The 15 Best Korean Moisturizers 2024, Tested & Reviewed

True beauty devotees know their way around best Korean skincare brands and have top shelves full of the best Korean face and sheet masks, Korean cleansing oils, and Korean sunscreens. But if they narrowed their K-Beauty collections down to a single product, the best Korean moisturizer would remain front and center. Moisturizers are a necessity in this beauty realm: “The Korean philosophy for skincare is very hydration focused,” explains Alicia Yoon, founder of K-beauty brand Peach & Lily.

All the best Korean moisturizers are designed to repair the skin barrier, soothe skin, and provide a plumped-up appearance. Some are formulated to reinvigorate dry, flaky skin, while others are a holy grail for hydrating oily skin without any excess shine. From cult-favorite K-beauty brands like LaNeige and Sulwhasoo to up-and-coming lines like Hanacure, Marie Claire editors consulted the K-beauty experts and vetted shopper reviews to find the best Korean moisturizers for quenching your skin stateside.

The Best Korean Moisturizers

Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Cream with Green Tea Seed

With combination skin, Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay has struggled to find a moisturizer that suits all her needs at once, particularly as skin changes in along with the weather, her routine, or her stress level. This moisturizer is an outlier. "Innisfree's green tea moisturizer is one of those rare gems that's able to moisturize my skin without breaking me out, no matter what external factors are affecting my complexion," she says. "Suitable for all skin types, it stays true to its promise of evening out skin tone. Plus, it makes my skin unbelievably soft to the touch."

Pros: Deeply hydrating; Builds back moisture barrier 

Cons: Some report irritation

Customer Review: "It’s creamy and light weight but makes my skin feel incredibly hydrated. I love using it under my makeup with a dewy highlighter base because it gives my face the natural 'lit from within' look. Loved using it in France in the cold. My face gets really dry when temperatures drop and this made my skin feel hydrated all day!" — Sephora 

Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream

Sometimes, skin can grow inflamed or acne-ridden in site of your best preventative efforts. Whenever you're having a really sensitive skin day, choose this pudding cream from Peach & Lily. The matcha helps with any inflammation and doesn't add to the distress on my skin. Yoon says the ingredient is also is "a rich antioxidant that helps combat external stressors as well as visibly calms skin."

Pros: Great for sensitive skin; Anti-inflammatory

Cons: Can feel heavy

Customer Review: "I have oily/combo skin that errs on the oily side during warm weather and dry side during cold weather—this face lotion works for all seasons and has never broken me out! I can always trust and rely on it after a facial peel or when my skin feels extra sensitive. My skin looks visibly brighter and less dull after using this product for almost a year now." — Ulta 

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Oily skin girls know the struggle to find a moisturizer that won’t feel greasy or heavy. Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor, says neither problem arises with Belif's moisturizer. "This cult-favorite is water-based, meaning it has an extra lightweight feel. The gel-like texture is incredibly quick to absorb, and it feels so refreshing on the skin," she says. "Every summer, I always find myself switching to this moisturizer because it’s featherlight and non-greasy, a must-have when oiliness and sweat are at an all-time high."

Pros: Extremely lightweight texture

Cons: Some say it feels a little tacky

Customer Review: "This product is so soothing on my skin and leaves your skin with a beautiful, natural, and hydrated glow. It helped tone down my acne and prevented it from looking red and irritated. I will be using this product for the rest of my life!!" — Sephora 

Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream With Ceramide

Sensitive skin? Beauty writer Gabrielle Ulubay recommends reaching for Aestura's moisturizer, which is fragrance-free and lightweight. "It never fails to soothe my irritated skin, whether I'm dealing with dryness, a rash, or a sudden breakout," she says. "Its creamy texture makes it great for winter use, but its matte, highly absorbent texture keeps it from clogging my pores."

Pros: Editor-approved; Fragrance-free; Great for sensitive skin

Cons: High price for small container

Customer Review: "Very moisturizing for me and when i wake up my skin is so soft! I definitely recommend this for dry skin people or just for winter season." -Song of Skin

Peach & Lily Be The Skin Botanical Nutrition Power Cream

Dry skin needs all the moisture it can get—not just a thick formula that slides off in the middle of the night, but one that locks in all the good pore-loving hydration. "I love the Be the Skin Botanical Nutrition Power Cream," says Yoon. "It's an award-winning icon as it hydrates deeply without irritating skin and delivers beautiful, time-tested Asian herbal extracts to nourish skin."

Pros: Great for dry skin; Won't clog pores; Redness reducing

Cons: On the thicker side 

Customer Review: "This cream made my skin look and feel so skin. I felt like I was putting something nourishing on my face instead of a lot of chemicals. I would highly recommend this cream for people with dry and sensitive skin." — Peach & Lily 

Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream

"My skin tends to get oilier throughout the day, so thick, greasy moisturizers are a big no-no for me," says Knappenberger. Instead, she needs a moisturizer that checks three boxes: lightweight, fast-absorbing, and free of any oily after-effect. The best Korean moisturizer for the job is Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump moisturizer. "It has a unique jelly-like texture that feels nearly invisible on my skin, and I love how dewy and plump my skin feels after applying," she says. "This has been my go-to daytime moisturizer for the last couple of months, and I don't see myself switching anytime soon."

Pros: Glassy finish; Instant plumping effect 

Cons: A little bit of a sticky finish 

Customer Review: "This moisturizer has a gel-like consistency and a little goes a long way-half a pea size amount gives my entire face a boost of deep hydration and a glow without feeling heavy. Works wonderfully under makeup and doesn’t break me out. Wish you would get more product for the price but you don’t have to use much." — Sephora 

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer

Hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides are the star ingredients in this popular moisturizer, which comes in a small container perfect for travel in a carry-on bag. But don't let the "cream" label on this option fool you—it has a lightweight consistency that absorbs into skin like water or essence, making it ideal for those with oily or combination skin. 

Pros: Great hydrating ingredients; Fast absorbing 

Cons: Contains fragrance 

Customer Review: "I’ve been using this product for the past two to three years now and it is absolutely astonishing. It has truly worked wonders for me! I am acne prone skin and my skin has never been better. It’s extremely hydrating and always left my skin looking very hydrated." — Sephora

Then I Met You the Renewing Duo

While you can purchase each of Then I Met You's products individually, the combo ensures some unbelievable skin brightening results. The former gently exfoliates (using a healthy dose of BHA) without causing irritation, while the latter replenishes the skin barrier with antioxidants and moisture. The star ingredient? Ginseng, a K-Beauty-loved ingredient that boosts hydration, plumps fine lines, and restores bounce. 

Pros: Brightening; Exfoliating; Antioxidant-packed 

Cons: Expensive 

Customer Review: "As a big fan of the Oil cleansing balm I tried the Renewing Duo and whoa. I mean, after the rose mask I noticed all of the white heads on the sides of my nose and on my chin were pushed out of the pores. A first for me. The results are genuinely noticeable. Work great, smell great, and clearly made from high quality ingredients." — Soko Glam

Jung Saem Mool Essential Mool Cream

Moisturizer is the key to celebrity Korean makeup artist Jung Saem Mool's signature "natural glowing skin" looks. So it's no wonder she's formulated an intensely hydrating moisturizer featuring fermented pearl extract. This ingredient helps enhance skin's absorption of nutrients, so you can get more out of your skincare routine, and its ceramides and panthenol strengthen the skin barrier to keep moisture from escaping.

Pros: Leaves behind a glow; Long-lasting hydration 

Cons: Heavily fragranced 

Customer Review: "The first thing noticed when applying it is the pleasant light floral scent. It’s described as a cream but is more of a liquid that goes on light and effortlessly. It doesn’t take much and leaves the skin feeling smooth, not oily or weighted down." — Amazon

CosRx Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

Snail mucin is the star ingredient here, and while that may sound a little out of the ordinary, snail extract actually a very powerful skincare ingredient. It's responsible for brightening and hydrating your complexion, while simultaneously repairing a broken barrier. Add hyaluronic acid to the mix, and your skin will look plumper and smoother.

Pros: Radiance-boosting; Fast absorbing; Reduces signs of aging 

Cons: Some say it's drying 

Customer Review: "This product is fantastic. Lightweight but moisturizes well, has minimal to no smell, and extended use has made my skin more firm and bouncy. Works great as an AM moisturizer and PM moisturizer, and can be layered with an occlusive on top for even more hydration." — Ulta 

Hanacure Nano Emulsion Moisturizer

Dealing with uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, or rough patches from breakouts or bouts of dryness? Hanacure's moisturizer can help make skin look smoother and more even with consistent use. It's packed with loads of hydrating ingredients like Copper Tripeptide-1, which heals and restores, as well as ruby of the forest mushroom extract, which supports a more even complexion. 

Pros: Fragrance-free; Good for sensitive skin

Cons: On the expensive side 

Customer Review: "I really like this lotion, I have very sensitive skin with discoloration. As I'm getting older it's been hard to find products that actually improve my skin but I found this lotion, with the face masks, and cleanser have given me unexpectedly wonderful results. It's lightweight, and a little bit goes a long way." — Hanacure 

Neogen Dermatology Probiotics Relief Cream

This cream is the definition of a skin pick-me-up. Its plumping effects support a youthful glow, minus the harsh exfoliants present in anti-aging products that can irritate or dry out sensitive skin. Stare right in the mirror when you apply this: you’ll be amazed by the skin-smoothing, texture-blurring effects the formula has upon application. 

Pros: Blurring effect; Anti-aging; Jelly texture 

Cons: Fragrant 

Customer Review: "I like this cream as it leaves my skin soft and supple. The only downside I have is the smell–it can be too overpowering for me. Overall, I enjoyed this product because it's lightweight and doesn't feel heavy on the skin." — Neogen 

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Sensitivity, irritation, and acne are no match for Klairs' magical blue cream. The not-so-secret ingredient is centella asiatica, an extract that calms skin and helps repair newly picked or popped pimples without resulting in hyperpigmentation. Another all-star ingredient? Guaiazulene, which is derived from chamomile oil and soothes red, swollen skin.

Pros: Redness reducing; Can be used as a mask 

Cons: Not moisturizing enough for dry skin

Customer Review: "I loved this moisturizer. My skin drank it up. I wish there was more to this product, it's quite small for the price. I also prefer fragrance-free products but thankfully this product didn't bother my skin at all. It felt amazing on my face—leaving it well-hydrated throughout the night and when I woke up in the morning." — Soko Glam

Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

This oil-free moisturizer corrects dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring. The gel formula is a favorite among customers with oily and acne-prone skin, but it's also hydrating enough to soften skin with eczema, rosacea, or severe dryness. Ginger, vitamin C, aloe water, and turmeric are just a few of the natural ingredients that brighten skin and even out texture, proving that non-toxic beauty might just be the best beauty.

Pros: Anti-oxidant protection; Fragrance-free; Great under makeup

Cons: Not a lot of product in the tube 

Customer Review: "I have very sensitive skin and so I often have difficulty using products that have high reviews and seem to work wonders for a lot of people, as many of these are too harsh for my skin. I have had 0 issues with this moisturizer though in terms of negative reactions. I love how light it is, and it has DEFINITELY made a difference in my skin texture. My skin hasn’t been this smooth in years…I will say it is not as hydrating as some products I’ve used, so perhaps those with dry skin will need a little something extra." — Amazon

Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

This Sulwhasoo mask might as well contain tiny estheticians that give your pores thousands of mini facials overnight. True to its name, it's an overnight formula that's a perfect blanket for dry skin during cooler, drier nights. Conversely, if you're struggling with harsh conditions (like wind, snow, or salty beach air) during the day, or if you simply struggle with retaining moisture, feel free to wear this moisturizer during your waking hours.

Pros: Deeply hydrating; Luxe texture; Smoothing  

Cons: Expensive 

Customer Review: "This mask saved my skin! I don’t write many reviews but I’ve been using this for two weeks now at night and my skin is no longer dry and flaking. It’s so smooth and hydrated! Definitely recommend for the harsh winter months! Well worth the money. Only issue I had originally was the scent as I have sensitive skin, but it did not bother my skin at all." — Sephora 

What to Look For

• Hydrating Ingredients 

“Korean beauty moisturizers strive to ensure deep hydration regardless of texture or if the formula is oil-based or oil-free,” says Yoon. So, whether you need a lightweight Korean moisturizer for oily skin or have dry skin and require a rich, peptide-packed formula, your favorite Korean moisturizer will include hydrating ingredients.

This is largely up to personal preference, but texture is huge factor when selecting the best Korean moisturizer for you. Marie Claire's edit includes some gel and water creams, ideal for summer months or for those with oilier skin types, as well as rich creams and emollients, which are suited to dry skin. If you have combination skin, assess your current needs (if you're going to the gym a lot, for instance, you might want a more lightweight option), or layer a lightweight moisture with a more moisture-packed face serum.

Meet the Expert

Alicia Yoon is a Korean skincare expert and the founder of Peach & Lily, a leading source and retailer for all things Korean beauty. Her acclaimed Peach & Lily skincare collection is 100% worry-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, using clinically-proven ingredients. Alicia travels regularly between New York City and Seoul to find the best products and most innovative skincare, and she has helped make Korean beauty the phenomenon it is in the U.S. today. An esthetician certified by spas in Korea and licensed in New York, Alicia is also a Harvard Business School graduate and an avid sheet-masker. She is on WWD's 25 Most Innovative Beauty Executives list and serves on the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Board of Governors.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3RopycpJGev6Z6wqikaJqVlsK1xY6mmKSdpaV8qH%2BXaWdyaGlmfKOx0q1kpKeimq6vecyooKyspae2u7HRrGY%3D