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Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin

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  • 10 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

Slathering moisturizer onto oily skin doesn't seem like a smart idea. But to stay healthy and, though it might seem counterintuitive, to help manage oily skin, your skin does need some hydration. So if you're looking for products that can keep your skin hydrated while balancing the oil level of your skin, try Korean moisturizers! K-beauty has taken the world by storm, and their moisturizers are well-loved for the lightweight formula that will drench your skin in moisture without any of the greasiness.


But choosing the appropriate moisturizer for your skin will take a lot of time, so we've done the work for you! Among all the Korean moisturizers available online, BELIF's The True Cream Aqua Bomb seems to steal people's hearts with its ultra-hydrating ingredients like ceramide and glycerin. If you want to find out what other products can help with your oily skin, keep scrolling down! 

Last updated 02/26/2024
Dr. Lauren Levy
Expert
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Korean Moisturizer for Oily Skin - Buying Guide

Now that you know our favorite Korean moisturizers for oily skin, the next step is to see which one is the right product for you. Usually, when choosing a moisturizer, you should take into consideration factors such as the effectiveness of the ingredients.

1

Know Ingredients That Can Deeply Hydrate Your Oily Skin

Finding suitable moisturizers is quite challenging, since there are various ingredients that can clog your pores and trigger breakouts. But don't worry, we've done the work for you! Continue reading to see the ingredients that will work for your oily skin.

Snail Mucin Extract Can Deeply Moisturize and Rejuvenate

Snail Mucin Extract Can Deeply Moisturize and Rejuvenate

Putting snail slime on your face might sound like a strange idea. But snail mucin is a crazily popular ingredient in K-beauty products for good reason!


It consists of moisturizing agents that can restore the skin protective barrier, seal in moisture, and fight off free radical damage. It's also jam-packed with allantoin, which helps accelerate cell regeneration, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and improve your skin's elasticity and complexion. 


Not to mention, snail mucin contains a high level of glycolic acid, an ingredient well-known for its exfoliating properties. Indeed, glycolic acid can remove all of the stubborn skin debris, unclog your pores, and allow your oily skin to breathe.

Squalane, Dimethicone, and Hyaluronic Acid Can Increase the Water Level

Squalane, Dimethicone, and Hyaluronic Acid Can Increase the Water Level

When it comes to preventing moisture loss, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and dimethicone are definitely some of the best options available! 


Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in our skin that can retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the skin cells. Using products formulated with hyaluronic acid will not only keep your skin plump and hydrated all the time, but will also help fade away wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin blemishes. 


Another superfood for your skin is squalane, a lipid that comes naturally from your skin cells. It can increase the moisture level within your skin layers without weighing down your skin or clogging your pores. 


And with strong anti-inflammatory properties, squalane can restore and enhance the skin's moisture barrier as well as soothe redness and swelling to leave your skin feeling healthy and soft to the touch!


You might also want to consider dimethicone, a kind of silicone well-loved for its moisturizing properties. It creates a water-resistant film on the skin to seal in moisture, and thanks to its light texture, dimethicone doesn't clog pores. Plus, it helps control shine to make your skin look less greasy.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

These ingredients are great if you have sensitive skin as they are gentle and very hydrating. They can be used on rosacea-prone skin or if you have eczema. Squalene in particular can help repair the skin barrier and soothe irritated or chapped skin. 


Hyaluronic acid can also be used on all skin types and is helpful for those who want to fight the signs of aging as it provides hydration to the skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These ingredients are non-comedogenic and are a great option for those who may be dry from an acne regimen.

Control Sebum Production With Antioxidants

Control Sebum Production With Antioxidants

Sebum is necessary for the skin to stay healthy, but too much sebum can lead to shiny skin and breakouts. If you have oily skin, you should find ingredients that can regulate sebum production. And guess what - antioxidants are it. 


Antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea, niacinamide, and zinc are not only effective in neutralizing the harmful damages of free radicals but can also reduce sebum oxidation and rejuvenate the condition of your skin. 


Applying those antioxidants consistently might actually make your acne scars and skin blemishes become much less visible and brighten your overall complexion. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Green tea and niacinamide are not only great for skin with active acne pimples, but they can also help with post-inflammatory erythema that may develop after acne lesions resolve. They can help reduce redness and inflammation in the skin and are usually gentle enough to be used on most skin types.

2

Stay Away from Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Stay Away from Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Butter and oil-based ingredients like almond oil, wheat germ oil, and coconut oil are wonderfully nourishing to your skin, but they are some of the culprits behind clogged pores and breakouts. Indeed, they are too heavy for oily skin to handle and will make your face look even greasier. 


Emollients like petrolatum and mineral oil are a terror for oily skin as well. They are often used in cosmetics as refatting substances and are generally safe for the skin. However, they can be too rich for oily skin and might cause clogged pores as well as breakouts. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

If you use a moisturizer with coconut oil as an ingredient and have baseline oily skin, you may end up with pityrosporum folliculitis or "fungal acne." This looks like small pink pimples that can be very itchy. They don't go away with traditional acne treatments and require an antifungal. See your dermatologist if you think you have this condition.

3

Opt for an Oil-Free or Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer

Opt for an Oil-Free or Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer

The list of pore-clogging ingredients is extensive and might be quite tough to remember. So if you're not sure which ones to avoid, simply choose products labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic. Since some oil-based ingredients tend to clog pores and make your skin feel greasy, oil-free products will ensure that there are none of them! 


Non-comedogenic products also guarantee that there are no pore-clogging ingredients. However, they might still consist of oils that do not block your pores such as jojoba oil or shea butter. Don't be scared away by them! 

4

Those With Sensitive Skin Should Avoid Potential Irritants

Those With Sensitive Skin Should Avoid Potential Irritants

Ingredients such as parabens, fragrances, and alcohols are often used in cosmetic products for various reasons. For example, parabens and alcohols act as preservatives to extend a product's shelf life and prevent bacterial contamination. While most people are fine with them, some actually have allergic reactions


So if you have sensitive skin, it's always better to do a patch test beforehand. You might also want to pay attention to the ingredient list to ensure that nothing can be irritating to your skin. 

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

If you have eczema or dermatitis, you should look for fragrance-free products and those with the fewest preservatives. All-natural does not necessarily mean allergen-free


Fragrances and preservatives are the most common causes of contact dermatitis or skin allergy and should be avoided if you are eczema-prone. I also recommend avoiding products with essential oils as these can cause outbreaks of dermatitis if you have sensitive skin.

5

A Lightweight, Gel-Like Consistency Can Work Wonders on Oily Skin

A Lightweight, Gel-Like Consistency Can Work Wonders on Oily Skin

For those with oily skin, a moisturizer with a thick and creamy texture won't do any good. A thick, creamy moisturizer won't absorb quickly into the skin, tends to leave behind an annoying oily residue, and can feel clammy on the skin, especially when you have an oily skin type. 


Go for products with a lightweight texture and, if possible, gel- or liquid-like consistency instead! Because they're water-based and water molecules are tinier and more easily absorbed by the skin, gel products sink into the skin faster and won't leave behind a greasy residue. 


This isn't to say that all cream-based moisturizers are bad, especially if they contain ingredients that can help mattify or treat your skin concerns, such as dimethicone or squalane, which we mentioned earlier.


However, a lightweight consistency will allow your moisturizer to penetrate right into your skin's layers and deliver the needed nourishment. It is less likely to turn your face into an oily mess, and can actually make your skin feel refreshed! 


You may have noticed that there are various consistencies: gel, cream, and gel creams. Gels are generally lightweight and water-based, making them refreshing and non-greasy, while creams contain more fats and oils to soften and nourish. As you can guess, gel creams mix properties from the two, so can be lightweight but still richly nourishing.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Even if you have oily skin, you should still use a moisturizer to get the benefits of skin hydration. This will help with skin health and reduce the signs of aging in the long run. Gel moisturizers are water-based and very lightweight, so they're great if you have oily skin. 


However, if you use antiaging products or are on an acne treatment regimen (using retinoids or AHAs), your oily skin may become dry and you may have to switch to a cream-based moisturizer.

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10 Best Korean Moisturizers

After combing through various reviews on Amazon, we've compiled our 10 best Korean moisturizers for oily skin based on factors such as the effectiveness of the ingredients. Hopefully, you'll find the right product for you here!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

BELIF

The True Cream Aqua Bomb

BELIF The True Cream Aqua Bomb 1

$38.00

High

Best for Healthy and Glowing Skin

2

COSRX

Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion

COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion  1

$17.50

Mid

Best Dermatologist-Tested Moisturizer to Soothe Irritated Skin

3

DearKlairs

Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask

DearKlairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask  1

$22.99

High Mid

Best for Vitamin E, Niacinamide, and Adenosine to Rejuvenate Your Skin

4

TONYMOLY

The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream

TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream 1

$34.00

High Mid

Best Used to Help Retain Moisture Within Skin Layers

5

Etude House

Moistfull Collagen Cream

Etude House  Moistfull Collagen Cream  1

$16.10

Low Mid

Best for Plump, Youthful-Looking Skin With Super Collagen Water Particles

6

SeoulCeuticals

Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream

SeoulCeuticals  Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream  1

$17.95

Mid

Best Anti-Aging Cream to Brighten Your Complexion

7

Innisfree

Balancing Cream With Green Tea

Innisfree  Balancing Cream With Green Tea  1

$20.00

Mid

Best for Balancing Skin With Natural, Organic Ingredients

8

Mizon

Snail Recovery Gel Cream

Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream  1

$12.75

Low

Best for Doubling as a Primer and Delivering a Matte Finish

9

Skin Food

Premium Peach Cotton Juicy Cream

Skin Food Premium Peach Cotton Juicy Cream  1

$17.99

Mid

Best for Natural Sebum Reduction and a Sweet, Fruity Scent

10

Nature Republic

Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream

Nature Republic  Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream 1

$13.50

Low Mid

Best for Tightening and Refreshing Oily Skin With Natural Extracts

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

BELIFThe True Cream Aqua Bomb

The True Cream Aqua Bomb 1
Source:sephora.com
Reference price
$38.00
High
Reference price
$38.00
High

Best for Healthy and Glowing Skin

Pros:

  • Lightweight gel texture for quick absorption
  • Infused with ceramide 3 and glycerin
  • Contains a high level of tannins
  • Works for all skin types
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Herbal ingredients like Lady's Mantle soothe inflammation

Cons:

  • Contains a high concentration of alcohol denat
  • Has a light, mint-rose scent that isn't for everyone

The True Cream Aqua Bomb packs some serious hydration but still has a lightweight gel texture that glides onto your face. It contains a mix of ingredients to soothe inflammation caused by free radicals, tighten pores, and of course, moisturize your skin. 


There are some reports that this moisturizer caused breakouts on more sensitive skin, so you may want to take care if you've had a history of reactions in the past. But for the most part, The True Cream Aqua Bomb is popular for how it hydrates your skin and creates a glow after consistent use

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No.2

COSRXOil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion

Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion  1
Source:amazon.com
Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion  2
Source:amazon.com
Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion  3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.50
Mid

Best Dermatologist-Tested Moisturizer to Soothe Irritated Skin

Pros:

  • Non-greasy application
  • Pump bottle for ease of use
  • 70% birch sap formula
  • Oil-free and fast-absorbing
  • Hypoallergenic and lightweight
  • Infused with willow bark water

Cons:

  • Lemon peel oil can be irritating to some
  • Not recommended for sensitive skin
  • Rich and can feel sticky

COSRX's product has a lightweight consistency that can penetrate quickly into the skin without making it feel greasy or weighed down. It's also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Better yet, it's dermatologist-tested and approved! This moisturizing lotion is known for leaving users' skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. 


A few users with sensitive skin did warn that a few ingredients like the lemon peel oil and willow bark water were irritating to their skin. On the other hand, this COSRX's product is lauded for how well it clears and hydrates the skin. You can apply it without worrying about a greasy film, making it a good choice for oily skin types. 

No.3

DearKlairsFreshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask

Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask  1
Source:amazon.com
Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask  2
Source:amazon.com
Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask  3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$22.99
High Mid
Reference price
$22.99
High Mid

Best for Vitamin E, Niacinamide, and Adenosine to Rejuvenate Your Skin

Pros:

  • Infused with vitamins A and C
  • Provides 8 hours of lasting moisture
  • Infusion of vitamin E adds anti-aging properties
  • Lightweight and fast-absorbing
  • Includes niacinamide to help those with hyperpigmentation
  • Adenosine inclusion accelerates collagen synthesis and reduces wrinkles

Cons:

  • Can be harsh on acne-prone skin
  • Requires a lot of rubbing to fully sink into the skin
  • Best for PM use only
  • Has a thicker texture than some might prefer

DearKlair's moisturizing cream is a gentle, nourishing cream solution intended for PM use. Among other things, it contains vitamin E, which slows down the aging process and rejuvenates the skin. It's been formulated to gently hydrate sensitive skin and leave a healthy glow, although a few reports warn that it can actually irritate those with cystic acne.


Still, the sensitive skin community favors DearKlair's mask for its soothing consistency that absorbs without making the skin feel too greasy. If you're struggling with sensitive or overly dry skin, this vitamin-boosted moisturizer is said to bring a plump, hydrated glow back into your cheeks. 

No.4

TONYMOLYThe Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream

Reference price
$34.00
High Mid

Best Used to Help Retain Moisture Within Skin Layers

Pros:

  • 63% fermented green tea extract
  • Packed with antioxidants from its green tea base
  • Moisturizing and refreshing water-based gel
  • Forms a protective, hydrating barrier on your skin

Cons:

  • It's on the small side, so you must use it sparingly
  • Cyclomethicone can clog pores

What sets Tony Moly's moisturizer apart from its counterparts is its powerful key ingredient: pure fermented green tea extract. It helps retain moisture within your skin layers and contains more antioxidants than regular green tea. 


While a few complaints have been voiced that it isn't moisturizing enough for dry skin types, this lightweight moisturizer is a must for those who enjoy natural ingredients

No.5

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream

Moistfull Collagen Cream  1
Source:amazon.com
Moistfull Collagen Cream  2
Source:amazon.com
Moistfull Collagen Cream  3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$16.10
Low Mid

Best for Plump, Youthful-Looking Skin With Super Collagen Water Particles

Pros:

  • Formulated for mature, adult skin
  • Provides 100 hours of moisture
  • Main ingredient is super collagen water, which absorbs quickly into the skin
  • Clinically tested to assure against skin irritation
  • Non-comedogenic formula ensures against clogged pores
  • Infusion of baobab oil helps heal skin imperfections

Cons:

  • Added fragrance in the new formula is unappealing to those who are sensitive to strong smells

Etude House's moisturizer has a quick-absorption ingredient and delivers long-lasting moisture. This light gel moisturizer has been formulated to benefit aging skin as well, providing nourishment and deep hydration. 


The most recent formula change added a light rose fragrance to Etude House's moisturizer that isn't always a hit with more sensitive users. Still, its powerful hydration properties make it a great choice for dry skin

No.6

SeoulCeuticals Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream

Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream  1
Source:amazon.com
Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream  2
Source:amazon.com
Multi-Function All-in-One Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream  3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.95
Mid
Reference price
$17.95
Mid

Best Anti-Aging Cream to Brighten Your Complexion

Pros:

  • Treats wrinkles and fine lines
  • Works well for treating dryness
  • Non-greasy application
  • Brightens and hydrates with ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and jojoba oil
  • Non-comedogenic formula keeps pores clear 
  • 97.5% snail mucin extract seals in moisture and strengthens your skin's barrier

Cons:

  • Can cause reactions on sensitive or acne-prone skin
  • Thick, sticky texture

SeoulCeuticals offers a lightweight cream that helps effectively smooth out, hydrate, and soften the skin. It can be used daily in the morning and night and works to immediately treat dry spots, too.


Make sure to check the ingredient list carefully to make sure the ingredients are safe for you, but it's said that this moisturizer really works to keep skin hydrated and soft to the touch but also treats hyperpigmentation effectively

No.7

Innisfree Balancing Cream With Green Tea

Reference price
$20.00
Mid

Best for Balancing Skin With Natural, Organic Ingredients

Pros:

  • 16 amino acids to effectively hydrate your skin
  • AM and PM application
  • Leaves skin dewy and with a glow
  • Lightweight, gel-like consistency that absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue
  • Packed with antioxidants to reduce wrinkles and slow down the aging process of your skin

Cons:

  • Can feel a bit sticky
  • Heavy fragrance
  • A few report that it doesn't deliver enough moisture to last them the whole day

What really makes Innisfree's moisturizer stand out from other products is green tea seed harvested straight from a USDA-organic farm on Jeju island. Green tea is well-known to help balance skin and inhibit sebum production


Some say the product may not work the whole day through, but also note that their skin felt much smoother and softer after using the product. Those with sensitive skin found the moisturizer gentle on their skin as well. 

No.8

MizonSnail Recovery Gel Cream

Reference price
$12.75
Low

Best for Doubling as a Primer and Delivering a Matte Finish

Pros:

  • 80% snail secretion filtrate
  • Works to keep skin matte and as a primer
  • Excellent for damaged or dull skin
  • Light yet naturally moisturizing
  • Centella, portulaca, and green tea extracts nourish skin and neutralize the effects of free radicals
  • Brightens the complexion and improves skin elasticity
  • Can even serve as a primer due to its balancing properties

Cons:

  • Provides light moisture that might not be enough for everyone
  • Consistency may feel a bit sticky to those not used to snail mucin products

Mizon's hydrating moisturizer combines the power of hyaluronic acid and snail mucin extract to provide long-term dewy skin and repair any blemishes or damage.


Some do experience breakouts and allergic reactions, so patch test if you have sensitive skin. It's great for oily skin, though, as it's a popular moisturizer for soothing ingredients that kept skin hydrated without weighing it down

No.9

Skin FoodPremium Peach Cotton Juicy Cream

Reference price
$17.99
Mid

Best for Natural Sebum Reduction and a Sweet, Fruity Scent

Pros:

  • Non-greasy, thin, and fast-absorbing formula
  • Controls oil and tightens pores
  • Pleasantly fruity peach scent
  • Full of vitamins and natural antioxidants
  • Formulated with peach extract, with vitamins A and C to help neutralize the damage of free radicals and slow down the aging process of your skin

Cons:

  • It's a night cream, which isn't everyone's preference
  • The addition of alcohol denat can be drying and even irritating

This moisturizer by Skin Food is effective in controlling sebum production and reducing breakouts. Your skin will feel soft and moisturized but without all the greasiness. 


After application, skin feels softer, non-greasy and there is a noticeable reduction of oil on the face. There are some reports that it even helps prevent acne and doesn't trigger allergic reactions. 

No.10

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream

Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.50
Low Mid

Best for Tightening and Refreshing Oily Skin With Natural Extracts

Pros:

  • Lightweight, silky, and cooling
  • Gel formulation is especially helpful for oily skin
  • Long-lasting, light hydration
  • Portulaca oleracea and licorice extracts firm up the skin and balance oil levels
  • Seawater contains various minerals to help treat irritated skin

Cons:

  • Strong, perfumey fragrance
  • Not enough moisturizing power for winter use
  • High concentration of alcohol

Nature Republic's option is enriched with deep seawater to give your skin an instant moisture boost! The minerals from its seawater content will also nourish and pamper your skin throughout the day. 


While the scent can be hit-or-miss, it can be managed by applying small amounts and it fades quickly. On the other hand, there are reports that the product helps soften skin, hydrate, and control oil levels effectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Before picking out which Korean moisturizer is best for you, you might have a few questions left unanswered. Here are some questions that we've noticed are frequently asked and what experts have to say about them!

How to tell if you have oily dehydrated skin?

Even though you know you have the signs of oily skin, that doesn't necessarily mean that you actually have oily skin. Like we mentioned earlier in this article, your body might be producing more sebum in order to combat the lack of water, a sign of dehydrated skin. 


The first thing you need to know is that oily skin and dehydrated skin are not actually categorized the same when you're talking about skincare. Oily skin is a skin type based on genetics, while dehydrated skin is a skin condition you develop based on your environment. So you can still be dehydrated even if you have oily, combination, or dry skin. 


Of course, the typical signs of oily skin are a shiny face and a greasy feel, but dehydrated skin means that your skin has a few additional symptoms like skin feeling tight and you may see fine lines show up around the eye and mouth area and general dullness of complexion, among other signs


Healthline also suggest trying a pinch test - pinch your facial skin and if it takes a bit of time to retract, then you're likely dehydrated. And once you know, you can adjust your skin routine.

What can be used in combination with moisturizer to prevent oily skin?

Oily skin is a genetic condition, so there isn't a way to actually prevent it. But you can find ways to control or hide greasiness with skincare and cosmetics with the right ingredients. You can find some options for face masks, primerstoners, and other products that we've picked for oily skin based on plenty of research on our site.


According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you can also take simple steps to control oily skin, such as making sure to wash your face regularly, avoid alcohol-based cleansers, and use oil-free cosmetics. When cleansing, you want to make sure not to irritate your skin with harsh cleansers or face washes and to use mild, gentle options instead. 


With toners and moisturizers, you don't want to dry out your skin with alcohol either. It may be gratifying to see the shine reduce immediately, but it's better not to give your face a chance to produce more sebum. 


Other, more immediate ways to address greasiness can be to use mattifying primers or makeup products containing silicone or using blotting papers. Despite oily skin being a category of skin type, everyone is ultimately different so you will have to experiment to find the exact products that work best for you.

Why is Korean skincare so popular?

Unlike its Western counterpart, which focuses more on aftercare and strong ingredients that help to peel back layers of skin, Korean skincare is all about nourishing and soothing skin and early on prevention of skin imperfections and signs of aging. In other words, Western skincare treats problems after, but Korean skincare focuses more on preventing problems from occurring in the first place. 


Based on these two philosophies, Korean skincare is also a bit slower, focusing on gently caring for the skin to create a healthy, dewy glow, while you may see more immediate results with Western skincare. Both have their merits, so it really depends on the person as to what they prefer. However, there are brands that are stepping up to combine Western and Eastern skincare ideals into their products.


Ultimately, the reason why Korean skincare is so popular nowadays is because of globalization and the rise in popularity of K-pop and Korean culture


Idols with flawless skin and a healthy glow have become the standard and, in Korea, where beauty is a huge deal for much of the population, a constant demand for better skincare drives the industry to create new and advanced formulas with unique ingredients, keeping K-beauty and K-beauty trends relevant in modern times.

Are Korean cosmetics cruelty-free?

According to Cruelty Free International, in 2016, the Korean National Assembly passed a bill to completely ban the testing of cosmetics on animals by 2018 - but only in cases where alternative methods of testing are not possible. 


In addition, if a K-beauty brand sells their products in China, then they opt into animal testing outside of South Korea, as many places in Mainland China are legally required by the government to test their products on animals before human consumption.


So, to identify a cruelty-free product, you'll want to look for official certifications. Many labels, such as PETA and Leaping Bunny conduct vigorous reviews to make sure that companies are following their standards. Along with looking for certifications, it's a good idea to also do your research. You can find lists of cruelty-free brands on Find That Glow and Ethical Bunny, as well.

A Simple 3 Step Treatment to Prevent Acne

Oily prone skin can also lead to a lot of issues with acne. But treating acne doesn't have to be as difficult as it seems! Licensed dermatologist Dr. Davin Lim has three simple steps to help you get rid of those pesky blackheads. 


All you'll need is a salicylic acid cleanser, retinoids, and moisturizer. For the how and why check out the video!

Curious About Other Korean Skincare Products?

Korean skincare doesn't end with just one product. We're here to help you find the best ones to add to your daily and nightly routine!

Amazon's Best Selling Facial Creams and Moisturizers

Check out this list of best sellers on Amazon. There are plenty of options for great facial creams and moisturizers that work for various skin types.

Top 5 Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin

No. 1: BELIFThe True Cream Aqua Bomb

No. 2: COSRXOil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion

No. 3: DearKlairsFreshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask

No. 4: TONYMOLYThe Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream

No. 5: Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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