17 Best Expert-Approved Korean Face Creams – 2024
Venture into the world of beauty care magic from Korea with these fabulous products.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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Korean makeup products have changed the game for the beauty industry and how! If you haven’t ventured into Korean beauty sorcery yet, get your hands on the best Korean face cream to get started at the earliest! The K-beauty face creams are enriched with natural ingredients and backed by advanced scientific formulations to give you that spotless glass skin look! To help you delve deeper into their magical realms, we have shortlisted the 17 best Korean face creams for you to choose from!
In This Article
17 Best Korean Face Creams
1. Best Anti-Aging Formula: The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream is the perfect solution for people looking for a rich, nourishing k-beauty product. It contains rice bran oil, ceramides, and rice extracts that hydrate the skin and improve the overall skin tone. This cream contains skin barrier-repairing ingredients that help you achieve healthy and glowing skin. The rich, non-sticky formula is absorbed quickly into the skin without any greasy residue. This Korean skin care product treats dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leaving you radiant, with a brighter complexion and youthful-looking skin. Reviewers on Amazon who tested out this product deemed that it works great for those struggling with dry skin.
Pros
- Deeply nourishing
- Brightens the skin
- Repairs damaged skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Talc-free
- Tar colorant-free
- Quick-absorbing formula
Cons
- None
2. Best Skin Barrier Repairing: I’m from Rice Cream
The I’m from Rice Cream is the ultimate solution for dry, dull, damaged, and tired skin. This Korean face moisturizer is packed with 41% rice bran essence and ceramides, which is a powerhouse for improving the skin barrier and the overall health of your skin. The rich formula shows visible results by slowly melting into the skin, providing deep nourishment and long-lasting moisture. This cream helps even tone the skin and bring back lost radiance. It is a hydrating formula that leaves no residue on the skin and is ideal for daily use.
Pros
- Deeply nourishing
- Radiance-boosting
- Controls excess sebum production
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Suitable for daily use
- Tested for skin irritation
Cons
- None
Pro TipApply the IsNtree Hyaluronic Acid Toner to your face after double cleansing to get rid of residual dirt, improve uneven skin tone, and reduce the enlarged pores so that the cream can get absorbed more easily.
3. Best Non-Greasy:Neogen X Joan Kim Vita Duo Cream
Neogen has collaborated with the popular Korean beauty influencer Joan Kim to give us this revolutionary product. This cream seamlessly functions as a day and night cream. Daytime application moisturizes and brightens your skin with the help of green tea extract and vitamin C. When applied overnight, it repairs and calms the skin with the soothing lavender and vitamin E. These gentle ingredients also help to strengthen the skin structure and protect it from pollutants and stress while evening out your skin tone. Check out this video review to better understand the functions of this product.
Pros
- No artificial color and fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Contains natural ingredients
- Vitamin-enriched
- Brightens the skin
- Soothes the skin
- Cruelty-free
- Gentle formula
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might cause breakouts
| The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream | I'm from Rice Cream | Best Non-Greasy:Neogen X Joan Kim Vita Duo Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 61 x 61 x 49 inches | 2.17 x 2.17 x 1.89 inches | 1.89 x 3.82 x 3.82 inches |
| Weight | 1.69 Ounces. | 5.68 Ounces. | 1.12 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | - | 81 |
| Price | $14 | $20.79 | $31.99 |
4. Best Quick-Absorbing:Dr.Althea Resveratrol 345NA Intensive Repair Cream
Dr. Althea Resveratrol is an intensive repair cream designed to nourish sensitive, damaged, and mature skin. This product has a thick consistency and can be used as a spot treatment for acne-prone skin. Its main ingredient is Resveratrol that slows down the process of photoaging by protecting the cells against UV damage and effects of free radicals. “Resveratrol is a good anti-aging product that promotes the growth of connective tissue cells, thereby increasing the collagen production of the skin. It helps reduce freckles and tightens the skin,” adds Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society. Its skin-repairing formula contains glycerin, algae extract, and Centella asiatica that help enhance skin vitality and collagen synthesis. It also balances the skin’s pH level.
Pros
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Brightens the skin
- Soothes inflamed skin
- Treats freckles and acne scars
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Not long-lasting
CautionDo not use any product that contains resveratrol if you are on blood thinners or are planning or recovering from a surgery.
5. Best For Skin Tightening:Cosrx Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
This is a soothing moisturizer for highly sensitive skin. It consists of three types of ceramides that help regenerate the cells to heal the broken skin barrier. It contains a highly concentrated extract of Centella asiatica and its leaf water that is known to repair and calm damaged skin. They also help to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. Its balm-like texture makes this elasticity-enhancing cream ideal for dry and oily skin types, and it is also tested for allergens. The video review offers a deeper insight into the functions and effects of the product discussed.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Makes the skin healthy and plump
- Strengthens the natural barrier of your skin
- Replenishes dry skin
- No artificial fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Sticky
- Not suitable for oily, acne-prone skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,223 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best Nourishing: Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Face Cream
The PYUNKANG YUL Nutrition Cream is enriched with natural ingredients that alleviate rough skin texture and dryness. This Korean face cream delivers long-lasting hydration and nourishment to revitalize dull and damaged skin. The unique blend of shea butter and macadamia oil helps you achieve soft, smooth, and supple skin. This face cream also contains milk vetch root extract that absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving residue.
Pros
- Absorbed quickly
- Rich in natural ingredients
- Long-lasting
- No artificial fragrance or color
- Free of harmful chemicals
Cons
- Not suitable for oily skin
Pro TipUse the Tony Moly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Essence before applying the lotion to hold the moisture in the skin.
7. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream
This is a soothing and rejuvenating moisturizing product with more than 92% hydrating ingredients. It contains Panthensoside and Madecassoside that protect the skin barrier and soothe irritated and dehydrated skin. The low pH formula of this product helps protect your sensitive skin and prevent dryness. This cream is certified hypoallergenic to suit all types of skin. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the product and its functions.
Pros
- Soothes the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Greasy
8. Best Skin Protection:Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Cream
This emollient cream from Mediheal is an ideal pick for dull and dry skin types. Its hydrating and collagen-boosting formula contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, hydrolyzed collagen, adenosine, fatty acids, and lipids. They form a protective film over your skin against environmental pollutants and known stressors. This cream offers a cooling effect to your skin, keeps it soft, and also provides regenerative capabilities. It is formulated with naturally derived ingredients that are gentle on your skin and impart anti-aging benefits as well. The cream is enhanced with sugar maple for a gentle exfoliation and snow mushroom for intense hydration, making it a magic potion for dry skin.
Pros
- Makes the skin soft and supple
- Long-lasting
- Evens out skin tone
- Chemical-free
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Acwell Aqua Clinity Cream
This product from Acwell has a cream-based formula to maintain the moisture balance of your skin throughout the day, while giving you a youthful glow. It has the goodness of plant-based extracts of Pueraria lobata and Actaea heracleifolia that soothe your skin and protect it from environmental damage. Extracts of licorice and Paeonia lactiflora in the formula help brighten your skin. The lightweight moisturizer also has extracts of Puritox jin, witch hazel, and bergamot fruit oil that deeply condition your skin, provide deep hydration, and improve its texture. Amazon reviews suggest that it works great for sensitive skin due to its lightweight texture and has a pleasant fragrance.
Pros
- Lasts for 24 hours
- Dermatologically tested
- Quick relief to skin irritation
- Does not leave a sticky residue
Cons
- None
10. Best Non-Comedogenic:Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
This product from Dear Klairs soothes and strengthens your skin barrier. Its main function is to calm your skin that has been stressed due to excess sebum, heat, and laser procedures. It keeps your skin protected from the harmful effects of the environment. This blue calming cream contains Guaiazulene, a plant-based component extracted from chamomile oil. The natural violet color of the extract blends with the cream to produce a light blue color. It also assists in skin cell regeneration as it has extracts of Centella asiatica.
Pros
- Soothes the skin
- Calms redness
- Vegan
- Strengthens the natural barrier of your skin
- Promotes regeneration
- Prevents scarring
Cons
- Not long-lasting
11. Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
Cosrx’s moisturizing cream-based formula is filled with moisture-retention ingredients that add suppleness to flaky skin. The Hippophae rhamnoides water and hyaluronic acid moisturize your skin by developing a hydrating barrier. Hyaluronic acid is known to deeply hydrate the skin by holding onto the moisture particles. Hence, it is also an excellent anti-wrinkle product. This cream also helps to calm down stressed skin. Moreover, a layer of it works as a sleeping mask at night so that you wake up with feathery-soft skin and a natural glow.
Pros
- Long-lasting nourishment
- Non-oily
- Makes the skin smooth and supple
- Safe for all skin types
- Imparts a plump and dreamy radiance
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- None
12. Dr. Oracle 21 STAY A-Thera Cream
This ultra-light moisturizer from Dr. Oracle has been formulated for oily and sensitive skin types. Its advanced formula regulates sebum and protects the skin from external damage. It is fortified with Celtic water that is abundant in skin-friendly minerals to keep your skin hydrated. It also contains bamboo water, a traditional Korean medicinal element that is full of amino acids to relax and hydrate your skin. It also contains Maca peptide, a powerful herb, to treat skin blockages and rejuvenate your skin, making it youthful. The extracts of green tea, sage, and grape seed oil further soothe and replenish your skin.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Works like magic for oily skin
- Long-lasting effect
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- May leave your skin feeling tight or dry
13. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Meebak Cica Face Moisturizer For Women
The Meebak Cica Face Moisturizer for Women is packed with anti-aging ingredients that nourish the skin. Cica is an excellent skin-soothing agent that helps treat sensitive skin. The lightweight and quick-absorbing formula penetrates deeply into the skin and rejuvenates it. This moisturizer is also enriched with retinol, peptides, and niacinamide, which helps boost collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is non-greasy, non-sticky, and suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Refreshing scent
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 481 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
14. Best For Dry Skin:SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Turmeric Cream
The SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Turmeric Cream helps revitalize dull and dry skin. Turmeric helps protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and sun damage and premature aging. This moisturizer is also packed with a powerful blend of AHA, BHA, and hyaluronic acid that improve the overall skin tone. It also contains soothing and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and vitamin B5 that offer glowing skin.
Pros
- Soothes the skin
- Brightens dull skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
Cons
- High concentration of actives may not suit sensitive skin
15. Best For Acne-Prone:Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
This intensive facial cream from Etude House is a skin barrier protective cream that is suitable for sensitive, acne prone or dry skin. With the goodness of shea butter and oil complexes, it infuses your skin with protein and keeps it hydrated. It has ingredients such as Panthenol and Madecassoside that prevent damage to the skin. The slightly acidic pH formula is close enough to the normal pH level of the skin to prevent dryness and protect your sensitive skin. This product is dermatologically tested, which makes it safe to be applied on your skin.
Pros
- Strengthens the skin’s barrier
- Contains natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Soothes the skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- May cause irritation to sensitive, dry skin
16. Best For Irritated Skin:Skinrx Lab Madecera Cream
The Madecera Cream from Skinrx Lab is an all-in-one multitasking product! It is formulated with niacinamide and adenosine that brighten the skin and deliver anti-aging benefits respectively. Ceramides help in improving the skin barrier of your skin and make it look plump and hydrated. It also contains Madecassoside, a compound that helps fight inflammation and gives your skin a smooth and supple look. It is free of harsh chemicals, thereby helping to calm irritated skin. This cream makes your skin smooth, acne-free, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Pros
- Offers anti-aging properties
- Hypoallergenic
- Mild formula
- Pore minimizing
- Strengthens the skin’s barrier
- Reduces redness and acne
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Strong smell
17. Best For Sensitive Skin:Sur.Medic Super Ceramide 100 Renewal Cream
This renewal cream from Sur. Medic improves the skin barrier with five essential ceramides. The five-layer formula protects, strengthens, and tightens the skin barrier while also retaining and locking in moisture. The ceramides combined with hyaluronic acid develop a hydrating barrier on your skin by wrapping it up in moisture! It is formulated with extracts of Centella Asiatica and Camellia sinensis that help to soothe stressed skin. The Artemisia vulgaris extracts in the formula soothe sensitive skin by balancing the water and oil levels, while BIFIDA ferment lysate protects against external stressors.
Pros
- Improves skin tone
- Skin firming formula
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Provides ultra-hydration
- Contains natural ingredients
- Makes the skin look glowy and energized
Cons
- None
Infographic: Why & How To Choose A Korean Face Cream + K-Beauty Trivia
Korean face creams are all the craze in the world of face creams. They help give your face a soft, smooth, even-toned, and even-textured glow. If you want to add some K-magic to your skin care routine, the infographic below will guide you on how to find the right formula for your skin needs. We have also added some interesting trivia about the K-beauty world. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Korean brands have gained immense popularity in recent days due to their flawless skin. Korean face creams are formulated with natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid vitamins E and C, snail mucin, resveratrol, etc. These ingredients help in skin cell regeneration, reduce freckles, and tighten the skin. They contain green tea that prevents skin cell damage and balances skin pH levels. Some of these Korean brands include The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream that moisturize and nourish your skin, the Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream that calms the skin to reduce redness and irritation, and the Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream that restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier and reduces wrinkles. These creams are lightweight, long-lasting, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. Some may not be suitable for all skin types. So, make sure to read the reviews above before you purchase.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach with love for exploring, researching, and sharing products that transform your skin for the better. An avid fan of Korean products herself, in this article, she discusses the best Korean face creams to use based on their skin-enriching ingredients, skin care benefits, and advanced scientific formulations. To curate this list, she spent many hours researching and studying every product and its reviews on multiple forums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Korean face cream is the best?
The Goodal Houttuynia is the best Korean face cream that soothes and heals the inner layers of the skin. Madecassoside, one of its active ingredients, reduces redness and helps repair damaged skin cells.
Is Korean skincare safe?
Most of the ingredients used in Korean cream-based and gel-based skin care products are safe. Moreover, many Korean skin care brands are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Hence it has gained immense popularity in recent years.
What face cream do K-pop idols use?
The Shiseido SenkapPerfect whip cleansing foam is a favorite of BTS’s Suga, Kang Daniel, TWICE’s Nayeon, and other kpop idols.
Read full bio of Patricia Gaile Espinosa
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