The Best Korean Skincare For Dry Skin

With ultra-hydrating ingredients, skin-loving formulas, and glow-boosting results, K-beauty has some of the most effective solutions out there. But with so many options, you might be wondering: What Korean skincare is good for dry skin? Or even more specifically, what Korean cleanser is best for dry skin, or what is the best hydrating serum? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. From the best Korean skincare for dry skin, a breakdown of the must-have ingredients, and what to skip if your skin’s feeling parched, we’re here to help you get that glassy, bouncy skin of your dreams. 

When it comes to treating dry skin, hydration alone isn’t enough. Your skin also needs ingredients that help lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and soothe irritation. Korean skincare is packed with gentle, nourishing ingredients that do just that. While there are a few hydrating heroes to look out for, here are eight of our skin-quenching favourites: 

Hyaluronic acid: A hydration magnet that attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping your skin look instantly plumper and more hydrated.

Ceramides: Naturally found in your skin, ceramides help repair and strengthen the barrier so it holds onto moisture better and stays protected from dryness.

Glycerin: A classic, no-fuss hydrator that draws water into the skin and keeps it soft, smooth, and supple. 

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Soothes, softens, and hydrates the skin while helping to calm redness and support your skin barrier. 

Squalane: A lightweight oil that mimics your skin’s natural moisture, helping to lock in hydration without feeling greasy. Bonus: it’s non-comedogenic.

Centella Asiatica (Cica): A calming plant extract that helps soothe irritation, speed up healing, and gently hydrate while reducing redness. 

Snail mucin: A multitasking powerhouse that hydrates, helps fade scars, and supports healing, all without feeling heavy or sticky.

Shea Butter: Rich and deeply nourishing, it softens flaky skin, smooths out rough texture, and seals in moisture. 

When caring for dry skin, it’s just as important to avoid certain ingredients and habits as it is to add the right ones. If you’ve got dry skin, here’s what to skip when it comes to your skincare: 

Harsh cleansers or stripping products: Foaming cleansers with a high pH or strong ingredients can wash away your skin’s natural oils, making it even drier. Choose gentle cleansers with a low pH that clean without harming your moisture barrier.

Alcohol based toners: These can dry out and irritate your skin, especially if it’s already dry or sensitive.

Strong exfoliants: Using AHAs, BHAs, or scrubs every day can damage your skin’s barrier. If you exfoliate, pick mild options and don’t overdo it.

Retinoids and retinol: While powerful for anti-ageing, these ingredients can be too drying for some with naturally dry skin. If you do use them, opt for gentler alternatives like bakuchiol or use them sparingly with lots of hydration support.

Fragrance-heavy products: Synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive, dry skin and contribute to inflammation or flakiness.

Over-washing or hot water: Long, hot showers or washing your face too much can dry your skin out even more. Use lukewarm water and cleanse just once or twice a day.

ANUA 8 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Key ingredients: 8 types of hyaluronic acid, zinc PCA

Ultra-hydrating, the ANUA Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a dream for dry and sensitive skin. Packed with 8 types of hyaluronic acid, it delivers layered hydration while gently cleansing without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Zinc PCA helps balance oil production and reduce excess sebum – shown to drop by 89.07% after just one use – making it perfect for keeping breakouts at bay. The soft, creamy foam soothes irritation and helps calm redness, making it an ideal second step in a gentle double-cleansing routine. Clinical trials also found it increases skin hydration by 72.85% within 48 hours, so your skin stays dewy, soft, and flake-free.

haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

Key ingredients: Rice bran oil, jojoba seed oil, olive fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil

Simple yet seriously effective, the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil melts away makeup and impurities while delivering deep hydration. Powered by haruharu wonder’s patented Ultra Deep Technology and featuring a 95%-natural formula, it helps active ingredients penetrate more deeply into the skin. Vitamin-rich rice bran oil brightens dullness, while jojoba and olive oils calm inflammation and nourish dry patches. Infused with five plant-based oils, this gentle cleanser strengthens the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss, leaving your skin clean, soft, glowing, and never tight or greasy.

Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide™ Toner & Moisturiser

Key ingredients: Cerapeptide™ (ceramides + peptides), white tea leaf extract

This innovative two-in-one hybrid simplifies your skincare routine without skimping on hydration. Acting as both a toner and moisturiser, Laneige’s Cream Skin Cerapeptide™ Toner and Moisturiser delivers rich, long-lasting moisture in a lightweight, milky texture that absorbs effortlessly. Formulated with cerapeptide™, a blend of ceramides and peptides, it helps strengthen the skin barrier, lock in hydration, and visibly firm the skin over time. White tea leaf extract adds a calming touch, while amino acids work to soothe and comfort dry, sensitive skin. Ideal for both morning and night, it leaves your skin soft, nourished, and deeply hydrated for up to 120 hours.

TirTir Milk Skin Toner

Key ingredients: Rice bran extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract

Otherwise known as glass skin in a bottle, this award-winning Milk Skin Toner from TirTir is a hydration hero for dry and dehydrated skin. The milky formula blends brightening rice bran extract and niacinamide with deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid and calming chamomile extract to deliver a smooth, luminous finish that’s as soft as it is radiant. Layer it up (especially if your skin’s feeling extra thirsty) for that plump, well-rested glow, no matter how little sleep you’ve had. It’s perfect for all skin types, but especially effective for dry skin in need of a serious moisture boost.

Biodance Cera-nol Gel Toner Pads

Key ingredients: D-panthenol, 10-layer hyaluronic acid, 5-layer ceramides, glacial water

The Biodance Cera-nol Gel Toner Pads deliver an instant boost of hydration and soothing relief with just one easy swipe. Formulated with Biodance’s signature Cera-nol Complex, a calming mix of D-panthenol, ceramides, and a multi-layered blend of 10 types of hyaluronic acid, these pads deeply nourish and repair dry skin while strengthening the moisture barrier. The hyaluronic acids work at different depths, pulling moisture from the air into multiple layers of your skin for long-lasting hydration and a dewy, refreshed look. Infused with mineral-rich glacial water, the pads provide a cooling sensation and enhance product absorption without any sticky residue. Ultra-gentle and irritation-free, they’re perfect for daily use to calm redness, reduce dryness, and prep skin for a smooth, radiant finish.

Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum

Key ingredients: Blue hyaluronic acid, peptides, probiotic lysate

Don’t be deceived by its lightweight formula – the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum is a hydration powerhouse, revitalising dry skin and boosting its natural glow. Featuring blue hyaluronic acid, a highly absorbent form of hyaluronic acid fermented with deep-sea algae, it delivers long-lasting moisture deep into the skin. Peptides help visibly plump and firm, while probiotic lysate strengthens the skin barrier to protect against environmental stressors. Dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types, this serum leaves skin feeling smooth, supple, and refreshed with a dewy, healthy glow. 

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Key ingredients: 96% snail mucin extract, antioxidants

A viral K-beauty favourite for good reason, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is packed with 96% snail mucin to deliver deep hydration, promote skin repair, and leave your complexion visibly smoother and more radiant. Yes, it really is produced by snails, but don’t be put off by its slimy origins – the fast-absorbing, gel-like texture glides on easily and instantly soothes dryness, redness, and irritation. Rich in natural antioxidants, it also helps strengthen the skin barrier, fade acne scars and fine lines, and support overall skin health. Loved by all skin types, it’s especially perfect for dry, dull, or tired skin in need of a hydrating glow-up.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

Key ingredients: Fermented centella asiatica extract, niacinamide, ceramide np, phytosterols

The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule is your skin’s ultimate barrier-boosting rescue remedy. Infused with fermented centella asiatica for the best absorption and potency, it calms inflammation, reduces redness, and supports collagen production to keep skin firm and resilient. Niacinamide brightens and evens out skin tone, while ceramide np and phytosterols lock in moisture and help fortify the barrier. With its silky texture and fast-absorbing formula, this ampoule leaves skin plumped, hydrated, and visibly rejuvenated, perfect for dry, sensitive, or ageing skin in need of gentle yet powerful care.

Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, herbal moisturising complex

Turn bedtime into the ultimate treat for your skin with this jelly-textured sleeping mask that delivers a surge of overnight hydration. Powered by hyaluronic acid and brightening niacinamide, Belif’s Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask replenishes dry, dull skin while you sleep, locking in moisture and soothing irritation. Its signature herbal blend helps calm and nourish, while the memory-gel texture hugs every contour of your face, melting into fine lines and dry patches without a trace. Non-sticky, mess-free, and pillow-proof, this overnight mask leaves you waking up to softer, smoother, and visibly refreshed skin.

Dr. Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution™

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, pentavitin™, SJC-GG (glyceryl glucoside, glycerin, water)

Give your skin a flood of hydration with this cult-favourite Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution™ from Dr. Jart+. Powered by the brand’s innovative Hydro Plump System, it delivers an instant +108% moisture boost thanks to hyaluronic acid, moisture-locking pentavitin™, and SJC-GG, a smart complex that supports your skin’s natural water channels. The result? Smoother, plumper, glowier skin in just one use. This mask is gentle enough for post-treatment skin and leaves no greasy residue, just a fresh, dewy finish and long-lasting hydration for up to 24 hours.

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream 

Key ingredients: Rice bran, ginseng, honey extract, niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid (3 types)

Rich, restorative, and rooted in traditional Korean skincare, the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream is a multi-tasking moisturiser that hydrates, brightens, and rejuvenates in one buttery layer. It’s formulated with rice bran, ginseng, honey, and safflower seed oil to nourish dull, dry skin while softening fine lines and rough patches. A trio of hyaluronic acids delivers deep and surface-level hydration, while niacinamide and squalane help balance oil and shield the skin from environmental stress. Even though it has a thick texture, it’s non-comedogenic and suitable even for acne-prone or sensitive skin, making it perfect for locking in moisture all year round.

mixsoon Bean Cream 

Key ingredients: Fermented soybean extract, meadowfoam seed oil, pear extract

Velvety, nourishing, and glow-inducing, mixsoon’s Bean Cream is packed with fermented soybean extract to deeply hydrate, brighten, and improve skin elasticity. Rich in amino acids and enzymes, this silky moisturiser helps reduce discolouration, smooth fine lines, and restore bounce to tired, dull skin. Meadowfoam seed oil, which is easily absored by the skin and helps lock in moisture, gives the complexion a soft and supple feel, while pear extract drenches the skin in moisture. Expect a spa-like glow, a dewy finish, and skin that feels as silky as it looks. Suitable for all skin types, this antioxidant-rich formula also strengthens the skin barrier for a healthier, more vibrant complexion.

Holika Holika Good Cera Super Ceramide Cream

Key ingredients: Ceramides, yeast extract, shea butter, aloe vera

Deeply nourishing and barrier-repairing, the Good Cera Super Ceramide Cream from Holika Holika’s Good Cera line is specially formulated for dry, sensitive, and irritated skin. Infused with ceramides to restore and reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier, it locks in hydration and improves elasticity while soothing redness, tingling, and irritation. Yeast extract boosts skin immunity and collagen production, while shea butter and aloe vera soften, calm, and help protect against environmental stress. With a skin-friendly pH of 5.5 and a creamy texture that comforts without clogging pores, this is the perfect cold-weather cream for a calm, plump, and protected complexion.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun

Key ingredients: Madagascan Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid

Lightweight and soothing, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun offers high-level SPF 50+ PA++++ chemical protection against UVA and UVB rays without feeling heavy. Its star Hyalu-Cica Complex combines deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid with calming Madagascan Centella Asiatica to soothe irritation and redness while delivering lasting moisture. This unique watery, serum-like formula absorbs quickly, leaving a fresh, dewy, and plumped finish with no white cast. Ideal for all skin types, it layers seamlessly under makeup, making it a perfect everyday sunscreen for dry or sensitive skin needing hydration and protection.

Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion

Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, brown algae extract, sodium hyaluronate

Soothe, hydrate, and protect with this ultra-lightweight Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion from Purito. Infused with calming Korean Centella Asiatica, this gentle sunscreen relieves irritation and redness while supporting your skin’s natural barrier. Brown algae extract defends against urban pollutants and fine dust, while sodium hyaluronate locks in moisture for all-day hydration. The custard-like texture melts into skin without a trace, leaving behind a dewy, fresh-faced glow with no greasiness or white cast. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, it provides gentle, hydrating, and effective protection for dry and sensitive skin types. 

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++

Key ingredients: Aloe arborescens leaf extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E)

The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ is a gentle yet powerful daily sunscreen that shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays while delivering lasting hydration. Infused with soothing aloe arborescens leaf extract, it boosts moisture levels for a refreshed feel, while calming irritated or sensitive skin. Vitamin E works to protect against environmental damage while moisturising and supporting the skin barrier. This lightweight cream absorbs quickly with a non-sticky finish, leaving your skin protected and comfortably hydrated. 

good light Taste of Space Lip Milk

Key ingredients: Vegan collagen, raspberry extract, panthenol, mango seed butter

Cracked lips? Not on good light’s watch. Their Taste of Space Lip Milk is your new lip care saviour, bringing a creamy, fast-absorbing formula packed with juicy hydration and skin barrier-boosting ingredients. Raspberry extract (inspired by molecules found at the centre of the galaxy) delivers a hit of antioxidants, while vegan collagen plumps and smooths. Panthenol and mango seed butter work overtime to repair, moisturise, and restore even the most chapped lips. With a silky texture and a delicious raspberry flavour, this luscious lip milk is perfect for both daytime nourishment and overnight repair.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 

Key ingredients: Berry Fruit Complex, vitamin C, coconut oil, murumuru butter, shea butter

This cult-favourite Lip Sleeping Mask from Laneige does the heavy lifting while you sleep, so you can wake up with softer, smoother lips. Powered by Laneige’s antioxidant-rich Berry Fruit Complex (featuring pomegranate, grape, and raspberry juices) and boosted with nourishing butters like coconut, murumuru, and shea, this silky treatment delivers 8-hour hydration to rescue lips from dryness and flaking. Vitamin C offers environmental protection, while a choice of delicious flavours, from creamy Vanilla to sweet and fruity Gummy Bear, makes nightly lip care feel like a treat. Whether you use it as an overnight mask or a glossy daytime balm, your lips will drink it up.