Struggling with acne-prone skin issues can sometimes really feel like an uphill battle, especially when seeking the right skincare products for your skincare routine – including the moisturizer.
Remember that even acne-prone and oily skin needs a good hydration! Your moisturizer should also focus on strengthening your skin barrier. In many cases, disrupted skin barrier exacerbates acne breakouts.
You should look for products with ingredients like beta-glucan and panthenol for hydration & soothing, and niacinamide – to soothe inflammation related to acne and balance your oil production.
Furthermore, it will help if you opt for moisturizing formulations that contain some non-comedogenic ingredients like tea tree, zinc, ceramides, aloe vera and Centella. All of these ingredients won’t burd your pores or trigger breakouts and will help you deal with blemishes.
I’ve been struggling with hormonal acne for long time, so I know that it’s not just about physical appearance but also your self-confidence. Choosing an inappropriate moisturizer may not only fail to address your skin concerns but also exacerbate acne, leading to new zits and cast a shadow over you self-esteem.
Let’s find out about the best and safest Korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin (and oily skin).
PRO TIP: If you’re into K-beauty don’t forget to check out my other articles about these amazing products. Here is my list of the best moisturizers for all skin types.
6 Amazing Korean Facial Creams And Moisturizers For Acne Prone Skin
To make your choice easier and research shorter, I’ve prepared a list of the best Korean facial creams and moisturizers for your acne skin care and for achieving healthy skin without acne breakouts.
1. IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
My verdict: Best & most gentle cream for sensitive skin prone to pimples
The IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream’s special feature is in that it contains more than 70% of Centella Asiatica leaf water.
Cica delivers cooling and calming effects to your sensitive and irritated skin, especially acne-irritated – you know, it also contains niacinamide and tea tree leaf water, which are both perfect for oily acne-prone skin.
This moisturizer contains zero irritating chemicals, and is free of artificial fragrances, and comedogenics, providing all-day and night-long moisturization for your skin without leaving a greasy finish – you will love it!
It is one of the best Korean skincare products – and it is pretty affordable.
Why You Will Love It?
- Cool
According to multiple reviews on this Korean moisturizer, it has an almost immediate cooling effect upon application, which helps the skin reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne.
Therefore, it feels refreshing and calming on your skin. This also helps calm irritated skin.
I cannot count how many times it helps me during breakouts before period and reduced acne-related redness.
- Scentless
For those of you who are not fans of scents – this is the one! This gel moisturizer has no scent at all, which makes it pretty convenient and neutral.
- Suitable for all skin types
This gel cream is so gentle and soothing, it’s perfect for all of you who not only struggle with zits, but also have sensitive skin, prone to irritations and redness.
- Reduces breakouts and blemishes
The tea tree leaf water in this moisturizer helps to diminish acne breakouts. It’s also non-comedogenic and doesn’t irritate the skin. So your face stays hydrated but there are no new zits!
- Hydrating
Despite having lightweight gel-like texture, it feels very hydrating. My prone-to-dryness skin likes it a lot, especially during summer.
Keep In Mind
It does feel a bit sticky, before it fully absorbs – and it takes quite some time to do that! That’s why I enjoy using it the most in my PM routine.
PRO TIP: There is another moisturizer that has similar formulation (tea tree + cica) – Bring Green Soothing Cream. It feels soothing and helps to control sebum production.
But I recommend it only if you don’t have problems with dryness. Otherwise, if your skin is dry type and you have acne – then IUNIK gel cream is definitely better option.
2. Purito Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream
My verdict: Best cream to fix skin barrier & diminish breakouts
Did you know that when your skin barrier is disrupted or broken, you may experience breakouts?
Lots of people don’t realize how important it is to maintain healthy and strong skin barrier when you’re fighting acne (or actually – ALWAYS).
Fixing my skin barrier, by using products with panthenol, beta-glucan and kombucha, has improved my skin’s condition tremendously and now I get WAY LESS pimples.
My favorite panthenol cream is this one from Purito.
It’s definitely suitable for different skin types, including dry skin (it’s extremely moisturizing and plumping), combination skin type, as well as oily and acne skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Incredibly soft & supple skin
This non-comedogenic Korean moisturizer not only deeply hydrates your skin, it also leaves it plump and supple, improving skin texture, and leaving your skin feeling soft.
It effectively balances your hydration levels without clogging pores, making it great pick for acne-prone skin types.
You will also love that it doesn’t feel heavy on your face.
- A little goes a long way in all weathers
This moisturizer has a perfect texture which is easy to apply, yet a little goes a long way. Another plus is that considering how little you need to use it, it is very cost-efficient. Furthermore, it’s hydrating in all weather conditions, cold or hot, humid or dry.
- Versatile
It works great on various skin types – I have hyper-reactive skin so many skincare products cause irritation or redness on my face. This cream is definitely suitable for sensitive skin. But the story doesn’t end there.
- Strong skin barrier = reduced breakouts
Speaking from my own experience (and also based on other reviews), this moisturizer helps to diminish new breakouts by helping you to maintain a healthy skin, repairing sensitized skin after all those pimples, and soothing it – and this way it can support your acne treatment.
Keep in mind
It’s not a magical cream that will make your acne or scars go away in a blink of an eye. You may still need to include in your acne-prone skin care other acne-fighting ingredients like: AHA, BHA or PHA, zinc etc.
PRO TIP: If you need some extra help in your battle with acne, consider adding to your skincare routine, one of the best Korean serums that help reduce zits!
3. Numbuzin No. 1 Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream
My verdict: Best K-beauty moisturizer that soothes acne inflammation
Everyday moisturizer for acne-prone skin MUST be a lightweight formulation without a greasy, oily finish. And this is exactly what the Numbuzin No.1 cream offers. Besides, it not only treats acne – but also helps revitalize and recover your skin.
This moisturizer is actually tailored for troubled skin, being formulated with magical pantothenic acid, a renowned ingredient for soothing inflammation and reducing redness. And – you know this is a real issue with acne. Right?
Why You Will Love It?
- Soothing and hydrating
Women who have been using it praise its calming effect on their irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation – commonly associated with acne. They even call this moisturizer “calming holy grail”!
Also, it provides the perfect amount of hydration without exacerbating oiliness.
Centella and pantothenic acid protects the skin, moisturize it, and soothe irritation.
- Healing breakouts faster
Zinc in this cream helps to treat acne breakouts, while niacinamide helps to reduce oiliness and keep sebum production under control.
This is a perfect oily and acne-prone skin moisturizer.
- Easy to apply
Its lightweight, non-greasy texture is perfect for acne-prone skin, and – it is very easy to apply, and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or oily residue.
Furthermore, the formula helps hydrate your skin without clogging pores – so you will not end up having breakouts.
Keep In Mind
It is on the high end, unfortunately!
4. COSRX Centella Blemish Cream
My verdict: Great cream for spot treatment
The COSRX Centella Blemish Cream moisturizer is formulated with Centella Asiatica leaf water and zinc oxide, both ingredients being great for oily skin prone to acne.
It actually sinks into the skin, targets blemishes – and helps you heal your damaged skin. This moisturizer is free from harsh ingredients and is clean and safe for practically any skin.
Plus, thanks to Cica, it is a perfect aid to maintain a healthy skin barrier, even if you have oily skin.
Of course, this Korean skin care moisturizer is clean from all the nasty chemicals, so you can rest assured you’re on the safe side.
It is efficient as a spot treatment for acne and acne scars.
Why You Will Love It?
- Recovery
For those of you with skin prone to irritation, especially due to acne, this moisturizer is – perfect, as it also provides a soothing effect and gentle hydration, aiding in your skin’s recovery process.
The Centella Asiatica leaf water is a great ingredient to soothe irritated skin while supporting the healing of blemishes.
- Lighten post-blemish marks
If you have uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation for any reason (including acne scars), or you just want more even skin tone, you will simply love this cream.
Women who used this moisturizer noticed the difference, and they discovered that their post-blemish marks had been lightened.
Keep In Mind
Some women noted that the moisturizer has a slightly opaque finish, which may not blend seamlessly with all skin tones, particularly for daytime use under makeup.
5. Dr. Jart+ TeaTreement Moisturizer
My verdict: Great non-comedogenic moisturizer that regulates sebum production
Dr. Jart + moisturizer boasts a blend of 81.5% tea tree leaf extract, niacinamide, Cica, fig and witch hazels extracts, salicylic acid, plus beta-glucan, ceramide NP and aloe.
As you can see the main function of this cream are: reducing blemishes and pimples, and soothing acne-prone skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Fights acne
With the tea tree, salicylic acid and niacinamide, among other ingredients, this moisturizer targets acne breakouts and helps to get rid of excess sebum.
- Soothes troubled skin
Thanks to calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica and aloe, it reduced skin irritation caused by breakouts.
And thank to hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer feels hydrating and replenishing.
- Very lightweight
It has a gentle cooling effect, and feels lightweight on the skin – and doesn’t leave any greasy finish!
Keep In Mind
A few women said that this cream works best when the skin is balanced, and not sensitized.
PRO TIP: If you’re struggling with blackheads, BHA treatment would probably most effective for you. Check out Purito BHA Moisture Gel which works amazing for exfoliating dead cells, removing excess sebum and unclogging pores. It’s suitable for oily and acne skin types, helps to get rid of those annoying blackheads and reduce zits. Just remember that you should only use it twice a week!
6. COSRX Refreshing AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily Cream
My verdict: Best brightening cream that helps with congested pores, blackheads and zits
This moisturizer is packed with ingredients that are perfect for rough and dull skin with dark spots (including acne marks), clogged pores and skin prone to pimples.
There are AHA and BHA acids that exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. Moreover, this moisturizer contains vitamin C and niacinamide which both work amazing for uneven skin tone and pigmentation.
This cream is hydrating (thanks to glycolic acid, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate) and replenishing, which makes it suitable for both dry and acne-prone skin.
Its texture is lightweight, fragrance-free, and contains ZERO bad ingredients.
Why You Will Love It?
- Clear pores
Thanks to chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid and betaine salicylate (a combination of salicylic acid and betaine), this cream works wonders for folks who often have congested pores. This way it also prevents new pimples.
- No more rough skin
Thanks to gentle exfoliating effect, it removes old skin cells, while the nourishing and refreshing ingredients make the skin smoother.
- Bye bye acne marks
Vitamin C has brightening effect and together with niacinamide it helps to even out your skin tone. It’s the perfect duo to fight red marks that acne left on your skin!
Keep In Mind
Because it contains acids that make your skin photosensitive, remember about applying SPF at the end of your AM routine (you should actually always apply sunscreen, even when staying indoors!)
PRO TIP: If you don’t want to use vitamin C in your skincare routine, there’s a different Korean moisturizer that I can recommend for acne skin: Nacific Pink AHA BHA Cream. It’s a lightweight cream that helps to get rid of dead skin cells and improves skin elacticity.
Final Decision: What Is The Best Korean Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin?
It’s difficult to choose one single best Korean moisturizer for acne-prone skin. However, among all these Korean moisturizers I recommend (so all of them are actually great), I would say that IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream stands out as the best option.
This moisturizer addresses acne concerns by soothing inflammation, reducing redness, smoothing out skin texture and providing adequate hydration without clogging pores.
It is my staple – I always need to have one in my stash just in case my hormonal acne kicks in again!
What helped me to reduce acne tremendously was fixing my weak skin barrier and the best moisturizer for that has always been Purito Panthenol cream. It also gives pretty quick results when it comes to hydration level and redness reduction.
If your skin is not sensitive and tolerate actives well, try out COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C cream – to unclog pores and get rid of blackheads, even out skin tone and reduce zits.
Does Acne-Prone Skin Need A Moisturizer?
Absolutely, you should use moisturizer if you have acne! Although it might seem counterintuitive at first, acne-prone skin needs hydration, too, for several reasons. However, you need to choose carefully. It’s essential to find a product labeled “non-comedogenic”, as these products are less likely to clog your pores or cause additional breakouts.How To Choose The Right Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin
First of all, as already clarified – you need to look for non-comedogenic formulas and avoid heavy, greasy textures, as they may exacerbate oiliness and block your pores. Instead, consider lightweight, gel-based moisturizers or oil-free lotions that provide hydration without feeling heavy on your skin.
Ingredients That Help To Fight Acne
- Salicylic acid: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates your skin, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation. It’s effective against acne by penetrating the oil in your skin and preventing pore clogging.
- Benzoyl peroxide: Known for its antibacterial properties, benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps unblock your pores. It’s particularly beneficial for inflammatory acne.
- Tea tree oil: A natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, tea tree oil helps combat acne by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and soothing irritated skin.
- Niacinamide: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, calm irritated skin, and regulate sebum production, thereby minimizing acne, and decreasing the risk of breakouts.
- Hyaluronic acid: While not directly treating acne, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without adding excess oil. Proper hydration can help maintain the skin barrier, preventing excessive dryness that might trigger more oil production – and more acne!
- Centella Asiatica: Known for its soothing properties, Centella Asiatica or Cica helps calm inflamed skin, speeds up skin healing, and may aid in reducing acne scarring.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): AHAs exfoliate the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and helping to unclog pores, which can prevent acne altogether.
- Zinc: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, zinc can help reduce acne-related inflammation and has been shown to control oil production in your skin.
- Retinoids: Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids work by unclogging pores, speeding up cell turnover, and reducing inflammation. They’re effective in preventing new acne and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Acne
- Comedogenic oils: Some oils, like coconut oil, have a high comedogenic rating, meaning they’re more likely to clog your pores and exacerbate acne by blocking follicles.
- Alcohols: Alcohol can be overly drying and strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased sebum production as a rebound effect, potentially worsening acne.
- Fragrance: Synthetic perfumes or heavily scented products may contain irritants that can cause inflammation, sensitivity, or allergic reactions, exacerbating acne.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These surfactants are known to be harsh on your skin, potentially stripping away natural oils and causing irritation, which can – again – worsen acne.
- Mineral oils: Although considered safe for some, mineral oil has a higher likelihood of causing breakouts or worsening existing acne due to its occlusive nature, potentially trapping bacteria and debris in pores.
- Isopropyl myristate: Known for its emollient properties, but it can also be highly comedogenic, leading to pore blockages and potentially causing breakouts.
- Silicones: While not necessarily harmful, some of you with acne-prone skin may find silicones to be pore-clogging, leading to increased breakouts or congestion.
- Lanolin: Derived from sheep’s wool, lanolin can be highly comedogenic for some individuals, potentially causing blockages in the pores and leading to acne flare-ups.
- Butyl stearate: Often used as an emollient, but it can be comedogenic for some of you, leading to pore blockages.
- Artificial colorants: Synthetic dyes or colorants can contain harsh chemicals that may irritate the skin, potentially worsening acne or even causing allergic reactions.
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Acne-Prone Skin
Taking care of your acne-prone skin requires a thoughtful routine and some safety steps. Let’s see what you can do for your skin.
- Gentle cleansing
Use mild, non-comedogenic cleansers twice daily to wash your face. But, make sure you avoid harsh scrubs or abrasive cleansers that can irritate or worsen acne.
- Avoid over-washing
Washing excessively can strip away skin’s natural oils and irritate your skin. Stick to cleansing twice a day to maintain a natural balance.
- Non-comedogenic products only
Look for skincare products labeled as non-comedogenic or oil-free to prevent pore blockages that lead to new breakouts, or worsening.
- Moisturize
Even oily skin needs hydration, as we previously said. Opt for oil-free, lightweight moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
- Sun protection factor
Use a non-comedogenic sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially if using acne treatments that can increase sensitivity to the sun.
- Avoid touching your face
Refrain from touching your face frequently to minimize the transfer of bacteria, dirt, and oil from your hands to your skin.
- Use acne-fighting ingredients
Incorporate products with acne-fighting ingredients, but introduce them gradually to avoid irritation. Allow time for any new product to work. Of course, if irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist.
- Healthy diet
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some studies suggest a correlation between certain foods, like sugar, and acne, so monitor your diet’s impact on your skin.
- Avoid heavy make-up
Use non-comedogenic or mineral-based make-up products and ensure thorough removal before bedtime to prevent pore clogging.
- Change pillowcases often
Dirty pillowcases can harbor bacteria and oil, contributing to new breakouts. Change them at least once a week to avoid it.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
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