
The Best Korean Moisturizers of 2023 Tried and Reviewed for You
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Korean women have valuable lessons to teach us about moisturizing our skin, such as the importance of using quality products, adhering to a routine, and continuously hydrating our skin, regardless of the season. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top Korean moisturizers that will promote skin health.
Incorporating Korean skincare products into your routine can be a game-changer for achieving healthy, radiant skin. By prioritizing hydration and nourishment, Korean moisturizers can help improve your skin’s texture, reduce signs of aging, and promote a more youthful complexion. Whether new to Korean skincare or a seasoned pro, these top moisturizers are a must-try. So, keep reading to discover the best Korean moisturizers for your skin type and experience the benefits of K-beauty for yourself!
Table of Contents
What does moisturizing mean?
Moisturizing is essentially about hydrating and nourishing our skin to maintain health and vitality. While we can provide our skin with nutrients through food and water, we can also use external products to ensure that it’s adequately cared for. These products help to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, soothe dryness, and protect against environmental stressors that can damage the skin. We can achieve a smooth, supple, and glowing complexion by moisturizing regularly.
What happens if you don’t use a moisturizer?
Not moisturizing our skin can have dire consequences, including collagen loss, dehydration, and the development of wrinkles due to the lack of support. Additionally, skin cells may stop reproducing, leading to what is commonly referred to as “aging skin.” Dehydrated skin also appears sickly and dry, indicating that it’s unhealthy. Since our bodies are made up of about 60% water, every part requires water to function correctly. If we don’t consume enough water, we feel tired; the same is true for our skin. Without proper nutrition and hydration, the skin can become damaged and unhealthy, ultimately leading to its demise.
What are the best Korean moisturizers to use?
Here you have a selection of the best Korean face moisturizers you can use in 2023 to keep your face hydrated and healthy.
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream
COSRX is well known for its advanced skincare products, and their hydrating cream is no exception. This cream is formulated with a high concentration of 92% snail secretion filtrate, which is rich in hyaluronic acid and works to keep the skin deeply hydrated and fight against dryness. Snail mucin is a popular ingredient in K-beauty products, as it helps to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote overall skin health. With its advanced formula, the COSRX hydrating cream is an excellent choice for those looking to achieve a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream is a beloved K-Beauty product that’s popular all over the world. This cream has a unique texture that’s more similar to a serum than a traditional cream, which allows it to be easily absorbed into the skin. The ceramidin inside the cream works to protect the skin from moisture loss and dryness, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and deeply hydrated. This cream is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin, as it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. With its powerful blend of ingredients, it’s no wonder why the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream is such a fan favorite.
Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Cream
The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream has a slightly thicker consistency but quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving any residue or clogging pores. This cream is perfect for hydrating dry skin and providing long-lasting moisture. For best results, it’s recommended to use it together with the serum from the same line. By using these products together, you can maximize the hydrating benefits of green tea and achieve a healthy, glowing complexion.
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
The Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream is a nourishing and hydrating cream that contains key ingredients like super collagen water particles and baobab oil. These ingredients work together to provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy. The super collagen water particles help to boost collagen production, while the baobab oil helps to provide additional moisture and hydration. With regular use, this cream can help to improve skin elasticity and firmness, giving you a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream
The Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream is formulated with Laneige’s proprietary ingredient, Blue Hyaluronic Acid, which has reparative properties that help to moisturize and improve the appearance of skin imperfections. It can also prevent skin irritation and redness by strengthening the skin barrier. Additionally, this cream provides long-lasting hydration that penetrates deep into the skin layers. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
Nature Republic Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel

The Nature Republic Soothing Moisture Aloe Vera Gel is formulated with an impressive 92% aloe vera leaf extract, providing a refreshing and soothing sensation to the skin while also delivering intense hydration to sensitive skin. This gel quickly dissolves into the skin, leaving it feeling fresh, healthy, and revitalized. This aloe vera gel is an excellent addition to any skincare routine, whether used as a daily moisturizer or as a cooling treatment for sunburns or other irritations.
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
This lightweight gel is formulated with a high concentration of aloe leaf juice, up to 80%, and 10% bee propolis. These two ingredients work synergistically to soothe and relieve stressed skin, moisturize the skin, and improve overall complexion. Additionally, this gel can help to fade acne scars over time, leaving your skin looking brighter and more even-toned. With its powerful combination of natural ingredients, this gel is an excellent option for those looking to achieve healthier, more radiant skin.
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop
The Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop is a daily serum that’s safe and non-irritating. This product uses the power of Vitamin C to energize and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy. This serum contains a high concentration of Vitamin C and other key ingredients from nature, which provide plenty of moisture and nutrition for the skin. By using this serum regularly, you can achieve a more radiant complexion and nourish your skin for long-term health.
Read Also: Best Klairs Products
iUNIK – Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream
The iUNIK Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream is a moisturizer that provides deep hydration for dry skin and improves the skin barrier function. It contains beta-glucan, centella asiatica extracts, and red fruits complexes that work together to nourish and hydrate the skin. This cream is gentle enough for daily use in the morning and evening, and it absorbs deeply into the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy feeling. Additionally, it doesn’t clog pores, making it an excellent choice for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
A’PIEU – Glycolic Acid Cream
The A’PIEU Glycolic Acid Cream is an ideal product for your skincare routine in the evening. It contains 3% AHA (glycolic acid), 0.45% BHA (salicylic acid), and 30% birch extract. This powerful combination of ingredients removes dead skin cells, improves wrinkles’ appearance, and effectively moisturizes the skin. By gently exfoliating the skin and increasing cell turnover, this cream can help to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Mamonde Ceramide Light Cream
The Mamonde Ceramide Light Cream is a lightweight, long-lasting moisturizer that prevents moisture from escaping the skin while shielding it from harmful irritants and fine dust particles. It’s perfect for daily use as a protective layer before heading out in the morning, particularly for individuals residing in urban areas. This cream is also available as the Mamonde Floral Moisture Cream, offering the same benefits in a different packaging.
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream
The Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream is a dermatologically tested product that effectively moisturizes and locks in moisture. It has soothing properties that help to calm irritated skin while regulating sebum production. Unlike some moisturizers, this cream does not clog pores or cause breakouts or skin irritation. It’s formulated with minimal ingredients to minimize the likelihood of skin troubles, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
SOME BY MI – AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream
The Miracle cream aims to enhance the skin’s barrier function and promote skin brightening. This cream is enriched with a high concentration of pennywort extract and 4-Cicacare, which work together to strengthen the skin’s barrier and improve overall skin health. Adenosine is also included in the formula to provide wrinkle-improving benefits, while niacinamide helps to brighten the skin. What’s more, this product is free of 20 types of artificial ingredients and has been dermatologically tested for use on sensitive skin.
What is a moisturizer used for?
Healthy skin is akin to porcelain, appearing clean and unclogged. Our skin can reveal a lot about us, and our face glows with radiance when it’s in good health. This means that we may not need to use a lot of makeup to cover up imperfections, and any makeup we use will last longer and allow us to experiment with colors and styles.
Moisturizers play a vital role in achieving this flawless look by nourishing and hydrating the skin. They help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and ensuring it looks plump and radiant. By incorporating moisturizers into our skincare routine, we can achieve a healthy and youthful complexion that doesn’t require much makeup to enhance its natural beauty.
How to find the right skin moisturizer?
Numerous beauty products are available to help us achieve healthy and moisturized skin, each with unique features. However, when selecting a good moisturizer, there are certain things to consider.
Firstly, it’s crucial to check the INCI, also known as the “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.” The INCI lists the product’s primary ingredients and allows consumers to determine whether the product is all-natural, contains silicone, or includes any off-limits ingredients. A high-quality moisturizer should be oil-free, non-comedogenic to avoid pore-clogging, tested for allergies and dermatologist-approved.
Moreover, it’s always essential to consider the consistency of the moisturizer. A good moisturizer typically has a lightweight texture and isn’t too oily or dense. It’s often a gel or a viscous mix that’s easy to apply and never sticky. This is essential because our skin needs to be adequately hydrated, and at the same time, we must avoid clogging our pores. It’s also not uncommon to come across water-based moisturizers, which are perfect for summertime use, but their lightweight texture makes them suitable for winter use as well.
How can I keep my skin healthy?
Achieving good skin requires more than just using creams and moisturizers. A healthy lifestyle is also essential. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugary treats, and consuming a balanced diet of vegetables and proteins all contribute to great skin. Patience is also key when it comes to skincare – results may not be immediate, but sticking to a routine and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will yield long-term benefits. Introduce these steps into your daily routine:
- Drink more water
- Always use mild soaps and detergents
- Wear sunscreen when outdoors
- Apply lip balm regularly
What makes Korean moisturizers different from other moisturizers?
Korean moisturizers often contain unique ingredients, such as snail mucin, bee venom, and green tea extract, which have been shown to provide exceptional hydration and nourishment for the skin. Additionally, Korean skincare strongly emphasizes hydration and maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which sets it apart from other skincare traditions. Many Korean moisturizers are formulated to absorb deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration and promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
Can Korean moisturizers help with anti-aging and reducing fine lines and wrinkles?
Many Korean moisturizers are formulated with powerful anti-aging ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, and collagen, which have been shown to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, Korean skincare routines often include steps that focus on promoting skin elasticity and firmness, which can also help to minimize the signs of aging. By incorporating a Korean moisturizer into your skincare routine, you may be able to achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion over time.
How often should I use a Korean moisturizer, and at what point in my skincare routine?
It’s recommended to use a Korean moisturizer twice daily, in the morning and at night, after cleansing and applying toners or essences. In the morning, apply your moisturizer before applying sunscreen or makeup, and at night, apply your moisturizer as the final step in your skincare routine. However, depending on your skin type and the specific moisturizer you’re using, you may need to adjust the frequency or timing of your application. For best results, follow the instructions on the product label and pay attention to how your skin responds to the moisturizer.
Are Korean moisturizers made with natural ingredients, and are they safe for sensitive skin?
The majority of Korean moisturizers (and the ones recommended in this article) are formulated with powerful anti-aging ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, and collagen, which have been shown to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, Korean skincare routines often include steps that focus on promoting skin elasticity and firmness, which can also help to minimize the signs of aging. By incorporating a Korean moisturizer into your skincare routine, you may be able to achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion over time.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through a link.