10 best Korean moisturisers I've tested, approved by experts
Korean moisturisers are often regarded as the pinnacle of Korean skincare essentials, which is exactly why they're all over your TikTok FYP. Known for their gentle yet effective nature, their ability to cocoon the skin in nourishing ingredients is unmatched. As is their ability to serve a dewy, glass skin glow that appears immediately after moisturiser application.
But how? And how are they different to Western formulations? Much of their allure lies in the buzzy ingredients found in them (think: centella asiatica, snail mucin, bakuchiol, rice water and ginseng) – which you've likely not tried in anything before. What's more, these ingredients focus on the skin's long-term health as opposed to quick-fix results.
It's also worth noting the innovative formulas of many of the most popular Korean moisturisers for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin or combo skin types (water creams, gel creams and fast-absorbing serum-like moisturisers are popular in Korea). Plus, the price point. Many of the options we've tested for this edit are pleasingly affordable.
That said, as is the case with any kind skincare, not every formula will suit every skin type and skin concern. Plus, given the sheer popularity of Korean skincare, it's important to remember that just because you've seen it trending on TikTok, doesn't mean that it's necessarily a good fit for your skin's needs. Which is probably what brought you to this article in the first place, right?
So, to save you the trouble of sifting through hundreds of options, I've put together an ultimate edit of only the best Korean moisturisers that are actually worth the hype. I've consulted with K-beauty experts including Charlotte Cho — Aesthetician and Co-Founder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam – and worked with the wider Glamour team to pull together first-person reviews. Here's everything you need to know.
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Meet the experts:
- Charlotte Cho — Aesthetician and Co-Founder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam.
- Dr David Kim, MD — Dermatologist and Founder of Lightsaver.
How I tested Korean moisturisers:
As someone who has sensitive skin and rosacea, I've always struggled with a lot of popular skincare products (more often than not, I'm having to deal with persistent flare-ups or redness). Although I do use my actives sparingly (namely vitamin C and retinoids), when it comes to moisturisers, I tend to gravitate toward products that are simpler in formulation.
As an Asian journalist who's been building a solid Korean skincare routine since childhood, I've become quite accustomed to K-beauty formulas. I've tried hundreds of Korean moisturisers – from those that are known and loved on the realms of TikTok to the lesser known formulas that I happened to discover through my Korean friends. Plus, as a beauty journalist, I've also had the pleasure of interviewing dozens of dermatologists, who have repeatedly recommended more than a few of the formulas that you'll see in the edit below.
While testing each moisturiser, I relied not only on my own expertise and experience with the products, but also on my knowledge and research when it comes to the ingredients. Before I even include a product in the line-up, I study each ingredient list extensively and always make sure to point out anything that could potentially cause any irritation. As far as the testing process goes, I try to review said formulas for at least 3-4 weeks while keeping the rest of my skincare routine the same so that I can acknowledge any visible changes. I also pay attention to how the formulas feel upon application and make sure to note down whether or not it feels overly greasy on the skin. Find out more about how we test here.
Why you can trust me
I am a beauty journalist with 5-years' worth of experience, and I've tested countless Korean skincare formulas in that time. Korean eye creams, cushion foundations, Korean face masks, Korean vitamin C serums included. Throughout my career, I've contributed to some of the most esteemed titles in the industry – from Glamour UK to Cosmopolitan UK, Vogue Arabia, Marie Claire UK, Who What Wear UK and more.
Whenever I write about skincare, I make sure to interview board-certified dermatologists to include their objective opinion and insight in order to debunk any misconceptions and re-affirm any facts worth keeping in mind. I also try to avoid recommending a product simply because it's my favourite. Instead, I make the final call based on combined factors, and rank them accordingly.
Ahead, the best Korean moisturisers for glass-like skin in 2025.
Why we love it: If you’ve ever gone shopping at Olive Young (South Korea’s biggest retailer), you’ll be very familiar with this iconic white-and-blue tube. “It’s an incredibly hydrating moisturiser packed with ceramides,” says David Kim, MD, dermatologist and founder of Lightsaver. Dr. Kim loves the formula’s “calming and soothing effect” and particularly recommends it for anyone with dry skin. The weightless lotion feels incredibly refreshing even if your skin type leans normal or combination.
Tester notes: “This is one of the rare TikTok-viral skin-care products that’s even better than the hype. I have mild rosacea on my mid-face and persistent dry patches around my nose but also an oily T-zone — so it’s a struggle finding a moisturiser that hydrates and soothes my skin without getting greasy. The first time I used this fragrance-free moisturiser, I noticed that it felt lightweight but also incredibly nourishing. It really toned down the redness and irritation around my nose without turning my forehead into an oil slick. The texture is interesting too; it’s a lighter cream packed with tiny melting ‘beads’ that contain ceramides. The beads instantly disappear once I rub them in so they don’t feel gritty, but I love how I can really feel them moisturising and calming my skin as soon as I apply this.” — Sarah Y. Wu, Freelance Writer.
- Key ingredients: Capsulised ceramides, and lipid complex.
- Fragrance: No.
- Highlights: Lightweight-yet-intense hydration; sinks in fast; gentle formula.
Why we love it: Formulated with edelweiss extract (which is a popular ingredient known for its firming effect), this moisturiser is a great pick for anyone looking for a quality night cream. Elsewhere, it's also enriched with other hero ingredients like beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid and glycerin – each working to ensure lasting moisture in order to leave your skin nice and plump by the morning.
Tester notes: “About the only thing I found a bit weird at first was its slime-like texture. However, it wasn't long until I actually ended up preferring it. It doesn't feel greasy or sticky and it melts into the skin seamlessly without pilling. After using it for four weeks, I noticed a significant improvement to my skin's hydration levels. Plus, my fine lines appeared much less evident, and my overall skin tone improved too,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
- Key ingredients: Edelweiss extract, beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Fragrance: No.
- Highlights: Firms the skin; encourages natural glow; strengthens the skin's barrier.
Why we love it: Overdid it on face scrubs? Boost your barrier with the Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream. Powered by an impressive five-ceramide complex that deeply moisturises and strengthens the skin barrier, panthenol to lock-in hydration, and some soothing botanical extracts, it leaves skin smooth, supple, and super moisturised. Essentially, it's a K-beauty staple for dry and deflated skin. Shop more of the best barrier repair creams this way.
Tester notes: “I can't speak more highly of this Dr.Jart+ product; I'm here to confirm the five-star reviews flooding the internet are correct. It's perhaps the most hydrating (yet non-heavy; non-greasy) product I've ever tried, perfect for use before bed if you want to wake up looking plump, supple and hydrated. It has a gel-like consistency, blends like a dream and feels refreshing when applied as the last step in your skincare routine.” – Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, and glycerin.
- Fragrance: No.
- Highlights: Nourishes the skin barrier; smooths and softens; ideal for dryness and sensitivity.
Why we love it: Designed to minimise the appearance of oiliness and shine, this Beauty of Joseon moisturiser gives oily and combination skin types a serious hit of hydration. Red bean extract envelops the skin in long-lasting moisture, while a trio of peptides get to work nourishing the skin barrier, and promoting firmness. This results in a visible reduction in excess oils, and fewer blemishes and break-outs — as well as a complexion that’s still radiant and dewy.
- Key ingredients: Red bean and peptides.
- Fragrance: No.
- Highlights: Great for oily and combination skin; reduces shine; nourishes the skin barrier.
Why we love it: When your skin is peeling, flaking, and in desperate need of a hydration boost, grab this moisturiser for dry skin. Creams for dehydrated skin don’t have to be rich and heavy, and this best-selling K-beauty favourite is proof of that. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb relies on a combination of hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated for hours. Dermatologists love hyaluronic acid because it’s proven to significantly increase your skin’s moisture levels.
Pairing it with squalane — a popular moisturising ingredient that’s technically an oil, but doesn’t have an oily feel — helps enhance its effects. The inclusion of niacinamide (a proven anti-inflammatory ingredient) helps calm and smooth skin. Mixed together in a lightweight gel base, they give dry skin a splash of moisture that’s light enough to layer well under makeup.
Tester notes: “No matter how rough the dry patches on my face get, I don’t like wearing overly heavy moisturisers during the day. I’m always looking for gel creams that sink in fast but keep my face fully hydrated until I do my evening cleanse, and this formula is one of the best I’ve tried. It’s got a slightly bouncy texture, absorbs in seconds, and has a cooling sensation that feels nice and refreshing. What impressed me most is how it made uneven, dry areas on my cheeks feel immediately smoother and actually stay that way. It also layers well under foundation and concealer and doesn’t make them slide off my face.” — Sarah Y. Wu, freelance writer.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol.
- Fragrance: Yes.
- Highlights: Intense hydration; nourishing; lightweight enough to use as a daytime moisturiser.
Why we love it: With over 25 years experience in all things H2O, LANEIGE is best-known for their iconic water-based moisturisers and hydrating overnight lip masks. This best-selling cream boasts an innovative formula that provides the same extreme levels of moisture — while also promoting a radiant and balanced complexion. Infused with a potent cocktail of the antioxidants vitamin C and E, it brightens any dullness and protects the skin from common stressors like environmental aggressors and blue light — while patented Melasolv™ helps to even out patchiness, and minimise the look of dark spots.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C and E, and Melasolv.
- Fragrance: Yes — orange scent.
- Highlights: Super moisturising; boosts radiance; reduces dullness.
Why we love it: If your skin gets easily inflamed or irritated, add Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream to your skin-care routine.
Tester notes: “It’s lightweight and great for people with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Kim, who loves the “gentle yet hydrating, simple yet effective” formula. Key ingredients include squalane and oat “in the form of avena sativa extract,” both of which he recommends for anyone with dry or reactive skin. The water cream texture feels like a splash of soothing moisture on contact and melts right into your skin. Even if you don’t experience flare-ups or irritation, keep this one on rotation for humid days for the noticeable calming effect.
- Key ingredients: Oats, trehalose, and squalane.
- Fragrance: No.
- Highlights: Simple formula for sensitive skin; lightweight water cream texture.
Why we love it: This slightly sticky yet fast-absorbing jelly cream contains 92% snail secretion filtrate — a deeply hydrating ingredient that's famous for its ability to reduce signs of ageing by plumping out fine lines and wrinkles, and supporting speedy cell regeneration and healing. The result? Glowy, glass-like skin that looks and feels really smooth and soft. And once it's soaked in, it's slightly tacky finish makes it the perfect priming base for make-up. Read our full COSRX review here.
Tester notes: “I've been using this CORSX cream in both my daytime and night time skincare routine for exactly four weeks — and by the second week, I was noticing some big improvements to. my naturally dry and sensitive skin. The redness was definitely a lot calmer, and my skin tone was overall a lot more even than before. I also noticed a lit-from-within glow on my bare skin even prior to applying any products post Korean cleanser — which, given how dry my skin is, is a rarity.” — Denise Primbet, Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Key ingredients: 92% Snail Secretion Filtrate.
- Fragrance: No.
- Highlights: Lightweight and fast-absorbing; nourishes and hydrates; great for dry skin.
Why we love it: You may be familiar with Round Lab for its popular Dokdo Toner, but don’t miss out on the brand’s equally effective moisturiser, which Dr. Kim recommends for its soothing ingredients.
Tester notes: “It’s formulated with birch tree extract, which has a calming effect and helps repair the skin barrier,” he says. “It also has glyceryl glucoside, a great humectant that keeps the skin hydrated and supple.” The fluffy cream forms a water barrier to help prevent moisture loss but still feels incredibly lightweight, so you can easily wear it whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin.
- Key ingredients: Birch tree sap, hyaluronic acid, and glyceryl glucoside.
- Fragrance: No.
- Highlights: Fluffy texture; soothing and refreshing; strengthens skin barrier.
Why we love it: Created by Korean beauty expert & aesthetician, Charlotte Cho, this brilliant brand is all about creating products that leave you with the healthy and glowy skin of your dreams. A potent and powerful formula, expect a brightened and plumped visage that's had a serious boost in elasticity courtesy of vitamin C-rich hallabong extract, and a skin barrier that's been visibly nourished and strengthened by squalane and ceramides.
- Key ingredients: Hallabong extract, ceramides, and squalane.
- Fragrance: Yes — citrus scent.
- Highlights: Brightens skin; boosts elasticity; strengthens the skin's barrier.
Your Korean Moisturiser FAQs, answered:
How are Korean moisturisers different to other moisturisers?
Rather than relying on quick-fixes courtesy of potent and harsh lab-developed actives like retinol and vitamin C, Korean moisturisers keep the skin healthy using unique natural ingredients like snail mucin and centella asiatica that deeply moisturise and minimise water loss. Plus, they're also typically more lightweight and gel-like in texture than traditional moisturisers and creams — allowing for better absorption.
What ingredients are worth looking out for in Korean moisturisers?
From traditional Korean ingredients like rice water and green tea, to more recently discovered extracts derived from plants, weeds, and trees, a wide range of different innovative ingredients are used in Korean skincare. Here are some popular examples that you may see in a moisturiser:
- Centella asiatica — Also known as Cica, this hero ingredient helps to stimulate hydration and minimise water loss, soothe redness and inflammation, and protect and repair the skin barrier from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
- Mugwort — “Mugwort has long been applied topically to soothe sensitive skin in Korea," Cho explains. The popular weed is famous for its abilities to soothe redness and inflammation — and its antibacterial properties make is great for preventing acne, and treating painful break-outs.
- Rice water — Gentle and hydrating, rice water is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help brighten and even out the skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture. It also reduces oil production — which helps minimise the appearance of large pores, and prevent blemishes and break-outs. Read also: the best rice water shampoos, made popular for similar reasons.
- Snail mucin — A deeply hydrating ingredient, snail mucin supports cell regeneration and healing, plumps out any fine lines and wrinkles, and boosts collagen production. Particularly beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin types, it's got real anti-ageing benefits. However, it is essentially the gloop secreted by snails — so it's definitely not an ingredient that everybody can get behind.
- Ginseng — A much-loved ingredient in Korean skincare thanks to its many anti-ageing properties, ginseng boosts hydration and improves the skin's elasticity — which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Great for restoring your glow, it also boosts radiance, brightens dull skin, and reduces the appearance of redness and blotchiness. Plus, it's also believed to stimulate collagen production.
- Birch sap — Thanks to its high water content, birch sap is great for boosting the skin's barrier, reducing water loss, and improving elasticity. It's also got a high vitamin C content — which can help stimulate collagen production and protect the skin from UV rays — and also has anti-inflammatory properties. “A calming ingredient, it really helps to repair the skin barrier,” Dr. Kim adds.
- Propolis — Sometimes called “bee glue”, propolis is essentially a mixture of tree sap and beeswax that bees use to seal off their nests. It's rich in antioxidants and boasts anti-inflammatory properties — making it a great ingredient for soothing sensitive skin, and reducing pigmentation and scarring. Plus, it also helps protect the skin from sun damage.
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