Moisturiser

What is a moisturiser?

A moisturiser is a face cream that gives the skin moisture and stops it from evaporating again. In a Korean routine it is usually the last skincare step – in the morning, only sunscreen follows.

How does a moisturiser work?

Good creams combine three types of ingredients:

• Humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or panthenol attract water and bind it in the skin.
• Emollients such as squalane or ceramides fill the gaps between skin cells and soften the skin.
• Occlusives such as shea butter or dimethicone form a light film that slows down water loss.

Many creams also contain actives such as niacinamide, centella or peptides.

Which moisturiser suits my skin?

• oily and blemish-prone skin: lightweight gel creams that absorb quickly – oily skin needs moisture too, see Does oily skin still need moisturiser?
• combination skin: light emulsions or gel creams, a little richer on dry areas if needed
• dry skin: rich creams with ceramides, squalane or shea butter – see skincare for dry skin
• sensitive skin: fragrance-free barrier creams with panthenol, centella or ectoin

How to use a moisturiser

1. After toner, essence and serum, smooth a pea- to hazelnut-sized amount over your face and neck.
2. Gently pat or massage it in until absorbed.
3. In the morning, follow with sunscreen.
4. In winter or if your skin is very dry, use a richer cream or a sleeping mask in the evening.

Moisturisers in Korean skincare

Popular picks include the 345 Relief Cream by Dr. Althea, the Madeca Cream Time Reverse by Centellian24, the Dynasty Cream by Beauty of Joseon, the Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream by Purito, the Atobarrier 365 Cream by AESTURA and the Collagen Jelly Cream by medicube. You’ll find all creams in our face creams & moisturisers collection.

What does the research say?

There is good evidence that regular moisturising supports the skin barrier, especially for dry and eczema-prone skin. A Cochrane review of 77 studies concluded that moisturisers reduce the number of flares in eczema and ease dryness (van Zuuren et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017).