What’s this new obsession over Korean beauty products? More and more women and even men are choosing Asian skincare to treat and pamper their dry skin. Comparatively speaking, the category of face cream is the most popular. And that’s because face creams are the most important products to start with if you have dry skin.
So here are the best Korean moisturizers for dry skin. These formulas are science-backed and packed with innovative ingredients. At the same time, the Korean-made magic potions are not that expensive to purchase either.
The thing about Korean skincare is that the brands create targeted formulas. Meaning K-beauty products are clearly marked for a particular skin type. This includes dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and combination skin. And Korean brands do this simply by adding the most suitable ingredients.
For example, dry skin deserves a face cream with excellent moisturizing and hydrating properties. As for oily skin, non-comedogenic and oil-free Korean formulas work best. And sensitive skin should stay away from specific ingredients like parabens, synthetic fragrances, alcohol, etc.
However, choosing from the lot for your dry skin can seem like a time-consuming task. So, lucky for you, I’ve done the needful. Therefore, all you have to do now is read the reviews and pick your go-to Korean magic potion.
The Best Korean Moisturizers for Dry Skin: Top 17 Choices
1. EverGlam Deeply Moisturizing Face Cream
If there’s one thing the first pick on the list is known for, it takes the form of advanced ceramides. This moisturizing cream by EverGlam consists of a formula infused with advanced ceramides. These are barriers that retain moisture. Allow me to explain.
Hydrating your skin is doing only half the job. The other half involves keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day. So what this cream does is provide ceramides that form microcapsule barriers for helping your skin retain all that hydration and moisture for long hours.
If you use the moisturizer regularly, it can even reduce your pore size, wrinkles, and fine lines. Along with brightening your complexion!
The formula is also armed with botanical extracts like argan oil, shea butter, cica, green tomato, balloon plant, and more. These are fine nature-found ingredients that nourish, revitalize, and soothe your skin. Your skin even gets the opportunity to use the antioxidants packed in here to fight against harmful free radicals.
The texture is lightweight and non-oily. This nourishing face moisturizer eliminates dryness, which ranks as one of the major causes of premature aging of the skin. And because of this lightweight, non-sticky, non-oily texture, the cream also works best on sensitive, oily, combination, and normal skin. For both men and women!
2. L’ATURAJEU Korean Cactus Moisturizer Cream
There’s simply no chance you’re likely to dismiss this one. After all, the moisturizer contains such a unique blend of the most natural and effective ingredients that it’s hard to turn them down. No matter your skin type or the month of the year!
The primary ingredient here is cactus extracts. This contains a combination of many nutrients, including Vitamin C, and moisture. And what the mixture does is protect the skin against dryness and common skin troubles. At the same time, it improves the condition and health of your skin.
Furthermore, the Korean beauty brand has also added shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin. Shea butter creates a moisture barrier for preventing moisture evaporation. Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin while balancing the oil and water levels. And allantoin strengthens and calms your natural skin barrier.
The absorption capacity of the moisturizer is quick, which means it has a very lightweight texture. And that means even those with oily, sensitive, combination, or normal skin can make the most of this cactus extract-infused face cream.
Did you know that cactus is equipped with Vitamin C 8 times higher in comparison to aloe vera? So now you understand how this moisturizer is powerful enough to treat and prevent skin dryness?
3. COSRX Oil Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
There are two things I really love about this Ultra Moisturizing Lotion by COSRX. The first is the use of birch sap (willow bark water) as the main ingredient. And the second is that the formula is recommended for not just daytime use but also the night. Now let’s talk about the birch sap ingredient below.
Will bark water makes up 70-percent of this lightweight, gentle moisturizing lotion. It’s a natural, skin-friendly ingredient packed with antioxidants and vitamins. But why is birch sap so popular in the beauty industry? Because it effectively calms and treats irritation simply by nourishing your skin.
You don’t have to wait for too long for your skin to absorb all the cream. Along the same vein, you don’t even end up dealing with a greasy residue post-application. The consistency is non-greasy and light, no doubt about that. This means the moisturizer is good for oily skin and combination skin.
But it’s the birch sap content in here that makes the loudest noise. And why wouldn’t it when the ingredient has magical abilities to restore moisture and maintain hydration level!
As for the cherry on the cake, it’s the paraben-free, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic nature of the product. So even those with sensitive skin can use willow bark water to their skin’s advantage.
4. Vivo Per Lei Day Cream
All you need is a little bit of this rich moisturizer every morning to keep your skin looking alive and radiant throughout the day. You’ll spot noticeable changes in your dry skin in a very short period. So there’s no waiting for weeks for your skin to improve! That’s the beauty of this Vivo Per Lei Day Cream.
All skincare products manufactured by Vivo Per Lei contain rich minerals from the Dead Sea. These include magnesium, potassium, and calcium. And they’re very effective when it comes to providing nourishment to the skin. These rich minerals also combine with sunflower seed oil and shea butter to deliver tons of suppleness and hydration.
Another very useful piece of information is that the moisturizer reduces aging signs as well. It’s got antioxidants for boosting collagen production. And when that happens, skin elasticity improves. Selenium is the potent antioxidant here that, along with Vitamin E, repairs wrinkles and skin DNA by moisturizing and fortifying the skin.
Moreover, the day cream is equipped with natural SPF. So it’s safe to say that the formula reduces hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration.
In all honesty, by far, this is the best Korean moisturizer that offers multi-purpose skin benefits. No matter how dull or dry your skin is!
5. Dr. Jart Ceramidin Liquid Serum
The exceptional moisture-retaining power of ceramides is a part of this formula. The liquid serum by Dr. Jart works the best for plumping dry, dull skin simply by sealing in the moisture all day long. After all, that’s what happens when the moisturizer contains ceramides.
The serum creates a sort of liquid cushioning for strengthening and protecting the skin barrier against water loss. It has the ability to transform dehydrated, rough skin for a healthy, well-nourished glow.
The liquid doesn’t have a problem penetrating deep into your skin. And it does so quickly while also leaving a cooling sensation. This brings tons of relief if you’re dealing with dry skin.
In the end, I would just like to say one thing to help you decide. If your skin struggles for holding in moisture, then the use of ceramides goes a long way. And this liquid serum contains a lot of them.
6. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream
Now here’s the best Korean moisturizer for oily skin and dry skin. Wait, how does this make sense? I mean how can a formula be suitable for both skin types? This review of the Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream is the answer to that question.
The formula contains super collagen water, aqua stream complex, and baobab oil. The first ingredient is known for providing the skin with hydration. And this hydration gets softly and easily absorbed into the skin. The water particles here supply tons of moisture to make your skin look and feel gelatinous.
As for the aqua stream complex, it’s a part of the super collagen water particles. Meaning it also creates a moisture-rich structure. And baobab oil is yet another ingredient that contributes to hydration. Did you know that just one baobab tree contains around 120,000 liters of water?
Moving on to the texture of the moisturizer, it’s watery gel-like that gets absorbed quickly for instant moisture delivery. The after-effect doesn’t consist of any sticky feeling, not post-application and not even later in the day.
If you use this Etude House cream on a daily basis, you’ll notice an improvement in your skin’s hydration level within just 5 days. Now isn’t that something your dry patches demand urgently!
7. Scinic Honey All In One Ampoule
First off, let me tell you the meaning of ampoules. They’re much like Korean serums and essences. But ampoules contain a higher concentration of active skincare ingredients that you should use only for boosting treatment or when dealing with a particular skin issue. Meaning for a short period, until your skin condition improves.
So is that what you should expect and keep in mind when using the Scinic Honey All In One Ampoule? This formula is infused with propolis extract, royal jelly, and honey. All you have to do is spread the moisturizer gently all over your face as well as neck to activate smoothness and softness.
It has a very mild yet extremely refreshing honey-like scent. The thin jelly texture, much like aloe vera, has a honey color tinge to it.
At first sight, you might think the cream doesn’t get absorbed into the skin or it might feel sticky. But both scenarios are not a possibility in any way. On the contrary, absorption capacity and non-greasy texture after application are more than just satisfactory.
This ampoule also works best for reducing inflammation, redness, and acne. It has a very impressive moisturizing power that the driest of the skin cannot stand a chance against.
8. Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream
Skincare products manufactured by the popular Korean brand Atopalm are the best-suited for dry skin and sensitive skin. Along with skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Each and every product is extremely moisturizing and gentle. All of them reduce redness, support the natural functions of your skin, and calm discomfort.
So you should expect much the same results with the Atopalm Intensive Moisturizing Cream. It features patented MLE technology. This Multi-Layer Emulsion mimics your skin’s healthy lipid layer. And that encourages the skin to rebalance and self-recover naturally. So no more dryness or irritation to deal with anymore!
Apart from MLE, there’s portulaca extracts for further moisturizing and soothing the skin. Also included are olive oil and jojoba seed oil. Both have been proven to contain excellent skin-friendly moisturizing properties.
Enough about what’s included. How about what’s not a part of this highly moisturizing formula? Harmful ingredients like mineral oil, ethanol, parabens, and propylene glycol. So how about buying a skincare product that’s safe to use for a change?
9. Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
Does the product live up to its name? The manufacturer is Klairs, so there’s no room for doubt concerning the effectiveness and safety of this vegan face moisturizer. It’s a formula you can use all year round even if your skin type is sensitive.
Speaking of skin type, the cream effectively restores hydration for stabilizing dry skin. As for its effects on heated/inflamed skin, the formulation lowers skin temperature for reducing redness and diminishing the visibility of pores.
The single-touch tube makes way for easy and hygienic application. Each tube you get contains a generous amount of moisturizer for plentiful use.
As for the list of ingredients, it includes shea butter, lipidure, and ceramides. All 3 are packed with intensive moisturizing properties the most fitting for dry skin.
What’s more is that the product doesn’t encourage animal testing or use animal-based ingredients. So if you live a vegan lifestyle, this gentle and soothing moisturizer is perfect for you. And perfect for your dry skin as it replenishes moisture while also controlling oil.
10. Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Cream
Green tea equals antioxidants, right? So if providing your skin with antioxidants for fighting free radicals and potential environmental aggressors are your priority, then your skin has met its match. This Green Tea Seed Cream by Innisfree is full of antioxidants that not only moisturize but also clean out your skin.
Dry skin gets very thirsty, doesn’t it? So at such at times, it’s very important to quench that thirst if you want your skin to look and feel healthy now and always. This formula retains the dewy moisture present deep within your skin.
What can you expect to find in here? As I already told you, there’s green tea seed for providing both moisturizing and antioxidant properties. No other Korean skincare product on this list contains green tea. So this is quite an exceptional cream that, just by the way, works on the most sensitive skin type too.
You don’t need much for covering the entire face. Meaning a single purchase has the ability to last for many months, even if you use the moisturizer twice daily.
The texture is translucent white and thick enough. The latter is useful if you want your skin to feel hydrated. But not too thick that it ends up clogging your pores and causing breakouts. There’s also a very pleasant green tea aroma, which isn’t artificial. So even that doesn’t trigger acne or skin sensitivities.
To sum it up, it’s an incredibly potent moisturizer enriched with green tea antioxidants for skin protection and nourishment. Whatever your skin type!
11. Korean Skin Care Snail Repair Cream
Now it’s time for some of the best snail mucus-infused moisturizers for dry skin. And the first of the lot is the Korean Skin Care Snail Repair Cream. It ranks as the most effective due to the higher concentration of snail mucus extract. So you can expect this formula to be more effective and potent than the others.
It works to provide more youthful, healthier, and brighter skin within only a few days of use. So you don’t need to wait for weeks to notice visible improvements. And that’s amazing because nowadays who has the patience to wait for results, right?
The snail cream is created ethically without causing any harm to animals or the environment. As for the inclusion of other ingredients apart from snail mucin, it contains organic, naturally-derived aloe, Vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba oil. These go a long way when it comes to moisturizing dry skin.
To top it off, the skincare product is non-comedogenic. So it doesn’t clog pores. At the same time, its antimicrobial properties prevent any further damage to your skin. Therefore, you get treatment and prevention in this case.
12. Yeouth Day Night Moisturizer with Snail Extract
Isn’t it amazing when the moisturizer is hydrating enough for the night and lightweight for the day? So if that’s the kind of formula you’re looking for, it’s right here at your disposal. The Yeouth Day Night Moisturizer makes the skin feel rejuvenated and refreshed. It’s also an anti-aging cream that boosts collagen production and elastin.
Now let’s get to the star of the show, which is snail extract. The thing about snail extracts is that they offer natural activators that soothe dry, damaged skin. Then there’s hyaluronic acid as well for providing all the moisture your skin demands. You should know that hyaluronic acid has the capacity to hold huge amounts of water. Much more than its molecular water weight!
Moreover, the Korean brand decided to also include green tea and peptides. Antioxidants are what green tea blesses your skin with for preventing free radicals from causing skin damage. They also delay premature aging signs and even hyperpigmentation. As for peptides, these boost collagen to make your skin look supple and more youthful.
The Yeouth Day Night Moisturizer is not only suitable for dry skin. Acne-prone skin, oily skin, combination skin, regular skin, or sensitive skin; it works for all.
13. Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
What makes this better than the rest is that the K-beauty brand Mizon includes 2 creams in the set. Each one contains 74-percent snail extract concentration. So you can expect both the moisturizers to repair your dry, damaged skin. And to also reduce fine lines, dark spots, and acne scars.
As you already know by now that mucin snail secretion repairs damaged skin for a smooth and clear complexion. But not all snail gels get absorbed into the skin easily and quickly. However, this one does. It’s a lightweight formula that also feels very fresh on the skin.
Mizon has created a very effective Korean moisturizer. And I say this because the formulation is also equipped with hyaluronic acid. It’s what quenches the thirst of your dehydrated skin.
Other beneficial ingredients included are green tea, portulaca, and Centella extracts. All these natural elements protect your skin from potential external factors while also soothing it.
This cream has powerful anti-aging properties too. The proof of which is the addition of adenosine. It has been proven to improve wrinkles and fine lines. As for the rich content of peptides and vitamins, they firm your skin further to give you a naturally youthful appearance.
Needless to say, it’s a multi-function snail extract-enriched moisturizer that prevents common skin troubles like dryness, fine lines, and acne marks.
14. Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream
Now here’s yet another powerful yet gentle snail repair cream by the same brand Mizon. But this formula is something you can use in the day as well as at night.
Not many moisturizers for dry skin or moisturizers with snail mucin extract are good for the day and night. So you get a day cream and night cream, that’s like a 2-in-1 offer. Isn’t that excellent money-saving opportunity?
Moving on, the Mizon All In One Snail Repair Cream is good for tired, aging, damaged, and dry skin. So every time you apply this formula on your face, expect it to look refreshed. What’s in here is 92% snail mucus extract for skin recovery and regeneration.
The cream has the power to deal with multiple skin issues like wrinkles, acne scars, aging signs, large pores, and dry skin patches of course. This means it isn’t so unreasonable to expect your skin to look healthy, bright, elastic, and bouncy again.
Apart from snail mucus, there are peptides, Vitamin 5, and adenosine. These are all excellent anti-aging ingredients. And the fact that no parabens, artificial colors, or fragrances are used goes to show that the moisturizer is good for sensitive skin as well.
So if skin regeneration is your priority, at the time of sleeping or when awake, this should be your go-to Korean skincare product.
15. TONYMOLY Timeless Ferment Snail Cream Kit
Okay, so this one is formulated in the form of a lecithin emulsion cream and ampoule gel. Together, they provide concentrated care to increase hydration and improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity.
The snail extracts here are full of ingredients like elastin, glycolic acid, collagen, and allantoin. They all combine for repairing the barrier of your skin while also soothing, hydrating, and brightening the surface.
What sets it apart is the use of Gold Fermented Snail Extract. This extract is developed for around 6 months. During the time, snails are given gold-enriched green tea. This is how the mucus undergoes extraction, filtration, as well as fermentation to provide maximum skin benefits.
Now you know how the brand TONYMOLY merges innovative technology and top quality ingredients. No wonder the manufacturer is such a popular K-beauty skincare company!
16. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
The goal of the brand here is to offer customized solutions to tackle common skin concerns. This is why COSRX manufactures products suited for individual skin types. Such as this COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream for dry skin.
Its formulation consists of 92-percent snail secretion to create a natural glow and make your skin look healthier. The moisturizer nourishes and hydrates the skin. And why wouldn’t it when the rich gel glides onto your skin easily to form a protective moisture barrier! The kind that lasts throughout the day!
Even though snail mucin is used, the product is cruelty-free. At the same time, the brand doesn’t test any of its beauty products on animals. But the one thing I found to be truly remarkable is the gel texture. It’s thick and sticky at first but turns silky and smooth in just a few minutes.
17. Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream
It’s time for the last option on the list, and not the least bit unimportant. That’s because this snail extract-infused formula also has bee venom. Along with botanical oils and hyaluronic acid! All the ingredients are effectively and tightly mixed in optimally high concentrations using an optimally high pressure and high temperature steaming method.
But why are the ingredients hot-steamed? So that they can blend properly for creating a creamy, soft texture to moisturize your skin thoroughly. You can use this steam cream with snail extracts and bee venom for correcting pigmentation and an uneven skin tone. Apart from getting rid of dry skin, of course.
You all know by now what snail secretion does. As for bee venom, it fools your skin into thinking that it’s been stung. So this increases blood flow to your face, bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen while also stimulating the production of elastin and collagen.
As for hyaluronic acid, it’s packed with hydration. And lastly, the botanical oils soothe, nourish, and calm your skin.
To be honest, it’s the most exciting Korean moisturizer to use for dry, tight, or dull skin.
Why Are Korean Moisturizers Best for Dry Skin?
Now let me bring to your attention that just drinking generous amounts of water is not enough for keeping the natural moisture levels of your skin healthy. So it’s only common sense to assume that even more care is required if you have dry, dehydrated, or flaky skin. This is why it’s best to include a good moisturizer as well into your daily skincare routine.
But why does it have to be a Korean moisturizer? It’s because the best K-beauty formulas are packed with extra reinforcements. Let me explain below.
The natural lipid barrier of your skin is supposed to provide protection against potential damage and water loss. But this natural barrier of protection doesn’t always do its job. So during the times when your lipid barrier fails to prevent water loss and skin damage, the responsibility falls on the metaphorical shoulders of a moisturizer.
Korean moisturizers specifically created for dry skin offer complete protection from any sort of damage. And equally important is their ability to re-balance the moisture levels of your skin.
When your skin doesn’t produce the required amount of lipid cells, the condition leads to dry skin. However, Korean moisturizers are specially formulated to make up for this lack of moisture retention.
How to Choose a Korean Moisturizer for Dry Skin
You already know that moisturizers seize every opportunity to boost hydration and the natural oils of your skin. No wonder it’s crucial to use a moisturizer right after washing the face. And you simply cannot and shouldn’t neglect this step if you have dry skin issues to deal with.
But how do you go about choosing the best Korean moisturizer formula for your dry skin? I mean yes, there are many K-beauty products specifically labeled for the skin type they’re suitable for. Nevertheless, you should also know what goes into picking the right Korean moisturizer for dry skin.
There are Korean moisturizers that contain shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. These gel-based formulas are simply perfect for regular dry skin. But if the condition is slightly on the severe side, then you should select cream-based Korean moisturizers equipped with hyaluronic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, lactic acid, or dimethicone.
Another very effective ingredient used in K-beauty moisturizers is snail mucus extract. What this snail essence does is boosts moisture and replenishes dried skin cells.
The peptides present in snail mucin perform the task of repairing damage caused by aging, pollution, and sun exposure. Snail mucus extract also has the power to accelerate collagen production.
Along the same lines, there are Korean moisturizers with birch sap as well. Now, this particular ingredient is full of antioxidants and proteins. It’s the best alternative to coconut water for your skin. And when used on dry skin, birch sap offers tons of hydration. Even in cold, dry climatic conditions!
In all, the Korean moisturizer you pick should contain moisture-trapping ingredients in the form of natural extracts and oils. And not chemicals and additives!
The Most Effective Methods to Treat/Prevent Dry Skin
Apart from using the best K-beauty moisturizer for dry skin, you can alleviate the problem by adopting other lifestyle habits.
Avoid Taking Hot Showers
Like I already told you, very hot water destroys the natural moisture and oils present in your skin. This means your skin’s natural protection barrier gets eliminated. Keeping that in mind, consider using lukewarm or warm water. Even when you’re just washing your face!
Use Night Masks
When dry skin is the problem, you should incorporate sleeping masks into your beauty routine. Sometimes moisturizers are not enough for hydrating excessively dry skin. This means your skin demands an additional boost. And what better way than night masks to provide that extra boost!
The best Korean overnight sleeping masks deeply penetrate your skin’s inner layers to moisturize them. More often than not, they contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid for specifically targeting dryness. So you wake up in the morning with a radiant glow.
Get a Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture in the air, correct? So if the weather conditions are dry and cold, you can use a humidifier to boost the moisture levels of your indoor setting. This way your dry skin can feel relieved.
I would also like to mention here that you shouldn’t forget to moisturize and apply sunscreen to your neck as well as décolletage. These areas are also very susceptible to becoming dry and even aging. So include the neck, throat, plus chest areas too into your daily moisturizing routine.
Final Note
Are K-beauty products worth it? Does Korean skincare make the skin look and feel healthier? If you’ve gone through the reviews section of this post, then you know the answer to both the questions. After all, the majority of Korean moisturizers out there have earned a pretty good reputation. Be it for dry skin, oily skin, or sensitive skin!
Just keep in mind that when you invest time into your skin, the effort pays off. You only have to make sure you’re using the right products for skin care. That’s all.