthermore, a good Korean moisturizer improves the skin’s moisture barrier and prevents dehydration. What’s the best part? You can incorporate them into your daytime as well as nighttime skincare regime. 

Now that the secret to achieving Korean-like glass skin has been revealed, go ahead and add the top Korean moisturizer you like to the cart without any second thoughts!

13 Best Korean Moisturizers

Infused with 92% snail secretion filtrate and other hydrating ingredients, this daily repair cream from Cosrx flawlessly repairs dull and damaged skin.

Based on our research, this cream is immensely loved for its ability to relieve redness and nourish dehydrated skin. It features a lightweight gel-like texture that glides on the skin with ease and strengthens your skin barrier by replenishing moisture.

The best part — it targets skin concerns like acne scars and repairs your skin from within. 

Key Ingredients: Snail mucin and hyaluronic acid

Scent: Unscented 

Size: 3.52oz

Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Revives skin radiance
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
Cons
  • Not suitable for those with dust mite allergy
  • Editor’s Pick

    Seoul Ceuticals Multi-function All-in-One Anti-aging Repair Cream

    Seoul Ceuticals Multi-function All-in-One Anti-aging Repair Cream
  • The next one on our list is the All-in-One Anti-aging Repair Cream introduced by the most renowned K-beauty brand, Seoul Ceuticals. This versatile cream has managed to gain all attention with its potent blend of key ingredients that promise to help you attain healthier, brighter, and youthful looking skin.

    By incorporating this product into your everyday skincare regime, you can seamlessly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots and bid adieu to dull skin. We assure you that the natural and organic ingredients won’t disappoint you!

    Key Ingredients: Vitamins E and B5, shea butter, jojoba oil, snail secretion filtrate 97.5%, and green tea

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 2oz

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    • Lightweight formula
    • Non-greasy texture
    Cons
    • Takes a while to get absorbed
  • Best Non-irritating Formula

    Innisfree Cherry Blossom Dewy Glow Face Moisturizer

    Innisfree Cherry Blossom Dewy Glow Face Moisturizer
  • Innisfree’s Cherry Blossom Dewy Glow Face Moisturizer is a must-have for a couple of good reasons. To start off, this moisturizer has a featherlight gel-like texture that hydrates, soothes, and visibly brightens the skin.

    Moreover, it is a great product that prepares your skin for makeup to adhere better while promising you a smooth and blendable base. 

    We also glanced through the review section to share a glimpse of user feedback. Here is what one of the reviewers says — “This is by far the best moisturizer I have ever tried! I am huge on skincare and have been following a skin care regimen since my early twenties. The smooth, dewy glass-like appearance of my skin lasted all day- I was blown away!” 

    Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, cherry blossom extracts, betaine, and glycerin 

    Scent: Cherry

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • A little goes a long way
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Recyclable packaging
    • Non-irritating formula
    Cons
    • Skin may feel a little sticky post-application

    Quick Tip:

    After cleansing and toning your skin, apply a coin-sized amount over your face and neck and massage gently. Make sure you avoid your lip and eye areas.

  • Best for Long-lasting Hydration

    LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer

    LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
  • To visibly firm your skin and strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, all you need is Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer. It replenishes your skin deeply and locks in moisture for utmost hydration. 

    What we really like is the fact that it feels super light on the skin and gets absorbed within a matter of minutes. Plus, the texture is smooth as butter and doesn’t leave any kind of stickiness behind. All in all, the moisturizer features a gentle formula and despite its high price tag, is a perfect pick for those with dry skin

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides, and glycerin 

    Scent: Rose

    Size: 1.6oz

    Pros
    • Great packaging
    • Travel-friendly
    • Softens the skin
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Fast-absorbing Texture

    ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

    ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
  • Designed for strengthening the skin barrier and relieving itchy skin, Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream is the superfood that your skin needs for maximum nourishment. Firstly, this cream is extremely gentle and in5novatively encapsulated with skin-soothing properties. 

    What left us impressed is that its effects last straight for up to 100 hours and it is clinically proven to deliver potent hydration. Plus, it not only soothes and reduces sensitivity but also ensures prolonged skin suppleness. 

    Key Ingredients: Ceramides and fatty acids 

    Scent: Unscented 

    Size: 6.80z

    Pros
    • Great quantity
    • Inexpensive
    • Also available in a bigger size
    • Fast-absorbing texture
    • Non-sticky
    Cons
    • May feel a little heavy on the skin initially
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Etude Hydro Barrier Cream

    Etude Hydro Barrier Cream
  • Etude Hydro Barrier Cream is one of the best Korean face moisturizers that will comfort your skin with the right nourishment. It is a magical potion packed in a bottle that aims to strengthen the skin barrier and calm down irritated skin. 

    Additionally, it is a go-to product that prevents dryness and takes care of sensitive skin. It’s got mostly glowing reviews, like an impressed user reports on Amazon, “It does not have a smell and seems to be a more lightweight moisturizer. I use this as well as the cleanser and my skin has been literally glowing!”

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid 

    Scent: Unscented 

    Size: 4.4oz

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Doesn’t cause breakouts
    • Free from mineral oils
    Cons
    • Leaves a little white cast behind
  • Best for Extremely Dehydrated Skin

    Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream

    Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream
  • With Aestura Atobarrier365’s Cream in your skincare regime, you can effortlessly rejuvenate dehydrated and dull skin for up to 100 hours. What makes this cream stand apart from the rest of the Korean facial moisturizers is the fact that it improves your skin’s protective function against irritations. 

    The cream gets absorbed into your skin deeply and with a triple-ingredient encapsulation technology, it improves the overall quality of your skin. Last but not least, it is dermatologically tested and hence, you need not worry about its efficacy! 

    Key Ingredients: Ceramide, squalene, glycerin, and allantoin

    Scent: Fragrance-free

    Size: 2.71oz

    Pros
    • Suitable for normal to sensitive skin types
    • Gentle formula
    • No harsh ingredients
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Most Cost-effective

    Centellian 24 Madeca Cream

    Centellian 24 Madeca Cream
  • An intensely hydrating and rejuvenating Korean face moisturizer, Centellian 24 Madeca Cream is highly-appreciated for its whitening and wrinkle-reducing properties. With a power-boosting formula, it works towards strengthening and tightening your skin to prevent the signs of aging. 

    Based on our observation, it is an excellent age-defying solution for your everyday skincare regime. With consistent use, you will notice a significant difference in the quality and texture of your skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, alkannin, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin

    Scent: Season 4

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Highly absorbent
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Not for those with scent sensitivity
  • Best for Oily Skin

    Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

    Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
  • Crafted especially for oily skin types, Beauty of Joseon’s Red Bean Water Gel is a must-have Korean skincare moisturizer. It features a lightweight texture and is designed to control active sebum secretion of your skin. 

    We also found that the gel is a go-to product to minimize the appearance of pores and wrinkles. What impressed us the most is its quick-absorbing abilities that make the skin feel fresh and rejuvenated. The best part — it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky!

    Key Ingredients: Red beans and peptides

    Scent: Fresh

    Size: 3.38oz

    Pros
    • Promotes skin elasticity
    • Prevents the signs of aging
    • Cruelty-free
    • Reduces fine lines
    Cons
    • Might not suit dermatitis-prone skin
  • Best Travel-friendly

    Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
  • The True Cream Aqua Bomb by Belif is a fresh gel moisturizer that neutralizes skin-damaging free radicals. Furthermore, it is mindfully crafted for those dealing with pores, dryness, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. 

    While analyzing its features, we found that this Korean gel moisturizer aids in improving the elasticity of the skin and minimizing the appearance of pores. Moreover, it wraps your skin in a comfortable protective barrier and locks in adequate moisture for ultimate hydration. 

    Key Ingredients: Ceramide, glycerin, and squalene

    Scent: Herbal

    Size: 1.7oz

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Available in 2 sizes
    Cons
    • May feel slightly sticky
  • Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream

    Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream
  • By adding this Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream from Round Lab into your everyday skincare routine, you can easily quench the thirst of your dry skin. It forms a water barrier to protect your skin and seals moisture straight for up to 48 hours. 

    To note more, this cream reduces inflammation and ensures utmost replenishment. Talking about its texture, we love how fresh and fluffy it feels, ensuring easy application and quick absorption!

    Key Ingredients: Silver birch sap and vita hyaluronic acids

    Scent: Unscented 

    Size: 2.7oz

    Pros
    • Stimulates the growth of collagen skin cells
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    • Works for all skin types
    • Strengthens the skin
    Cons
    • Slow results on extremely dry skin
  • Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream

    Torriden Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
  • Next, we recommend Torriden’s Dive-In Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream which focuses on delivering maximum moisture and nourishment. Its gel-like texture gets absorbed quickly thereby preventing dehydration of the skin. 

    With 5 types of molecules of hyaluronic acid, the cream builds 3D networks into the skin layers and lends you plump and supple skin. A reviewer on Amazon shares, “It gets absorbed so nicely into my skin making it feel hydrated without feeling that my pores are being suffocated. I recommend it for all, but especially if you have oily skin!”  

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, allantoin, panthenol 

    Scent: Unscented 

    Size: 3.38oz

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Soothes skin irritation
    • Vegan
    • Ideal for oily and combination skin
    Cons
    • Takes a little time to get absorbed
  • Wellage Cica Calming Cream

    Wellage Cica Calming Cream
  • The anti-redness and anti-scaling effect of Cica Calming Cream introduced by Wellage makes it a sheer winner. It is specially formulated to soothe and calm sensitive, dry, and flaky skin. 

    Furthermore, the potent blend of key ingredients provides essential nutrients and improves the complexion of your skin. Adding to that, it strengthens the moisture barrier and paves the way for more youthful looking and healthy skin. 

    We also found that this cream is an impeccable anti-aging face cream that minimizes wrinkles and fine lines!

    Key Ingredients: Madecassoside, Lactobacillus ferment, panthenol

    Scent: Fragrance-free

    Size: 2.7oz

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Improves skin elasticity
    • Non-sticky finish
    • Smooth texture
    Cons
    • Slow results on extremely dry skin

    Quick Tip:

    Pour a little amount of the cream after toning and applying serum on your skin. Gently apply it to your face and neck. Use it twice a day to calm sensitive and troubled skin.

    That was our comprehensive list of the best Korean moisturizers. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Korean Moisturizer?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on a good Korean moisturizer: -

    Skin Type: Ensure that you analyze your skin type before investing in any of the best Korean beauty moisturizers. For those who are dealing with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, pick creams that can absorb oil and control excessive oil production. Likewise, for those with sensitive skin, it is advisable to choose moisturizers that are gentle yet effective enough to soothe and calm down skin irritation. Avoid purchasing products that are not meant for your skin type as it can cause breakouts, allergies, rashes, and redness.  

    Ingredients: The next important aspect to consider is the list of ingredients. It is recommended to choose moisturizers that are packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalene, vitamin C, ceramides, glycerin, peptides, glycolic acid, vitamin B3, and fatty acids. Such a blend of ingredients hydrates, nourishes, and replenishes the skin from within and promotes brighter skin. Stay away from moisturizers that contain alcohol, phthalates, harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and synthetic ingredients. 

    Texture: The texture of the moisturizer is yet another crucial aspect that you need to consider for the ease of application, blendability, and efficacy of the overall product. For those possessing sensitive, normal, or combination skin, a lightweight moisturizer with a gel-like texture can play the game for you. On the other hand, thick, rich, and creamy moisturizers work wonders on extremely dry and dehydrated skin.  

    Formula: Last but not least, take note of the formula. It is advisable is splurge on moisturizers that are hypoallergenic, allergy, and dermatologically tested. For those with acne-prone and combination skin types, pick a cream that features a non-comedogenic formula to prevent breakouts. 

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, get to know a few steps of using one accurately.

    Steps to Use the Best Korean Moisturizer

    Below are a few steps to use the best Korean Moisturizer: - 

    Step 1: Use a cleanser to cleanse your face thoroughly.

    Step 2: Apply your toner, followed by serum. 

    Step 3: Pour a sufficient amount of Korean moisturizer on your palm and gently dab it on your face and neck. 

    Step 4: Spread it with your fingertips and massage your skin in circular motions until the cream gets fully absorbed. 

    Tada, you are done!

    Once, you have penned down the application steps, roll your eyes over and get to know the benefits of using the best Korean moisturizer every day.

    Benefits of Using a Korean Moisturizer

    Here are the benefits of Korean moisturizers that will blow your mind: - 

    - A Korean moisturizer has anti-aging benefits.

    - It improves skin elasticity. 

    - It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

    - It locks in moisture.

    - It revitalizes your skin.

    - It clarifies your skin and promotes suppleness.

    - It strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. 

    - It prevents dryness and dehydration.

    Conclusion

    With the best Korean moisturizers in your skincare routine, you can attain healthy, hydrated, plump, and supple skin. These moisturizers are packed with a potent blend of hydrating and skin-loving ingredients that soothe, heal, and revitalize your skin from within. Additionally, they are the go-tos to prevent dryness and amp up your overall skin quality. With innovative formulations, K-beauty moisturizers deliver the dewiness that your skin craves. 

    Out of the above-mentioned creams, COSRX Snail 92 All in One Cream has managed to earn the top spot on our list for its splendid gel-like texture and lightweight formulation. For anyone who has sensitive skin, Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream is the perfect pick for you as it tends to be gentle and soothing. We have enlisted an array of moisturizers for you. So, wait no longer and incorporate the one that suits your skin the best into your skincare regime! Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Are Korean moisturizers ideal for all skin types?
    It depends on the formulation of the moisturizer. Some are meant for all skin types whereas some are designed specially for dry, combination, sensitive, and oily skin.
    Can Korean moisturizers be used in the daytime and nighttime?
    Yes, Korean moisturizers can be used in the daytime and nighttime, unless otherwise mentioned on the package label.
    Do Korean moisturizers have anti-aging benefits?
    Yes, Korean moisturizers are loaded with anti-aging benefits that reduce the appearance of pores, wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
    Are there specific Korean moisturizers for sensitive skin?
    Yes, Wellage Cica Calming Cream is one of the Korean moisturizers suitable for sensitive skin.
    How long does it take to see results with a Korean moisturizer?
    It might take at least 4 weeks to see results with a Korean moisturizer.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare expert, Anoushka, has meticulously researched the best Korean moisturizers for you to make an informed decision. She considered a variety of factors like ingredients, scent, texture, and formula, and also glanced through the review section. She believes that Korean moisturizers are one of the best skincare products that lends the skin the nourishment that it needs. Personally, she is impressed with COSRX Snail 92 All in One Cream for its potent blend of ingredients and featherlight formula. You can snatch a glimpse of the rest of her top picks and revolutionize your skincare regime. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More