The rise of K-Beauty is most evident in skincare. The best Korean moisturizers and sunscreens show American audiences what’s possible beyond inferior formulas and ineffective sun protection, offering new active ingredients, fun packaging, and innovative technology.
While the perfect moisturizers do exist in the United States (if you know where to find them), “Korean moisturizers are very innovative and thoughtful,” says Michelle Parker, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. What makes it unique is that in addition to providing great hydration, “many of the products are infused with natural and holistic ingredients to enhance skin benefits and address skin concerns,” she says. “Also, I think the texture of Korean moisturizers is different, feeling light and non-greasy while still thoroughly hydrating the skin.”
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: O Hui Miracle Moisture Ceramide Boosting Cream, $78
Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizer, $58
Best for Sensitive Skin: CosRx Snail 92 All in One Cream, $26
Best for Oily Skin: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Hydrogel, $18
Best for acne-prone skin: Rael Miracle Clear Barrier Cream, $13
Best for Mixed Skin: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream, $25
Best for Mature Skin: Iope Stem III Cream, $70
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Ingredients to Keep in Mind
How is this formula different from a regular facial moisturizer?
Meet the experts
A new focus on the skin’s moisture barrier has led to the continued emergence of Korean skincare products. “Korean skincare products focus on moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier, so you can trust that the products you’re taking are actually designed for that,” says Dr. Park.
Next, find the best Korean moisturizer for your skin type and concerns.
Best Overall: O Hui Miracle Moisture Ceramide Boosting Cream
Why we love it: O Hui may not yet have the same visibility in the U.S. as some of its Korean beauty peers, but that’s set to change with the brand’s U.S. arrival in 2024. This moisturizer is a best-seller in Korea, loved for its nourishing (but not greasy) texture and blend of three key ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier. It also contains peony extract, which provides antioxidants and calms inflammation.
Key Ingredients: Ceramide, Glycerin, Shea Butter
Size: 2 ounces.
Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizer
Why we like it: For patients with dry or irritated skin, New York board-certified dermatologist Claire Chang, MD, recommends this formula. “It’s rich in ceramides and panthenol, which help nourish and repair skin,” she says. They work with the humectant glycerin to help improve skin’s ability to retain moisture. The cream has a soft feel, absorbs quickly, and despite its moisturizing properties, it’s not too heavy for acne-prone people. In fact, I took one of their travel suits on a trip to Missouri in the winter and it worked wonders at balancing my mixed skin without causing breakouts.
Key Ingredients: Ceramide, Panthenol, Glycerin
Size: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 2.53 oz
Best for Sensitive Skin: CosRx Snail 92 All in One Cream
Why we love it: Dr. Chang says this fragrance-free moisturizer is a great option for many because it contains “92 percent snail mucin, as well as hyaluronic acid and allantoin to refresh and repair skin,” she said. (In fact, snail mucin acts as the base instead of water or oil.) It also helps reduce signs of inflammation associated with blemishes, like swelling and redness, while arginine strengthens and creates a softening feel, making it a must-have when needed.
Main Ingredients: Snail Mucin, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin
Size: 1.76 oz, 3.52 oz
Best for Oily Skin: Chosun Beauty Red Bean Hydrogel
Why we love it: Korean moisturizers are known for their intensely nourishing formulas, but that doesn’t mean there’s no innovation when it comes to lightweight textures. This lightweight gel is infused with saponins derived from the red bean of the same name; they help absorb excess oil throughout the day for a long-lasting matte finish. It also contains three peptides to support collagen production, helping to make skin firmer and more elastic over time.
Main Ingredients: Red bean extract, Peptides
Size: 3.38 fl. ounces.
Best for acne-prone skin: Rael Miracle Clear Barrier Cream
Why we love it: Rael takes a holistic approach to the menstrual cycle, and that includes acne. This barrier cream supports the moisture barrier and controls breakouts in equal measure with a combination of ceramides, vitamin B5, and succinic acid, which helps regulate oil production (thus minimizing clogged pores). While many anti-acne products compromise barrier function, this is a rare formula that does the opposite.
Key Ingredients: Ceramide, Vitamin B5, Succinic Acid
Size: 1.8 ounces
Best for Combination Skin: Round Labs Birch Sap Moisturizer
Why we like it: Round Lab takes inspiration from nature by using botanical and natural ingredients to address skin concerns. This lightweight gel-cream based on birch sap moisturizes, brightens and strengthens skin. It also contains moringa seed oil, aloe vera extract and turmeric extract, which can provide short-term relief. That said, it may not be hydrating enough in winter.
Key Ingredients: Birch Sap, Hyaluronic Acid, Moringa Seed Oil
Size: 2.7 fl. ounces.
Best for Mature Skin: Iope Stem III Cream
Why we love it: Perfect for those looking to maintain firm, radiant skin, this cream supports the skin barrier with a blend of hydrating ingredients—a noteworthy approach since skin’s moisture levels naturally decline over time. “It’s enriched with a powerful skin-reviving combination of allantoin, nicotinamide, madecassic acid, and peptides,” says Dr. Zhang.
Key Ingredients: Allantoin, Nicotinamide, Peptides
Size: 1.69 ounces
Best for Stressed Skin: Mizon All-in-One Snail Repair Cream
Why we love it: One of the most well-known Korean beauty ingredients is snail mucin, which is known to soothe inflammation, nourish the skin barrier and balance aggravated, acne-prone skin. This multi-tasking cream works with a calming complex of Centella asiatica (also known as Centella asiatica), raspberry extract and mugwort extract to soothe irritation and leave skin hydrated and comfortable.
Key Ingredients: Snail Mucin, Centella Asiatica, Raspberry Extract
Size: 2.53 oz.
Best for Dull Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream
Why we love it: Sulwhasoo is one of Korea’s biggest brands and one of the first to come to the United States. “It’s a silky, luxurious cream that utilizes the anti-aging benefits of ginseng along with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-whitening benefits,” says Dr. Zhang, who is known for using traditional herbal ingredients. It’s said to start restoring collagen within 48 hours
Key Ingredients: Ginsenosides, Ginseng root extract, Squalane
Specifications: 30ml, 60ml
Best Fragrance-Free: Estura Etobarrier365 Cream
Why we like it: According to Dr. Park, there are plenty of gentle formulas in Korea designed specifically for baby skin, and that’s the case with this barrier cream, which uses a lipid complex (ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol) that works just like real baby skin. The ceramides in question are encapsulated, allowing them to better remain in the skin barrier for longer, sealing gaps and locking in moisture for hours. This fragrance-free formula has also been allergy tested and shown to be safe for the most sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients: Squalane, Ceramide, Allantoin
Size: 2.71 fl. ounces.
Best Splurge: AmorePacific Time Response Skin Reserve Cream
Why we love it: It may be an investment, but this soft, balm-like formula brings a lot to the proverbial table. “It contains nourishing and anti-aging ingredients, including green tea, shea butter, jojoba oil, niacinamide, and caffeine,” says Dr. Zhang. The green tea in question is grown for skin care, so it’s rich in antioxidants and amino acids, not to mention green tea that’s exclusive to Amorepacific.
Key Ingredients: Green Tea, Nicotinic Acid Amide, Jojoba Oil
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Generally speaking, Korean moisturizers emphasize gentle, skin-barrier-supporting ingredients, as well as extracts commonly found in Asian herbs. Two key ingredients you may already recognize are hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are humectants that draw moisture into the skin. “You’ll also find products that contain ceramides, a type of lipid whose job is to “stick it together,” acting as an adhesive between skin cells to form a healthy skin barrier that retains moisture,” Dr. Park said.
As far as soothing skin goes, she points to allantoin, which not only hydrates, “but also has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes skin renewal,” she says. The same applies to Centella asiatica, which also addresses inflammation and may boost collagen production.
Dr. Chang also recommends looking for ginseng, green tea, and licorice root extracts, which have a number of skin care benefits. “Snail mucin and fermented yeast extracts are popular ingredients known for their moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and restorative properties,” she says.
First, Korean moisturizers offer more options for those with reactive skin types. “People with sensitive skin will find K-Beauty a haven for finding products that are suitable for them,” said Dr. Park. “There are many gentle moisturizers available that are formulated to soothe and reduce inflammation, and those with sensitive skin or those suffering from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea will be happy to find these products.”
Since they’re well tolerated by most people, Korean moisturizers are suitable for a variety of skin types, so while they’re helpful for those with inflamed and irritated skin, anyone can benefit from them.
You can also find alternative ingredients to address individual problems and conditions, such as acne. For example, Dr. Zhang says, some are “formulated with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil, propolis, and snail mucin,” making them an alternative or complement to ingredients commonly used in the U.S., such as salicylic acid.
Finally, Korean moisturizer formulas can vary in terms of aesthetic elegance (like quick absorption) and sheer bliss (like a lightweight, cloud-like texture). While these may appeal to certain skin types—for example, those with oily skin may prefer a lighter texture—they’re best enjoyed while applying them.
But ultimately, “I don’t think Korean moisturizers are better than American moisturizers, or vice versa,” says Dr. Chang. “Moisturizer selection is personal and subjective, and can change with time, age, and season.” And, like many skincare formulas, Korean moisturizers aren’t foolproof, so while their unique ingredients and formulas may work for you now, they’re probably not worth avoiding a product that already works for you, no matter where it came from.
Michelle Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Claire Chang, MD, is a New York board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
