The 15 Best Korean Moisturizers for Dewy Skin, According to Editors

There’s no name more fitting for this Korean moisturizer than “Aqua Bomb”—and, trust us, it lives up to the hype. This cult-fave is water-based, meaning it feels featherlight on your skin. Normally, we'd skip analogies for fear of exaggerating, but calling this a tall glass of water for your face is honestly spot-on. It’s fast-absorbing, refreshingly cool on application, and stacked with skin-loving ingredients: hydrating hyaluronic acid, gently exfoliating niacinamide, and a lineup of botanical extracts that not only soothe but also pack antioxidant power to defend against environmental stressors.

Texture: Gel-cream

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and squalene (hydrating), niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming)

Benefits: Hydrates, improves skin tone and texture, strengthens skin barrier

What We Love: Extremely lightweight texture, fast-absorbing, great for oily, combo, and dry skin

What We Don't: Contains added fragrance, some say it feels a little tacky

Review for MC: “As someone whose skin turns dull and dry the moment temperatures drop, this Korean moisturizer is my cold-weather savior. It drenches my skin in moisture, and the texture feels super refreshing and soothing. The jelly-like, water-gel formula applies to a rich layer that my skin somehow drinks up instantly, and doesn't leave any greasy or sticky residue—just my normal skin, rehydrated, and back to life." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer

We couldn't leave this CC cream out because it's a solid option for anyone after the best of both makeup and a moisturizer. Not only does it even out your complexion, blur imperfections like a social media filter, and give you a lit-from-within glow, but it's packed with long-term benefits, too. It uses soothing centella asiatica, antioxidants to guard against skin-damaging free radicals, and broad-spectrum UV protection to protect your skin from the sun. The TL;DR? It’s no-makeup-makeup goals in a tube.

Texture: Lightweight cream

Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica (antioxidant and soothing), vitamin E (antioxidant), glycerin (hydrating), octinoxate and octisalate (chemical UV filters), titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (physical UV filters)

Benefits: Color-corrects, leaves a radiant finish, hydrates and soothes, offers broad-spectrum SPF

What We Love: Easy to blend, evens out skin tone and delivers a radiant finish, offers broad-spectrum UV protection and antioxidant protection

What We Don't: Limited shade range

Review for MC: "As you can see by the destroyed bottle below, this moisturizer-meets-tinted-foundation has been with me for quite some time. It's easily one of my favorite products of all time (that's saying something). Not only does it hydrate my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, but it also evens out any redness and gives a dewy, plumping effect to my skin. The coverage is light to medium, but no matter how much product I massage into my skin it never looks cakey." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

This pretty pink, jelly-like moisturizer from the ever-aesthetic Glow Recipe doesn’t just deliver an instant plumping effect (though those quick results are definitely worth swooning over). Thanks to its blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and moisture-locking ingredients, your skin will stay deeply hydrated for longer. It also provides long-term results with consistent use courtesy of firming niacinamide and antioxidants that defend your skin from free radicals (the sneaky culprits behind accelerated skin-aging).

Texture: Gel-cream

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalene, and polyglutamic acid (hydrating); niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming), plum seed oil (antioxidant, moisturizing, and brightening)

Benefits: Hydrates, plumps fine lines, brightens

What We Love: Refillable, visibly (and temporarily) plumps fine fines, comes in recyclable packaging

What We Don't: The jar packaging means you’ll need to dip your fingers in, unless you purchase an applicator separately, fragrance and preservatives may not be suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin

Review for MC: “Glow Recipe’s eye-catching packaging never fails to put me in a good mood, and that's honestly one of the reasons I reach for this moisturizer so often. But it’s not just about looks; this lightweight formula also smooths my fine lines, gives me a dewy glow, and preps my skin for a tinted moisturizer or foundation in the morning. As a bonus, the cooling, gel-like texture is the perfect skin refresh to wake me up before my coffee." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer

When finding a Korean moisturizer that plays nice with sensitive skin, some ingredients are absolute no-gos (like fragrance, essential oils, and harsh exfoliants). In contrast, some are skin-care superheroes, such as calming centella asiatica, hydrating glycerin, and niacinamide (a multitasker that keeps redness and inflammation in check). Enter this lightweight gel cream from Dr. G; it’s got all the soothing, skin-loving ingredients sensitive skin needs and works overtime to keep irritation at bay when you need it most.

Texture: Gel-cream

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (anti-acne and anti-inflammatory), Centella Asiatica (antioxidant and soothing), glycerin (hydrating), Pro-Vitamin B5 and beta-glucan (moisturizing and anti-inflammatory)

Benefits: Soothes and calms, hydrates

What We Love: Gentle, fragrance and essential oil-free, contains lots of anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients

What We Don't: May not be ideal for oily skin, as emollients could increase shine

Review for MC:  "I recently found myself in Seoul doing a $200+ haul of Korean beauty products from Olive Young (their version of Sephora). My favorite discovery was easily this Dr. G cream. I have rosacea and acne, which can be a pain to manage. I need something to calm redness and inflammation, without harsh actives. This gel-like cream has truly been my savior. It soothes pimples and redness overnight while still delivering sufficient hydration during the colder months."  — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

Sulwhasoo didn’t cut corners when developing this moisturizer; it’s formulated to live up to its promise of tackling visible signs of aging. The star ingredient is ginseng, of course. (It’s right there in the name, after all.) The brand uses not one but multiple forms of ginseng extracts in this formula, which stand out among antioxidants because they can boost collagen production and, therefore smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Paired with skin-firming peptides, this moisturizer gives you both immediate and long-lasting results, leaving your complexion looking plumper, firmer, and overall revitalized.

Texture: Lightweight cream

Key Ingredients: Peptides (skin-firming), glycerin, squalene, and hyaluronic acid (hydrating and plumping), ginseng extracts (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagen-boosting)

Benefits: Firms fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates, provides antioxidant protection

What We Love: Great for anti-aging, uses skin-firming peptides, contains collagen-boosting ginseng extracts

What We Don't: Some find the herbal scent a bit strong

Review for MC:  "Before visiting Sulwhasoo HQ last month, the only thing I knew about ginseng was that it had quite the interesting smell. Now, I'm well aware that it's a super-powered ingredient with longevity, health, and resilience benefits. That's precisely why I want it all over my face. Since incorporating this cream into my skincare routine, I've noticed that my skin is firmer, plumper, and softer."  — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

Dry skin doesn't stand a chance against this Korean moisturizer. It's loaded with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid (HA), glycerin, and squalene to give your skin a major hydration boost, plus moisture-locking ingredients, including cholesterol and ceramides. Translation: the hydrating ingredients draw in moisture, while the moisture-retaining ones keep it there, so your skin stays dewy and hydrated all day.

Texture: Lightweight cream

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalene (hydrating), allantoin, green tea extract, ceramide NP and cholesterol (moisture-retaining)

Benefits: Hydrates, strengthens skin barrier, soothes skin

What We Love: Contains multiple types of hyaluronic acid, clean at Sephora-approved, wears well under makeup

What We Don't: Contains essential oils (which may be irritating to some), only comes in one size (1.69 fl oz)

If you're searching for a multitasking moisturizer that works for both face and body (and frees up some space on your vanity), this is one of our top picks for a slew of reasons. It's a no-fuss, fragrance-free option perfect for gentle daily hydration that everyone in the family can use. It comes in three sizes—including a giant 6.8 fl oz option that lasts ages—it absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling silky smooth without any greasy residue.

Texture: Gel-cream

Key Ingredients: Ginseng extract (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagen-boosting), ceramides (moisture-retaining and barrier-supporting), glycerin (hydrating)

Benefits: Hydrates, strengthens skin barrier, soothes and calms

What We Love: Unscented, can be used on the face and body, gentle enough to hydrate even a baby’s skin, a little goes a long way

What We Don't: Doesn't contain stronger actives that you might want in a facial product

Hyaluronic acid, squalene, and ceramides are the star ingredients in this popular moisturizer (Sydney Sweeney is a fan!), which comes in a small (1.6 fl oz) container you can easily stash in your carry-on bag while traveling. But don't let the "cream" label on this option fool you—it has a lightweight consistency that absorbs into the skin like water or an essence, making it ideal for those with oily or combination skin. 

Texture: Lightweight cream

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalene, and ceramides (hydrating), allantoin and beta-glucan (soothing), vitamin E (antioxidant)

Benefits: Hydrates, strengthens skin barrier

What We Love: Contains lightweight hydrators, refillable, mini size available (0.67 fl oz)

What We Don't: Some find the packaging overly bulky

If you’re a fan of Korean sunscreens (and, honestly, who isn’t?), you’ve probably heard of Beauty of Joseon’s cult-favorite SPF. But let’s not overlook its equally obsession-worthy sister: this moisturizer. It's often called a "holy grail" for oily skin, packed with red bean extract, skin-firming peptides, and lightweight hydrators, all in a refreshing, matte-finish gel texture.

Texture: Water-gel

Key Ingredients: Red bean extract (antioxidant and soothing), glycerin, butylene glycol, and betaine (hydrating), peptides (skin-firming), allantoin and panthenol (soothing)

Benefits: Controls excess sebum, hydrates, firms

What We Love: Non-greasy texture, loved by those with oily skin, dries down to a matte finish

What We Don't: Some say it feels slightly sticky at first, but absorbs quickly

Snail mucin is the hero star ingredient in this TikTok-famous Korean moisturizer, and it's about time it's on your radar. Sure, it might sound a bit unconventional, but its benefits are impossible to ignore. If you can get past its unique texture (don't be scared; thousands love it!), you'll likely join the ranks of those who find their skin looking plumper, smoother, and glowier in no time.

Texture: Gel-cream

Key Ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate (hydrating and repairing), hyaluronic acid and arginine (hydrating), allantoin and panthenol (soothing), adenosine (smoothing, firming, anti-inflammatory)

Benefits: Hydrates, soothes and calms, firms

What We Love: Targets multiple concerns, from redness and irritation to dark spots and dullness, has thousands of five-star ratings, also comes in a tube version

What We Don't: May not be hydrating enough for those with dry or dehydrated skin, texture isn't for everyone

Dealing with uneven skin tone, dark spots, or rough patches from breakouts or dryness? Hanacure’s moisturizer is here to make your skin look smoother and more even-toned with consistent use. Instead of using potentially irritating exfoliants, it goes to work with hydrating, nourishing, and barrier-strengthening ingredients that improve your skin’s appearance gently. Botanical antioxidants like purslane extract and peptides like copper tripeptide-1 support natural cell renewal, giving you a brighter, more refined complexion over time—no acids or scrubs needed.

Texture: Lightweight cream

Key Ingredients: Peptides (skin-firming), glycerin, butylene glycol, and sodium hyaluronate (hydrating), portulaca oleracea extract (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), antrodia cinnamomea (antioxidant and anti-bacterial), adenosine (smoothing, firming, anti-inflammatory)

Benefits: Firms, strengthens skin barrier, offers antioxidant protection, hydrates

What We Love: Lightweight, non-greasy feel, gentle alternative to exfoliating skin-evening products

What We Don't: May take longer to see visible results compared to exfoliant-based products

Sensitivity, irritation, and acne? Not on this cream's watch. Klairs' iconic blue cream taps into powerhouse botanicals like centella asiatica, purslane, Roman chamomile flower, and guaiazulene (the ingredient behind its blue hue) to ease redness and calm irritation. Add in barrier-boosting ingredients and skin-fortifying peptides, and you've got a gentle yet effective shield ready to defend your skin. It's free of direct acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which might be a godsend for those needing a break from aggressive, drying treatments.

Texture: Gel-cream

Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, purslane, Roman chamomile flower, guaiazulene (soothing), butylene glycol, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate (hydrating), ceramides (moisture-retaining and barrier-supporting), peptides (skin-strengthening and repairing), vitamin E, argan oil, shea butter (antioxidants and healing)

Benefits: Reduces redness and irritation, calms breakouts, strengthens skin barrier

What We Love: pH balanced to keep skin acid mantle happy, great for sensitive, acne-prone skin, great for post-sun use

What We Don't: May feel a bit rich for some due to the shea butter and jojoba oil, doesn't use any direct acne-fighting ingredients

Redness and sensitive skin have nothing on Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Moisturizer. Those with eczema, rosacea, or plain-old dryness and sensitivity swear by how it transforms their skin, toning down redness. It works thanks to a blend of soothing, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-strengthening ingredients, plus color-correcting pigments that give you both instant and long-term results with regular use.

Texture: Thick cream

Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica (antioxidant and soothing), allantoin (soothing), niacinamide (anti-acne and anti-inflammatory), Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 (a specific type of peptide that targets inflammation and redness), vitamin E and adenosine (smoothing, firming, anti-inflammatory)

Benefits: Soothes redness and irritation, hydrates, strengthens skin barrier

What We Love: Soothing, visibly reduces redness, you only need to use a pea-size amount

What We Don't: Some users find it a bit too thick

If you’re up for a high-end skincare investment, this one’s worth the splurge. It tackles multiple skin concerns—like dullness, signs of aging, and dry or sensitive skin—with a luxuriously silky balm-to-crème texture that feels like a treat every morning and evening. Not to mention, the gold packaging itself is pure vanity eye candy, and when paired with the brand’s complementary Time Response Skin Reserve Cream, you and your skin will feel like a million bucks.

Texture: Balm-like cream

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming), green tea extract (antioxidant), caffeine (reduces puffiness), dipotassium glycyrrhizate (soothing and anti-inflammatory), adenosine (smoothing, firming, anti-inflammatory), vitamin E (antioxidant), ginseng extracts (antioxidant and hydrating)

Benefits: Firms, brightens, hydrates,

What We Love: Brightens dull skin and reduces the appearance of skin damage (like dark spots) over time, luxurious balm-to-crème texture, can be used morning and evening

What We Don't: It's the priciest option on our list, contains fragrance

If you get your hands on the right sunscreen-moisturizer hybrid, you can finally say goodbye to layering two separate products. Case in point: this one from Round Lab packs SPF 50 (thanks to chemical filters), hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing birch juice, and the multitasking powerhouse niacinamide. It’s lightweight, blends effortlessly, sits beautifully under makeup, and, arguably most importantly, it feels and wears like a moisturizer, not like the sticky or uncomfortable SPFs of your past.

Texture: Lightweight cream

Key Ingredients: Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (chemical filters), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), birch juice (hydrating and soothing), niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming), adenosine (smoothing, firming, anti-inflammatory)

Benefits: Hydrates, provides broad-spectrum sun protection, brightens, firms

What We Love: Takes the place of moisturizer and SPF in one, doesn't leave a white cast, wears well under makeup

What We Don't: Often sold out