Moisturiser is one of the most important steps in the skincare routine. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dry patches by replenishing moisture and keeping the skin hydrated for the next few hours. Koreans are known for having bright and dewy complexion, which is no surprise since they take moisturisers very seriously.

With so many brands available in the market, Korean skincare products tend to be innovative in packaging, texture, scent and ingredients used, while maintaining a low price. Whether you have oily skin, combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, there will be a suitable Korean moisturiser for you to achieve the “Chok Chok” (Korean for moist) look!

1. Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream

If you have heard of or used the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, this Korean moisturiser is its very close cousin. Also from the Laneige Water Bank line, the Water Bank Gel Cream is an award-winning moisturiser that is highly raved for its soft scent and hydrating properties.

Although the cream is light and has a watery texture, it has the ability to make your skin feel soft and supple skin the next day.

Available on Laneige boutiques and counters, and Sephora for SGD52

2. Belif The True Cream – Aqua Bomb

Another super light-weight cream with watery texture, reviews have it that Belif’s The True Cream – Aqua Bomb is effective on oily skin, dry skin and combination skin types.

It is made with Belif’s signature Napiers Aqua formula and contains no mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, preservatives and animal-origin ingredients, so you can trust to have no break-outs after putting it on.

Available at Belif boutiques and on Althea for SGD47

3. Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Coloured or tinted skincare may turn you off especially if it is in an unnatural colour such as blue. But the blue in this cream is harmless. It is due to the key ingredient, Guaziazulene, a dark blue crystalline hydrocarbon that comes from chamomile oil. The blue ingredient is often used in shampoos and soap to soothe inflammation and irritation. When infused into the formulation, the Midnight Blue Calming Cream becomes the night cream to use to reduce redness in acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Available on Althea for SGD33

4. Huxley Fresh and More Cream

Launched in 2016, Huxley is the new cult favourite Korean brand that promotes the idea of less is more; something that is very out of the normal 10 to 13 steps Korean skincare trend.

What set this brand apart is also its unique use of cactus as the key ingredient of its products. Just like how cactus thrives in the Sahara desert, Huxley cream promises to lock in hydration and deliver moisture to the skin even in extreme dry conditions.

The Huxley Fresh and More Cream is a watery lightweight gel cream that is said to be ideal for soothing skin that is exposed to heat, air conditioner, pollution and UV rays. This cream sounds just like what a Singaporean lady needs!

Available on Zalora for SGD49.80

5. Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream

If you are a fan of skincare that has a fragrant, Mamonde is the brand to look out for. Mamonde Rose Water Toner is probably the star product of the brand and we are glad that they have added a moisturiser in the same Rose Water series. Rose Water is known for providing relief to irritated and red skin and has a long history of being used in skincare and cosmetics in many cultures and societies. Applying this Korean moisturiser at night definitely makes you feel a bed of roses.

Available on Lazada for SGD34.

6. Innisfree Orchid Enriched Cream

Another floral-based cream, Innisfree Orchid series is designed for anti-ageing and the reduction of wrinkles and lines. The Orchid Enriched Cream is made from Jeju Orchids that are highly rich in antioxidants and free of mineral oils, parabens and synthetic colourants. It will help to firm up and brighten the skin, tighten pores and reduce wrinkles, to create a healthier and youthful look.

Available at Innisfree for SGD43

7. The Face Shop Chia Seed No Shine Hydrating Cream

Superfood is no longer just the food you eat but is now added into skincare and masks. Chia Seed, a superfood that is recognised for its nutritional benefits, is rich in antioxidants.

The infusion of Chia Seeds into the No Shine Hydrating Cream results in a power-packed moisturiser that keeps the skin sebum- and oil-free throughout the day, while balancing out the hydration level of the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and best used with the other products under the Chia Seed range including the Chia Seed Cleansing Foam and Chia Seed Hydrating Emulsion.

Available on Althea for SGD22

8. Etude House Moistfull Collagen Water Jelly Cream

Etude House has a series of products under its Moistfull Collagen line. With just moisturisers alone, there are three different types from the range. The recommended moisturiser for daily use is this Moistfull Collagen Water Jelly Cream that comes in a blue packaging tub. As its name suggest, this Korean moisturiser is thinner and provides a more cooling sensation as compared to the standard Moistfull Collagen Cream and Moistfull Collagen Deep Cream.

Available at Etude House for SGD33.90

9. Nature Republic Aqua Super Aqua Max Gel

When Nature Republic first launched its Aqua Super Aqua Max Gel, it became one of its top-selling product and received positive reviews from many bloggers and writers.

The selling point of this cream is that it comes in three different variants, targeting at the three different skin types – dry (pink), combination (green) and oily skin (blue).

Available on iHerb for SGD10.64

10. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream

Green tea is well-known for being beneficial to the body because of its high antioxidant content – did you know it’s also good for your skin?

The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream is probably one of the best-selling products under the brand. The Green Tea skincare line is developed after a careful study of over 2,000 variations of Korean green tea and the key “Beauty Green Tea” ingredient contains high amino acids that aid in hydration and moisturisation.

Available at Innisfree for SGD34

11. The Saem Harakeke Cream

The brand that was fronted by various celebrities such as G-Dragon, Shinee and now, Seventeen, The Saem is more than having posters of K-pop stars at their store fronts. The brand is known for producing good quality products at affordable prices.

The Harakeke series is the pride of the brand as it makes use of the unique Harakeke plant from New Zealand that is packed with linoleic acid, which is necessary for boosting the skin’s barrier layer, helping to seal in natural moisture. The Harakeke Cream contains New Zealand calendula flower extract and New Zealand Manuka honey to complement the Harakeke extract and provide the maximum moisturising effects for the skin.

Available on iHerb for SGD20.58

12. It’s Skin Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Cream

Hyaluronic acid is the most talked about when it comes to hydration and moisturisers. It is often the key ingredient used in skincare for dry skin as it is the natural compound in the body that helps the skin to retain water. Lotion or cream that is made with hyaluronic acid is the best bet if you are looking for intense moisturisation. It’s Skin Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Cream is suitable for all skin types and delivers long lasting hydration especially for tired and dry skin.

Available at It’s Skin.

13. IOPE Derma Trouble Cream

Moisturisers are not only for dry skin. It is an important part of the skincare routine for acne-prone skin as well. For troubled skin, moisturisers could be tricky as the oily feeling of the cream may irritate the skin even more. IOPE’s Derma Trouble Cream specialises in creating moisture for acne-prone skin by balancing between the level of water and oil needed to protect the sensitive skin layer. If you have been shunning from moisturisers due to the fear of breakouts, you may now try this Korean moisturiser with a peace of mind.

Available on Althea for SGD42.10

14. The Saem Iceland Hydrating Soothing Gel

A good alternative to aloe vera gels, The Saem Iceland Hydrating Sooting Gel is formulated with 98% pure mineral water. It is quick and refreshing to absorb to the skin and is said to provide instant relief to cracking skin and skin that was exposed to the sun.

Available on iHerb for SGD7.99

15. Dr Belmeur Panthenol Soothing Gel Cream

Dr Belmeur is a skincare line under The Face Shop that was created for the sensitive skin group. The products from this range are derived from natural plant-based ingredients that are mild and gentle to the skin. The Panthenol Soothing Gel Cream contains 2.5% Panthenol (a alcohol form of Vitamin B5 that is often used as moisturisers or aid to improve wound healing), aloe vera extract and chamomile water that build skin barrier to prevent excessive moisture loss.

Available at The Face Shop.

16. Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream

Snail may sound very strange to have in skincare but it is the latest “it ingredient”. Snails have a history of helping farmers with inflammation and healing of scars. Snail extract also contains the holy grail – hyaluronic acid – on top of other moisturising agents such as protein and glycolic acid. Besides the intensive hydrating properties from Snail extract, the Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream is mixed with collagen, making this snail cream an anti-ageing cream that smoothens the appearance wrinkles and lines.

Available on iHerb for SGD21

17. Etude House Zero Sebum Fresh Gel Cream

Another cream that is dedicated to oily and acne-prone skin, te Zero Sebum Fresh Gel Cream from Etude House is an oil-free gel type of moisturiser that promotes skin moisturisation without triggering the production of sebum. Reviews have it that this cream helps to reduce pores and is recommended for use in the day and night to keep the face feeling fresh and smooth.

Available at Etude House for SGD27.90

18. 3ce White Milk Cream

When 3ce launched its White Milk Cream, it marketed the product as a moisturiser that could brighten up your skin so much, you could leave your house with no makeup on. The cream is dermatologically tested, contains milk protein extract and Vitamin E which help to promote moisturisation. As with other 3ce products, the packaging of this cream is rated 10 out of 10, so you can’t resist but pick it up as your morning and night cream.

Available at Sephora for SGD49.

19. Dr Jart+ Water Fuse Ultimate Hydro Gel Moisturiser

This gel-cream from Dr Jart+ will be loved by those who have trouble with Singapore’s hot and humid weather, thanks to its ultra-lightweight texture and that it cools and refreshes skin instantly while boosting it with hydration. The formula contains a blend of AquaMinerals that increases skin’s ability to maintain optimal moisture levels and improve water absorption too. This Korean moisturiser is also soothing and has antibacterial properties, making it suitable even for acne-prone skin.

Available at Sephora for SGD61.