10 Best Korean Face Moisturizers for Summer 2024

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As we enter the sweltering summer heat, your skin yearns for a hydrating, light moisturiser. This season demands special attention to your skin as the harsh sun can easily dehydrate it, making a good moisturizer essential. Korean beauty products, or K-beauty, are globally recognized for their unique formulations that deeply hydrate without adding greasiness, making them perfect for summer use. But with the abundance of options, how do you pick the best one?

As someone with extensive knowledge of K-beauty and its nuances, I have independently tried and tested many products, meticulously identifying the top Korean moisturizers for summer. So, let’s delve into this skincare exploration, where I’ll share the gems I’ve discovered on my journey.

And if you want to unlock the secrets of summer skin hydration and discover the best Korean moisturizers for this sunny season, read my comprehensive guide to Korean skincare for summer.

What Is The Top Korean Moisturizer For Summer?

I recommend 9 products suitable for the summer 2024 in this guide. My special pick is this:

9 Best Korean Face Moisturizers to Use in Summer

Summer calls for lightweight, refreshing, and effective moisturizers to keep our skin hydrated and glowing under the sun’s relentless rays. Korean skincare has long been celebrated for its innovative formulations and ability to address various skin concerns. When it comes to face moisturizers, Korean brands have mastered the art of creating products specifically tailored for the summer season. These moisturizers are designed to provide optimal hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin, making them perfect for hot and humid climates. Discover the best Korean face moisturizers to elevate your summer 2024 skincare routine and achieve a radiant, nourished complexion.

1. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream

Experience a wave of deep hydration with the Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Cream. This smooth, nourishing cream is an antidote for dry, dull skin, locking in moisture to provide immediate and profound moisturization. From the first application, your skin will feel supple, smooth, and intensely moisturized.

What sets the Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Cream apart is its unique formulation. It features the Ceramidin™ Complex, a proprietary blend of ceramides developed by Dr.Jart+. This fusion of derma-friendly ingredients bolsters your skin’s moisture barrier, helping it fend off moisture loss and maintain optimal hydration levels.

Using this cream is a simple addition to your daily skincare routine. Apply it evenly to dry skin as needed, morning and night, after cleansing. Warm the cream with your hands before applying to maximize absorption; re-apply a thin layer of the cream for areas that require extra attention.

The Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Cream works wonderfully as a makeup base, creating a smooth canvas for flawless makeup application. To amplify the hydrating benefits of this cream, incorporate other products from the Ceramidin™ collection into your routine. These derma care products are designed to work synergistically, providing your skin with comprehensive, round-the-clock moisturization.

Embrace the Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin™ Cream and experience a transformative hydration journey that leaves your skin feeling revitalized, radiant, and deeply moisturized.

2. Cosxr Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream

The Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream Moisturizer is a unique, transformative skincare solution packed with 92% snail mucin, a potent ingredient known for its skin-nourishing properties. As an all-in-one cream, it takes multi-tasking to the next level by repairing, soothing, and nourishing irritated, sensitized skin. This cream’s rich, gel-like consistency allows it to glide onto the skin effortlessly, sinking in immediately to deliver an intense burst of nourishment. Yet, despite its rich formulation, it leaves your skin feeling fresh and comfortable.

This cream offers many benefits, making it a versatile addition to your skincare regimen. It not only nourishes and plumps up the skin but also exhibits anti-ageing properties, helping to mitigate the signs of aging and leaving you with a youthful glow. As a reparative skincare solution, it mends damaged skin and promotes the healing of scars and dark spots. Plus, it offers long-lasting hydration, making it an excellent choice for dehydrated skin.

It targets various skin concerns, making it suitable for individuals battling red, irritated skin or those dealing with a dull and rough complexion. It also effectively diminishes the appearance of dark spots and scars, and provides deep hydration to quench dehydrated skin. Incorporate the Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream Moisturizer into your daily routine and witness the transformative power of snail mucin for a healthy, radiant complexion.

3. Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion

Designed specifically for oily and combination skin types, the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion is a skincare staple that can effortlessly fit into your daily routine. This all-day and all-night moisturizer provides instant nourishment, revitalizing your skin with essential nutrients.

The brilliance of this lotion lies in its lightweight, non-greasy consistency. Unlike heavier moisturizers that might leave an oily residue, this lotion is formulated to penetrate deeply into your skin, calming irritation and delivering an intense burst of hydration. This means your skin stays fresh, soft, and smooth, without any uncomfortable stickiness or greasiness.

One of the distinguishing features of the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion is its high concentration of natural willow bark water, also known as birch sap. This ingredient, making up 70% of the formula, is celebrated for its remarkable effectiveness in restoring moisture and maintaining the skin’s hydration levels. The result is deeply hydrated skin that retains its moisture balance, keeping oiliness and dryness at bay.

Additionally, this lotion replenishes your skin with necessary antioxidants and vitamins, providing additional protection against environmental stressors. The outcome is a complexion that looks refreshed, vibrant, and radiant.

Incorporate the COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion into your skincare regimen and experience the transformation. Here’s to nourished skin, balanced, soft, and beautifully hydrated.

4. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream

Experience the ultimate hydration therapy with the LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer. This lush cream is a testament to the power of deep hydration and nourishment, transforming your skin with each application. As a brand, LANEIGE’s reputation for quality and effectiveness is further solidified by this cream, with over 13 million jars sold.

The cream’s hallmark feature is its ability to deliver effective, long-lasting hydration that replenishes and revitalises your skin. This is due to the potent combination of ingredients that harmonise to nourish the skin deeply and restore its moisture barrier. The result is visibly firmer skin that radiates health and vitality.

But the LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer goes beyond simple hydration. It’s an effective remedy for temporary redness caused by external irritants, and it also targets flakiness induced by dryness, offering soothing relief and restoring your skin’s natural smoothness.

Applying this cream is an effortless addition to your skincare routine. After cleansing, toning, and applying your serum, apply the cream evenly on your face in the morning and at night. The cream absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling comfortable and intensely moisturized.

Despite its effectiveness, the cream is gentle on the skin. Its mild formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin, ensuring everyone can experience the nourishing and hydrating benefits of the LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer. Unleash the power of profound hydration with this exceptional moisturizer and watch your skin transform into a picture of health.

5. Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream

Harvested from the rich soils of Jeju Island, South Korea, the Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream is a revelation in skincare. This powerful moisturizer is tailored for dry and damaged skin, packed with a high concentration of antioxidants that invigorate and revitalize the skin.

The cream’s remarkable properties don’t just end at hydration. It actively works to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and brighten the overall skin tone, tackling several skin concerns simultaneously. The result is visibly younger-looking, brighter, and firmer skin.

The potency of this cream is credited to Orchidelixir 2.0™, a proprietary blend of power-packed ingredients. This complex combines the skin-illuminating properties of Niacinamide, the deep moisturizing effect of Hyaluronic Acid, and the protective power of antioxidants. Together, these elements work synergistically to brighten, hydrate, and mitigate the early signs of aging.

This Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream is a rich moisturizer that goes beyond hydrating. It actively nourishes the skin and enhances its firmness, elasticity, and tone, leading to a comprehensive transformation of your skin’s health and appearance.

The cream is ideally suited for use as the final step of your skincare routine. To apply, spread it all over your face and neck in the morning and at night. Gently press the cream into your skin to aid absorption. This routine will leave your skin feeling nourished, vibrant, and beautifully radiant. A jar of Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream is your ticket to a transformative skincare journey.

6. Nature Republic Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel

Introducing the Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel, one of the most acclaimed and adored products to date. With its enduring popularity among customers worldwide, this product has cemented its status as a beloved staple in many skincare routines. The rave reviews and longstanding love for this product testify to its exceptional effectiveness and gentle formulation.

At the heart of this soothing gel is a generous concentration of California Aloe leaves extract—comprising 92% of the total formula. These aloe leaves are nurtured under the strong Californian sunshine, leading to the highest concentration of nutrients and making the gel a powerhouse of skin benefits.

One of the remarkable properties of this gel is its hydration potential—it contains hydration four times higher than water. This means it can quench your skin’s thirst more effectively than water-based products, resulting in deeply hydrated, smooth, and supple skin.

Nature Republic’s Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel has been carefully formulated to offer refreshing relief and intense moisturizing effects to sensitive skin. Its light formula ensures rapid absorption, melting into the skin and delivering a burst of hydration without any residual stickiness or greasiness.

Upon application, the gel leaves your skin feeling fresh, healthy and rejuvenated. Experience the power of 92% aloe vera leaf extract and transform your skincare routine with the Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel. It’s not just a product—it’s a skincare revelation that will enhance your skin’s health and beauty.

7. TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Moisture Cream

Embrace the power of antioxidants with TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Moisture Cream exceptional gel-based cream designed to provide intense hydration without leaving a sticky residue or weighing heavily on your skin. Infused with a wealth of antioxidants, this cream is a shield for your skin, combating free radicals and promoting overall skin health.

The beauty of this cream lies in its capacity to soothe and hydrate simultaneously. Whether your skin feels parched, or irritated, or just needs a pick-me-up, this cream answers the call. It creates a thin hydrating layer on the skin, locking in moisture and ensuring your skin stays hydrated for extended periods. The result is skin that feels soft, supple, and wonderfully hydrated.

Living up to its “Chok Chok” moniker – a Korean term meaning “wet” or “moist” – this watery cream delivers a surge of lightweight hydration that your skin will love. It’s not just the gel texture that stands out; this cream is crafted from fermented green tea extract, an ingredient known for its potent nourishing benefits. With each application, this double-action benefit means your skin gets a two-fold hydration and nourishment boost.

The cream’s gel texture is designed to sink quickly into the skin, avoiding any residue or uncomfortable heaviness. The result? Instant hydration that leaves your skin feeling soft, supple, and oh-so-touchable. Embrace the “Chok Chok” philosophy with this cream, and treat your skin to the hydration it truly deserves.

8. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream 

ETUDE’s Moistfull Collagen Cream is an innovative skincare solution that imparts your skin a bouncy and dewy glow. It leverages the power of Super Collagen Water, a potent elixir with a concentration of 653,800ppm of small-sized collagen particles. This high-potency collagen formulation ensures that your skin remains adequately hydrated, resulting in a texture that is not just moist but also bouncy and dewy.

One of the unique attributes of this skincare cream is its incorporation of the super plant, Lupinus Albus. Known to flourish even in barren soil, this plant is a protein-powerhouse. When used in the cream, this protein transforms dull, dry skin into a vibrant, moist canvas, replenishing your skin’s hydration levels and overall health.

ETUDE’s Moistfull Collagen Cream showcases a perfect 2-in-1 action for your skin. On the one hand, the Super Collagen Water delivers deep hydration that penetrates the skin layers to make it bouncy and dewy. On the other hand, White Lupin, rich in seed-derived protein, keeps your skin moisturized. This dual-action formula ensures your skin is hydrated from the inside out, maintaining an enviable suppleness and youthful glow.

In summary, ETUDE’s Moistfull Collagen Cream is an extraordinary fusion of advanced technology and nature’s best-kept secrets. It offers a comprehensive skincare solution that moisturises and enhances your skin’s natural elasticity, leaving you with a visage that is bouncy, dewy, and moist to touch.

9. Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

Benton’s Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is a potent, lightweight skincare solution for skin revitalization. With an impressive composition of 80% aloe leaf juice and 10% bee propolis, this gel emerges as a holistic treatment to soothe, relieve, and moisturize stressed skin. Its capacity to brighten the complexion and help fade acne scars makes it an invaluable asset to your skincare routine.

The central ingredients, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and Extract lend their time-tested, soothing properties to this innovative gel. These ingredients work in synergy with bee propolis, a natural compound known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, they offer an instant calming effect to irritated skin while offering nourishment that penetrates deep into your skin layers.

Furthermore, Benton’s face gel is bolstered with Grapefruit Fruit Extract along with other botanical ingredients. These plant-derived nutrients are crucial in countering oxidative stress and creating a protective shield against harmful external stimuli. The result is vibrant, resilient skin not easily swayed by environmental stressors.

One of the most notable features of the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is its ability to mitigate skin troubles effectively. The gel restores your skin’s natural equilibrium, soothing irritation and replenishing moisture, paving the way for healthier skin.

Despite its potency, the gel is surprisingly lightweight and is instantly absorbed into the skin. This enables it to get to work immediately, calming stressed skin and initiating the healing and rejuvenating process.

Finally, the blend of botanical-derived nutrients in this hydrating face cream doesn’t just help soothe and nourish; they also help reverse signs of aging. By encouraging cell regeneration and skin elasticity, Benton’s Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel contributes to a younger-looking, supple skin, making it a powerhouse addition to your skincare regime.

10. Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb

Belif’s The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a potent, nurturing skincare solution meticulously designed for intense hydration. This comforting moisturizing cream is a reservoir of nourishment that enriches the skin, imparting a supple and smooth texture. Its formula is concentrated, resulting in deep skin nourishment and extended moisturization that lasts, ensuring your skin stays soft and plump longer than ever.

At the heart of this cream is the Comfrey Leaf, a historically recognized ultra-moisturizing herb renowned for its healing properties. Once used to treat dry, calloused hands, the Comfrey Leaf in this cream delivers a blast of moisturization, reviving your skin from dryness and dullness.

The formula also boasts Oat Extract, a natural ingredient packed with skin-soothing properties. This extract calms the skin, reduces irritation, and imparts a soothing, calming effect, making it a perfect match for sensitive or irritated skin.

Panthenol, another key component of The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb, enhances the skin’s ability to attract and retain moisture. Known to improve the look and feel of the skin, Panthenol keeps your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing for an extended period.

What’s a moisturizer?

A moisturizer is a skin care product that hydrates and nourishes the skin. It is typically a cream, lotion, gel, or oil applied topically to the face or body. Moisturizers help replenish and retain skin moisture, preventing dryness, flakiness, and dullness. They often contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives that work together to attract moisture, seal it into the skin, and create a protective barrier. Moisturizers are essential to a skincare routine, helping keep the skin hydrated, smooth, and supple.

Why is a moisturizer important in summer?

A moisturizer is important during the summer for several reasons. Firstly, the hot weather and increased sun exposure can lead to dehydration and skin moisture loss. A moisturizer helps replenish and lock in hydration, preventing dryness and nourishing skin. Secondly, excessive sun exposure can damage the skin’s moisture barrier, increasing water loss and potential sensitivity. A moisturizer helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors and maintaining its overall health. Some moisturisers are also sunscreens and contain ingredients like SPF to provide sun protection and prevent sunburn.

What’s the difference between summer and winter moisturizer?

The main difference between summer and winter moisturizers lies in their formulation and the skin’s specific needs during each season.

Summer moisturizers are typically lightweight and have a more gel-like or lotion consistency. They are designed to provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. Summer moisturizers often have a higher water content and may contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which help to provide a refreshing and cooling sensation. These moisturizers focus on balancing oil production, controlling shine, and providing essential hydration to combat the effects of heat and humidity.

On the other hand, winter moisturizers are generally richer and thicker in texture to combat the season’s cold, dry air and harsh elements. They contain more occlusive ingredients such as shea butter or oils to create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing intense hydration. Winter moisturizers often focus on repairing and soothing the skin, addressing issues like dryness, flakiness, and irritation that can occur during colder months.

The choice of moisturizer depends on individual skin type and preferences. Adjusting your skincare routine and selecting a moisturizer that suits your skin’s specific needs during each season to keep it healthy, nourished, and balanced throughout the year is important.

What are the key ingredients to look for in a Korean moisturizer for summer?

When choosing a Korean moisturizer for summer, look for key ingredients that provide lightweight hydration and address specific summer skincare needs. Here are some important ingredients to consider:

1. Hyaluronic Acid: This powerhouse ingredient attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing hydration without heaviness.
2. Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and cooling properties, aloe vera helps calm and hydrate the skin, making it ideal for soothing sun-exposed skin.
3. Green Tea Extract: Packed with antioxidants, green tea extract helps protect the skin from environmental damage and provides gentle hydration.
4. Niacinamide: This ingredient helps regulate oil production, refine pores, and improve skin texture, making it beneficial for oily or combination skin during the summer.
5. Centella Asiatica: Also known as Cica, this ingredient has soothing and healing properties, making it great for calming any summer-induced skin irritation or redness.
6. Lightweight Oils: Look for lightweight oils like jojoba, rosehip, or squalane, which provide hydration and nourishment without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.
7. Ceramides: These lipids help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing moisture loss and maintaining hydration levels.
8. Watermelon Extract: Known for its high water content, watermelon extract delivers refreshing hydration and can help cool down the skin during hot summer days.

Consider your skin type and concerns when selecting a Korean moisturizer for summer. Opting for products with these key ingredients can help keep your skin hydrated, balanced, and protected during summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I use a moisturizer in the summer?

It is generally recommended to use a moisturizer twice daily, in the morning and evening, as part of your skincare routine. However, the frequency can vary depending on your skin type and individual needs.

2. Can I use the same moisturizer for both day and night?

Many moisturizers are designed for use both during the day and at night. However, some moisturizers may have specific formulations for day or night use, so it’s best to check the product instructions for guidance.

3. What is the right amount of moisturizer to use?

The amount of moisturizer to use depends on your skin’s hydration needs. Generally, a pea-sized amount is sufficient for the face, but you can adjust the amount based on your skin’s requirements. It’s better to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase if needed.

4. Can moisturizers be used on oily or acne-prone skin?

There are Korean moisturizers specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin. Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog pores. These moisturizers can help balance oil production and provide lightweight hydration without exacerbating breakouts.

Can Korean moisturizers help with anti-ageing?

Korean moisturizers can contribute to anti-ageing skincare by hydrating the skin and improving its overall appearance. Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants, and retinol, which can help target signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Should I still use a moisturizer if I have oily skin?

Oily skin can still benefit from moisturization. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that provide hydration without adding excess oil. Skipping moisturizer can increase oil production as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of hydration.