A Review of the Best and Trending Korean Face Moisturizers and Where To Buy
It’s a new year, and more than anything else, you may need to refresh your moisturizer stash with trending Korean products that other skincare enthusiasts swear by.
Written By
Adanna ObiakorPharmacist | Health, Skincare and Beauty Writer
Reviewed By
Joy EmehHuman Anatomist | Health Editor
The importance of moisturizers cannot be overemphasized. You may have a large collection of skincare products and spend a lot of money on toners, face oils and serums, but if you don’t prioritize choosing the right moisturizer, it could lead to a skin disaster.Â
A good moisturizer improves skin hydration, maintains the skin's appearance, and protects the skin from friction.
While exploring the world of moisturizers, we can’t ignore the fact that Korean skincare has been making waves due to its meticulous selection of active ingredients, which makes it stand out.Â
There are numerous Korean moisturizers with different active ingredients on the market, but certain products have gained the name “cult favorite.” Every skincare enthusiast swears by these products, and most of them are non-comedogenic (don't clog skin pores).
We've rounded up some of the best trending Korean moisturizers for 2025 below.
Round up of the best Korean moisturizers in 2025
Here’s a roundup of our top picks for the best and trending Korean moisturizers for different skin types and conditions:
- Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream
- Best for oily skin: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
- Best for combination skin: Purito Deep Sea pure water cream
- Best for sensitive skin: iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
- Best for tired/dull skin: Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule CreamÂ
- Best for dry skin: SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream
Infused with key ingredients like ceramide and niacinamide, this moisturizer promises 120 hours of hydration.
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
It contains the best of nature's emollients, absorbs quickly, and leaves the skin soft.
Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream
This moisturizer boasts of a pure formulation, is unscented, and highly hydrating.
iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
With its signature Centella Asiatica leaf extract, this moisturizer is great for acne-prone skin, rosacea, blemishes, and soothing irritation.
Medicube Deep Vita C Capsule Cream
This moisturizer comes with vitamin C, the holy grail for hyperpigmentation/dull skin. It promises to improve skin radiance by up to 34.8%.
SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
This non-comedogenic Korean moisturizer product is allergy-tested, vegan-friendly and has calming effects.
Comparison of best Korean skin moisturizers
Below is a table that compares our top picks for the best Korean moisturizers. Scroll horizontally or click the drop-down symbol on each product name to compare products of choice.
4.8 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
|---|
Overview |
|---|
Key Ingredients | Ceramide, niacinamide, cholesterol, and fatty acids | Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Squalene, Lady’s Mantle, Napiers original, and Aqua formulas | Gangwondo deep sea water, Marine Complex, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Niacinamide | 72% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, 10% Tea Tree Leaf Water, 6 Patented Fresh Buds (Broccoli sprouts, Alfalfa sprouts, Cabbage sprouts, Wheatgrass, Bok choy sprouts, Radish sprouts), Niacinamide | 50% Sea Buckthorn Extract (Vitamin Tree Water), 5% Niacinamide, Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C), Vitamin E, Q, P, Ferulic Acid | Panthenol, Madecassoside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Texture | Rich | Lightweight | Satin-like gel, lightweight | Smooth, lightweight | Dual texture (Capsule, Lightweight gel) | Smooth and thick (but not too thick) |
For skin type | Best for dry, normal, sensitive, and combination skin types | Best for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types | Great for all skin types | Good for oily, sensitive, and combination (all skin types) | Good for combination, dry, normal, oily, and sensitive skin | Ideal for dry and irritated skin |
Fragrance? | ||||||
Classification | Emollient (traps in moisture and helps soften and soothe the skin) | Emollient (traps in moisture and helps soften and soothe the skin) | Humectant (retains moisture in the skin) | Humectant (retains moisture in the skin) | Emollient (traps in moisture and helps soften and soothe the skin) | Emollient (traps in moisture and helps soften and soothe the skin) |
Hydration levels | High | High | High | High | Medium | High |
Consistency | Creamy | Gel | -- | Gel | Capsule, gel | -- |
Packaging | Tube | Plastic jar | Tube | Tube | Glass jar | Tube |
Non-comedogenic? |
4.8 | 4.6 |
|---|---|
Overview | |
Key Ingredients Ceramide, niacinamide, cholesterol, and fatty acids | Key Ingredients Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Squalene, Lady’s Mantle, Napiers original, and Aqua formulas |
Texture Rich | Texture Lightweight |
For skin type Best for dry, normal, sensitive, and combination skin types | For skin type Best for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types |
Fragrance? | Fragrance? |
Classification Emollient (traps in moisture and helps soften and soothe the skin) | Classification Emollient (traps in moisture and helps soften and soothe the skin) |
Hydration levels High | Hydration levels High |
Consistency Creamy | Consistency Gel |
Packaging Tube | Packaging Plastic jar |
Non-comedogenic? | Non-comedogenic? |
Why choose a Korean moisturizer?
There are countless moisturizers on the market, many with impressive ingredients, but Korean moisturizers have gained exceptional popularity. You may ask why. Korean brands prioritize using natural ingredients, and their ingredient list is straightforward. They specifically target skin concerns while remaining gentle on the skin.
One significant reason Korean moisturizer skincare products stand out is their emphasis on hydration. Koreans are known for their obsession with "glass skin," which is why their moisturizers and skin care products focus so much on hydration.
Ingredients to look out for in Korean moisturizers
While there are no must-have ingredients in all Korean moisturizers, here are some common beneficial ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Niacinamide
- Panthenol
- Collagen
- Ceramides
- Glycerin
- Rice Water
- Mugwort
- Centella Asiatica
- Snail Mucin
- Propolis
Things to consider when purchasing a moisturizer
If you’re new to Korean skincare, you might feel overwhelmed about where to begin. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Before purchasing a Korean moisturizer, consider the following:
1. Skin type
Before you purchase a moisturizer, understanding your skin type is crucial. If you are still confused about this aspect, here’s a quick guide:
- Normal Skin: Looks smooth, hydrated, and has minimal visible pores.
- Dry Skin: Appears dehydrated, dull, and sometimes flaky.
- Oily Skin: Looks shiny, has large visible pores, and may be acne-prone.
- Combination Skin: Typically oily in the T-zone but dry on other parts of the face.
- Sensitive Skin:Â Shows signs of redness and irritation and may react to various ingredients.
2. Budget
There are moisturizers for every budget. If you prefer high-end luxury products, there are options available. However, if you're on a budget, there are also affordable yet effective alternatives.
3. Non-comedogenic
Ensure the moisturizer is labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. This is crucial, especially for acne-prone or oily skin types.
4. Beneficial ingredients
Choose a moisturizer with ingredients that suit your skin concerns. For example, if you have dry skin, go for a formula rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
5. Fragrance-free
If you have sensitive skin, check if the product is fragrance-free. Fragrances can trigger irritation for some individuals, so it's essential to verify this on the packaging.
Final words
Having a moisturizer you can trust with your skin can make a huge difference in your routine. While many moisturizers can provide hydration, a Korean moisturizer goes beyond that. It nourishes your skin, targets your specific skin concerns, and prioritizes natural ingredients.
With the major ingredients to look out for and factors to consider before purchasing your first Korean moisturizer, you are now well-equipped to choose the best one for your skin type and needs.
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