Hydration is essential to Korean skincare, and it’s easy to see why Korean moisturisers are among the most-loved products on the market. Packed with natural, skin-loving ingredients, these formulas deliver deep nourishment without relying on harsh chemicals. Adding these into your skincare rotation – whether you’re fully committed to a Korean skincare routine or not – will help you achieve that glass skin glow. From lightweight day creams and rich night moisturisers to targeted solutions for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, we’ve rounded up the best Korean moisturisers to suit every skin type.
Are Korean Moisturisers Good?
In short, yes. All the best K-Beauty brands take skincare seriously, perfecting every formula to deliver noticeable results. Moisturiser plays a starring role in any Korean skincare routine, locking in hydration and protecting the skin barrier while nourishing deeply. Whether you’re chasing that glass skin glow or simply want to soothe dryness and irritation, Korean moisturisers are designed to meet every skin concern. The best part? They deliver hydration without clogging pores or leaving greasy residue.
The Best Daytime Korean Moisturisers
For daytime Korean moisturisers, a lightweight formula is your best bet. It hydrates without overloading the skin and sits beautifully under makeup. Of course, sun protection is essential too – but it’s entirely up to you whether you like a hybrid SPF moisturiser, or prefer to layer two distinct products.
Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Best for: A moisturiser SPF hybrid
This viral sunscreen doubles as a daytime moisturiser, providing SPF50+ protection alongside deep hydration. Rice extract and probiotics nourish the skin and strengthen the barrier, while its silky texture absorbs quickly with no greasy residue or white cast. One of the best Koreans sunscreens too in our opinion.
innisfree Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream
Best for: Dull skin
A dreamy gel formula infused with cherry blossom leaf extract and niacinamide to brighten and balance the skin. Natural betaine from beetroot ensures long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin plump, radiant, and ready for the day.
Beauty Of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
Best for: Oily skin
If you’re always in a rush, this lightweight gel absorbs in seconds. Red bean extract and peptides work together to hydrate, minimise oiliness, and improve skin elasticity. Bonus: it leaves no sticky residue, so it’s perfect for busy mornings.
The Best Korean Night Creams
Nighttime is when your skin works overtime to repair and replenish, the best time to drench your skin in nourishing, hydrating ingredients that can work whilst you sleep. We recommend a richer overnight Korean moisturiser packed with revitalising ingredients, so you can wake up to plump hydrated skin every day.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Cream Moisturiser
Best for: Dry, irritated skin
Laneige is renowned for its deeply hydrating products. This hydration hero delivers up to 100 hours of moisture, thanks to blue hyaluronic acid. It relieves redness, repairs damage, and strengthens the skin barrier, so you wake up with plump, glowing skin.
Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask
Best for: Dull skin
More than just a moisturiser, this overnight mask firms, smooths, and boosts radiance. A blend of Peony & Collagen Complex™, peptides, and Hydro-Melt Glow Capsules targets dullness, dryness, and fine lines, while hyaluronic acid locks in hydration. Use it on its own or layer it over your cream for an extra boost.
Best for: Dry, sensitive skin
Enriched with rice bran ceramide, this nourishing cream helps balance hydration levels, strengthen the skin barrier, and control oil production. Skin feels soft, smooth, and supple—never greasy.
The Best Korean Moisturisers for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs extra TLC, and these Korean moisturisers deliver intense hydration and nourishment when you need it most.
Best for: Dry skin and dull complexion
A moisture-packed formula featuring fermented soybean extract to boost collagen, smooth texture, and brighten dull skin. With antioxidant-rich fermented pomegranate, barley, and pear, it nourishes deeply while gently exfoliating to leave you with a youthful-looking glow.
Beauty Of Joseon Dynasty Cream
Best for: Dry and sensitive skin
A luxurious cream enriched with traditional Korean ingredients like ginseng root and rice bran water. It’s dense but never greasy, providing long-lasting hydration while smoothing, brightening, and strengthening the skin barrier. Perfect for the winter and dry skin types.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Cream
Best for: Dry and sensitive skin
Birch tree sap and jojoba esters replenish and protect the skin, forming a moisture barrier to prevent dehydration. Rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins, this cream leaves skin looking refreshed, clear, and deeply hydrated.
The Best Korean Moisturisers for Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin
If you struggle with acne, irritation, or redness, look for moisturisers with calming ingredients like heartleaf and centella asiatica to soothe and balance the skin.
ANUA Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Best for: Acne-prone and sensitive skin
This soothing cream relieves breakouts, calms irritation, and strengthens the skin barrier. Heartleaf extract, ceramides, and panthenol work together to hydrate deeply, preserve moisture, and leave skin plump and calm.
Holika Holika Cera Super Ceramide Cream
Best for: Acne-prone and dehydrated skin
Don’t be put off by the inclusion of shea butter – this deeply hydrating cream is a dream for acne-prone skin. The combination of shea butter, aloe vera extract, and ceramides works to moisturise and rejuvenate, while helping to soothe irritation, fade acne scars, and smooth fine lines. Think soft, calm, and clear skin without clogged pores.
ANUA Heartleaf 70% Daily Lotion
Best for: Acne-prone and oily skin
A lightweight option perfect for daytime use, this lotion combines heartleaf with three types of hyaluronic acid to calm acne, control sebum, and hydrate every layer of the skin. The watery texture absorbs instantly, leaving no greasiness behind.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Best for: Acne-prone and sensitive skin
Formulated with vegan ProBio-Cica (fermented centella asiatica), this cream soothes inflammation, repairs damage, and prevents moisture loss. Macadamia seed oil and moringa oil add hydration, while lactobacillus protects the skin barrier and smooths texture. Clinically proven to deliver visible results, it’s a must-have for sensitive skin.
Korean moisturisers are a game-changing addition to any skincare routine, delivering hydration, nourishment, and results. Whether you’re after lightweight daytime hydration, a rich night cream, or a solution for tricky skin concerns, there’s a perfect match for you in our K-Beauty range.
