The Best Korean Moisturizers for Dry Skin (I tried them ALL)

Korean Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Over the past several months, I have tried over a dozen Korean moisturizers for dry skin.

My K-beauty obsession wasn’t intentional. I was gathering a round of my favorite overall products—the serums, toners, and moisturizers that made my skin glow. 

I noticed that a good handful were Korean skincare brands, and I went down a rabbit hole.

What about these Korean skincare brands, especially the moisturizers, made my skin glow like no other? 

I had to find out and try them all!

I was apprehensive to deviate from my regular medical-grade skincare routine. But, some of these will now be a regular in my skincare routine because my skin looks and feels so good.

Below, I share the best Korean moisturizers for dry skin (and those that were NOT worth it). 

First: Understanding Dry Skin

Dry skin is usually caused by a lack of moisture or lipid content in the top layer of the skin.

This can be due to various factors, including cold or hot weather, low humidity, aging, stress, or harsh soaps that strip the skin’s natural oils.

Dry skin is uncomfortable and can increase the look of dullness and fine lines. Not what we want. 

Moisturizers are essential in skincare routines, but finding the right one for dry skin that effectively keeps your skin hydrated can be difficult.

Using a good moisturizer designed for dry skin can help by:

  • Sealing in moisture: A good moisturizer can prevent water loss and keep your skin hydrated by forming a protective layer over the skin. In turn, this will help premature aging too!
  • Restoring lipids: Moisturizers with the right ingredients can help fortify the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and making your skin feel softer and smoother.
  • Giving you better-looking skin: A good moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid will plump your skin and reduce the look of fine lines.

What’s So Unique About Korean Skincare?

K-beauty has become popular worldwide due to its innovative formulas and multi-step routines with innovative ingredients like snail mucin, ginseng, and fermented extracts.

This approach aims to holistically address diverse skin concerns. With an emphasis on gentle formulations and the pursuit of “glass skin,”

And by glass skin, I mean that dewy effortless glow we’re all looking for.

Korean skincare uniquely combines tradition and innovation for radiant and healthy skin.

Many of the formulas I tried were lightweight but hydrating, and a good handful of them had a jelly or slippery texture, which was a bit different than my standard products.

Common Ingredients in Korean Moisturizers

When it comes to key ingredients, Korean skincare usually adopts a gentler approach focusing on natural, calming components, which can be incredibly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Here are some common ingredients found in Korean moisturizers:

  • Ceramides: Essential for repairing the skin’s natural moisture barrier, ceramides prevent water loss by mimicking the skin’s natural moisturizing systems.
  • Glycerin: A classic humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
  • Squalane: Squalane, a lightweight and non-comedogenic oil, deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without clogging pores.
  • Snail Mucin: It might sound unconventional, but this ingredient is famous for repairing damaged skin and maintaining moisture levels. 
  • Panthenol: Panthenol, or provitamin B5, acts as a skin conditioning agent, offering soothing and moisturizing benefits to enhance skin barrier function.
  • Extracts: Ingredients like green tea and ginseng root are known for their ability to hydrate and soothe the skin.

Korean Moisturizer Formulas 

Korean moisturizer formulas can be categorized into creams, emulsions, and gels.

Creams are usually the thickest and give the most long-lasting hydration, making them perfect for dry or aging skin.

They have a rich texture from nourishing ingredients like ceramides and natural oils.

Emulsions have a lighter consistency and are usually water-based. They’re great for combination to oily skin types because they provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Emulsions often have a mix of hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and plant extracts.

Lastly, gels have a super light, almost watery texture. I noticed a lot of gels in the Korean skincare product lines. Gels often have soothing ingredients like aloe vera or Centella Asiatica.

They get absorbed quickly and don’t leave any residue, which is perfect for those with combination or acne-prone skin.

And remember: Korean skincare lovers love to layer products! For example, I tested a few “overnight masks,” which are meant to be the last step and go OVER your moisturizer.

Sometimes, I would layer, and other times, I would use them independently. 

My Testing Process When Looking for the Best Korean Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Korean Moisturizers for Acne Prone Skin

Over several months, I tested a ton of popular Korean moisturizers, taking note of their texture, scent, absorption, and long-term hydrating effects.

I tried each product in the morning, evening, and before my makeup routine too.

Here’s my criteria for the ideal moisturizer to make it into my skincare routine:

  1. Hydrates well, meaning my skin feels plump, hydrated, and soft throughout the day. I don’t like tightness at all! 
  2. It has clinically proven ingredients to help the skin. I researched the efficacy of the main ingredients to ensure it wasn’t just a skincare trend. 
  3. Fragrance-free or pleasant, subtle fragrance. Fragrance-free is best, but I’m okay with a little fragrance – it doesn’t bother me or my skin. I DO NOT like heavy fragrance, though. 

For reference, I’m 40, and my skin type is normal to dry. I prefer deeply hydrating moisturizers, especially at night. My primary skin concerns are premature aging, skin elasticity, and sun damage. 

My Overall Top 3 Favorite Korean Moisturizers 

  1. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisture Cream
  2. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
  3. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

The Best Everyday Korean Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisture Cream

Korean glass skin

My absolute favorite for a daily moisturizer.

The Laneige Water Bank Blue Cream Moisturizer has hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and squalene, which penetrate the skin for plump and smooth skin.

While this is marketed as a hyaluronic acid moisturizer, I noticed that hyaluronic acid is present but at the bottom of the ingredient list, indicating that it is not the primary ingredient in the formula. 

Regardless, I liked the feel of this one, and the not-too-heavy cream formulation makes it light enough to wear under makeup yet potent enough to be a standalone moisturizer for dehydrated skin.

The fragrance was very light and fresh, and my skin instantly felt softer. This is my daily moisturizer I reach for regularly. 

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisture Cream Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, GlycerinButylene GlycolSqualaneDicaprylyl Ether, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Methyl Trimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethyl hexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Propanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dextrin, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, AllantoinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidCeramide NP, Fragrance/Parfum, Beta-Glucan, Cholesterol, Mannitol, Tocopherol, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11Undaria Pinnatifida Extract.

The Best Korean Moisturizer for Sensitive or Irritated Skin

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask

Korean lotion for dry skin

The Cica Sleeping Mask from Laneige is the one you’ll want if you have any sensitivity or redness or need some extra soothing. 

The ingredients contain your heavy hitters: squalene, shea butter, and glycerine for guaranteed hydration. 

This one also includes something unique – Forest Yeast, derived from Centella Asiatica, “cica,” proven to increase hydration and improve the skin barrier.

The texture is like a velvety cream, instantly calming and hydrating on the skin. It’s marketed as fragrance-free but has a very subtle spa-like fragrance (likely due to the small amount of tea tree oil). 

Although it’s marketed as a sleeping mask, I have used this during the day because it doesn’t feel heavy.

I like the Cica mask this when I’m red or flakey from my retinol or acids. 

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask Ingredients: Water / Aqua / Eau, Propanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Squalane, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), GlycerinPanthenol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Asiatic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Martini OilTocopherol.

The Best Korean Moisturizer for Combination Skin (Dry + Oily Skin)

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer

This moisturizer seems to have a cult-like following. 

It has a very light cooling gel-cream consistency but claims to deliver intense hydration while still being light on the skin.

This one’s interesting because it has Lady’s Mantle, also known as Alchemilla Vulgaris. This plant extract is rich in tannins and antioxidants, making it a strong defense against free radicals that cause premature aging. 

However, Lady’s Mantle is traditionally used in skincare for its astringent properties, tightening skin and minimizing pores, so it’s a better choice for those with combination or acne-prone skin. 

In my experience, the Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth, non-sticky finish perfect for layering under makeup. 

If you have sensitive skin, I’d test this one before using it all over because of the high use of extracts and tannins that may increase sensitivity. 

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methl Trimethicone, Alcohol Denat, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Malakite Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract*, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Nepeta Cataria Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, Dimethiconol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Acrylate/Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Dimethylacrylamide Crosspolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 60, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Phenl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Panthenol, Squalane, Triethylhexanoin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, PEG-150, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C14-22 Alcohols, Arachidyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Lecithin, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Trisodium EDTA, Fragrance+, Citronellol, Limonene, Citral, Geraniol, Linalool.

The Best Luxury Korean Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

sulwhasoo concentrated ginseng renewing cream review

I secretly hoped this costly formula wouldn’t impress me, but it was my favorite. 

Of course, it was.

The Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream is a true luxury for dry and mature skin. 

This cream has ginseng to revitalize and firm the skin and also has deep hydrating properties like Squalane. 

The first time I tried this, I loved it. It has a light, earthy/ginseng scent, and the formula is really luxe. Not too heavy, not too light – perfect. 

It absorbs well, leaving the skin feeling really soft and smooth…I was tempted to put it all over my body.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream Ingredients: Water / Aqua / Eau, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Squalane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methoxy Peg-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Fragrance / Parfum, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins (Enzyme-Treated Red Ginseng Saponins), Glyceryl Caprylate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Linalool, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Sodium Chloride, Honey / Mel / Miel, Limonene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Flower Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Glucose, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Polyaspartate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3.

The Best Korean Overnight Mask for Deep Hydration

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is meant to be used 1-2 times a week over your moisturizer.

The gel-like formula feels cooling and refreshing on dry skin and has Squalane, a powerful ingredient for retaining skin moisture. I can see this being a great pick for any season.

I like the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask paired with the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturizer.

The ingredients pair well together and both provide ample hydration.

The Laneige moisturizer has more of a cream formula vs. the sleeping mask, which is gel-like. The sleeping mask has Trehalose, which is a water-binding ingredient similar to hyaluronic acid to plump the skin.

I prefer the rich cream of the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisture Cream for everyday, and then I add the sleeping mask a couple times a week to amp up hydration overnight.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene GlycolGlycerinTrehalose, Methyl Trimethicone, 1,2- Hexanediol, Squalane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pca Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Carbomer, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta, Raffinose, Stearyl Behenate, Malachite Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Tranexamic Acid, Tryptophan, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Beta-Glucan, Limonene, Acorus Gramineus Extract, Linalool, Tocopherol.

The Best Korean Moisturizer for Glass Skin

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream is an affordable and effective find – one of my favorites. This cream is a great option for dry skin needing moisturization and anti-aging care.

Inspired by the beauty secrets of the Korean royal court, it’s loaded with nourishing, traditional Korean herbal ingredients and fatty acids that provide rich hydration and anti-aging benefits. 

Two of the primary ingredients, rice bran, and ginseng root water were new to me, but they are great for skin texture and overall hydration. 

It’s lightweight, silky, fragrance-free, and maybe just slightly tacky once it dries. It also comes in a really nice glass jar.

I’ve found that it’s particularly effective at smoothing out fine lines and adding a youthful bounce to the skin. It also works well under makeup. I’m a big fan of their sunscreen. This is a great line!

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream Ingredients: Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water, GlycerinPanax Ginseng Root Water, Hydrogenated polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Butylene glycolPropanediol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidSodium Hyaluronate, Honey Extract, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Dextrin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

The Best Korean Moisturizer for Barrier Repair

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream

Best Korean Moisturizer

A surprising favorite for me.

Ceramides are a holy grail ingredient for dry skin, and the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream has glycerine, shea butter, and lots of ceramides to hydrate skin. 

This cream is a savior for repairing a damaged moisture barrier, often the root cause of chronic dryness.

It has a thicker, buttery texture that melts into the skin, providing instant hydration with a very slight tacky feeling, but it’s not too heavy. 

I’ve used it as a day and night cream – under makeup during the day and as a sealant over serums before bed – and my skin does well with it. 

When other products come up short in the moisture department, I’d slather a layer over my skin to help. 

Another bonus is that this comes in a tube instead of a jar like most other K-beauty creams. 

Dr Jart Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, GlycerinCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Methyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Olivate, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, 2,3-Butanediol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NG, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Cellulose Gum, Dextrin, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Citronellol, Tocopherol, Yellow 5 (CI 19140).

The Best Lightweight Korean Moisturizer for Dry Skin

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream

cosrx snail mucin all in one cream review

COSRX is known for its practical, no-nonsense (and budget-friendly) formulations, and the Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream is no exception. 

Don’t be put off by the name – snail secretion filtrate is apparently a super-star ingredient that works wonders for dry skin.

This gel cream felt like a serum/moisturizer hybrid. It nourishes without feeling heavy or greasy. This one is perfect for layering, and it worked well under makeup. 

The formula is also packed with beneficial ingredients to provide hydration and soothe skin without any added fragrance or extracts, which I appreciate.

Because of the stellar ingredient list, I’ve been using it regularly. I like to pair a deeper moisturizer in the colder months, though.

CORSX Snail 92 IngredientsSnail Secretion Filtrate, Betaine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl OlivateSorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, CarbomerArginine, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic acid, Allantoin, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine.

The Best Korean Moisturizer for an Antioxidant Boost

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask

Korean moisturizers for dry skin

The night version of the Belif Aqua Bomb is an enhanced version of the day cream marketed for all skin types but emphasizes improving hydration and glow. It’s also a great choice for an antioxidant boost. 

Compared to the Belif Aqua Bomb Moisturizer, the sleeping mask contains active ingredients like Polyglycerin-3, Heather Extract, Oat Kernel Extract, and Wheat Sprout Extract. 

These ingredients hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stressors.

The mask also includes Turmeric Root Extract, Eggplant Fruit Extract, and Holy Basil Extract, which also amp up the antioxidant properties. 

I felt hydrated after using the Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask, but due to the ingredients and gel pudding texture I like it better in warmer seasons vs. the winter when I like a cream formula.  

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, PEG-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradecet-20 Ether, Polymethylsilsequioxane, Calluna Vulgaris Extract, Dispacus Sylvestris Extract, Crysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Avena Sative (Oat) Kernel ExtractCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Nepeta Cataria Extract*, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract*, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract*, Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Malt Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Sprout Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract+, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract+, UrticaDioicia (Nettle) Leaf Extract+, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract,Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower ExtractSimmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Trisodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil++, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil++, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil++, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil++, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. *Napiers original formula. +Napiers aqua formula. ++Fragrances.

The Best Korean Moisturizer for Dry + Textured Skin

O Hui Miracle Moisture Cream

O Hui miracle moisture

The O Hui Miracle Moisture Cream was recommended on a few K-beauty forums. It lives up to its name by delivering a surge of hydration that truly feels luxurious. 

Formulated with glycerine, squalene, and shea butter, this gel-cream hybrid texture glides onto the skin and is very smooth and silky. It has ingredients for barrier support and has been amazing on dry patches.

This has a stronger fragrance than most other K-beauty moisturizers I tried. It reminds me of Dior’s Capture Totale line. A good scent, but definitely slightly stronger. It is not enough to dismiss it, but you should be aware if you’re sensitive to scents.

This product is a challenging product to find, though. I purchased the O Hui Cream on Amazon, but other K-beauty sites also sell it. 

O Hui Miracle Moisture Cream Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Isostearate, Sucrose Polystearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ceramide NP, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Glycine, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Extract, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Trisodium EDTA, Urea, Cholesterol, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Phenoxyethanol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Alanine, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Lysine, Mica, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Butylene Glycol, Isoleucine, Histidine, Cysteine, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Methionine, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Atractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Tocopherol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Ceramide EOP, Fragrance, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol

The Korean Skincare Products I Didn’t Like for Dry Skin 

Innisfree Dewy Glow Jelly Cream with Jeju Cherry Blossom

what is the best korean moisturizer

The Innisfree has a super-star ingredient, Niacinamide, a B Vitamin known to improve dull, uneven skin tone.

It also has a unique ingredient, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, which is extracted from the leaves of the Yoshino cherry tree. It may have antioxidant properties and contribute to skin conditioning.

When I tested this in the store, I had a feeling it wasn’t for me because of the very light gel formula—jelly-like.

But I had to try it because I read glowing reviews about this one, giving that coveted, dewy, glass skin.

Because of the light jelly texture, this one could be good for daytime use under makeup, as it gives a hydrated glow, but unfortunately for me, my skin felt tight and undernourished.

While this didn’t work for me, I appreciated the use of Niacinamide and might try it on my body during the summer. 

Innisfree Dewy Glow Moisturizer Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, NiacinamideBetaine, 1,2-hexanediol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance/Parfum, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol.

Final Thoughts on Korean Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight gel, a rich cream, or an overnight treatment, Korean Beauty has you covered with a wide variety of moisturizers packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients.

Many formulas have similar hydrating ingredients, so it comes down to preference and skin type.

You don’t have to spend a lot to get effective formulas—the Corsx and Beauty of Joseon moisturizers, for example, are inexpensive and packed with the same ingredients as more expensive ones. 

What Korean skincare products have you tried that you love?

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