Top 7 Recommended Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Are you tired of looking for the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin?

If so, you’ve finally come to the right place.

Below, I’m sharing my top 7 picks that will help nourish and hydrate without making your skin feel even more oily.

So, without any further delay, let’s dive in. 

We’ll start with my top picks below, then keep reading for all the details.

Best Korean Moisturizer for Oily Skin Top Picks at a Glance

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Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!

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7 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin (With Reviews)

Here are the best Korean moisturizers for oily skin that you shouldn’t miss out on.

#1 COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion– The Evergreen Moisturizer

COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap 100ml

COSRX oil-free ultra-moisturizing lotion is mainly used by oily skinned beauties. Since it contains over 70% of the natural plant-based extract, “birch sap,” it’s lightweight, oil-free, and non-greasy.

Features & Attributes

This lotion penetrates deep into your skin cells and soothes skin irritation, itching, and inflammation. 

In addition, the moisturizer is best known as a highly hydrating and moisture restoration agent. The skin-loving antioxidants and vitamins nourish and provide plump skin.

The moisturizer is cruelty-free and tested by professional dermatologists. Since the product has no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and other skin allergens, it’s 100% safe to use.

The tea-tree oil composition calms down the skin. The moisturizer can be applied twice a day, i.e., in the morning and at night.

It fits all skin types, including sensitive, dry, and combination skin types. Apply the lotion regularly on the face and massage it in a circular motion for plump, soft, and nourishing skincare.  

BenefitsDrawbacks
Absorbs fast and hydrates for a longer period. A small number of people are severely allergic to birch sap.
Instantly provides moisturization to the skin. Not much data on the safety of sodium lactate
The essential vitamins and antioxidants maintain healthier skin in the long run. 
70% of birch sap and 400 ppm tea-tree oil supports soft and plump skin. 
This pH 5.5 moisturizer is best for maintaining skin pH levels.

How it’s Different from Others and Why

  • The moisturizer is primarily made of plants extracts and skin-loving ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate, lemon peel oil, xanthan gum, tea-tree oil, glycerin, and birch sap. Hence, it provides deep nourishment and moisturization to your skin. 
  • Unlike many other moisturizers, this COSRX oil-free ultra moisturizer gets absorbed on your skin quickly.  

Expert Tips

  • Apply the moisturizer after cleansing your face with lukewarm water. Mostly, it’s recommended to apply on the face after removing makeup. It soothes the skin and helps in skin cells regeneration. 
  • You can even apply this moisturizer before putting on makeup products or sunscreen. 
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#2 Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream– Best Skin Soothing Moisturizer  

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Midnight Blue moisturizer is suitable for all skin types manufactured by the famous brand “DearKlairs.”

Features & Attributes

This is a blue-colored cream because of Guaiazulene which is extracted from camomile oil. It has a pleasant scent that calms down irritation and stress.

This moisturizer also helps prevent sensitive skin from minor damages and provides plump skin throughout the day, just like k-pop. 

If you’re looking for a moisturizer that prevents skin irritation without compromising on skin hydration, Klairs Midnight Blue Moisturizer is an ideal choice. 

BenefitsDrawbacks
It soothes the skin’s irritation and moisturizes it. It provides a temporary cooling effect on skin burns, inflammation, and redness.
Regenerates skin tissues and cells. It protects the skin layer from harsh and heavy makeup products. Best for combination and oily rather susceptible skin. 
Best to use after laser treatment or other skincare treatments. 
Best to use after laser treatment or other skincare treatments. 
Suitable for all skin types. 

How is it different from Others and Why?

  • Unlike many other moisturizing creams, the Midnight Blue Moisturizer prevents skin inflammation and soothes skin irritation. The potential herb extracts such as Guaiazulene and Centella Asiatica extract to refresh and calm down oily to dry skin tones. 

Expert Tips

  • Apply the moisturizer before putting on your makeup. Wait until the entire cream has been absorbed on your skin. Apply makeup after the absorption of the cream. 
  • It’s best to apply the cream at night before hitting your bed to support skin cells regeneration after heavy makeup. 

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#3 Belif The True Aqua Bomb– Exclusively For Oily Skin-Toned Beauties 

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Belif Aqua Bomb moisturizer is another best Korean moisturizer for acne prone skin or oily-prone skinned beauties. It’s also one of the very few with a solid 5-star rating (which is almost unheard of!).

Features & Attributes

It’s oil-free and lightweight. Hence, it’s absorbed on the skin within no time. Usually, the moisturizer is applied to the face and neck.

Since the product is formulated using herbal extracts and skin-loving components, it can be applied in the morning, afternoon, or night. 

BenefitsDrawbacks
Best for both oily and combination skin types.  It might cause an allergic reaction when applied to extremely sensitive skin(in rare cases). 
Prevents dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone, and skin pores. 
The essential skin care ingredient, lady’s mantle prevents skin inflammation, burns, irritation, or other skin damages. Instantly, it hydrates skin and lasts for long hours. 
Extremely lightweight and oil-free cream that gets absorbed within a few seconds. 

How is it different from Others and Why?

  • The Belif true aqua bomb moisturizer is made up of mineral oil, animal-origin extracts, synthetic dyes, and mild fragrances that soothe the skin. The ingredients in the moisturizer cleanse the dust, dirt, and impurities accumulated under the skin layers. 
  • This moisturizer nurtures and promotes healthier skin. In addition, it’s also great for hydrating and restoring vibrant skin tone. 

Expert Tips

  • Apply on the dull or uneven skin tone twice a day after cleansing the face, hands, and shoulders with lukewarm water. Massage in circular motions and leave for a few minutes until it gets absorbed. Applying the cream regularly promotes glowing and healthier skin. 

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#4 BENTON Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel– Ultimate Skin Barrier Moisturizer 

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BENTON Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is extremely used for skin hydration and moisturization. It penetrates deeper layers of the skin within a few seconds to minutes.

Features & Attributes

This moisturizer is lightweight and leaves your skin non-greasy, oil-free, and nourished. This BENTON aloe propolis gel is formulated using 80% of aloe vera juice and a small amount of Bee Propolis extract. 

BenefitsDrawbacks
Aloe Vera composition hydrates the skin for a longer period. It shows less impact on skin redness or inflammation issues. 
Protects skin from harmful environment and chemicals. Contains little quantity. Hence, it’s beneficial if you don’t use tons of moisturizer.
It’s free from artificial fragrances, volatile alcohol, dyes, PEGs, and surfactants that harm your skin. 
It soothes the skin and promotes a healthier skin complexion. 

How is it different from Others and Why?

  • This Korean moisturizer is made of numerous distinct aloe leaf extracts such as Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, water, and other extracts. Since the primary ingredient in the cream is aloe vera, it’s anti-inflammatory and calms skin inflammation. 
  • Also, this moisturizer is free from artificial colors and fragrances. Since you’ve got oily skin, it’s extremely lightweight and leaves your skin oil-free. Most significantly, Thai products contain the natural fragrance from the propolis. 

Expert Tips

  • After cleaning your face with lukewarm water, apply evenly on your face. Massage in circular movements for a few minutes and leave it for a few minutes until it gets completely absorbed. 

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#5 TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Lotion– Best Natural Moisturizer 

TONYMOLY The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Lotion

Tony Moly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Lotion is formulated to nourish and reinvigorate skin.

Features & Attributes

It provides vibrant and glowing skin. It’s in liquid form and is suitable for all skin types. Yet, the oily skinned beauties can leverage numerous benefits of moisturizing your face by applying this lotion.

Since it’s a lotion, it absorbs quickly and prevents extreme oiliness on the skin. It should be applied specifically to the neck and face. 

BenefitsDrawbacks
The moisturizer has high antibacterial and antioxidant properties that protect skin layers from chemically concentrated beauty products. ONLY ideal for oily skin. Not good for any other skin type.
The rosewood oil in the moisturizer soothes and nourishes the skin. Highly concentrated, so it’s easy to overdo it.
It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin hydrated for longer hours. 
The moisturizer is made of Korean fermented green tea. Hence, it provides deep nourishment and hydrates skin for a longer period. 

How is it different from Others and Why?

  • The lotion contains lemon seed oil, rosewood oil, and 63% of fermented green tea that are mostly used in traditional home remedies for glowing and nourishing skin. 
  • The antibacterial and antifungal properties of this moisturizer calm down acne-prone skin. In addition, the lotion is lightweight with little citrus fragrance. 

How It Evolved?

The moisturizer was developed by the Korean beauty brand TONYMOLY in Seouls in 2006. Their products are PETA-certified, cruelty-free, and extracted from natural herbs. This moisturizer is derived from green tea and produces effective skincare results.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure to wash your face before applying the lotion. Then, apply on the skin for five minutes. That’s it. It will take care of your skin. Whether you’ve got sensitive skin or oily skin, this moisturizer is an ideal choice.  
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#6 Real Propolis Skin Care Mini Kit– Effective Moisturizer Providing Glossy Skin Look  

Real Propolis Skin Care Mini Kit [4 Kinds]

The Real Propolis Skincare Mini Kit protects the skin from external pollutants, dirt, and chemicals.

Features & Attributes

This kit consists of four kinds of skincare products- Water treatment, Ampoule, Emulsion, and Cream.

It forms a protective layer underneath the skin and prevents penetration of impurities into your skin. If you’re looking for an effective skin barrier strengthening moisturizer, it’s an ideal choice.  

BenefitsDrawbacks
Provides deep nourishment. Only available through Etude
It ensures glossy skin texture. Very long ingredient list means more potential for allergic reactions.
It promotes healthier, deeply moisturized, and glowing skin. 
Eliminates wrinkles and fine lines. 

How is it different from Others and Why?

  • The specialty of this moisturizer is that it’s made of 8 distinct amino acids and is free from mineral oils, tar colors, urea, and triethanolamine. It protects the skin cells by forming an external layer like a robust beehive. Moreover, it has a compound called ceramide that helps to maintain a protective skin barrier. 

Expert Tips

  • After preparing your skin, evenly apply this moisturizer to your face and tap on it gently. Make sure you don’t over-apply the cream or significantly massage it. 
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Real Propolis Skin Care Mini Kit [4 Kinds] — $31.20

The 4-type mini skincare kit makes skin barrier dense and strong like beehive.

#7 Moistfull Collagen Intense Skin Care Set– Super-Collagen Packed Moisturizer  

Moistfull Collagen Intense Skin Care Set (2 Kinds)

This is another amazing all-in-one set from Etude House (they really know their stuff!).

Features & Attributes

This Beauty set has two full-sized: skincare toner and emulsion. 

While they are the star of the show, you also get a few extra “freebies” included in the price: travel-sized versions of the two main products plus an additional cream.

The product is packed with a colossal amount of collagen!

Along with other beneficial ingredients, they work together to provide a triple-layer moisturizing experience that helps keep you looking younger while balancing out your oily skin.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Absorbs deep inside the skin within a few seconds to minutes. Only available through Etude
Eliminates wrinkles and aging skin complexion. A bit on the pricier side
Promotes firm and plump skin. 
The peptides, collagen, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid hydrate and moisturize skin for a longer period. 

How is it different from Others and Why?

  • This moisturizer has multiple skin-loving ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and white lupin. These major components activate collagen that improves skin elasticity, moisturizes deeply, and forms a protective skin layer that prevents external dirt, dust, and chemicals. 

Expert Tips

  • Clean your face with fresh water and apply a small amount of cream to your palm. 
  • Apply it evenly on your face. 
  • Finally, gently tap the cream on your skin until it gets completely absorbed. 
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Moistfull Collagen Intense Skin Care Set (2 Kinds)

How to Choose the Best Korean Moisturizer for An Oily Skin

Here are a few important factors to consider when choosing the ideal Korean moisturizer for oily skin. The three major factors include the weight of moisturizer, oil content, and product ingredients. 

Let’s discuss these factors in brief. 

Choose Lightweight Moisturizer 

Since you’ve got oily skin, choose lightweight moisturizers as they get absorbed quickly. Moreover, lightweight products are non-greasy and prevent acne or pimples on your skin. 

Grab Oil-Free Products 

Usually, your skin produces tons of oil each day. Again, applying a moisturizer with a huge oil composition on your face devastates your skin complexion. 

Don’t Forget Examining Moisturizer Ingredients

Finally, make sure to check the ingredients before buying skincare products. Select the moisturizers with skin-loving ingredients such as water, glycerin, green tea, aloe vera, essential amino acids, etc.

In addition, a few exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic and glycolic acid also work best for oily skinned beauties. 

Why You Should Want to Moisturize An Oily Skin

lady with blotting paper on her oily face

There is a popular myth that oily skin tone doesn’t require any moisturizer, assuming that the skin already produces tons of oil and keeps the skin moisturized.

However, it’s true to some extent; still, you should know a few facts about your skin type. 

In general, your skin produces excess oil due to the compound called sebum. However, if the excessive oiliness isn’t prevented, it leads to the formation of acne, pimples, and other skin care complications.

Hence, you need a hydrating agent and moisturizer that localizes the oiliness produced by the sebum. 

So, whether you’ve oily skin or dry skin, moisturizer is significant to lock in the oiliness and promote healthier skin. 

Extra Tips to Care for an Oily Skin

Although you’re using a moisturizer, following a few tips for maintaining healthier oily skin is vital. Some of the tips include the following. 

  • Avoid cleaning your face frequently as it eliminates natural oils from the skin and leads to more sebum production. 
  • Avoid usage of multiple beauty products. Always embrace minimal makeup products. 
  • Use blotting paper that absorbs excess oil from the face. 
  • Use lightweight creams and moisturizers. 

You can also watch this video for more amazing tips:

FAQs

Are Korean moisturizers good for oily skin?

Yes. Since Korean moisturizers don’t leave your face oily or greasy, these are extremely beneficial. In addition, moisturizers are lightweight. Hence, they support quick absorption of the moisturizer. 

Does oily skin require moisturizer?

Yes. If oily skinned people don’t use moisturizer, their skin component(sebum) produces more oil and leads to acne, pimples, pop-outs, or other skincare issues. 

How to get rid of oily skin?

However, oily skin cannot be eliminated; it can be maintained well with a few skincare routines. Some of the best skincare routines for oily skinned beauties include washing the face twice a day, using blotting paper to wipe out oiliness, applying moisturizers, toner, and applying facial masks.  

Conclusion

Well, so far, you’ve learned about various Korean moisturizers and their importance. Also, you’ve understood the significance of moisturizers for oily skin, how to use them, and a few tips to follow to maintain a healthier skin tone. 

Now, it’s your time to choose the best moisturizer based on your preferences and convenience. Make sure to choose the ideal moisturizer based on your skin type, product ingredients, and weight of moisturizer. Usually, it’s recommended to use lightweight moisturizers if you’ve got oily skin.   

Final Recommendation

If you’re confused about choosing the ideal Korean moisturizer, blindly go for the COSRX oil-free ultra-moisturizing lotion. Since it’s lightweight and formulated from natural ingredients, it’s suitable for all skin types. Also, it’s a beginner-friendly and cost-effective choice. 

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References

  • Cherney, Kristeen. 2018. “Everything You Need to Know about Using Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs).†Healthline. Healthline Media. February 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/alpha-hydroxy-acid#:~:text=What%20are%20AHAs%3F%20Alpha-hydroxy%20acids%20%28AHAs%29%20are%20a,well%20as%20occasional%20concentrated%20treatments%20via%20chemical%20peels..
  • “EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database.†2014. EWG. 2014. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/.
  • Lahti, Arto, and Matti Hannuksela. 1980. “Immediate Contact Allergy to Birch Leaves and Sap.†Contact Dermatitis 6 (7): 464–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1980.tb05567.x.
lady holding her face with Korean moisturizer

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About Martina Todorovska

Martina is a graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine with a huge obsession for anything beauty-related. Her freelance writing started out as a creative outlet and turned out to be a full-time job. If you have any beauty questions, the chances are Martina has the answers. READ HER LATEST ARTICLES . Follow her on LINKEDIN , INSTAGRAM. Learn more about her HERE.