This is our review of the best Korean moisturizers for acne prone skin.
Dealing with acne prone skin is very hard. But once you’ve found the right product it will all be worth it.
I’ve tested 20+ different Korean moisturizers for acne prone skin to help you find the best for your skin.
And I found that the Centella Calming Gel Cream is the best overall moisturizer for acne prone skin.
Everyone has different skin. So, I’ve also added different reviews of other products that I really liked.
Let’s get started.
- Key features: Calming cream
- Results: 1 to 2 days
- Main ingredients: Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
- Key features: All in one cream
- Results: 5 to 7 days
- Main ingredients: 92% Snail Secretion Filtrate
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10 Best Korean Moisturizers For Acne Prone Skin Reviewed
1. iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream
- Key features: Calming cream
- Results: 1 to 2 days
- Main ingredients: Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
This Korean moisturizer from iUNUK is one of the best for acne-prone skin. The reason is that this moisturizer refreshes the skin while also making it clearer.
Using it twice a day is recommended to calm sensitive skin and redness. Another plus is that this moisturizer helps the skin relieve stress.
Leaving the skin in a good conditioner while also protecting it. The moisturizing cream feels very lightweight. Apply the cream does leave a whitening effect on the skin.
This moisturizing cream is full of nutrients that are great for acne-prone skin, relieving redness and flakes.
An important thing that I noticed when using this is that it doesn’t cause breakouts. The cream does have a light scent, but it’s not overpowering.
Using it on oily, dry, or flaky skin won’t be any problem when using this moisturizing cream. Especially if you have acne-prone skin and it’s also dry, this cream will do the job.
The cream doesn’t make the skin oily. It rather makes it feel soft and smooth. While most creams aren’t as good as this one, this is a must-have if you’re dealing with acne-prone skin.
2. COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
- Key features: All in one cream
- Results: 5 to 7 days
- Main ingredients: 92% Snail Secretion Filtrate
This cream from COSRX repairs damaged skin while it also promotes healing. The cream is perfect for people with acne-prone skin, back in the days when I was still in college and had acne all over my face.
I didn’t know what to do and used 10+ different moisturizers for acne-prone skin. In the end, none of them worked for me until I tried this one.
Since I’ve been using this cream, my acne has reduced a lot. Another plus is that this cream reduces wrinkles making you look younger.
Generally, AHA and BHA exfoliants cause redness for most people with acne-prone skin. This cream didn’t, and it reduced the redness while also making my skin very soft.
The cream feels very lightweight in hand, and the scent is okay. It’s not too strong or too light. It’s recommended to use this cream 1 to 2 times a day.
Using it in the morning and at night will give the best results. When applied, the skin feels hydrated throughout the day and don’t need other products.
3. PURITO Deep Sea Pure Water Cream
- Key features: Anti-wrinkle cream
- Results: 1 to 2 weeks
- Main ingredients: Deep seawater and Caulerpa lentillifera
This cream works really well for people with acne-prone skin. The cream makes the skin reduce redness and absorbs quickly. Another plus is that this cream is infused with natural ingredients such as deep seawater.
These ingredients are known to work very well for acne-prone skin. I have been using this for the last couple of months now, and I must say that it’s been amazing.
At first, I was a bit hesitant, but after using it a couple of times, my acne got better. The cream is non-sticky and is suitable for all skin types.
Using it twice a day will give the best results. The cream feels super lightweight and hydrates the skin very well. Dealing with acne is something that takes time before it goes away.
I used many different creams, and only until I tried some in this list, it has gotten better. The cream has 2% niacinamide which is great for skin recovery.
It’s important to keep the skin protected, especially if you have acne-prone skin. You need to protect it. This cream does exactly that and more. The cream creates a skin barrier protecting it from UV radiation.
After applying it to the skin, it only takes a couple of minutes before it’s completely absorbed into the skin.
4. PURITO Centella Unscented Serum
- Key features: Strengthen damaged skin
- Results: 2 to 3 weeks
- Main ingredients: Niacinamide and peptide
This moisturizer for acne-prone skin is basically a serum. The results are the same and treat acne-prone skin with EWG-verified ingredients.
These ingredients are Centella extract, collagen, and ceramide. The main benefit when using this is that it strengthens damaged skin.
Using it will make your skin glow in a couple of days. If you have acne, it will probably take some more time. However, this serum is a life-changer for most people.
Having glowing skin will boost your confidence. Another plus is that this serum is fragrance-free. This serum is also suitable for irritated skin and won’t be harsh on the skin.
Unfortunately, the serum is a bit small, and the price tag might be higher than other competitors. However, if you’re really looking to treat acne-prone skin the right way, this product is a must-have.
Throughout the years, I’ve been using many different products for my acne-prone skin. None of them really worked until I tried this one. That’s when I started to expand and test different products.
So, in short, if you haven’t tried this one yet, I highly recommend you do. The results are great, and there’s nothing to lose.
5. SOME BY MI 30 Days Miracle Cream
- Key features: Tea tree
- Results: 2 to 3 weeks
- Main ingredients: Niacinamide and tea tree leaf water
This miracle cream from Some By Mi is great for acne-prone skin because it’s packed with tea tree. Tea tree is known to be very good to treat acne.
What I really like about this cream is that it removes dead skin cells. Other different creams don’t have this kind of effect which bothers me a little bit.
This is the one cream that stands out from the competitors. Using the cream prevents dryness while it also keeps the skin moisturized. If you have sensitive skin, this is your best option.
The cream feels extremely lightweight on the skin and won’t make it oily. The cream is very mild, and the texture is soft but compared to other products, this is by far one of the best.
Especially if you’re dealing with acne-prone skin. The cream is very underrated, and most people haven’t tried this one yet. What it did for me is reducing my hyperpigmentation.
It does take some time before seeing any results. However, in the end, it’s worth it because your skin will be smoother than ever.
Using it 1 to 2 times a day will give you the best results. Applying the cream at night will absorb very quickly, and you won’t even notice it.
6. MIZON All In One Snail Repair Cream
- Key features: All In One Snail Repair Cream
- Results: 3 to 4 days
- Main ingredients: 92% snail extracts
This snail repair cream contains 92% snail extract. Snail extract is known to treat acne-prone skin very well and is probably one of the best moisturizers.
The cream feels very light on the skin, and it’s not sticky at all. What I like about this cream the most is that it fades acne scars quite fast.
Only after using it for 3 to 4 days, my acne scars started to fade. That’s exactly what I was looking for in a product. Having acne-prone skin is very annoying to deal with, and you want it to be gone as soon as possible.
Another plus is that this cream keeps the skin moisturized throughout the whole day. Normally, creams don’t have this kind of effect, but this one surprisingly does.
Some of the key ingredients that are used for this cream are centalle extract, mugwort extract, and AHA. Using only a tiny amount will do the job meaning the small bottle will last you between 2 to 3 months.
If you have pores this is a must-try. It will do wonders if you use it consistently and take good care of your skin. Keep in mind that using it consistently is the most important.
7. Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream
- Key features: Heals irritations and blemishes
- Results: 4 weeks
- Main ingredients: Centella Asiatica extract
This cream from Klairs is great for people with acne prone skin. The cream contains chamomile, which helps soothe dry skin and repairs damaged skin.
Using it at night will give the best results, right before bed is what most people do. The results will probably take some time before you notice it.
Generally speaking, it takes around 4 weeks before seeing significant results. The cream treats sensitive skin very well while also keeping it smooth.
This is one of those products that is a must-try. The results are outstanding and will blow your mind. At first, I was also a bit hesitant, but after thinking about it.
I gave it a try, and it has paid off. My skin is smoother than ever, so if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend you do.
The cream is great for reducing redness while calming the skin. The scent isn’t too strong either, which is great. After applying the cream, it will absorb pretty much instantly.
The key takeaway when using this cream is that you have to use it for at least 3 to 4 weeks. That’s when you’ll see the biggest results, so don’t give up until then.
8. COSRX Centella Blemish Cream
- Key features: Help soothe and treat acne
- Results: 5 to 6 days
- Main ingredients: Centella Asiatica water and zinc oxide that calms skin
This moisturizing cream is great for people with sensitive and oily skin. What I really like about this cream is that it treats acne-prone skin very well.
The cream has ingredients like Centella Asiatica, which are known to be very good for treating acne. Another plus is that this cream moisturizes the skin extremely well.
At first, I didn’t have many expectations about this cream because I’ve tested 20+ different ones. However, this one blew me away, that’s how good it was.
Applying it at night will give the best results. The cream heals acne scars overnight and feels very soft on the skin. The scent is very light, and you probably won’t notice it.
Having very sensitive skin is annoying to deal with since you can’t test all the products you want. You have to stay within a certain range of products.
This cream is a bit small, so it probably won’t last that long. For me, it lasted around 1 month before I bought a new one. However, the results are outstanding, and I highly recommend it.
For the best results, I use it with my AHA/BHA toner from COSRX. Within a week, my skin improved significantly.
9. iUNIK Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream
- Key features: Heal damaged skin
- Results: 1 to 2 weeks
- Main ingredients: Red fruit complex to revitalize
This cream is enriched with red fruit complex. This helps the sensitive skin smooth and revitalize. What I really like about this cream is that it’s perfect to use as a daily moisturizer.
It works for all skin types, and for the price, you can’t go wrong. If you compare it to the competitors, this one is by far one of the better ones on the market.
Another plus is that the cream strengthens the skin barrier protecting it from sunburns. You only need a tiny amount for it to work.
If you have dehydrated skin and are looking for something new, this is the one you should try. It’s doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and reduces redness.
For the best results, the cream can be applied twice a day. What I normally do is apply it in the morning and before bed. The cream absorbs very quickly, and you won’t even notice that you have cream on the face.
After using it for the last couple of months, my skin is very soft and smooth. It takes away the dullness while also making my skin glow.
10. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
- Key features: Prevent excess sebum production and further breakouts
- Results: 3 to 4 days
- Main ingredients: Birch Sap
This cream from COSRX is one of the best creams to treat acne-prone skin. The cream calms the skin while also keeping it moisturized. What I really like about using the cream is that it absorbs very quickly.
The cream also prevents breakouts. This is exactly the moisturizing cream you should be using if you have acne-prone skin. Using it twice a day will give you the best results.
The texture is a bit like water, but it does the job. You only need a small amount of it to work. After applying it, the skin will feel extremely cool.
The cream doesn’t make the skin oily, and it also reduces redness from acne. If you hate dealing with greasiness, this is a must-try. The cream doesn’t cause any of that.
It rather keeps the skin soft and smooth. Most people have already tried this one and praise it daily. That’s literally how good it is. The cream feels very light on the skin, and the scent is pleasant.
The bottle will last you around 2 to 3 months when used 2 to 3 times a day. Make sure to give it a try if you haven’t already.
Skincare Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
Using the right skincare products is very important. Here are some tips to treat acne-prone skin:
Wash your face daily
Try to wash your face daily and at least twice a day. This will remove dirtiness and oil from the face. At the end of the day, the face gets very oily. Especially people with acne-prone skin have this problem.
So, make sure to wash your face daily. Most people overlook this, but this is one of the most important tips. If you want to reduce acne, you should wash your face.
Use a Korean cleanser
Use a Korean cleanser. There are many different brands, so look for the one that suits your skin type the most. Back in the days, I didn’t use the right cleanser, and my acne got worse. So, try to use the right cleanser for your skin type.
Finding the right cleanser can be done by testing many products. Try to use a cleanser that’s known to be good for acne-prone skin. If you don’t have a clue, you should do more research about Korean cleansers.
What I did was find as many products as I could that were good for acne-prone skin. One by one, I tested all of them and finally found some good ones that worked for me. If you have the budget, make sure to try this yourself.
Reduce stress
Reducing stress will improve your skin significantly. Most people don’t know this, but stress is one of the main reasons why people have acne-prone skin.
Of course, genetics play a huge role but having lots of stress makes it worse. So, try to reduce stress. This can be done by meditating or working out.
Working out is something I do myself, and it’s a great way to start the day. The hardest part is done in the morning, and you will feel way better throughout the day.
Exfoliate
Exfoliate at least once a week. The best way to do this is when you’re showering or taking a bath. I exfoliate twice a week for the best results.
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that are build up. This is important, especially if you have acne-prone skin, because it refreshes the skin.
If you haven’t been exfoliating already, I highly recommend you do it at least once a week. Once you’ve done this for 1 to 2 weeks, you’ll see some significant results.
Use a night cream
Night creams are those products that most people don’t use. However, many experts have shown that night creams are great for acne-prone skin. The cream calms the skin while also keeping it moisturized.
There are many different brands out there, so finding the right one might be a little hard. However, once you’ve found the right night cream for your skin type, you’re pretty much set for your whole life.
You don’t need to try other night creams anymore. So, if you haven’t been using a night cream already, make sure to do so.
Conclusion
Acne-prone skin is something that takes time before it slowly fades. If you haven’t used any of these products above, I highly recommend you do.
The products are great because of the fast results you get. If you’ve found the right moisturizer for your skin type, you don’t have to test other products again.
The one that worked very well for my acne-prone skin is the Centella Calming Gel Cream. The cream calms sensitive skin and redness, so if you haven’t tried it already, make sure you do so.