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The best Korean moisturizers are the crème de la crème of Korean skin care, thanks to their advanced, effective, and surprisingly gentle formulas. Unlike many Western creams, K-beauty moisturizers often feature unique ingredients that set them apart—think rice water to tone, mugwort to calm inflammation, Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) to soothe, PDRN (a regenerative compound derived from salmon DNA), and hydrating yuzu. The result? Creams that deliver serious hydration without ever feeling heavy, leaving glass skin glassy and dewy skin dewy. Even better: Most of these top-tier picks come in under $40. That budget-friendly price point allows for more consistent use, which can make a world of difference in your skin, whether you're dealing with breakouts or dryness.
Our Top Korean Moisturizers
- Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, $32
- Best for Dry Skin: Etude Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream, $16
- Best for Dull Skin: Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, $22
- Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream, $52
- Best for Oily Skin: Torriden Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream, $23
- Best Cooling: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, $38
To make finding your perfect match easy, we chatted with editors and experts to round up our favorite Korean moisturizers for your slathering pleasure all year round.
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Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream
Aestura
Atobarrier 365 Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream
Dianna Singh
Why it’s worth it: At the intersection of lightweight feel and heavy-duty hydration sits the Best of Beauty-winning Aestura Atobarrier 365. Loaded with hydrating ceramides and squalane as well as juicy lipids, this formula tackles all kinds of dryness while keeping your moisture barrier strong—no matter your skin type. “It also has this frosting-like texture that just melts on your skin,” David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City previously told Allure, who likes to use it as hand cream. Since it’s formulated for both face and body, you can slather it anywhere that needs an extra dose of hydration.
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
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“I love Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream as much for what it does for my skin as what it doesn't: The rich formula is deeply hydrating without causing irritation or congestion. When I apply it before bed, my skin feels noticeably softer and smoother come morning.”—Dianna Singh, features director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, lipids, niacinamide, glycerin
- Who it's for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Etude Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Etude
Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Allure contributor Kayla Salisbury applying the Etude Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
Kayla Salisbury
Why it’s worth it: Oftentimes, the less fussy a formula is, the better—especially when you’re dealing with sensitive skin that flares at the first sign of actives. Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is the key player in Etude’s Soonjung 2X Barrier Intensive Cream, which improves skin barrier function by moisturizing, reducing redness, and healing breakouts. Sunflower seed oil and shea butter are also to thank for this silky moisturizer’s ability to keep skin smooth as glass. Apply a generous coat of this cream at night after cleansing and toning to wake up with plump, juicy skin. During the day, try applying a bit less to avoid heaviness.
Tester feedback from contributor Kayla Salisbury
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“This has been a staple in my skin-care routine for years! It keeps my face moisturised all day long, no matter the weather, and I love that just a little goes a long way, so you really get a bang for your buck.” —Kayla Salisbury, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: panthenol, sunflower seed oil, shea butter
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream
Medicube
PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream
Bianca Richards
Why it’s worth it: Like many sensorial Korean skin-care gems, Medicube’s PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream has a bouncy, jelly-like texture that leaves skin glowing—think the effect of a wrapping mask, but without the fuss of peeling it off! The application is unique, too: You scoop out tiny capsules, which are packed with salmon DNA extracted from sperm, working to firm, hydrate, and give skin that coveted glass-like glow.
And before you gag at the thought—no, you’re not rubbing straight-up salmon semen across your face. As Allure previously reported, PDRN is a purified chemical compound extracted from salmon sperm, not the raw stuff. Here, it’s blended with a gel base of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and niacinamide to create an incredibly moisturizing, airy, and weightless formula.
Tester feedback from Allure social media manager Bianca Richards
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“For my 30th birthday, I decided to treat myself to a salmon DNA facial, and it's easily one of my favorite treatments ever! To prolong the effects of the treatment, I stocked up on the Medicube PDRN collection, and the peptide cream is the perfect choice for everyday use to keep my skin looking plump and smooth!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salmon DNA (PDRN), hyaluronic acid, collagen, niacinamide
- Who it’s for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream
Dr. Jart+
Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: The doctor is in, thanks to Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream. Soothing, repairing, and packed with hydration, this formula puts K-beauty staple Centella asiatica, also known as cica, front and center, while allantoin steps in to repair the skin barrier. The moment it touches your skin, the green tint gets to work, instantly soothing and neutralizing redness (a hallmark of irritation). Smooth it on whenever your complexion is acting up, and watch it settle into a calmer, more even state within minutes.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream has become my go-to for calming down the redness around my nose and under my eyes (hi, allergies). It’s silky, semi-matte without being at all drying, and wears nicely under makeup. Just a heads-up: It comes out of the tube fast, but any extra is great for soothing dry patches on your body, too.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, allantoin, niacinamide, shea butter
- Who it’s for: redness- or rosacea-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Torriden Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
Torriden
Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
Amazon
Soko Glam
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Torriden Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Why it's worth it: You can find the sky-blue formula of Torriden's Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream all over social media, and even on the vanity of New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Hee Jin Koh, MD. She loves that it has five types of hyaluronic acid of various molecular weights, all of which are joined by panthenol, a.k.a. vitamin B5, to boost skin's moisture. And, it works on all skin types with its featherlight gel-cream texture that layers beautifully with sunscreen and makeup.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I’m typically not one to single out HA products—they’re a very baseline sort of ingredient—but Torriden’s Dive-In cream makes an excellent case. Having multiple weights of HA means it can go deeper into your skin than your average solo HA. And as someone with combination skin who adores a gel-cream, the experience of applying this cooling, refreshing cream is just 100 all around. Pro tip: Amazon sells this stuff in a mess-free tube, which I’d much prefer over a jar that I have to stick my fingers into—but that clearly hasn’t stopped me from using it almost every morning.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol
- Who it's for: people with oily skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Cooling: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Belif
The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Amazon
Revolve
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Lexi Herrick
Why it's worth it: Belif's The True Cream Aqua Bomb is packed with the most hydrating ingredients on the block, like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a ton of herbal goodies (like lady’s mantle) to soothe and cool your skin. It absorbs fast and is the perfect follow-up to your cleanser and toner. Former beauty editor Devon Abelman wrote, "Imagine someone lobbing a water balloon at your face—minus the pain and shock of it popping—that's how slathering on The True Cream Aqua Bomb feels. It gives skin that kind of rush of hydration." Enough said.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
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“Belif's Aqua Bomb gives me the experience of drinking ice-cold water after being outside in the hot sun—it truly breathes life and hydration into my skin instantly! I love the light and airy texture, like a cloud absorbing into my cheeks. It preps my skin incredibly well for makeup or to wear naturally.”—Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, oat kernel extract, calendula
- Who it's for: everyone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
Beauty of Joseon
Red Bean Water Gel
Amazon
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel to her face.
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Beauty of Joseon is one of the best Korean skin-care brands for honoring (and reimagining) the traditional skin-care ingredients used in K-beauty, like red bean, ginseng root water, and rice bran water—and the Red Bean Water Gel is evidence of just that. The formula is ideal for skin producing excess sebum, which the body does when it overcompensates for a weakened barrier. The red bean kicks into gear to reduce the feeling of oiliness, and the peptide complex helps maintain the skin's natural amount of growth factors, minimizing the effects of fine lines and crepiness.
Tester feedback from Han
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"This is the perfect summertime moisturizer for my combination skin. The formula is a clear gel with a slight cooling effect that wakes up my skin in the morning, gives me a touch of dewiness, and layers beautifully underneath my sunscreen and makeup. (Pilling, who?) I love Beauty of Joseon's Dynasty Cream for the colder months when my skin is a bit drier, so basically, this brand has me covered all year round."—Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Haenam red bean extract (44%), peptide complex (SH-Oligopeptide-1 / SH-Oligopeptide-2 / SH-Polypeptide-1)
- Who it's for: people with combination or oily skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Illiyoon
Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Amazon (6.76 oz.)
Olive Young (5.07 oz.)
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohler applying Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream
Lily Wohlner
Why it's worth it: Is your skin sending out an SOS? Reach for Illiyoon's Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream, which pairs plant-derived ceramides with fatty acids and cholesterol—the lipids in your skin barrier—in a formula with a low pH, matching the skin's acidic nature. It's got the numbers to back up the claims, with clinical testing showing that it increases moisture levels by 328% immediately after application and reduces signs of irritation, including redness and itchiness. Plus, the brand says it's gentle enough to use on babies.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“Illiyoon’s K-beauty staple has completely transformed my acne-prone, combination skin over the past two years, and I have its high concentration of plant-based ceramides to thank. It has strengthened my skin barrier, giving me that healthy, hydrated glow and a bouncy, soothed feel, all without irritation or breakouts (which is rare for me!). As a beauty writer who tests endless products, the fact that this moisturizer has remained a constant in my routine for two full years says it all.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin
- Who it's for: all skin types, but especially those with sensitive, reactive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
More Korean moisturizers we love:
Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: Drawing from decades of research, Sulwhasoo's Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream is infused with ginseng saponin and peptides to boost circulation in your skin’s tiniest blood vessels. In turn, your body revs up collagen production and improves elasticity with consistent use. Among its legions of fans is Ju Rhyu, cofounder of Hero Cosmetics, who says that she loves using the cream on drier days when her skin craves more moisture.. P.S. Allure Korea has its own Best of Beauty Awards, and this cream was declared a winner in 2022.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ginseng saponin, peptides
- Who it's for: those targeting signs of aging
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Face and Body: Atopalm MLE Eczema Cream
Atopalm
MLE Eczema Cream
Amazon
Why it's worth it: Looking for a moisturizer that feels like butter…if butter wasn’t greasy? It's possible. Allure Korea editors love how this ultra-rich Atopalm MLE Cream melts into the skin, absorbing quickly to deliver instant, intense moisture. You can also use it on your body, especially on rough areas like elbows and knees. A medley of nourishing plant-based oils and five types of amino acids—the "building blocks for collagen production," according to Dr. Kim—helps make it happen.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: olive oil, jojoba seed oil, grape seed oil, amino acids
- Who it's for: anyone with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Korean moisturizers and other moisturizers?
"Korean moisturizers tend to be light in texture and focus on barrier repair more than other benefits such as brightening or anti-aging," says Dr. Kim. Hydration and gentle formulas are critical to this philosophy, and for good reason. "Sensitive skin is a very common skin type in Korea due to high pollution levels," Charlotte Cho, aesthetician and co-founder of K-beauty e-retailer Soko Glam, previously told Allure. "As a result, sensitive-skin friendly ingredients such as cica are frequently seen in Korean beauty products to calm inflammation, redness, and irritated skin."
While American moisturizers can include ingredients common in Korean moisturizers and vice versa, trends in Korean skin care tend to be less harsh than their stateside counterparts. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City's Union Square Dermatology, previously told Allure that active ingredients sought after by Americans—like retinol, salicylic acid, and more—are more scarce in Korean products because Koreans are wary of their drying properties.
How should I choose a Korean moisturizer?
When picking a new Korean moisturizer, consider the skin concerns you want to address and what you tend to like in the moisturizers you already own. "I would focus on the texture more than anything else," says Dr. Kim. "If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight gel texture; if you have dry skin, look for a thicker, richer texture." Looking for extra hydration? Ingredients like cica and hyaluronic acid are Korean skin-care staples. Or, if you're trying to go easy on breakout-prone skin, a moisturizer with ingredients like allantoin and niacinamide can be a big help, Shin Hae Won, a dermatologist at Korean dermatology clinic Oracle, previously vouched.
Meet the experts
- Charlotte Cho, an aesthetician and co-founder of K-beauty e-retailer Soko Glam
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City's Union Square Dermatology
- Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Clifton, New Jersey
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Shin Hae Won, a dermatologist at Korean dermatology clinic Oracle
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean moisturizers, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from editors, dermatologists, and aestheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
