10 Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin in 2025

Are you tired of that constant shine on your face? Do you struggle to find a moisturizer that hydrates your skin without making it look like an oil slick? Korean skincare might just be the answer you need.

Korean beauty brands have mastered the art of creating lightweight yet effective moisturizers that work wonders for oily skin types.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the 10 best Korean moisturizers specifically formulated for oily skin.

These products deliver the perfect balance of hydration without the greasy aftermath. Each moisturizer has been carefully selected based on ingredients, effectiveness, user reviews, and availability.

Key Takeaways

Before diving into the details, here are the essential points to remember about Korean moisturizers for oily skin:

• Lightweight formulations are essential for oily skin to prevent clogged pores and excess shine. Look for gel or water-based textures that absorb quickly without leaving residue.
• Hyaluronic acid is a star ingredient that provides deep hydration without adding oil. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance while keeping sebum production under control.
• Tea tree extract and centella asiatica are powerful natural ingredients commonly found in Korean moisturizers that help calm inflammation and control oil production.
• Niacinamide is frequently included to regulate sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores while strengthening the skin barrier.
• The best Korean moisturizers for oily skin often contain BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid that penetrate oil-filled pores and help reduce breakouts.
• Non-comedogenic formulas are crucial for preventing new breakouts and allowing your skin to breathe. Always check if products specify they won’t clog pores.
• Many Korean brands focus on balancing the skin’s pH level around 5.5, which helps control oil production and maintain healthy skin.
• Ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier without adding heaviness, which is important for long-term skin health even with oily skin types.
• A good moisturizer for oily skin should provide hydration without shine and leave your skin with a smooth, matte finish that lasts throughout the day.
• Consistent use of the right moisturizer can actually help train your skin to produce less oil over time by preventing dehydration, which often triggers excess oil production.

Now, let’s explore the best Korean moisturizers that will transform your oily skin care routine!

COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap

If you have oily skin, you know the struggle of finding a moisturizer that hydrates without adding unnecessary oil. The COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap is a game-changer for oily and acne-prone skin types. This lightweight moisturizer contains 70% birch sap, a natural ingredient packed with vitamins and antioxidants that effectively calms and treats irritated skin.

What makes this moisturizer stand out is its ability to balance oil production while providing substantial hydration. The birch sap works to prevent moisture loss in the skin, making it more hydrated without feeling greasy. Users with oily skin report that it absorbs quickly and leaves a natural finish without any unwanted shine.

The formula is also free from parabens and artificial fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Many users with combination and oily skin types praise this moisturizer for its ability to control sebum production throughout the day. One reviewer mentioned, “It’s light enough for my oily T-zone but still hydrating enough for the rest of my face.”

For best results, apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning. A small amount goes a long way, and it creates an invisible moisture barrier that helps maintain proper pH levels while keeping excess oil at bay. The subtle scent and lightweight texture make it perfect for daily use, both morning and night.

If you’re dealing with frequent breakouts, this moisturizer also contains tea tree oil extract which helps soothe and prevent blemishes without drying out your skin. With regular use, many users notice improved skin texture and fewer breakouts, making this an excellent addition to any oily skin care routine.

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

The Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel has become a cult favorite among those with oily skin, and for good reason. This lightweight gel moisturizer features red bean extract, a traditional Korean skincare ingredient known for its brightening and purifying properties. Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, this gel delivers intense hydration without leaving any greasy residue.

What sets this moisturizer apart is its unique water-gel texture that feels incredibly refreshing upon application. The gel immediately melts into the skin, providing a cooling sensation that’s particularly welcome for irritated or inflamed oily skin. Users rave about how it absorbs instantly and leaves the skin feeling hydrated but never sticky.

The formula includes peptides that strengthen the skin barrier while promoting elasticity. This is crucial for oily skin types, as a strong skin barrier can actually help regulate oil production. One user with persistent oily skin noted, “This is the first moisturizer that keeps my skin balanced throughout the entire day without needing blotting papers.”

The Red Bean Water Gel is also formulated with hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into the skin without adding oil. This creates a plump, hydrated effect that makes skin look healthy rather than shiny. The gel consistency makes it ideal for layering under sunscreen and makeup without pilling or creating a heavy sensation.

For those concerned about sustainability, Beauty of Joseon uses eco-friendly packaging and focuses on clean formulations. The moisturizer is free from harmful ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a conscious choice for those who care about what they put on their skin and its environmental impact.

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

The COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream may sound unusual, but it’s a revolutionary product for those with oily yet dehydrated skin. Containing 92% snail mucin extract, this lightweight cream helps repair damaged skin and provides long-lasting hydration without adding oil or heaviness.

Snail mucin is rich in proteins, glycolic acids, and elastin, which work together to help repair and protect the skin barrier. For oily skin types, a compromised barrier can often lead to excess oil production as the skin tries to protect itself. By strengthening this barrier, the COSRX Snail 92 Cream helps regulate sebum production naturally.

What makes this cream particularly suitable for oily skin is its unique bouncy texture that feels lightweight yet deeply nourishing. It absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue, making it perfect for daytime use under makeup or as an overnight treatment. Many users with oily skin report that their makeup stays matte longer when using this as a base.

The formula is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Users who struggle with occasional breakouts praise this cream for its gentle healing properties that help reduce redness and inflammation without clogging pores.

For best results, apply a small amount to clean, toned skin and gently pat until fully absorbed. Some users find that a little goes a long way, making this cream not only effective but also economical. With consistent use, many notice improvements in skin texture, reduced appearance of pores, and a more balanced complexion overall.

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream

The ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream is a hydration powerhouse specifically designed for oily and combination skin types. This lightweight gel cream contains multiple types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate different layers of the skin, providing deep hydration without any heaviness or greasiness.

What makes this moisturizer exceptional is its innovative formula that combines five types of hyaluronic acid molecules of different sizes. This allows the moisturizer to hydrate both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, creating a plump, dewy appearance without excess oil. The gel texture feels incredibly refreshing and cooling on application, making it perfect for hot weather or post-workout skincare.

Users with oily skin particularly love how this gel cream absorbs within seconds and leaves absolutely no sticky residue. One reviewer mentioned, “It’s like giving my skin a drink of water without any of the heaviness I usually experience with other moisturizers.” This quick absorption makes it ideal for morning routines when you’re short on time but don’t want to skip moisturizing.

The formula is also enriched with ceramides and squalane, which help strengthen the skin barrier while balancing oil production. These ingredients are crucial for long-term skin health, as they help maintain the proper moisture level that prevents your skin from overproducing oil to compensate for dehydration.

For those with sensitive skin, this gel cream is free from artificial fragrances, colors, and potential irritants. The minimal ingredient list focuses on effective hydration rather than temporary fixes, making it suitable for consistent, long-term use in your skincare routine.

IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream

The IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is a soothing savior for oily, irritated skin. Formulated with 70% Centella Asiatica extract and 10% tea tree leaf water, this lightweight gel cream effectively calms inflammation while controlling excess oil production. It’s particularly beneficial for those who struggle with both oiliness and sensitivity or redness.

Centella Asiatica, also known as tiger grass, is renowned for its powerful healing properties. It helps repair the skin barrier, reduce redness, and soothe irritation, making it perfect for acne-prone oily skin. The tea tree component provides gentle antibacterial benefits that help prevent breakouts without drying the skin out.

What users love most about this gel cream is its non-sticky, fast-absorbing texture that feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. It creates a subtle cooling sensation that’s particularly welcome during hot weather or after sun exposure. Many reviewers with oily skin report that it leaves their skin feeling fresh and balanced rather than slick or greasy.

The formula also contains niacinamide and adenosine, which work together to refine pores and improve skin texture over time. These ingredients help create a smoother canvas for makeup application and contribute to a more even skin tone with consistent use. One user noted, “My makeup used to slide off by midday, but since using this gel cream, it stays put much longer.”

For best results, apply a small amount to clean skin morning and night, focusing on areas prone to irritation or breakouts. The product is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from potential irritants like artificial fragrances, making it a conscientious choice for those who prioritize clean beauty while battling oily skin.

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream has gained a strong following among those with oily and sensitive skin looking for effective hydration without heaviness. This innovative formula focuses on three key ingredients, combined in perfect proportion to balance, soothe, and strengthen oily skin types.

At the heart of this cream is a unique blend that includes niacinamide, panthenol, and ceramides, which work together to regulate sebum production while repairing the skin barrier. For oily skin types, this combination is particularly effective as it addresses both immediate oil control and long-term skin health, helping to break the cycle of overproduction.

The texture of this cream is what truly sets it apart for oily skin. Despite being deeply nourishing, it has a surprisingly lightweight feel that absorbs quickly and leaves a natural, semi-matte finish. Users with persistently oily skin praise how it keeps shine at bay throughout the day without causing that tight, stripped feeling that many mattifying products create.

Another standout feature is its soothing capability. Those who experience irritation or redness along with oiliness find that this cream calms the skin almost immediately upon application. The formula is free from potential irritants like artificial fragrances and colors, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin concerns alongside oiliness.

For best results, apply a small amount to clean, toned skin and gently pat until fully absorbed. Many users find this cream performs well under makeup, creating a smooth base that helps control midday shine. With consistent use, reviewers report noticeable improvements in skin texture, reduced pore appearance, and a more balanced oil production overall.

SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream

For those battling persistent oiliness and frequent breakouts, the SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream offers a comprehensive solution in one jar. This multifunctional cream combines three types of chemical exfoliants with soothing centella asiatica to address multiple concerns of oily skin simultaneously.

The power of this cream lies in its exfoliating formula that includes AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) to remove dead skin cells, BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to penetrate pores and clear excess sebum, and PHA (polyhydroxy acid) for gentle exfoliation even on sensitive skin. This trio works together to keep pores clear while promoting cell turnover, which is crucial for preventing the buildup that leads to breakouts.

Despite its exfoliating properties, users are surprised by how gentle and hydrating this cream feels. It manages to provide sufficient moisture without any greasiness, creating a balanced environment where skin doesn’t feel the need to overproduce oil. One user with persistent acne commented, “This is the first product that has managed to clear my skin without making it feel stripped or irritated.”

The formula also contains tea tree extract, which provides additional antibacterial benefits to combat acne-causing bacteria. Combined with centella asiatica extract, it soothes existing inflammation while preventing new breakouts, creating a comprehensive approach to problematic oily skin.

For best results, start by using this cream every other night, gradually increasing to daily use as your skin adjusts to the exfoliating ingredients. Many users report seeing significant improvements in skin clarity and texture within the promised 30 days, with reduced oiliness, smaller-looking pores, and fewer breakouts overall.

Anua Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream

The Anua Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream has become a holy grail product for many with oily yet sensitive skin. Containing 70% Houttuynia Cordata extract (commonly known as heartleaf), this lightweight cream delivers powerful calming benefits while controlling excess oil production.

Heartleaf extract is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone skin types. The extract works to soothe irritation and redness while simultaneously helping to balance oil production. Many users who struggle with both sensitivity and oiliness find this dual-action particularly beneficial.

What makes this cream stand out is its featherlight texture that feels almost like a gel-cream hybrid. It absorbs instantly into the skin without leaving any greasy residue or sticky feeling. Users with combination to oily skin particularly appreciate how it provides adequate hydration to drier areas while preventing excessive oiliness in the T-zone.

The formula is further enhanced with ceramides and panthenol, which strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. This is crucial for oily skin types, as a compromised barrier often leads to increased oil production as the skin attempts to protect itself. By repairing this barrier, the cream helps normalize oil levels over time.

For those concerned about irritation, this cream is free from common sensitizing ingredients like artificial fragrances, dyes, and alcohol. It has a minimal, clean ingredient list focused on effective calming and balancing rather than temporary fixes, making it suitable for long-term use in a consistent skincare routine.

Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream

The Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream offers a minimalist yet effective approach to moisturizing oily skin. Following the brand’s philosophy of using only necessary ingredients, this cream focuses on strengthening the skin barrier while providing lightweight hydration that won’t overwhelm oily skin types.

What sets this cream apart is its careful balance of hydration and oil control. It contains centella asiatica extract, which soothes irritation and redness while helping to regulate sebum production. This makes it particularly suitable for those who experience occasional breakouts or sensitivity alongside their oily skin concerns.

The texture of this cream is remarkably light for a barrier repair product. It has a velvety consistency that melts into the skin without leaving any greasy residue. Many users with oily skin appreciate how it creates a subtle protective layer that feels comfortable rather than heavy, even in humid climates or during physical activity.

Ceramides play a star role in this formula, helping to rebuild and maintain a healthy skin barrier. For oily skin types, this barrier function is crucial as it helps the skin retain appropriate moisture levels without triggering excess oil production. One reviewer noted, “This is the first moisturizer that’s actually helped reduce my oiliness over time rather than just temporarily mattifying my skin.”

The minimal ingredient list also makes this cream suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types. Free from potential irritants like artificial fragrances and dyes, it provides calming hydration without risking further inflammation or breakouts. For best results, apply to clean, toned skin and gently pat until fully absorbed.

The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion

The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Emulsion offers a lightweight yet effective solution for those with oily skin who still need proper hydration. This milky emulsion harnesses the power of rice extract, a traditional Korean skincare ingredient known for its brightening and oil-balancing properties.

Rice extract is rich in vitamins and minerals that help brighten the complexion while gently regulating sebum production. For oily skin types, this creates the perfect balance of hydration without heaviness. Users particularly appreciate how this emulsion feels virtually weightless on the skin yet provides lasting moisture throughout the day.

The addition of ceramides in the formula helps strengthen the skin barrier, which is essential for maintaining proper hydration levels. Many people with oily skin unknowingly damage their barrier through harsh cleansing, which triggers even more oil production. This emulsion helps repair that damage while preventing moisture loss.

What makes this product stand out is its silky, fast-absorbing texture that feels more like a lightweight serum than a traditional moisturizer. It creates a smooth, even base for makeup application and helps control midday shine without the need for excessive powder or blotting. One reviewer noted, “My foundation looks so much better and lasts longer since I started using this as my daytime moisturizer.”

The formula is also enriched with niacinamide, which helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores often associated with oily skin. With consistent use, many users report improved skin texture and a more balanced oil production, making this an excellent option for those looking for a moisturizer that provides benefits beyond basic hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin

Do people with oily skin still need to use moisturizer?

Absolutely! It’s a common misconception that oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In fact, skipping moisturizer often makes oiliness worse. When your skin is dehydrated, it compensates by producing more oil. A good moisturizer designed for oily skin helps maintain the proper hydration balance without adding unnecessary oils.

Korean moisturizers for oily skin are specifically formulated to provide lightweight hydration that balances the skin and helps control sebum production over time. Using the right moisturizer consistently can actually help train your skin to produce less oil naturally.

What ingredients should I look for in moisturizers for oily skin?

The best ingredients for oily skin include hyaluronic acid for oil-free hydration, niacinamide for sebum regulation and pore reduction, centella asiatica (also called cica or tiger grass) for soothing properties, and salicylic acid or other BHAs for gentle exfoliation.

Look for terms like “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” “lightweight,” and “gel texture” on product labels. Korean moisturizers often contain innovative ingredients like tea tree oil, birch sap, and rice extract that are particularly effective for balancing oily skin without stripping it.

How should I apply moisturizer if I have oily skin?

For oily skin, less is more when it comes to application. Start with a small amount (about the size of a pea) and gently pat it into clean, slightly damp skin. This helps the product absorb better and prevents you from using too much.

Focus on applying moisturizer evenly across your face, including the T-zone, but use a lighter touch in areas that tend to get oilier. Allow the moisturizer to fully absorb before applying any makeup. For extremely oily skin, you might prefer applying moisturizer only once daily, typically in the evening.

Can Korean moisturizers help with acne-prone oily skin?

Yes, many Korean moisturizers are specifically formulated to address both oiliness and acne concerns simultaneously. Ingredients like tea tree oil, centella asiatica, and BHAs help calm inflammation, control oil, and prevent breakouts while still providing necessary hydration.

Products like the SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream and IUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream are particularly effective for acne-prone oily skin as they combine gentle exfoliation with soothing ingredients to create a balanced, clear complexion.

How do I know if my Korean moisturizer is working for my oily skin?

A good moisturizer for oily skin should leave your face feeling comfortable and hydrated but not greasy. After application, your skin should feel soft and smooth without excessive shine. Throughout the day, you should notice less oil production than usual, with any shine developing later than it normally would.

Long-term benefits include improved skin texture, reduced appearance of pores, and fewer breakouts. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks of consistent use to see significant changes in your skin’s oil production patterns, so be patient and monitor how your skin responds over time.

Last update on 2025-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!