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No Doubt, Korea Makes Some Of The Best Moisturizers For Acne

by Deanna McCormack

Whether you get the occasional pimple or are battling hormonal acne, every skin type needs moisture. The best Korean moisturizers for acne-prone skin are just as effective as the acne-safe moisturizers you buy from your favorite drugstore or luxury brands, but with some extra-special, highly innovative additions. Korean skincare products — including those for acne-prone skin — often contain a wide variety of ingredients that you aren't likely to find in your drugstore moisturizer.

Even if your skin is on the oilier side, a great moisturizer is still essential. Moisturizers, among having many other benefits, hydrate your skin by increasing your skin’s water content, not oil content. When looking for a good moisturizer for your acne-prone skin, look for lighter, oil-free formulas that won’t clog pores and don’t contain breakout triggers like alcohol. Also, ingredients like aloe, mineral water, and niacinamide help to soothe skin, promote hydration, and reduce inflammation. SPF is a great addition, too, since it helps speed up healing and minimize post-acne marks.

These five moisturizers treat acne-prone skin by providing it with the basic protection it needs to stay healthy. From a tinted formula laden with SPF to a lightweight lotion that unclogs pores, there's a Korean moisturizer sure to suit everyone's preferences, below.

1A Tinted Reparative Day Cream With SPF 30

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, $51, Amazon

If your acne-prone skin is also susceptible to redness, a color-correcting cream like this one, which transforms from green to beige, might just be the moisturizer for you. The formula is made with centella asiatica, an ingredient that strengthens skin and reduces inflammation, has SPF 30 to protect from environmental damage, and is infused with sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to promote skin health.

2A Barrier Cream With Mineral Water For Healing & Hydration

LJH Dr's Care Cosmetic Bio + N Barrier Cream, $17, Amazon

This moisturizer creates a physical barrier between the skin and potential irritants, which is a dream come true if you have super sensitive complexion that’s prone to acne or irritation like contact dermatitis. But what makes this moisturizer especially suitable for acne-prone skin is that it’s made with 85 percent mineral water, which adds mega hydration and protection, and is hypoallergenic, so it won’t clog your pores.

3An All-Around Acne-Fighting Gel Moisturizer with 90 Percent Aloe Vera

Natural Republic Aloe Vera Gel, $8, Amazon

Nature Republic’s clear, thick aloe vera gel melts into a fast-absorbing water-like lotion when applied to the skin, which is amazing, but only half the reason it’s a cult-favorite and perpetual best-seller. The formula contains almost 92 percent aloe vera, which is a dream ingredient for acne-prone skin. Aloe has antibacterial and astringent properties to clean and reduce bacteria, and anti-inflammatories that reduce redness, alleviate itching, and accelerate healing and cell restoration, which reduces acne scars. It also contains small amounts of naturally occurring salicylic acid, which unclogs pores and fights both blackheads and whiteheads.

4A Lightweight, Oil-Free Moisturizer That Hydrates Without Clogging Pores

Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion, $23, Amazon

For a more traditional, everyday lotion, try Cosrx's Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion. It has a milky, lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, works well under makeup, and contains no irritating or pore-clogging ingredients. Even though it’s great for any skin type, the formula also contains birch sap which calms, protects, and heals sensitive, irritated, or freshly exfoliated skin.

5A Cream That Calms Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream, $23, Amazon

This cream gets its blue color from a natural ingredient called guaiazulene, which is derived from calming chamomile oil. Along with centella asiatica, it helps reduce the redness and inflammation that's typically associated with acne. And, because it's so lightweight, it's also a great option for oily skin types.

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