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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In this article:
Meet the experts:
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.
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