Facial moisturizers are a staple in any skincare routine, and Korean beauty brands have been leading the charge in developing innovative and effective formulas. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your skin type and concerns. In this article, we’ve done the research and testing to bring you our top picks for the best Korean facial moisturizers.
One critical factor to consider when choosing a facial moisturizer is your skin type. Korean brands offer moisturizers for all skin types, from oily to dry to combination. It’s essential to select a formula that is tailored to your skin’s needs to achieve the best results.
Another factor to consider is the moisturizer’s ingredients. Korean beauty brands are known for using natural and innovative ingredients in their skincare products. Some popular ingredients in Korean facial moisturizers include hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, green tea, and ceramides.
We spent hours researching and testing various Korean facial moisturizers to bring you our top eight picks. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight gel or a rich cream, we’ve got you covered.
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Top 8 Korean Facial Moisturizers
We have scoured the market to bring you the top 8 Korean facial moisturizers that are definitely worth your investment. We understand that finding the right moisturizer that suits your skin type and needs can be overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s why we have done the research for you and tested out multiple products to come up with this comprehensive list. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, we have got you covered with our top picks. Read on to discover the best Korean facial moisturizers that will leave your skin feeling hydrated, nourished, and glowing.
Meebak Korean Cica Gel Face Moisturizer
We highly recommend Meebak Korean Cica Gel Face Moisturizer for anyone looking for a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that is gentle on the skin.
Pros
- The cica in the formula helps soothe and rebuild the skin barrier, making it stronger.
- The hydrating formula, made with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen, helps smooth fine lines to keep skin looking youthful.
- The cooling gel formula is convenient for daily use and is a simple and clean formula made with Korean herbal beauty secrets for smooth, baby-like skin.
Cons
- The product may not work well for people who are using medication that intentionally dries out their skin.
- Some people may not like the cooling effect of the gel formula.
- The product may not be moisturizing enough for people with very dry skin.
Meebak Korean Cica Gel Face Moisturizer is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that is gentle on the skin. The cica in the formula helps soothe and rebuild the skin barrier, making it stronger. The hydrating formula, made with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen, helps smooth fine lines to keep skin looking youthful. The cooling gel formula is convenient for daily use and is a simple and clean formula made with Korean herbal beauty secrets for smooth, baby-like skin.
One of the biggest pros of this product is the cica in the formula, which helps soothe and rebuild the skin barrier. This is especially helpful for people with sensitive or irritated skin. The hydrating formula is also a big plus, as it helps smooth fine lines to keep skin looking youthful. The cooling gel formula is convenient for daily use and is a simple and clean formula made with Korean herbal beauty secrets for smooth, baby-like skin.
However, the product may not work well for people who are using medication that intentionally dries out their skin, as it may not be moisturizing enough. Some people may not like the cooling effect of the gel formula, and the product may not be moisturizing enough for people with very dry skin.
In summary, we highly recommend Meebak Korean Cica Gel Face Moisturizer for anyone looking for a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that is gentle on the skin. It is a great option for people with sensitive or irritated skin, and the hydrating formula helps smooth fine lines to keep skin looking youthful.
SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care 97.5% Snail Mucin Moisturizer Cream
If you’re looking for a Korean facial moisturizer that can give you brighter, healthier, and more youthful skin, try the SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care 97.5% Snail Mucin Moisturizer Cream.
Pros
- This snail mucin cream is considered to be far more effective than other snail creams, as it contains a higher concentration (97.5%) of snail mucin filtrate.
- You’ll begin to see brighter, healthier, and more youthful skin with this K beauty product within the first few days of use.
- This Korean skin care snail mucin cream is ethically harvested in a cruelty-free environment.
Cons
- The scent may not be pleasant to some users.
- The packaging may be inconvenient for some users.
- The cream may not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin.
We’ve tried this product ourselves and have seen a noticeable difference in our skin’s brightness and texture after just a few days of use. The high concentration of snail mucin filtrate in this cream makes it more potent and effective than other snail creams. We also appreciate that it’s ethically harvested in a cruelty-free environment.
However, the scent may not be pleasant to some users, and the packaging may be inconvenient for those who prefer pump or tube dispensers. Additionally, those with extremely sensitive skin may want to patch test this cream before using it on their face.
Overall, we highly recommend the SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care 97.5% Snail Mucin Moisturizer Cream for those looking to improve their skin’s texture and brightness.
THE FACE SHOP Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
We highly recommend purchasing THE FACE SHOP Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream for those looking for a natural moisturizer that provides long-lasting smooth absorption without stickiness.
Pros
- A little goes a long way, making the product last longer
- Provides a natural moisturizer for skin whitening and glowing
- High-quality item for a low price
Cons
- Has a strong perfume smell that may not be suitable for all users
- May feel oily if too much product is applied
- Some users may not like the texture of the thicker cream
This moisturizing cream is very good and provides a natural moisturizer for skin whitening and glowing. A little goes a long way, making the product last longer and providing a high-quality item for a low price. However, the strong perfume smell may not be suitable for all users, and applying too much product may cause an oily feeling. Additionally, some users may not like the texture of the thicker cream.
THE FACE SHOP Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream is a great product that is very effective on the skin. It provides great hydration and makes skin silky smooth. The cream is nicely moisturizing and has a satiny, glowy finish, which goes on incredibly smoothly over everything else as the last step in a nighttime skincare regimen. The texture is thicker and feels like a night cream, so users may have to use less than they usually do for daily moisturizer because their face tends to feel oily as the day goes on. Overall, this is a great moisturizer that smooths out skin and provides great hydration.
COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a moisturizer that can repair and hydrate your skin, then the COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer is worth considering.
Pros
- Infused with 92% snail mucin for long-lasting hydration and skin radiance.
- Repairs and soothes sensitized skin with a lightweight, gel-type cream.
- Contains snail secretion filtrate, hyaluronic acid, and betaine to strengthen the skin barrier.
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with oily skin.
- Can take some time to absorb into the skin.
- The unscented formula may not appeal to those who prefer a scented moisturizer.
This moisturizer is perfect for those who struggle with dehydrated and damaged skin. The snail mucin instantly soothes damaged skin and delivers moisture deep into your skin, leaving it feeling plump and hydrated.
The lightweight, gel-type cream is perfect for repairing and soothing irritated, sensitized skin after breakouts like rosacea. The snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine work together to strengthen the skin barrier by replenishing moisture.
What’s great about this moisturizer is that it’s formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that alleviate irritated skin. It’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, animal testing-FREE, parabens-FREE, sulfates-FREE, and phthalates-FREE.
Overall, if you’re looking for a moisturizer that can hydrate, repair, and soothe your skin, then the COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer is definitely worth considering.
AIPILER Snail Mucin Cream
We highly recommend the AIPILER Snail Mucin Cream for those looking for a deeply hydrating moisturizer that leaves the skin soft and elastic.
Pros
- The cream infuses deep moisture into the skin, ensuring enduring nourishment and hydration.
- The non-greasy formula delivers substantial hydration, leaving the skin soft and elastic.
- The Snail Mucin cream smooths out fine lines and attains a luminous allure, resulting in revitalized youthful skin.
Cons
- The texture is thick and sticky, which may not be suitable for those with oily skin.
- The cream is relatively expensive compared to other Korean facial moisturizers.
- Some users may experience a tingling sensation upon application.
This Snail Mucin Cream boasts a targeted approach to infuse deep moisture into your skin. By sealing in this moisture, the cream ensures enduring nourishment and hydration for your skin. Your dehydrated skin will rejoice in the presence of this ultimate thirst-quenching solution, renowned for its potent moisturizing prowess. Despite its non-greasy nature, 93% Advanced Snail Mucin Cream delivers substantial hydration, leaving your skin soft and elastic.
Naturally occurring on our skin, Hyaluronic Acid aids in retaining cellular moisture. AIPILER Snail Mucin Cream brings an added advantage of antioxidizing benefits and is universally compatible with all skin types. Unveil the key to smoothing out fine lines and attaining a luminous allure with this super pure and natural Snail Mucin cream. Embrace the revitalized texture of your youthful skin, as it becomes deeply hydrated from its very core.
AIPILER products are meticulously formulated with ingredients that cater to sensitive skin. They are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and proudly free from animal testing, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
In conclusion, we highly recommend the AIPILER Snail Mucin Cream for those looking for a deeply hydrating moisturizer that leaves the skin soft and elastic. The cream’s potent moisturizing prowess, antioxidizing benefits, and compatibility with all skin types make it a must-have for those looking to attain revitalized youthful skin.
PURITO Deep Sea Pure Water Cream
We highly recommend PURITO Deep Sea Pure Water Cream for those who need a lightweight moisturizer that can keep their skin hydrated and healthy-looking.
Pros
- The cream contains 60% deep ocean water, which is rich in minerals and effective in replenishing dry and dehydrated skin.
- It has a clear and gel-type texture that glides on smoothly and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and plump.
- The cream contains sodium hyaluronate, which can hold 1000 times its own weight in water, preventing moisture evaporation and restoring the skin’s adequate moisture balance.
Cons
- The cream may not be suitable for those with super dry skin, as it is very lightweight.
- The moisturizer bottle is smaller than expected.
- Some users may not like that it doesn’t have a fragrance.
In our experience, we found that the PURITO Deep Sea Pure Water Cream is a great moisturizer for those with combination skin. It doesn’t leave a greasy feeling and absorbs quickly into the skin. We also appreciate that it is ethanol-free, PEG-free, and essential-oil-free, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
The cream contains niacinamide, which helps improve uneven skin tone, strengthen the skin barrier, and diminish dullness. We noticed that our skin looked brighter and more even after using this cream for a few weeks.
Overall, we think that PURITO Deep Sea Pure Water Cream is a great option for those who need a lightweight moisturizer that can keep their skin hydrated and healthy-looking.
Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream
We highly recommend Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream for anyone with dry or combination skin. This Korean facial moisturizer is made with natural ingredients and is perfect for those who want a product that is gentle on their skin.
Pros
- The cream is highly-nutritional and deeply moisturizes the skin without leaving it greasy.
- It contains Milk Vetch root extract, which improves skin elasticity and shine.
- Pyunkang Yul has eliminated unnecessary ingredients that may cause skin irritation, and only healthy ingredients are put into the product through rigorous testing and certification.
Cons
- The texture of the cream is condensed, which may not be suitable for those with oily skin.
- Although the cream is highly-nutritional, the minimum healthy ingredients were used, which may not be enough for those with extremely dry skin.
- The jar of the cream may have a “hole” where there is no lotion.
Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream has a condensed texture that is rich in natural ingredients and is absorbed without being greasy. The cream is highly-nutritional and deeply moisturizes the skin, making it perfect for those with dry or combination skin. Milk Vetch root extract, the essential ingredient of the cream, is much more deeply absorbed into the skin and sufficiently moisturizes than purified water. Isoflavonoids, contained in the Milk Vetch root extract, improves skin elasticity and shine.
The cream is suitable for dry and mixed skin, alleviating concerns such as fragile skin, roughened skin by dead skin cells, or skin that lost its elasticity. The product has been tested and certified by Pyunkang Yul, which has eliminated unnecessary ingredients that may cause irritation of the skin. Only carefully selected healthy ingredients are put into the product through rigorous testing and certification.
In conclusion, Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream is an excellent product for anyone looking for a natural and effective Korean facial moisturizer. It is gentle on the skin and provides deep moisturization without leaving it greasy.
IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
We highly recommend purchasing the IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream for those who are looking for a lightweight, non-sticky facial moisturizer that is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Provides all-day hydration without clogging pores or feeling heavy
- Soothes and improves skin irritation with centella asiatica and tea tree extracts
- Suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, and aging skin
Cons
- May not provide enough moisture for extremely dry skin
- Some users may find the gel texture to be slightly sticky
- Scent-sensitive individuals may not appreciate the unscented formula
This moisturizer is formulated with 72% centella asiatica leaf water, along with tea tree extracts, niacinamide, and adenosine to provide deep hydration and soothe irritated skin. The lightweight gel formula is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky feeling.
We appreciate that this product is free of artificial fragrances and synthetic ingredients, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, the IUNIK brand is committed to clean beauty, formulated without 1500+ potentially harmful ingredients.
Overall, we highly recommend the IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream for those looking for a lightweight, non-sticky moisturizer that provides all-day hydration and soothes irritated skin.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Korean facial moisturizer, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the right product for your skin type. Here are some features to look for when choosing a facial moisturizer:
Skin Type
It is crucial to identify your skin type before selecting a moisturizer. Different moisturizers are formulated for different skin types, such as dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin. Knowing your skin type will help you choose a moisturizer that is tailored to your specific needs.
Ingredients
Check the ingredients list of the moisturizer to ensure that it contains ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and antioxidants. These ingredients help to hydrate, protect, and nourish the skin.
SPF
If you are looking for a daytime moisturizer, consider one that contains SPF to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Look for a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Texture
Consider the texture of the moisturizer. For oily skin, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is ideal, while dry skin requires a richer, more nourishing moisturizer. Combination skin may benefit from a gel or lotion texture.
Price
Korean facial moisturizers come in a range of prices. Consider your budget when selecting a moisturizer, but keep in mind that a higher price does not always guarantee better quality.
By considering these factors, you can select the best Korean facial moisturizer for your skin type and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated Korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, we recommend looking for Korean moisturizers that contain ingredients like tea tree oil, centella asiatica, and snail mucin. Some of the top-rated Korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin include COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion, Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel, and Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream.
Which Korean moisturizers are best for achieving glass skin?
To achieve the coveted glass skin look, it’s important to use Korean moisturizers that are lightweight and hydrating. Some of the best Korean moisturizers for achieving glass skin include Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream, Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream, and Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream.
Which Korean face moisturizers have been bestsellers in 2024?
In 2024, some of the best-selling Korean face moisturizers include the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream, and the Klairs Supple Preparation All-Over Lotion. Other popular options include the Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream and the Innisfree Jeju Orchid Enriched Cream.
