Moisturisers 101: How to Find the Right K-Beauty Cream for You

If you've ever struggled to find the perfect moisturiser that caters to your unique skin needs, fear not! This blog aims to demystify the world of moisturisers and equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your skincare. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, K-Beauty has a moisturiser tailored just for you. We'll take you on a journey through different skin types and concerns, deciphering the ingredients, textures, and formulations that will work wonders for your skin.

How to Choose A Suitable Moisturiser for Your Skin

Finding a moisturiser that is suitable for your skin is essential for maintaining healthy and balanced skin. Here are some steps to help you find the perfect moisturiser for your own skin.

1. Determine your skin type

Before selecting a moisturiser, it's crucial to understand your skin type. Generally, there are four main types: oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. 

Oily Skin

Opt for lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturisers that provide hydration without adding excess oil. Look for non-comedogenic formulas which won't clog pores. Ingredients like niacinamide or tea tree oil can help regulate oil production and maintain a balanced complexion.

Dry Skin

Choose moisturisers that are rich in emollients and occlusive ingredients to lock in moisture and nourish the skin. Look for formulations that contain ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and restore the skin's moisture barrier.

Combination Skin

For combination skin, a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser that balances hydration is ideal. Look for oil-free or water-based moisturisers that provide hydration to dry areas without causing excess oiliness in the T-zone. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or squalane can help maintain moisture balance.

Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, it's crucial to choose moisturisers with gentle and soothing ingredients to minimise the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested formulas are good options. Look for ingredients like panthenol, which have calming properties and can help soothe sensitive skin.

2. Assess your skin's specific needs

In addition to your skin type, consider any specific concerns or conditions you may have. Do you have acne-prone skin, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation? Identifying these concerns will help you choose a moisturiser that addresses them effectively. For example, acne-prone skin may benefit from oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas, while mature skin might require products with anti-ageing ingredients like retinol or peptides.

3. Look for key ingredients

Different ingredients offer various benefits for specific skin types. For oily skin, look for lightweight, oil-free, or mattifying moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide that hydrate without adding excess oil. Dry skin will benefit from moisturisers containing emollients like shea butter or ceramides to provide intense hydration. Combination skin can benefit from a balanced moisturiser that hydrates without causing excess oiliness. Sensitive skin requires gentle, fragrance-free formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

4. Consider the formulation

Moisturisers come in various forms, such as creams, lotions, gels, or oils. The texture you choose depends on personal preference and your skin's needs. Creams are usually richer and more hydrating, while lotions are lighter and absorb quickly. Gels are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin as they are lightweight and non-greasy. Oils can be beneficial for dry or sensitive skin types, providing deep nourishment.

Find the Best Match for You

• By Skin Type

Dry Skin

ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cream (80ml) - £28.00

This award-winning cream deeply moisturises and nourishes dry and sensitive skin. Its thicker balm texture, enriched with Triple Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Panthenol, and Ulleungdo Sea Water, provides long-lasting hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and leaves the skin plump and healthy.

Oily Skin

INNISFREE Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream (50ml) - £21.00

This game-changing cream deeply hydrates, brightens, and enhances radiance for soft, dewy, and glowing skin. Formulated with Cherry Blossom Leaf Extract and Niacinamide, it naturally brightens skin tone and soothes irritation. Its clear water-jelly texture effortlessly glides onto the skin and absorbs quickly.

Combination Skin

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream (100ml) - £26.00

With 92% Snail Mucin, this moisturiser nourishes and hydrates the skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and prevents damage. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid and Adenosine to reduce wrinkles and give the skin a dewy appearance.

Sensitive Skin

AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream (80ml) - £34.00

The ultimate Korean No.1 cream repairs the skin barrier, providing up to 100 hours of hydration and strength. Formulated with Squalene, Glycerin, and Ceramide capsules, it achieves smooth, hydrated, and youthful skin. It's mineral oil and artificial-fragrance free, suitable for dry to normal and sensitive skin, leaving the skin barrier renewed and healthier.

Normal Skin

ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturising Cream (80ml) - £28.00

This gentle, ultra-moisturizing cream has a unique gel consistency that deeply hydrates and glides onto the skin. Formulated with Birch Juice, Panthenol, and Hyaluronic Acid, it strengthens, nourishes, and replenishes moisture, leaving a watery, glowing finish. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

• By Skin Concerns

Pigmentation & Dark Spots

HADA LABO Shirojyun Premium Deep Whitening Cream (50g) - £25.00

This whitening cream contains White Tranexamic Acid to treat dark spots and freckles by reducing melanin production. It also includes Nano Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E for hydration, skin barrier strengthening, and a radiant glow. It is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and slightly acidic to match the skin's natural acidity.

Anti-ageing

MIXSOON Bean Cream (50ml) - £26.00

This nourishing cream suits all skin types, providing deep moisture and a non-sticky glow. Formulated with Soybean Ferment Extract, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, and anti-ageing properties, it balances oil-moisture levels. Its lightweight, viscous texture leaves the skin smooth, brightened, and deeply hydrated.

Acne

SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream (60g) - £22.00

This lightweight, fast-absorbing cream is ideal for acne-prone skin. With star ingredients like Tea Tree, AHA, BHA, and PHA, it removes dead skin, unclogs pores, and repairs the skin, leading to a refreshed complexion. No wonder it's a multi-award-winning product!

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding-Safe

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Dynasty Cream (50ml) - £21.00

This soothing cream with traditional Korean herbal ingredients maintains smooth, bright, and soft skin. It moisturises and absorbs easily, leaving a radiant, plump complexion—ideal for dry and sensitive skin, even in winter.