10 Best Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin, Recommended By An Expert (2024)

These Korean moisturizers deserve the top spot in your oily skin care routine!

Reviewed by Catie Wiggy, Licensed Esthetician
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Fact-checked by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

The best Korean moisturizers for oily skin assist in managing sebum production, offering shine control, and nourishing the skin. You may feel tempted to omit moisturizers in your skincare routine if you have oily skin, as you believe they make your skin look oilier and shinier. However, it is a misconception that oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturized or that moisturizers do more harm than good when you have oily skin. On the contrary, not applying moisturizer can cause your skin to produce more sebum and become oilier. So, your skin needs a lightweight cream-based or gel-based moisturizer. Check out our top picks for Korean moisturizers that are ideal for your skin type. Scroll down!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (With Birch Sap)
Price on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free Formula: d’Alba Piedmont Peptide Np-Sebum Repair Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Gel Formula: Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel
Price on Amazon
Best Hypoallergenic:LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream MoisturizerPrice on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Face MoisturizerPrice on Amazon
Best Lightweight:Jung Saem Mool Essential Mool CreamPrice on Amazon
Best In Natural Extracts: TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Dye-Free Option: Belif The True Cream – Aqua Bomb
Price on Amazon
Best Affordable:Neogen Dermalogy Probiotics Relief Toning PadPrice on Amazon
Best Paraben-Free:Klairs Rich Moist Soothing CreamPrice on Amazon

Top 10 Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin

1. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (With Birch Sap)

4.5

Product Type: Lotion

This weightless and extremely mild lotion from Cosrx is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Its soothing formula is best suited for oily, acne-prone, and irritated skin. “This lotion is formulated with 70.8% birch sap which effectively soothes irritated skin, adds moisture to deeply hydrate, and restores the right oil-moisture balance. As a result, it will help control excess oil production and breakouts”, adds Catie Wiggy, a licensed esthetician. It is the best Korean moisturizer for combination skin. The brand does not support animal testing for its products. Moreover, a lot of reviews based on the tester’s experiences vouch for the effectiveness of the products to show visible results.

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • 100% vegan
  • Lightweight
  • Hygienic pump-packaging
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-greasy

Cons

    None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 901 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

2. Best Fragrance-Free Formula: d’Alba Piedmont Peptide Np-Sebum Repair Cream

Product Type: Cream

If you have oily, acne-prone skin and battle with excess sebum, this moisturizing lotion with a low pH level is an excellent choice. This weightless and extremely mild lotion is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It is best for oily, acne-prone, and irritated skin. BHAs (to improve skin turnover and remove dead skin cells), white truffle extracts, peptides, and amino acids (to tighten pores and improve skin firmness and elasticity). This nourishing cream repairs skin damage and has a slightly acidic pH (6.5) that restores the balance of your skin and calms it to prevent the breeding of acne-causing bacteria on your skin. It is the best Korean moisturizer for dry skin. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • No artificial colors
  • No artificial fragrance
  • No animal ingredients
  • No mineral oil

Cons

    None

protip_icon Did You Know?
This moisturizer includes BHA which is an exfoliant. It can make your skin photosensitive so don’t forget to use sunscreen.

3. Best Gel Formula: Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel

4.4
Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel Image: Cremorlab

Product Type: Gel moisturizer

Gel-based moisturizers are best for oily and sensitive skin.Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel gets absorbed into your skin very fast and has a matte finish. It is so light that you can layer it under your makeup. It contains witch hazel that soothes your skin and keeps acne at bay, algae extracts that hydrate it, and green tea extracts that protect it from damage. This green tea extracts-rich moisturizer also contains centella asiatica and camellia sinensis extracts that reduce inflammation and eliminate signs of aging. It also contains Bulgarian rose oil that soothes your skin. It is the best Korean moisturizer for both oily and acne-prone skin.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Quick-absorbing
  • No artificial fragrance
  • No artificial colors
  • No mineral oil

Cons

    None

4. Best Hypoallergenic:LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer

4.6
LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer Image: Laneige

The LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic cream locks in moisture and provides long-lasting hydration. “Blue Hyaluronic Acid is a micro-sized hydrating hero, which gets absorbed into the skin faster and better and provides intense hydration”, adds Wiggy. The formula of this light cream spreads smoothly over your skin and gets absorbed quickly. It contains squalene that imparts deep hydration to the skin, improves its elasticity, and strengthens the natural moisture barrier, while delivering toned skin. It is suitable for oily, combination, sensitive, dry, and normal skin.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Pleasant fragrance
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

    None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use this hydrating moisturizer for oily skin underneath makeup to get a smooth base for the products to glide on easily.

5. Best Anti-Aging:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Face Moisturizer

4.5
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Face Moisturizer Image: Glow Recipe

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Face Moisturizer acts as a protective barrier and protects your skin against environmental pollution. The hyaluronic acid in the moisturizer offers long-lasting hydration to dehydrated skin and protects it against free radicals. In addition, it instantly sinks into the skin and hides dark spots. Do perform a patch test before using it on the face to avoid skin irritations.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight
  • Paraben-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • No synthetic dyes
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Might be a bit sticky

6. Best Lightweight:Jung Saem Mool Essential Mool Cream

4.3
Jung Saem Mool Essential Mool Cream Image: Jung Saem Mool

Jung Saem Mool Essential Mool Cream has a highly-moisturizing formula that nourishes your skin with a dewy finish. The lightweight texture of this formula glides seamlessly on the skin and boosts its radiance. The formula is packed with lecithin to strengthen the skin barrier and squalene to nourish the skin from within. The white flower complex comprising lotus, edelweiss, jasmine, lily, rose, iris, daffodil, and freesia helps refresh your complexion.

Pros

  • Soothing fragrance
  • Easy to apply
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Slightly greasy

7. Best In Natural Extracts: TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream

4.5
TonyMoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream Image: Tonymoly

Product Type: Gel moisturizer

This gel-based moisturizer is formulated with a unique fermented green tea extract (ChungTaeJeon) that is rich in antioxidants. This natural moisturizer not only provides intense hydration to your skin without leaving any sticky residues but also prevents moisture loss. Its hydrating formula is infused with fermented green tea extracts, lemongrass oil, and rosewood oil, which have antibacterial effects. The moisturizer also helps keep the skin plump. This YouTuber’s review will help you get a deeper insight of the product.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • No mineral oils
  • Natural extracts
  • No added colors
  • No artificial fragrance

Cons

    None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 1,115 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.

8. Best Dye-Free Option: Belif The True Cream – Aqua Bomb

4.7

Product Type: Gel-cream

This oil-free gel-cream contains a powerful blend of apothecary herbs. This pore-minimizing moisturizer contains Lady’s mantle which is rich in antioxidants and prevents damage caused by free radicals. It offers intense hydration to the skin, maintaining its natural moisture level, and keeps it looking healthy and smooth.

Pros

  • Dermatologist tested
  • No mineral oils
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Dye-free
  • No synthetic preservatives
  • Fragrance-free
  • No animal ingredients

Cons

    None

9. Best Affordable:Neogen Dermalogy Probiotics Relief Toning Pad

4.1
Neogen Dermalogy Probiotics Relief Toning Pad Image: Neogenlab

The Neogen Dermalogy Probiotics Relief Toning Pad provides skin hydration and firmness to get smoothe uneven textures. Combining super probiotics and hydrating ingredients, it strengthens the skin barrier and effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It makes skin visibly healthier after just a few days of use!

Pros

  • Rich texture
  • Smells great
  • Affordable
  • Value for money

Cons

    None
protip_icon Quick Tip
This moisturizer works best when topped off with a lightweight and soothing cream. The end result is well-nourished skin that looks healthy and fresh.

10. Best Paraben-Free:Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

4.5
Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream Image: Dearklairs

The Klairs Rich Moist Soothing cream restores the hydration balance while battling dry skin effectively throughout all seasons. It enhances the skin’s ability to repair skin cells and strengthen the protective layer of sensitive skin. The quick-absorbing formula calms and comforts hypersensitive skin. This cream is a one-stop solution for all skin issues, including redness of the skin.

Pros

  • Artificial color-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Non-sticky texture
  • Vegan

Cons

    None

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Korean moisturizers are deemed to be most sought-after for flawless skin and tackling almost all regular skin concerns. To help you pick the best Korean face moisturizers for oily skin you need to consider some key factors. Check them out below!

How To Select The Best Korean Moisturizers For Oily Skin

  •  Ingredients

Look for key ingredients like dimethicone, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamins B5 and B3, retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, and salicylic acid in a moisturizer for oily skin. These help in sloughing off old skin cells, reducing pore size, and minimizing excess oil production. Remember that not all oil-based ingredients are harmful for oily skin. Tea tree oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, and hemp seed oil can soothe, cleanse, and hydrate the skin without clogging your pores. They are lightweight and will help to moisturize and nourish skin with no stickiness or greasiness.

Avoid ingredients like silicones, lanolin, coconut oil, castor oil, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, siloxane, stearates, mineral oils, petroleum, paraffin, and beeswax. These may clog your pores and aggravate acne breakouts.

  • Formulation

Heavy moisturizers on oily skin are generally pore-clogging and leave skin feeling oilier than before. It is therefore best to pick non-greasy, lightweight moisturizers that are water or gel-based creams or lotions. Choose a non-comedogenic, pore-refining, hypoallergenic, and oil-free moisturizer that contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. You can go for an organic moisturizer that contains scientifically-formulated ingredients that protect your skin from the damaging effects of harmful chemicals and revitalizes your skin naturally.

  •  Other Skin Concerns

Choose an oil-absorbing moisturizer that also caters to other skin concerns like acne, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, redness and dull skin tone. An antioxidant-rich formula protects your skin from pollutants, heat, and free-radical damage.

Infographic: DOs And DON’Ts Of Using A Moisturizer On Oily Skin

People often think that oily skin does not need a moisturizer. However, that is not the case. On the contrary, oily skin needs a moisturizer to regulate excess oil production. Check out the infographic below to learn a few dos and don’ts of applying a moisturizer on oily skin without turning it greasy.

DOs And DON'Ts Of Using A Moisturizer On Oily Skin (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

K-beauty skin care products can do wonders for your skin. If you struggle with oily skin and are looking for a moisturizer to address oily skin concerns, you need to invest in the best Korean moisturizers. From cooling gels to lightweight creams, this list has got you covered. The Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (With Birch Sap) is perfect for one’s everyday moisturization needs. For those who are looking for a formula with long-lasting hydration, the LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer would be the ideal choice. But if you want a moisturizer that will specifically help you get a more glowing skin, try the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Face Moisturizer. These moisturizers will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. The reviewed options in the list are devoid of additives, and they have a dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic formula. As a result, they won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. Besides using the right moisturizer, we recommend you follow a proper Korean skincare regimen to keep your oily skin concerns at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Korean skin care products good for oily skin?

Yes, Korean skin care products are good for oily skin. The excess sebum in oily skin can be controlled using water-based K-beauty products that are effective on clogged pores.

What moisturizer do K-pop idols use?

Different K-pop idols have different choices of moisturizers. However, they use moisturizers with ingredients that are gentle and hydrating.

Do Koreans use moisturizers?

Yes, Koreans use moisturizers to keep their skin soft and supple. However, they mostly couple a moisturizer with sunscreen to keep their skin tan-free and flawless.

Can I skip moisturizer if I have oily skin?

Yes, you can skip moisturizer if you have oily skin. But a lightweight moisturizer especially made for your skin type can help keep your skin hydrated and supple.

Why is Korean skin care different?

Korean skin care puts essential nutrients back into your skin. It does not take the harder approach of applying expensive exfoliators, rather, it plumps your skin with its unique and innovative skin care products.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach and provides research-backed articles to her readers. She believes that moisturizers are an essential skin care product, even for oily skin. Therefore, she browsed several products and their reviews to provide you with the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin. These moisturizers are chemical-free, lightweight, and non-greasy.


Recommended Articles


Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles