9 Best Korean Moisturisers for K-Drama Worthy Skin in 2025
Your dry skin will drink up these Korean moisturisers, packed with “hydrating and soothing” ingredients.
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The world of K-Beauty is taking over the skincare industry thanks to the impeccable range of innovative formulas and exciting new product categories.
In particular, Korean-made moisturisers are very attractive for their low price points – and who doesn’t love that in a cost-of-living crisis? Plus the skin-loving formulas are widely regarded for their ability to address deep-rooted issues with dry skin and breakouts.
One Korean moisturiser you absolutely need to add to your list? It just so happens to be a pick that’s also gone viral over on TikTok for its incredibly hydrating and soothing properties.
Torriden’s DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream is our shopping writer Harriet Amurao’s personal favourite as it works wonders to give her a “glass skin-like glow”.
Keep on scrolling for the best K-Beauty moisturisers your skin is going to absolutely adore.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST KOREAN MOISTURISERS
Torriden DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream, $35 at Amazon Australia
Torriden DIVE IN Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
Why we love it: Offers a super lightweight gel-like texture that soaks into the skin with ease.
What to consider: Nothing we can think of.
Formula: Water-gel | Size: 100ml | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
If you have dry skin like me, this moisturiser by Torriden is a must-have. Formulated with 5D-complex hyaluronic acid, blue complex, allantoin and panthenol – the formula is lightweight and cooling, and not only deeply hydrates the skin but also soothes and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.
It has a gel-like texture that isn’t too thick and heavy, and it absorbs into the skin effortlessly without feeling sticky. The best part is that it layers nicely under my makeup, leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated, and overall gives me a healthy glass skin-like glow.
TIRTIR Natural Ceramide Cream, $57 at Amazon Australia
TIRTIR Natural Ceramide Cream
Why we love it: Provides a deeply nourishing texture that helps to support the skin barrier.
What to consider: Higher price tag than others on our list.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Polyglutamic acid, ceramides, shea butter and centella asiatica extract
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor
With winter well and truly here, my skin has been crying out for an extra hydration hit. I’ve got dry skin so as soon as the cooler weather sets in, I know I have to change up my face moisturiser.
I was excited to try Tir Tir, a wildly popular K-beauty brand that’s all over socials. Their Ceramic Cream combines polyglutamic acid, shea butter, and witch hazel, a blend of ingredients that deeply nourishes, protects your skin barrier, and minimises the appearance of pores.
The texture is so nice – it’s smooth, rich, and velvety. Even though it’s a thicker cream, it melts beautifully into the skin without feeling too heavy. Right after applying, my face feels plump, soft, and radiant. You can really tell it’s locking in all that moisture! Because it’s on the richer side compared to your everyday moisturiser, I’ve been using it as a night cream. Every morning I wake up with super soft, supple skin that still feels hydrated. For the price, it’s well worth it and holds its own to some of the more expensive options out there. The Tir Tir Ceramic Cream has definitely become a winter skincare staple for me.
d’Alba official Italian White Truffle Oil Capsule Cream, $42 at Amazon Australia
d’Alba official Italian White Truffle Oil Capsule Cream
Why we love it: This fragrance-free cream provides an instant glow to the skin.
What to consider: Some users may not enjoy the consistency of the oil beads.
Formula: Cream | Size: 55g | Key ingredient: Italian white truffle
Tried and Tested by Claudia Coy, Social Media Producer
I only really have one main skin concern and that’s the oil refinery in which my face has been producing for the last 32 years.
The oiliness factor definitely affects the decisions I make around skincare – specifically primers, foundations, cleansers and moisturisers. In saying that, I’ve been dying to jump on the Korean skincare trend so, after reading the reviews (4.8 out of five star average), I jumped at the opportunity to review the d’Alba Italian White Truffle Oil Capsule Cream.
This moisturiser promises a “brightening and radiant glow” which is achieved through its double penetration of vitamins – the cream (vitamin C, glutathione and niacinamide) and the oil capsules (vitamin E, vitamin K and ceramide NP).
My first impression? While the oil beads look abrasive in the tub, they melt into the skin straight away and leave your skin feeling supple, bouncy and provide an instant subtle glow. It’s also odourless, which is always a bonus in my opinion.
After trialling the Capsule Cream for a week, I can confirm my skin has fallen in love and has been a little extra glowy since first use. I’ve also found the hydrating power of the moisturiser hasn’t interfered with my makeup and with the right primer and setting spray, my makeup has stayed in place throughout the day.
BEST KOREAN MOISTURISER FOR DRY SKIN
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $48 at Adore Beauty
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
Why we love it: Incredibly hydrating for super dry skin types.
What to consider: May not be suitable for those with oily skin.
Formula: Gel | Size: 70ml | Key ingredient: Probiotics-derived complex
What You Need To Know
If you didn’t know, Laneige were the first to release the concept of a sleeping mask, and it all started with the cult-favourite Water Sleeping Mask.
This ultra-hydrating gel formula is packed with a probiotics-derived complex, squalane and a hydrating ingredient that mimics the skin’s natural lipids, in turn, providing deep hydration.
Plus it’s perfect for all skin types, as it’s so gentle on the skin.
The Water Sleeping Mask has racked up an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of five on the Adore Beauty website, with happy shoppers calling it a “cult classic” and their “holy grail”.
“I’ve been using this for years and it is so effective at deeply hydrating and when l wake up my skin feels moisturised, plump and softer,” said another five-star user.
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask, $45 at BONIIK
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Why we love it: This is a double-duty product, working as both a sleeping mask and daily moisturiser.
What to consider: Some users may not enjoy the texture.
Formula: Gel texture | Size: 90ml | Key ingredient: Vitamin E and niacinamide
What You Need To Know
Dry skin sufferers – you are going to absolutely love this double-duty “miracle” product. Working hard as a sleeping mask and daily moisturiser, the formula combines the power of vitamin E and niacinamide to pump your complexion with loads of skin-loving antioxidants.
“This helps keep my skin bright and hydrated”, said one five-star BONIIK user, with another noting it “works amazing for dry skin”.
BEST KOREAN MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream, $35.99 at Priceline
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream
Why we love it: One of the more budget-friendly picks on our list.
What to consider: May not be suitable for those with dry skin.
Formula: Gel-like cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Centella asiatica
What You Need To Know
If you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, it’s important to not shy away from a hydrating moisturiser, because you still need to nourish and protect your skin’s barrier.
Packed with centella asiatica, AHA, BHA and PHA, this “go-to” moisturiser from SOME BY MI works hard to replenish moisture while also balancing excess oil production.
Plus the lightweight gel-cream texture is perfect for those looking for something not too thick and heavy.
One five-star rating Adore Beauty shopper said “after a few weeks of using this everyday, my skin looks clearer and I definitely witnessed some improvements with my acne”.
BEST KOREAN MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream, $24 at Amazon Australia
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
Why we love it: You won’t find anything else on the market like this pick.
What to consider: Some users may not enjoy the unique texture.
Formula: Unlike anything you’ve tried before | Size: 100g | Key ingredient: Snail mucin
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
When I say this cream lives up the hype, I truly mean it. This highly regarded cream is hydrating, gentle and soothing – ideal for my dry and sensitive skin.
Although it has a goopy and snotty texture, it blends out into a lightweight watery texture that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin at all and absorbs into the skin effortlessly. It also has a very subtle scent that isn’t overwhelming.
I’ve been using it for a few weeks – morning and night, and my skin has noticeably been more plump, hydrated and glowy with less redness. A little goes a long way with this guy so it’s totally worth the price, and it works great as a base for your make up too.
The COSRX All in One Snail Cream is genuinely a game-changer and truly deserves a spot in your staple skincare routine.
BEST KOREAN MOISTURISER FOR MATURE SKIN
Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream, $48.99 at Priceline
Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
Why we love it: This skin-loving moisturiser offers an incredible oil-moisture balance.
What to consider: Some users felt the texture was too thick.
Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Rice bran water, ginseng root water and honey extracts
What You Need To Know
K-beauty isn’t just about hydration, you can also find great anti-ageing benefits, specifically with the Dynasty Cream from Beauty of Joseon.
Formulated with rice bran water, ginseng root water, honey extracts, squalane and ceramides, this moisturiser not only hydrates but helps to firm the skin. While you won’t find any intense active ingredients to address fine lines and wrinkles, the nourishing moisturiser will work hard to protect your skin’s barrier.
It’s received over 2600 five-star ratings on Amzaon, with users claiming this “instantly plumps and hydrates your skin”.
“This will change you life,” said another Amazon shopper.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A KOREAN MOISTURISER
When choosing Korean moisturisers to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Age: Depending on your age, you may want to consider whether you’d like anti-ageing benefits in your Korean moisturiser.
Price: You don’t have to break the bank when it comes to K-beauty – all the moisturisers on our list are under $60.
Skin type: Oily skin, dry skin, mature skin or sensitive – these are all factors that will contirbute to what sort of ingredients you’d like in your Korean moisturiser, and the sort of texture you’d prefer for it to be.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of Korean moisturisers available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best one, we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best Korean moisturisers for your skin type.
We also spoke to Austin Kim, Laneige’s Brand Expert, to understand why a Korean moisturiser could be the right choice for your skincare routine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A KOREAN MOISTURISER AND A WESTERN-STYLE MOISTURISER?
There’s something special about Korean moisturisers and it all comes down to the philosophy behind K-Beauty. There’s a large focus on hydration, and you’ll hear the words ‘glass skin’ get thrown around constantly.
Austin explains, “Korean moisturisers take a more comprehensive approach to hydration, focusing on deep, barrier-strengthening moisture rather than just surface hydration. They typically incorporate multiple active ingredients that work together to balance, fortify, and protect the skin.”
WHAT’S SO UNIQUE ABOUT KOREAN SKINCARE?
If you’re yet to dive into the brilliant world of Korean beauty, you should know that there’s a major focus on innovation, creating new product categories and truly nourishing the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Austin shares, “Korean brands think beyond conventional beauty norms, creating multifunctional products with unique textures and sensory experiences. The philosophy is holistic, addressing skin health from multiple angles rather than single concerns.”
If you’re thinking about building a K-beauty skincare routine, there are a few steps you should take.
“Korean skincare focuses on long-term skin health through consistent, gentle care rather than quick fixes. For those new to Korean skincare, start with one well-formulated moisturiser suited to your skin type – like the LANEIGE Water Bank range which is suitable for all skin types – then build your routine gradually.”
Austin continues, “the key is finding products that work harmoniously together to build skin resilience over time.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON INGREDIENTS FOUND IN KOREAN MOISTURISERS?
When you’re shopping around for Korean moisturisers, there’s a few key ingredients you should look out for.
According to Austin, fermented hyaluronic acid is commonly used for deeper hydration, as well as peptide complexes for barrier repair.
It’s also common to find ceramides, squalane, probiotics and botanical extracts.
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