Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Korean moisturizing creams different from Western ones?
Rather than thick, occlusive formulas, many K-beauty moisturizers are lightweight yet surprisingly hydrating, layering ingredients such as multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and fermented extracts to pull moisture into the skin, then sealing it in with ceramides, cholesterol, and squalane. You’ll also see lots of skin-soothing botanicals—think Centella asiatica and heartleaf—designed to support stressed, dry skin without weighing it down.
Do I really need multiple steps if my skin is dry?
Korean skin-care products lean into building hydration in breathable layers that work together. “Dry skin is often linked to a weakened skin barrier, so addressing it usually involves more than just one product,” says Dr. Yoo. That’s why many Korean routines pair humectant-heavy gels or essences with creams packed with ceramides, squalane, and panthenol to reinforce the barrier. As Dr. Yoo explains, “Layering hydration can help deliver moisture into the skin and then seal it in,” which is why even lighter Korean lotions can feel surprisingly effective for dry skin.
What ingredients should I look for in a Korean moisturizer for dry skin?
When shopping for a K-beauty moisturizer for dry skin, look for ingredients that go beyond surface hydration and function like a barrier cream, actively reinforcing the skin’s protective layer. Centella asiatica is a standout in Korean beauty products—Dr. Yoo notes it’s known for its soothing properties, with compounds like asiaticoside and madecassoside linked to reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improved skin repair. Green tea extract is another staple, rich in antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress while boosting moisture.
You’ll also commonly see ginseng, known in Korean herbal medicine for energizing dull, dry skin and supporting elasticity, and rice water or rice extract, which helps brighten and reinforce the barrier with amino acids and vitamins. Newer K-beauty favorites include PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide)—often derived from salmon DNA—to support skin repair and resilience, and snail mucin, which delivers humectant hydration while helping improve texture and recovery. Together, these ingredients help dry skin feel calmer, stronger, and better equipped to hold onto moisture long term.
Meet the experts
- Charlotte Cho, esthetician and co-founder of Soko Glam based in New York City
- Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Premier Dermatology, adjunct clinical instructor at Stanford University, and author of Asian Beauty Secrets and K-Beauty Secrets based in San Carlos, California
- Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean moisturizers for dry skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists, estheticians, and brand founders. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
