Oily skin can be a tricky condition to manage.
While it may seem counterintuitive, oily skin still needs proper hydration.
The secret lies in using moisturizers that balance oil production without clogging pores or making the skin feel greasy.
This is where Korean skincare, renowned for its innovative and lightweight formulations, shines.
The best Korean moisturizers for oily skin hydrate the skin, regulate sebum production, and provide a healthy glow without adding excess oil.
In this post, we’ll explore the Top 10 Best Korean Facial Moisturizers for Oily Skin.
These picks are based on ingredients, effectiveness, and user experience, offering the best solutions for people with oily or combination skin.
1. COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap
Best for: Lightweight hydration and calming sensitive, oily skin
The COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion is a cult favorite, and for a good reason.
It contains 70% birch sap, which provides a light, refreshing layer of hydration without overwhelming oily skin.
The birch sap works to calm and soothe irritation, while also balancing moisture levels.
This lotion absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue and providing an immediate cooling sensation.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Oil-free formula that won’t clog pores
- Lightweight yet hydrating
- Birch sap is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help repair the skin barrier
Key Ingredients:
- Birch Sap: Moisturizes and calms inflammation.
- Panthenol: A form of vitamin B5 that soothes and hydrates skin.
2. Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream
Best for: Sensitive, oily skin in need of hydration
The Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream is part of Etude House’s famous Soon Jung line, which is specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
This lightweight gel-cream has a water-based formula that absorbs quickly, leaving the skin fresh and hydrated without a greasy finish.
It contains madecassoside and panthenol, which help repair the skin barrier and reduce irritation.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Calms inflammation and restores skin barrier
- Great for those with both oily and sensitive skin
Key Ingredients:
- Panthenol: Hydrates and repairs the skin’s moisture barrier.
- Madecassoside: Soothes irritation and promotes healing.
3. Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream
Best for: Balancing moisture without excess oil
The Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream is often recommended for combination and oily skin because of its ability to provide balanced hydration without feeling heavy.
It uses yeast-derived beta glucan and jojoba oil to moisturize deeply while maintaining a light texture.
The cream also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for oily skin prone to breakouts.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Lightweight and deeply hydrating
- Calms irritation and reduces redness
- Jojoba oil mimics natural sebum, preventing overproduction of oil
Key Ingredients:
- Beta Glucan: Enhances hydration and repairs the skin barrier.
- Jojoba Oil: Provides non-greasy moisture.
4. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream
Best for: Hydration and oil control
Innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Cream is a top contender for those with oily skin due to its balancing properties.
It contains freshly-squeezed green tea and green tea seed oil, which help to lock in moisture while controlling sebum production.
The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly, giving the skin a refreshing and hydrated feel.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Green tea provides antioxidant protection and helps control excess oil
- Light texture that won’t clog pores
- Great for everyday use
Key Ingredients:
- Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant benefits and hydration.
- Green Tea Seed Oil: Locks in moisture and balances oil production.
5. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Best for: Instant hydration and a cooling effect
A best-seller in the Korean skincare world, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb is a lightweight gel-cream that bursts into hydration on contact with the skin.
It contains lady’s mantle and ceramides, which help to tighten pores, control excess oil, and keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
Its oil-free, cooling formula is perfect for oily and combination skin types.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Gel-based formula that hydrates without adding oil
- Pore-tightening and oil-controlling properties
- Perfect for a refreshing and lightweight hydration boost
Key Ingredients:
- Lady’s Mantle: Helps tighten pores and smooth the skin.
- Ceramides: Strengthen the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.
6. Laneige Water Bank Hydro Gel
Best for: Intense hydration without the grease
The Laneige Water Bank Hydro Gel is formulated to provide intense hydration while keeping the skin’s oil levels in check.
This moisturizer uses mineral water extracted from 6 different vegetables to help lock in moisture and replenish the skin.
The gel texture makes it perfect for oily skin, as it feels light and non-sticky.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Lightweight yet deeply hydrating
- Gel formula ideal for oily skin
- Non-greasy finish that controls shine
Key Ingredients:
- Mineral Water: Hydrates and revitalizes the skin.
- Hydro Ionized Mineral Water: Provides deep hydration.
7. Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream
Best for: Balancing combination and oily skin
For those with combination skin, the Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream offers the perfect solution.
This lightweight moisturizer is enriched with marine-based ingredients, including seaweed and algae extract, which provide hydration without overwhelming oily areas.
It also contains natural oils that help balance moisture levels, making it suitable for both dry and oily areas of the face.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Balances hydration for combination and oily skin
- Marine-based ingredients provide lightweight moisture
- Oil-free formula that absorbs quickly
Key Ingredients:
- Seaweed Extract: Helps to balance moisture and control oil.
- Algae Extract: Provides hydration and antioxidant benefits.
8. Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer
Best for: Quick absorption and lasting hydration
The Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer is a unique product that turns into water droplets upon application.
It’s perfect for oily skin types because it provides deep hydration without a greasy or heavy feel.
The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling fresh and hydrated all day long.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Lightweight and water-based formula
- Absorbs instantly into the skin
- Provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores
Key Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin.
- Adenosine: Helps to smooth and firm the skin.
9. Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad
Best for: Exfoliating and hydrating at the same time
The Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad may not be a traditional moisturizer, but it’s an essential part of any skincare routine for oily skin.
These pads are soaked with centella asiatica (cica) and hyaluronic acid, providing gentle exfoliation while deeply hydrating the skin.
It helps to clear out pores, reduce excess oil, and soothe inflammation, making it perfect for oily skin types prone to breakouts.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Exfoliates and hydrates in one step
- Controls oil and clears pores
- Soothes irritated and sensitive skin
Key Ingredients:
- Centella Asiatica: Calms irritation and reduces redness.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Provides lightweight hydration.
10. Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream
Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin
The Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream is a lightweight gel formulated with snail mucin, which is known for its healing and hydrating properties.
This moisturizer is great for oily, acne-prone skin because it provides intense hydration while helping to repair the skin and reduce acne scars.
The gel formula feels refreshing and doesn’t clog pores, making it ideal for everyday use.
Why it works for oily skin:
- Lightweight, gel-based formula
- Helps heal acne and reduce scarring
- Provides hydration without adding excess oil
Key Ingredients:
- Snail Mucin: Repairs and hydrates the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts moisture to the skin without feeling heavy
Conclusion
Oily skin needs hydration just as much as any other skin type.
The key is finding the right moisturizer that will balance oil production without clogging pores or making your skin feel greasy.
The Korean skincare industry has mastered lightweight, effective moisturizers designed to hydrate and soothe without overwhelming oily skin.
From gel creams to oil-free lotions, the options are endless for those seeking a solution to oily skin woes.
Hopefully, this guide to the Top 10 Best Korean Facial Moisturizers for Oily Skin helps you find the perfect product to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and oil-free.
