The 15 Best Korean Face Creams To Unlock Your Glow

If you’re new to the whole Korean skincare thing and want to try a new, effective face cream, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I included a list of the most recommended Korean face creams that actually work so you can pick what suits your skin needs the most.

Let’s dive deep into it…

Which Korean Face Cream Is Best?

1- Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream

This Peach & Lily Moisturizer will drench the skin with antioxidants and deep moisture. Its rich formula, which includes niacinamide, peptide complex, matcha, and cape lilac, makes it suitable for day and night use.

It can definitely soothe and calm the skin, reduce irritation, reduce premature aging, improve dry patches, leave the skin supple, and penetrate deep into the skin.

Also, it can help relieve redness, which makes it perfect for use before wearing a concealer or skin tint.

Plus, the formula is clean, non-toxic, vegan, and free of alcohol, fragrance, & gluten.

Suitable for combination, oily, acne-prone, normal, and sensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients: Matcha, Niacinamide, Peptide Complex, and Cape Lilac.

Pros:

• Has a weightless formula that sinks right into your skin.
• Rich in antioxidants that help soothe the skin and reduce premature aging caused by environmental stressors.
• Boost collagen production with peptides and hydrate the skin.
• Clean & non-toxic formula.
• Cruelty-free.

Cons:

• People with very dry skin may need something more moisturizing.

2- Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Firming Cream

The Sulwhasoo Korean face cream will help moisturize, nourish, and improve the appearance of your skin. It’s formulated with the JISUN firming complex (includes goji berry, black soybean, and arrowroot) and the JAUM moisturizing complex (includes a blend of 5 herbal ingredients).

Thanks to these two proprietary complexes, this product will soothe and hydrate the skin, reduce skin dryness and weakness caused by external stressors, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce aging signs, and improve skin resilience and firmness.

Based on a 6-week clinical study, using this moisturizer improved elasticity & firmness in the mouth area by 15.15%, in the forehead area by 20.42%, and in the chin area by 11.31%.

Based on another 14-day independent consumer study on 45 Asian women (ages 30-49):

• Their skin feels moisturized (100% agreed).
• Their skin feels soft & more elastic (100% agreed).
• Their skin feels more radiant (98% agreed).

Suitable for normal, combination, dry, sensitive, and mature skin types.

Key Ingredients: JISUN firming complex and JAUM moisturizing complex

Pros:

• Clean formula (free of paraben, mineral oil, phthalates, formaldehyde, talc, coal tar, and oxybenzone).
• Whipped consistency.
• Revitalize skin elasticity and firmness.
• Ultra moisturizing.
• Reduce aging signs.

Cons:

• Pricey.
• Contains fragrance.

3- CosRX Advanced Snail 92 All-In-One Cream Tube

This everyday moisturizer is infused with 92% snail mucin, which will build a moisture barrier to plump, hydrate, and soothe the skin.

Its lightweight gel-like formula can repair & soothe irritated skin, strengthen the skin barrier, replenish moisture, revive skin radiance, and relieve & repair damaged skin.

It’s also effective for those with skin problems like rosacea, as it helps soothe irritated and damaged skin after flare-ups while leaving it deeply moisturized and radiant. It’s the best Korean face cream for literally anyone!

Suitable for oily, acne-prone, normal, combination, dry, sensitive, and damaged skin types.

Key Ingredients: Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic.
• Dermatologist-tested.
• 100% natural.
• It has a lightweight texture yet delivers deep moisture.
• Reduce redness and repair the skin.

Cons:

• Has a sticky texture that some people may not like.

Related: The 10 Best Korean Skin Care Routine Steps To Follow

4- TIRTIR Ceramic Cream

If you want glass skin, the TIRTIR ceramic moisturizer is what you should be using! Its rich moisturizing formula holds 10x more water than hyaluronic acid, which will instantly moisturize your skin and give you that glowy glass skin appearance all day.

It can also lock in moisture, provide ceramic vase-like skin, reduce blemishes and skin imperfections, reduce pores, and balance oil production- thanks to the naturally derived 12-plant extract.

Plus! It’s hypoallergenic, free of mineral oil, paraben, and fragrance. The TIRTIR ceramic moisturizer is ideal for day and night use, especially at night, as it deeply moisturizes, reduces dead skin cells, and boosts radiance in the morning.

Suitable for dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin types.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, witch hazel flower extract, Centella Asiatica extract, 12 plant extracts, and polyglutamic acid.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic.
• Provides a thin yet effective moisture barrier.
• It can soothe & calm the skin.
• Boost skin glow and radiance.

Cons:

• It may not be suitable for those with oily skin in the summer.

5- ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

This Korean face cream can easily strengthen the skin barrier, increase skin moisture, soothe dry & irritated skin, keep the skin protected, and leave it feeling soft and hydrated.

It absorbs into the skin quickly and retains skin moisture as it’s enriched with skin-loving ingredients like panthenol, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil.

Plus, its formula is pH-balanced, which will help keep the skin healthy and hydrated.

It’s also free of mineral oil, silicone oil, urea, animal-derived ingredients, fragrance, PEG, paraben, synthetic pigment, and other harmful ingredients.

Suitable for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Panthenol, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and madecassoside.

Pros:

• Non-greasy finish.
• Deeply nourish the skin.
• Free of 10 additives.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Dermatology-tested.

Cons:

• It could be a bit heavy for oily skin.

6- Innisfree Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream

This bouncy, lightweight Korean face cream can soothe, brighten, and moisturize the skin due to its rich formula that contains betaine, niacinamide, and cherry blossom.

It can be used as an AM & PM moisturizer to support skin health and increase moisture. The good thing is it absorbs quickly into the skin, and yet it’s super effective!

Based on a 2-week independent consumer study on 30 women ages 20-35:

• After one use, 93% felt an instant healthy glow.
• After 2 weeks of use, 93% saw a “glass skin effect”.
• 90% saw a boost in skin’s radiance.

It’s the best Korean face cream for dull skin as it revitalizes your skin and restores its radiance and glow.

Suitable for dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, betaine, and cherry blossom flavonoids.

Pros:

• lightweight, jelly texture.
• Fast-absorbing.
• Provide instant radiance.
• cruelty-free.
• Alcohol-free.
• Vegan.

Cons:

• Has a bit sticky texture.

Related: Unveiling the Truth: Are Korean Skincare Products Better For Asians?

7- Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Beauty of Josean is one of the top Korean skincare brands that honors the traditional skincare ingredients in K-beauty like red bean, ginseng root water, etc. This makes their products ideal for those who wanna start trying authentic Korean products.

This hydrating gel is formulated with red bean water and peptide complex, which can provide an intense boost of hydration, revitalize the skin, refine pores, reduce excess sebum, and leave the skin matte and balanced.

It also helps reduce wrinkles and other aging signs, leaving the skin looking more youthful.

Suitable for Combination, oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients: Peptide complex and Haenam red bean extract.

Pros:

• Provides intense moisture.
• Reduces aging signs.
• Light gel consistency.
• Leaves no greasy feeling.
• Fragrance-free.
• Cruelty-free.

Cons:

• For some people, it’s too light.

Related: Ultimate Guide: 21 Best Korean Skin Care Products

8- ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

This moisturizer has high concentrations of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, which will help strengthen the skin barrier, increase hydration, and reduce skin sensitivity. This makes this moisturizer ideal for those with dry and sensitive skin.

Its formula guarantees 100-hour moisture retention. Plus! It’s clinically proven that it can restore the skin barrier in 3 days by 91%, reduce skin sensitivity by 41%, and provide long-lasting softness and plumpness.

The ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream can also alleviate discomfort, irritation, flushing, and redness and minimize flakiness and dead skin cells. Amazing, right? It’s officially the best Korean moisturizer for dry skin.

Suitable for dry, normal, and sensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients: Black bean capsule ceramides and soja extract.

Pros:

• Ideal for people with super dry, itchy, or sensitive skin.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Vegan.
• Non-comedogenic.
• Suitable for everyone, even babies.

Cons:

• It could be heavy on acne-prone skin.

9- NEOGEN Probiotics Firming Anti-Aging Moisturizer

The Neogen Korean face cream is infused with real probiotics to help reduce aging signs before they appear, plump up & moisturize the skin, keep it firm and supple, and build a strong skin barrier.

It’s a lightweight product with a yogurt-like consistency that absorbs into the skin quickly to nourish it and boost elasticity.

This product also helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, repair compromised skin barrier, and build up resilience.

Suitable for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides.

Pros:

• Packed with probiotics.
• Firm the skin.
• Keep it moisturized and nourished.
• Rich consistency.
• Lightweight.

Cons:

• Some reviewers mentioned it may leave the skin a bit oily after application.

10- Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream

The Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Korean Face Cream reduces redness and signs of aging, boosts skin elasticity, plumps and restores dry skin, and protects the skin against environmental aggressors.

This cream not only reduces visible aging signs but also transforms the skin at its core with self-rejuvenating power.

Plus! It’s a lightweight product with a gel-like consistency, which makes it ideal for those with oily, dry, and combination skin types.

Suitable for dry, normal, combination, acne-prone, oily, and mature skin types.

Key Ingredients: Squalane, ginseng peptide, and enzyme-treated ginseng saponins, avocado oil.

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• Reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
• Boost skin radiance after 6 weeks of use.
• Strengthen the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Cons:

• Has a strong scent.

11- AESTURA  AtoBarrier 365 Cream

This sensitive skin-approved product is formulated with ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol that mimic lipids found in your skin, which can lock in moisture, provide 120 hours of hydration, and protect the skin barrier.

Also, this intense moisturizing cream replenishes gaps in the skin and provides deep hydration, maintaining a lasting presence on the skin’s barrier.

Suitable for dry, normal, and sensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients: Fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol.

Pros:

• Provide 120 hours of moisture.
• 242% increase in surface hydration, based on a clinical study on 32 people with skin concerns.
• Dermatologically-tested.
• Non-comedogenic.
• Fragrance-free.
• Colorant-free.

Cons:

• Some reviewers mentioned that the product is reformulated, and some of them do not like this.

12- LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturizer

The LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Moisturizer is a clinically backed, barrier-boosting product powered by Korean skincare technology to provide intense hydration.

It’s formulated with squalane, ceramide, blue hyaluronic acid, and panthenol complex, so it can soothe and firm the skin, build a moisture barrier, deliver long-lasting hydration, and keep the skin nourished all day.

Based on an independent 4-week clinical study on 32 women ages 20-45:

• The product repairs the skin’s moisture barrier (100% agreed).
• Their skin was visibly softer and smoother (100% agreed).
• Their skin looked firmer, revitalized, and more resilient.

Suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. You can try the other the balancing barrier if your skin is oily and the fortifying barrier if your skin is dull.

Key Ingredients: Pepta-Panthenol complex, squalane, blue hyaluronic acid, and ceramide.

Pros:

• Clinically backed.
• Provide intense hydration.
• Lightweight.
• Firms and Plumps the skin.
• Dermatologist-tested.

Cons:

• Has a light and mildly floral scent that some people don’t like.

13- TIAM Panthenol Moist Cream

TIAM Panthenol Moist Korean Face Cream is made specially to deliver long-lasting moisture, soothe and relieve dry, irritated skin, and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It can help you achieve that radiant appearance you want!

It’s formulated with the best ingredients, including panthenol, betaine, and allantoin. Those ultra-soothing ingredients will support the skin barrier, balance oil and water production, and calm dry, irritated skin.

It’s one of the best Korean face creams for everyone, even those with dry and sensitive skin.

Suitable for all skin types (especially dry, sensitive types)

Key Ingredients: Panthenol, allantoin, and betaine.

Pros:

• Long-lasting hydration.
• Creamy low pH formula.
• Gentle on the skin.
• Fragrance-free.
• Non-sticky or greasy.

Cons:

• None.

14- COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

The COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream is made with a non-irritating formula, which makes it ideal for most skin types, especially dry, sensitive skin.

It can lock in moisture, boost skin elasticity, plump fine lines out, quench thirsty skin, and relieve irritation (cooling the skin).

It brings back glow and radiance to the skin and gives you a youthful appearance while hydrating from its roots.

Suitable for dry, normal, mature, sensitive, and combination skin types.

Key Ingredients: Panthenol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and Hippophae rhamnoides water.

Pros:

• Gel formula.
• Super soothing, non-irritating formula.
• Calm the skin.
• Cooling sensation.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Dermatologist-tested.
• Animal testing-free.

Cons:

• Some reviewers mentioned that it may not be suitable for those with acne-prone skin.

15- THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Moisture Sun Cream SPF 40

This is the best Korean face cream with SPF that protects your skin against UVA & UVB rays while providing essential hydration to your skin.

The THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Moisture Korean Sun Cream for face blends into your skin, giving you a silky finish. And, It also locks in moisture and keeps the skin barrier balanced and happy.

It’s rich in vitamins B5, B3, and K. In addition to their ability to increase hydration, they can also support recovery from daily environmental stressors.

Additionally, this one leaves no white cast and ensures a clean look, which makes it ideal for all skin tones and types.

Suitable for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, Vitamins B5, B3, and K (panthenol, niacinamide, menadione, and tocopherol).

Pros:

• Unsecented chemical sunscreen.
• Dermatologist-tested.
• No white cast.
• Broad spectrum.
• Lightweight.
• Smooth, non-greasy formula.
• Paraben-free.
• Fragrance-free.

Cons:

• It may take a moment to absorb into the skin fully.

FAQs:

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