11 Best Korean Moisturizers, Tested & Reviewed for 2024
<p>In other words, no matter who you are and what your skin craves, there’s a Korean-made moisturizer you’re bound to fall for. After consulting experts, testing dozens of formulas ourselves, and perusing customer reviews, we’ve compiled the 11 best Korean moisturizers here for your convenience. Light, gel-like formulas? Check. Thick, moisture barrier-supporting options? Of course! Pick one from the list below—your skin will be ever so grateful.</p>”/>
Pros
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for very oily skin
According to Ferreira, this Korean moisturizer “gives the aqua jelly skin effect. It cools, hydrates and plumps in just 10 seconds,” she says. You can use it night and day for a burst of moisture, which comes from ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and squalane.
Key ingredients: Panthenol, peptides, ceramides, squalane
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Belif’s products have never done me wrong. When I want something hydrating that plays well with skin care and makeup products, this moisturizer is a no-brainer. I know that it won’t irritate my sensitive skin, and it just leaves my face feeling soft and nourished.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
2
Best Investment
Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Cream
Pros
- Helps with skin texture
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Hidden inside this elegant jar is a sophisticated formula that harnesses the power of the ginseng berry, the precious fruit of the ginseng tree. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and lines become more pronounced, but this formula firms and smooths to counteract those effects of time.
Key ingredient: Ginseng berry
Size: 2.02 fl. oz.
Sulwhasoo rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I took a long weekend in an alpine mountain town and had dry skin for the first time. My lips were peeling, but thanks to this, my skin was as bouncy and moisturized as ever. It has a nice gel-cream texture, so it feels light but it actually packs a hydrating punch. I like that it contains vitamin C, which offers great antioxidant protection, too.” —Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
3
Best Brightening
Then I Met You Bong² Bounce Cream
Pros
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
Then I Met You derived the brightening vitamin C in this formula from Hallbong, a sweet orange from Jeju Island, South Korea. The soft, airy formula has been dubbed a “barrier cream” for its ability to support and protect the skin barrier.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ceramides, squalane, omega fatty acids
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Soko Glam rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’m lucky enough to have tried a lot of fancy moisturizers for work, and this one really stood out to me for its super silky texture. The formula doesn’t feel thick or cloying, but feels and looks exactly like what a fancy lady would have on their vanity.” —Kathleen Hou
4
Best with Snail Mucin
COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Can feel a bit sticky
Dr. Chang recommends this one for dry and irritated skin. “It’s formulated with snail secretion filtrate, which studies show may help with skin repair and hydration, as well as panthenol to moisturize and soothe the skin,” she says. If you haven’t tried snail mucin yet, be prepared to be wowed by its healing powers.
Key ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, betaine
Size: 7.05 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “If there is one thing that is true about me, it’s that I go through moisturizers like water. Having very dry skin, a hydrating cream that gives me a healthy, dewy glow is a must. This moisturizer has a slimy gel-like feel that applies smoothly to the skin without feeling sticky. I notice a glass skin look throughout my day whenever I use this, and my skin feels comfortable and hydrated.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, ELLE beauty assistant
5
Best with Ceramides
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream
Pros
- Provides instant relief for dry skin
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
This moisturizer contains two powerful, moisture-encouraging ingredients: ceramides and panthenol. The former helps your skin retain moisture, while the latter is an emollient that both hydrates and soothes the skin.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My skin has been sensitive since I was a teenager, and it’s been known to throw temper tantrums in the form of rosacea flare-ups and acne. One of the few moisturizers that have been able to tame my skin’s wild ways is this Dr. Jart+ star, which was my first introduction to the healing and moisturizing powers of ceramides.” —Carol Lee
6
Best Soothing
Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream
Pros
- Non-comodogenic
Cons
- May not be suitable for very oily skin
Aestura has sold millions of this formula, and one is purchased every 20 seconds. “It contains a blend of a powerful combination of hydrating ingredients, including ceramide, glycerin, cholesterol and fatty acids, to help replenish the skin and provide long-lasting moisture,” shares Dr. Chang.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids
Size: 2.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve hit pan on a bunch of moisturizers and never batted an eye—tears welled in my eyes when I reached the bend-and-squeeze-out-every-last-drop portion of my journey with this Aestura barrier cream. I am obsessed with retinol, which means my skin needs to be primed and protected more than usual to prevent any irritation or damage to its barrier. This cream is basically a soothing hug for stressed, irritated skin; whenever I over-exfoliate—we’ve all been there, especially those troubled with acne-prone skin—I smooth this over my face and go to sleep knowing my skin will be calmed by the morning.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
7
Best for the Skin Barrier
Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
After a long day outside battling the elements, your skin will appreciate the embrace of a calming, moisture-rich moisturizer like this one. “The SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is a highly nourishing cream that contains shea butter, glycerin, sunflower seed oil, and panthenol to hydrate and repair the skin barrier,” says Dr. Chang. Another notable ingredient is Centella Asiatica, which fights inflammation.
Key ingredients: Panthenol, madecassoside
Size: 2.02 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is a game-changer for sensitive skin. Its minimalist formula soothes and hydrates effectively without irritation. The texture is lightweight yet deeply nourishing, leaving a non-greasy finish ideal for both day and night use. I noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s moisture levels and resilience after consistent use. The absence of unnecessary additives makes it perfect for sensitive and reactive skin types. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for anyone seeking a gentle yet potent moisturizer that truly cares for skin health.”
8
Best for Face and Body
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Pros
- Non-greasy finish
Cons
- May be too thick for acne-prone skin
The oft-mentioned skin barrier keeps moisture in and environmental pollutants and other unwanted invaders out. This Korean moisturizer is designed to strengthen your barrier’s defenses. It’s gentle enough to use on your face and body, and you can slather it on babies, too.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids
Size: 6.76 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have pretty dry skin, and this product keeps my face moisturized for the entire day. Even when I’m in cold rooms for a long time, my face continues to feel moisturized, and I absolutely love that. It doesn’t leave my face sticky, and the thickness is very good. It also doesn’t have a scent, which I like.”
9
Best for Oily Skin
Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike jar packaging
You may have grown up concocting DIY oat face masks in your kitchen, and this moisturizer is a grown-up, everyday version of that treatment. The oats in the formula soothe any irritation, while ingredients like squalane bestow just the right amount of moisture for oily to normal skin.
Key ingredients: Oats, trehalose, squalane
Size: 2.71 oz.
Krave Beauty rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Krave Beauty reviewer says: “The perfect lightweight moisturizer for summer, especially if you have oily skin. This is one of the first skincare products I ever purchased, and I find myself coming back again and again.”
10
Best for Dry Skin
O Hui Miracle Moisture Ceramide Boosting Cream
Pros
- Light, pleasant scent
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
Although it feels lightweight on the skin, this moisturizer provides long-lasting moisture you can feel well after you’ve applied it. According to Ferreira, the formula boosts “skin’s moisturization by 161 percent immediately,” she says.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, shea butter
Size: 2.03 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I am 39 years old [and] have dry skin as well as some fine lines. I absolutely love this cream—it makes your skin so soft and plump. A little goes a long way.”
11
Best Anti-Aging
IOPE Super Vital Cream Rich
Pros
- Provides visible results
Cons
- Some may dislike strong scent
The antioxidant-rich formula defends against free radicals, which can cause premature signs of aging, while also revitalizing the skin. Brightening and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines are just two of the many skills this cream has up its sleeve.
Key ingredients: Pinus pamila extract, bayberry extract
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “A friend of mine bought this first, and was so in love with it, she bought a bottle for me. Before I ran out, I bought another one. I’ve used all the top-end moisturizers. And none compare to this. I promise you will see a difference in tone and tightness in about two weeks.”
Meet the Experts
How should you apply moisturizer?
Applying moisturizer correctly can ensure your skin stays maximally hydrated,” says Dr. Chang. According to our experts, you should always clean your face first. Then, go in with any toners, serums, or other products you use daily. “Apply a dime to nickel-size amount of moisturizer to your face (depending on face size and type). Apply and massage the moisturizer gently in circular motions. Do not forget to apply moisturizer to your neck and chest,” adds Dr. Chang. Always remember: “Moisturization should be the second to last step of your skin regimen – last being sunscreen!” Ferreira emphasizes.
What skin types should use moisturizer?
At the end of the day, all skin types need moisturizer, even if your skin is so oily that you feel like it doesn’t need extra hydration. “Oily skin types should use lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers that provide hydration without clogging the pores. Lotions or gels are preferable over thicker creams,” says Dr. Chang. Meanwhile, those with dry skin will probably be happier with something that’s creamier, rich, and intensely moisturizing. “Look for a mixture of hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, ceramides, and petroleum jelly,” she explains. Additionally, sensitive skin requires more gentle, soothing formulas that are hypoallergenic and don’t contain fragrance that’ll exacerbate any flare-ups.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted Korean skin care experts to learn about the best Korean moisturizers. She also read through countless customer reviews and evaluated each product on their features.
Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
link
