6 Top Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin: No Grease, Just Moisture

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It’s a common misconception that people with oily skin don’t need moisturizer.

You need it to bring back the moisture lost during the cleansing process. Moisturizers are also a great way to introduce active ingredients that can help address your skin concerns.

Asian woman facing mirror in shock about the oils of her face from the blotting paper

Skipping moisturizer can make your skin dry, which encourages more oil production. But with oily skin, it’s not easy to find a moisturizer for fear of adding more to your skin’s oiliness.

But that’s where K-beauty comes in! They’re known for hydrating moisturizers that are gentle, lightweight, and won’t leave you looking greasy.  Ready to find the top Korean moisturizer for oily skin? Check out the list below!

Etude House Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsion
Editor’s Choice
  • Gentle formula that doesn’t irritate or clog pores
  • Free of additives and ingredients that can trigger oil, acne, and irritation
  • A hydrating emulsion for oily skin
Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream
Budget Pick
  • Hydrating and soothing
  • Reduces redness and irritation
  • Suitable for oily, sensitive skin
TonyMoly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream
Premium Pick
  • Light but with long-lasting moisture
  • Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients
  • Suitable for oily, acne-prone Skin

Korean Moisturizer for Oily, Sensitive Skin

1
Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream

This gel cream soothes irritated skin and moisturizes without causing breakouts.

Benefits: Gentle and soothing; offers long-lasting hydration; controls acne

Features:

  • Centella asiatica and tea tree calm sensitive skin, reduce redness and irritations
  • Niacinamide and adenosine brighten and smoothen skin
  • Vitamin-rich sprout extracts that make skin soft and supple 

The Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream is a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic moisturizer that keeps acne, redness, and irritation at bay.

For much-needed comfort during an acne breakout, consider the Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream.

You can feel instant relief upon applying this lightweight moisturizer. It has 72% Centella asiatica leaf water and 10% tea tree extract to soothe skin redness, irritation, or inflammation.  

The gentle formula is suited for oily-sensitive skin. It does not aggravate the skin and cause further breakouts. 

The cream also contains niacinamide and adenosine to rejuvenate the skin, giving you a brighter and smoother complexion.

In addition to its soothing properties, the Centella Calming Gel Cream helps keep oil at bay. The moisturizer dries to a matte finish and feels comfortable under makeup and sunscreen. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Calms and soothes the skin
  • Good oil control
  • Also suitable for sensitive, combination, and normal skin

Cons

  • Not as hydrating for dry skin or during winter
  • Contains faint scent (but not artificial fragrance)

Korean Moisturizers for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

2
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

This simple, no-frills moisturizer keeps skin clear and hydrated.

Benefits: Soothes, brightens, and hydrates skin; doesn't cause acne

Features:

  • Aloe vera leaf juice extract to moisturize and nourish the skin
  • Propolis extract soothes and protects from free radical damage
  • Polysaccharides strengthen the skin barrier

The Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel keeps irritation and redness at bay. It’s also gentle so you don’t have to worry about acne breakouts. 

Aloe is one of the top ingredients for soothing the skin. So it’s no surprise that the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel is highly rated among people with oily, acne-prone skin.

The water-based moisturizer contains 80% aloe leaf juice to keep your skin calm and hydrated. It also has propolis extract that protects the skin from damage against irritants and the elements.

It does not contain alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils, so those with oily, acne-prone skin won’t have to worry about breakouts or irritations.  

The transparent gel has a viscous consistency but does not feel heavy when applied to the skin. It has a cooling sensation and does not leave any residue.

Given the high aloe content, this soothing gel is also great for sunburns or post-treatments.

Pros

  • Unscented
  • No harmful ingredients
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Affordable
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • Not hydrating enough for dry skin
  • Natural formula; may have a shorter shelf life
3
TonyMoly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Moisture Cream

This watery cream can keep your oily skin hydrated all day long so it doesn't produce more oil.

Benefits: Intensely hydrating; fights bacteria and inflammation; brightens skin

Features:

  • Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants to protect and provide long-lasting moisture
  • Lemon seed oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Rosewood oil softens and rejuvenates the skin

The Tony Moly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream gives you a brighter, healthier appearance.

Many people with oily skin hesitate to put on moisturizer because it can make their face look greasier. But that is no longer a concern with this Korean face moisturizer for oily skin!

The watery cream contains 63% fermented green tea extract packed with antioxidants to nourish and hydrate the skin. 

There is also lemon seed oil to clean out pores and soothe inflammation, along with rosewood oil to soften and rejuvenate the skin.

When used as part of your morning skincare routine, it gives you the hydration you need for the entire day without making you feel greasy throughout the day.

From the jar, the cream has a rich, fluffy texture that turns watery upon application. It applies easily and has no sticky residue. It feels comfortable under makeup and sunscreen.

Pros

  • Good for hot and humid weather
  • Cruelty-free
  • No alcohol, parabens, fragrances

Cons

  • Essential oils; may not be suitable for sensitive skin
  • Not as hydrating for dry skin
  • On the pricier side

Top Korean Moisturizer for Oily and Combination Skin 

4
COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream

This gel cream offers an instant cooling effect that calms your skin.

Benefits: Hydrating and soothing; strengthens your skin barrier; lightweight; absorbs quickly into your skin

Features:

  • Green tea leaf is soothing and hydrating for oily skin
  • Panthenol maintains the moisture balance of the skin barrier and reduces irritation
  • Allantoin smoothens and rejuvenates skin 

It’s a lightweight cream that doesn’t feel too heavy on oily skin but is hydrating enough for any dry patches you might have. It also strengthens the skin for a fresh and healthy complexion.

The COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is another highly recommended Korean Moisturizer for oily and combination skin.

It has green tea leaf extract that provides the hydration your skin needs. Green tea is also effective in reducing oil and acne breakouts.

In addition, panthenol helps maintain your skin barrier, making it less susceptible to irritation or inflammation. Allantoin also stimulates skin regeneration for smoother and healthier skin.

The jelly consistency feels cool upon application. So besides a lightweight moisturizer, you can also use it for after-sun care.  The texture means quick absorption but still leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

Pros

  • No harmful ingredients
  • Can use as a skin refresher
  • Also suitable for sensitive, irritated skin

Cons

  • Not recommended as a standalone cream for very dry skin 

Top Korean Moisturizer for Oily Skin With SPF

5
Suntique I’m Pure Cica Sunscreen

This moisturizer-sunscreen combo keeps your skin protected and moisturized throughout the day!

Benefits: Mild and non-irritating formula; offers sun protection and hydration; calms inflammation

Features:

  • Cica and amino acids to soothe inflammation and repair damaged skin
  • Galactomyces reduce oil production and minimize the size of pores
  • SP50+ protects against UVA and UVB rays 

The Suntique I’m Pure Cica Sunscreen can double as a day cream with its hydrating ingredients. As a physical sunscreen, it’s also less likely to cause irritation and clogged pores.

Sunscreen is another essential skincare product that’s a bit intimidating for those with oily skin.

However, not all sunscreens will clog pores and cause breakouts.

The Suntique I’m Pure Cica Sunscreen is a physical sunscreen with SP50+ that is safe from avobenzone, oxybenzone, and other chemical UV filters. 

Instead, the sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which the FDA has deemed safe and effective.

The mild but strong formula makes it suitable for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.

The sunscreen also features skin-loving ingredients such as cica, amino acids, vitamins, and galactomyces. These ingredients help soothe and repair the skin and reduce excess oil and clogged pores.

It has a creamy consistency but doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin. While there is still a white cast, it is minimal compared to other sunscreens.

Pros

  • Non-irritating formula, free of artificial fragrance
  • Can use as a day cream
  • Ingredients that encourage skin repair and regeneration

Cons

  • Minimal white cast

Top Korean Emulsion for Oily Skin

6
Etude House Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsion

This gentle, hydrating emulsion doesn't clog your pores or aggravate your oily skin.

Benefits: Non-irritating; hydrates, calms, and soothes oily skin; offers intense hydration without the grease

Features:

  • Panthenol hydrates and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier
  • Madecassoside soothes irritated skin
  • Gentle formula with low pH and free from pore-clogging ingredients 

If you want a gentle formula that won’t irritate your skin, the Etude House Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsion is a must-try. You’ll get intense hydration without looking too oily.

Emulsions are also a great option when you’re looking for the top Korean moisturizer for oily skin.

These skincare products have rich ingredients but feel light on the skin. Thus, they’re suited for oily skin types.

In addition, Etude House’s emulsion contains 93% natural ingredients and is free from 10 additives that are known to irritate oily, acne-prone skin.

These are mineral oil, parabens, and silicone that can clog pores and cause acne breakouts.

The Etude House Soon Jung 10 Free Moist Emulsion contains Panthenol to soothe redness and irritation. It also strengthens your skin barrier to increase moisture retention.

Meanwhile, Madecassoside also calms and protects the skin from environmental irritants.  

The emulsion is easy to apply. Your skin will drink up all the hydrating ingredients without leaving any sticky residue.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, dermatologically tested;
  • Good to use in dry and humid weather;
  • No harmful ingredients;
  • Affordable

Cons

  • None

How To Choose a Korean Moisturizer for Oily Skin

It’s important to choose the right type of moisturizer that will suit your oily skin. Otherwise, you might end up with a product that clogs your pores, irritates your skin, and promotes acne breakouts. 

Before making that decision, here are important things to remember.

Texture

Water-based lotions or gel creams are ideal for oily skin. They have a lightweight texture that is easily absorbed by the skin. They also do not look too greasy or shiny.

Avoid heavy creams and ointments because they tend to sit on the skin for a long time. These occlusive moisturizers can clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. 

Formulation

Choose moisturizers that are non-comedogenic so that they won’t clog your pores. It’s also better to choose one with an oil-free formula.

However, not all oil-based ingredients are harmful. Tea tree oil, rosehip oil, and hemp seed oil can soothe, cleanse, and hydrate the skin without clogging your pores.

Avoid moisturizers with artificial dyes and fragrances that irritate or sensitize the skin. These can also damage your skin barrier and cause acne breakouts.

Ingredients 

Here are ingredients that are safe for oily skin:

  • Hyaluronic acid — Hydrates, refreshes, and plumps the skin
  • Niacinamide — Soothes inflamed skin, absorbs excess oil
  • Glycolic acid — Removes dead skin cells, dirt, and oils
  • Salicylic acid — Dissolves oil, cleans pores, reduces inflammation
  • Retinoids — Slows down oil production, brightens, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Zinc PCA — Prevents excess oil production, reduces redness and irritation

On the other hand, avoid moisturizers that have the following pore-clogging ingredients:

  • Silicones
  • Coconut oil
  • Lanolin
  • Alcohol
  • Stearates
  • Sulfates
  • Mineral oil
  • Petroleum
  • Paraffin
  • Beeswax

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Specific K-Beauty Brands Known for Effective Moisturizers for Oily Skin?

Yes, brands like Cosrx and Etude House offer moisturizers specifically formulated for oily or combination skin.

How Long Does It Take To See Results From Using a Korean Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

Results vary, but consistent use over a few weeks should show improvements in hydration and oil balance. Be patient and monitor how your skin responds.

What Makes Korean Moisturizers Special?

Korean beauty brands put hydration at the forefront of their skincare products. So regardless of your skin type, you will find a moisturizer that suits you best. 

In addition, Korean brands use natural ingredients that soothe and heal inflammation and irritation, as well as avoid harmful chemicals that can clog pores and cause acne breakouts. 

hands holding white cream in between of her palms

Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin: Our Final Thoughts 

It might not seem like it at first, but hydration is one of the best ways to control oily skin. It’s just a matter of finding the top moisturizer for your oily skin. 

Look for something that has a lightweight texture, a gentle formulation, and is packed with hydrating ingredients. 

That’s what makes Korean moisturizers the best; they tick all the boxes and are easy on the pocket too!

Hopefully, with the recommendations above, you can find the top Korean moisturizer for your oily skin!

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Author

  • Ashley Pena

    Ashley Pena brings over 13 years of seasoned writing and editing expertise, fortified by her Bachelor of Science in Management. Esteemed in the beauty domain, her content captivates readers with its depth and authenticity. While she navigates a broad spectrum of beauty trends, Ashley shines particularly as our resident K-beauty guru. Her articles are a harmonious blend of passion and profound knowledge, inspiring readers on their unique beauty journeys.

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