Finding the right moisturizer for dry skin can be a hassle. You need the perfect blend of hydrating, safe, and gentle ingredients that boost your skin’s protective barrier and prevent dryness.
You also need to watch out for ingredients that can dry out your skin and leave it irritated.
A good moisturizer replenishes the skin from within while leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. If you have ultra-dry skin, you know what I am talking about. One simply CANNOT do without a good moisturizer.
When it comes to skincare, no one does it like the Koreans. Period.
I’m going to share with you my handpicked safest and best Korean moisturizers for dry skin, so you could have the soft and hydrated skin of your dreams using only the best ingredients out there.
Best K Beauty Moisturizers For Dry Skin – Ranking
The only way to ensure that you find the best K-beauty moisturizer for dry skin is to choose the product according to your skin type and concerns. Opt for moisturizing ingredients that keep the skin hydrated while minimizing skin irritation.
Without further ado, let’s get started with the finest and best Korean moisturizers for dry skin:
1. Purito Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream
My verdict: Gentle K-beauty moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin
This panthenol moisturizer is my absolute all time favorite among all Korean moisturizers that I tried for my dry skin (you can see how often I praise it on my Instagram!).
With the perfect combination of Centella, 10% of Vitamin B5, and squalane, it ensures hydrated and youthful skin with optimal hydration.
It helps to restore moisture in the skin and boosts the skin barrier, reduces the water loss from the skin’s surface.
The moisturizing cream has a lightweight texture and is fragrance-free, which makes it the best moisturizer for sensitive skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Rejuvenated skin
I love how this moisturizer makes my skin feel moisturized and baby soft.
- Redness-free skin
Regular use of this Korean moisturizer for dry skin in your skincare routine can greatly improved the way your skin looks and feels.
I battle with rosacea and this panthenol cream is my must-have for reducing redness.
- Skin barrier savior
I used to often struggle with broken skin barrier (also due to my skin picking habit), and this cream has always been my savior. I’m impressed how quickly it repairs hydrolipid skin barrier and brings relief to irritated skin (and my skin is super reactive and often freaks out without a reason…).
- No synthetic fragrance & simple inci
Another think to love about this moisturizer is that it is fragrance-free and has minimalist ingredients list, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin type.
Keep In Mind
Some girls say that it’s not enough for them for winter time. For me it’s been always just perfect! I’ve been using it during -10°C and it kept my skin well-hydrated for a whole day.
PRO TIP: There’s quite a few amazing Korean panthenol moisturizers – I tested and I compared them here. This article should help you choose the best one for your skin needs.
2. Heveblue Penta Berry Panthenol Repair Cream
My verdict: Thick moisturizer – perfect for winter
If you have extremely dry and sensitive skin, look no further. This has got to be one of the best Korean moisturizers for dry skin to add to your skincare routine.
It nourishes dry skin, promotes wound healing and keeps the skin moisturized for hours.
All thanks to its main ingredients: vitamin B5 (panthenol). It helps to retain moisture and prevent any loss of moisture. This keeps the skin hydrated while also reducing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dark spots.
It also contains Centella and a few berries extracts.
It has a thick cream-like texture that ensures your skin is quenched perfectly.
Why You Will Love It
- Calms irritated skin
It is incredible how this Korean moisturizer helps to calm irritated skin, especially in winter.
This nourishing cream strengthens the skin barrier and reduces inflammation. If you have very dry skin, you’re in for a treat.
- Long-lasting hydration
The nourishing and intensely hydrating formula of this cream makes it one of the best moisturizers for people with sensitive and dry skin types.
It battles dryness from within and locks moisture to promote healing and hydration balance.
I’m so impressed how it keeps my skin well hydrated throughout a whole day.
- Radiant skin
This Korean moisturizer brings a healthy glow to their skin.
- Non-sticky
It doesn’t leave any tacky feeling afterwards.
Keep In Mind
Because it’s quite rich, you may need to wait a bit longer until it fully absorbs, before applying your sunscreen.
PRO TIP: I’m dealing with dry skin my whole life, so I know that it’s just one of a few concerns or “types” that skin can have at the same time (hello my friends with dry skin & acne!).
If you’re battling with dry skin and other problems, make sure to read my list of all best Korean facial moisturizers, suitable for different skin concerns.
3. AXIS-Y Panthenol Cream
My verdict: Best Korean moisturizer for dehydrated skin
Whenever you come across panthenol, you know you’re in for some deep hydration and soothing.
This cream is like a knight in shining armor for your parched skin.
Its hydrating ingredients will hydrate your skin from within with a non-greasy creamy texture that absorbs instantly into the skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Plump and supple skin
Most users who use this Korean moisturizer love how it leaves their skin plump and soft. It helps the skin retain moisture and leaves the skin supple.
- Deep hydration
What women love about this moisturizer is how it hydrates their dry skin and improves skin elasticity.
- Nourishing cream
Among benefits, women rave about how their dry and dehydrated skin feels nourished and moisturized after adding this Korean beauty moisturizer to their skincare routine.
This makes it a great choice for dry aging skin and equally great for dry, combination, and acne-prone skin types.
Keep In Mind
It does contains a few fatty acids and ingredients that could potentially clog pores. Keep that in mind if your skin is prone to acne breakouts.
4. Thank You Farmer Bakuchiol Cream
My verdict: Best anti-aging moisturizer for dry skin
This cream has lovely vanilla pudding texture and is packed with ingredients that work perfectly for mature and aging skin: niacinamide, bakuchiol and vitamin C.
This trio supports well-aging, slows down visibility of aging signs (like fine lines), and helps to tackle skin pigmentation.
It also contains dry skin best friends like glycerin and panthenol
Why You Will Love It
- Firmer skin
Many women who use this product love how their skin feels firmer as if something is working on it from within.
- Anti-aging
Among the benefits, users love that this cream has helped reduce the signs of aging on their faces with regular use.
All thanks to bakuchiol – which is often considered to be more gentle alternative to retinoids.
- Deeply hydrating
What girls love about this is that it makes their skin feel supple and hydrated, despite having tried a lot of moisturizers and other Korean skincare products. Their dry skin has never felt so replenished!
Keep In Mind
It contains a few ingredients that may clog pores in some skin types.
5. Manyo Bifida Biome Aqua Barrier Cream
My verdict: Best Korean moisturizer for mature dry skin
This magic-in-a-tube is one of the best Korean moisturizers for dry skin. Don’t believe me? Read on for the fantastic ingredients.
It contains lots of skin-loving fermented ingredients like Bifida Ferment Lysate and Bifida Ferment Filtrate. They not only strengthen skin barrier, but also increase skin elasticity. And this makes the cream fantastic choice for mature skin (as we all know skin looses its elasticity with age)!
Manyo cream is also packed Centella Asiatica water, a very commonly used ingredient in Korean skincare. It is known for its nourishing, soothing, and healing properties.
It boosts collagen production and reduces signs of aging, while also soothing inflamed skin.
There’s also niacinamide, which helps reduce dark spots and improves skin tone while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Why You Will Love It
- Calms the skin
Most women who use this cream love how it soothes their grumpy skin and heals dry patches. The shea butter in this nourishing cream gets the job well done!
- Radiant complexion
What girls love about this cream is that it adds a subtle glow to their skin while healing the damage. It is one of the main reasons they love this amongst other Korean moisturizers for dry and dehydrated skin.
This moisturizer improves the skin tone and adds radiance to the complexion.
Keep In Mind
Because it contains so many fermented ingredients, it is not fungal acne safe.
6. Iunik Black Snail Restore Cream
My verdict: Super rich& super hydrating K-beauty cream
This moisturizer for dry skin will turn your flaky skin into moisturized skin all day, every day!
It contains the deeply-hydrating snail mucin, which also smoothes the skin, reduces wrinkles, and fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier.
Next, there’s Centella Asiatica, that has soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, repairs damaged skin and keeps it hydrated.
This is one of the thickest and richest Korean moisturizers I’ve ever tried!
There’s shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, rosehip oil, and even some fermented ingredients that work wonders for dry skin with compromised skin barrier.
So there is no fluff when I say this could be the best Korean moisturizer for dry and dehydrated skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Happy hydrated skin
Most women who use this cream love its ability to hydrate dry skin. It makes their skin feel supple and soft, with all-day-long hydration.
- Soothing cream
What girls love about this cream is that it promotes wound healing (including acne scars) and soothes dry patches while combating moisture loss.
This is because it supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier with its ability to mimic the natural skin lipids.
- Improves skin tone
Regular use of this cream helps with dull skin and uneven skin tone.
Keep In Mind
It is really thick and rich, so it takes some time to absorb, and may feel a bit “greasy” before fully sinking in.
7. Beplain Cicaterol Cream
My verdict: Best Korean moisturizer for dry skin with acne
This gel moisturizer is great for people with acne-prone and irritated skin.
It contains the superstar of Korean skincare, Centella Asiatica extract, and all its components that are super popular among users of Korean beauty products.
Centella extract heals skin wounds and protects the skin barrier while calming the signs of inflammation. It also helps reduce acne.
The best part? It is free of harmful chemicals such as phthalates, mineral oils, sulfates, etc.
It has a gel-like texture and absorbs readily into the skin to replenish dehydrated and dry skin like a charm!
Why You Will Love It
- Great moisturizer
Among the benefits, users love how this gel hydrates their skin. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this moisturizer keeps the skin soft, dewy, and plump.
- Skin-soothing
Most girls love how this moisturizer calms their irritated skin and heals the damage. With regular use, their skin dullness and rough patches became a thing of the past.
- Suitable for acne-prone skin type
If you suffer from acne, this moisturizer will bust your acne and even fade away the scars. What women love about this gel is that it reduces acne while moisturizing the skin perfectly.
Keep In Mind
According to some users, this moisturizer needs reinforcement in winter, as it is not thick enough.
8. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream
My verdict: Best Korean facial cream for dry skin with uneven tone
Anything with honey is bound to be good for your skin, right?
This little guy from COSRX has 64.5% Propolis extract which can protect skin against inflammation, hence it is great for people with acne, rosacea, or eczema.
Other than this healing ingredient, this cream contains honey which is soothing, nourishing, lightening, and moisturizing. It improves the skin’s elasticity and reinforces the skin barrier. This is one of the best Korean moisturizers for dry skin.
The royal jelly helps rejuvenate the skin and reduces dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
This gel-like cream absorbs effortlessly into the skin and is fragrance-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin types.
Why You Will Love It
- Healing gel-cream
The users of this cream love how it forms a protective layer on their sensitive skin without feeling tacky and reduces redness and itching.
- Healthy glow
The antioxidants in this cream are responsible for the much coveted healthy glow women swear by after regular use of this product.
- Fights premature aging
Most women love how their dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles have been reduced with this awesome moisturizer.
Keep In Mind
People with an allergy to honey must opt for a different Korean moisturizers.
Final Decision: What Is The Best Korean Moisturizer For Dry Skin?
My pick from these moisturizers has to be the Purito 10% Panthenol Cream. It is a simple, fragrance-free, lightweight formula that hydrates the skin, prevents moisture loss, repairs skin barrier, without causing any breakouts!
It is great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, hence it is also one of the popular moisturizers used in the Korean skincare routine for sensitive skin.
K-Beauty Moisturizer For Dry Skin – FAQ
Hopefully, by now you might have chosen the best K-beauty moisturizer for dry skin. Here are some 411 you might find useful.
Why Do I Have A Dry Skin?
You could have dry skin for the following reasons1:
- Naturally dry skin: If your skin always feels like it needs more moisturization, chances are that you have naturally dry skin. You need extra-hydrating ingredients in your skincare.
- Aging: With decreased collagen and skin-firming lipids due to aging, the skin can become less firm and more prone to dryness.
- Weather changes: Harsh winds or cold winters can make your skin extra dry.
- Skin concerns: Some skin issues such as eczema, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, etc can leave you with dry skin.
What Ingredients To Look For In Korean Moisturizer For Dry Skin?
For one of the most important steps of the Korean skincare routine i.e. moisturization, a moisturizer should have ingredients that are extra-hydrating.
Watch out for ingredients that can be drying for the skin, leading to irritation.
The best ingredients in Korean moisturizers for dry skin are:
Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica extract, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, non-comedogenic oils such as jojoba oil, green tea, snail mucin, aloe vera, glycerin, ceramides, fatty acids, honey, vitamin E, amino acids and more2.
Which Ingredients Should I Avoid For Dry Skin?
- Alcohol (SD alcohol, ethanol, denatured alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol)
- Synthetic fragrances
- Essential Oils
- Comedogenic oils (coconut oil/olive oil)
- AHAs
These ingredients should be avoided for ALL skin types:
- Sulfates (SLE, SLS)
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Alcohol
- Preservatives
- PEG-100
- Mineral oils
Tips For Taking Care Of Dry Skin
Here are a few additional tips how to give your dry or dehydrated skin some extra TLC.
- Gentle cleanser: Use a gentle facial cleanser without harsh ingredients so you don’t strip away the natural oils.
- Hydrating toner: Always follow with a moisturizing toner (green tea, vitamin E, glycerin) followed by a good moisturizer(shea butter, hyaluronic acid, honey, ceramides) so you seal in the moisture and prevent any water loss.
- Avoid hot water: Never go beyond lukewarm water when washing your face. If you love a hot shower, avoid getting the water on your face, and always set the temperature low when washing your face to avoid drying out your skin.
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. This article contains affiliate links.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected.
Pictures of COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Cream belong to COSRX Brand.
Resources:
- https://theskinverse.com/
- https://theblushingbliss.com/