I Tried Korea’s #1 Derm-Recommended Brand For Sensitive Skin — Here’s My Honest Review

As someone who's battled sensitive skin my entire life, I've become incredibly particular about what touches my face. The constant redness and reactivity have turned me into a human dictionary on ingredients — a skill that's served me well as a beauty editor. After testing countless products over the years, I've learned the hard way that my skin only tolerates formulas that are dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and free of common irritants like synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, and sulfates.

To better understand this rise in sensitive skin concerns, I turned to Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a Board-Certified Dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York and Clinical Instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital. "The rise in patients with sensitive skin in the U.S. may be caused by multiple factors," she explains. "Many people use an excessive number of skincare products including those with potentially irritating ingredients. External factors, including UV exposure, cold dry weather, increased pollution, high stress and lack of sleep, may also contribute to a weakened skin barrier."

So when I heard about AESTURA, Korea's #1 dermatologist recommended dermocosmetic brand for sensitive skin¹. As part of the prestigious Amorepacific family, AESTURA has built its reputation on creating clinically proven, gentle yet effective skincare. Their ATOBARRIER³⁶⁵ line, specifically designed for sensitive skin, promised everything I'd been searching for in my skincare routine.

The collection, which just launched at Sephora, features nine products priced between $21-$34 — a range that feels surprisingly accessible for such high-performance Korean skincare. “The first generation ATOBARRIER³⁶⁵ Cream actually started as a prescription-only treatment for patients with sensitive skin in South Korean hospitals and clinics,” explains Chang. After testing their patented ceramide capsule technology products for several weeks, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my typically reactive skin.

The hero product, their ATOBARRIER³⁶⁵ Cream, lives up to its reputation as one of Korea’s most coveted skincare products, with one unit selling every 7 seconds². Its lightweight texture absorbs instantly without any greasy residue or fragrance. "Many [creams] may feel like they sit on the surface of the skin and not absorb well," notes Chang. "The ATOBARRIER³⁶⁵ line of products have a smooth and unique texture that absorbs easily into the skin, providing both immediate and long-lasting hydration."

For someone who's perpetually uncomfortable in their own skin, finding a moisturizer that actually delivers lasting relief feels nothing short of revolutionary.

But what truly impressed me was how it transformed my skin's comfort level. Living in New York, my sensitive skin typically feels tight and itchy, especially during harsh winter months. Yet after consistent use, that persistent discomfort was replaced with a level of hydration and calm I rarely experience.

The science explains why: their barrier-boosting ceramide blend uses innovative capsule technology to maintain these nourishing ingredients within the skin barrier longer than traditional formulations, delivering 120 hours of hydration³. Combined with a triple lipid complex that mirrors your skin's natural moisture barrier, plus soothing ingredients like squalane, niacinamide, and vitamin E, it's a powerhouse formula that's remarkably gentle. For someone who's perpetually uncomfortable in their own skin, finding a cream that actually delivers lasting relief feels nothing short of revolutionary.

For those with sensitive skin, Chang also recommends using products that strengthen the skin barrier through deep hydration while avoiding harsh products that may strip the skin barrier. "Incorporate products that contain skin-barrier strengthening and moisturizing ingredients, including ceramides, niacinamide, and allantoin," Chang advises.

Beyond the moisturizer, I've been equally impressed with other standouts from the collection. The ATOBARRIER³⁶⁵ Foaming Cleanser maintains my skin's delicate pH balance while gently cleansing, and the Hydro CERA-HA Serum provides an extra boost of barrier-strengthening hydration. I've been layering the serum under the moisturizer morning and night – a combination that's been keeping my skin surprisingly plump even during the harshest winter days.

For those curious to try the line, Sephora offers a Mini Bestsellers Kit for $32 that includes all three products. It's the perfect way to test this sensitive skin savior, along with travel-friendly sizes of the serum and cleanser which have already earned a permanent spot in my carry-on.

Needless to say, if you're someone who battles sensitive skin, AESTURA's ATOBARRIER³⁶⁵ line is a game-changer. These dermatologist-tested formulas prove that effective skincare doesn't have to be irritating – or break the bank.