If you're keen to try some underrated K-Beauty options for dry skin, then read on! We're discussing all the best options you might never have heard of.
But first, let's take a look at why dry skin occurs in the first place.
Why Skin Becomes Dry
Dry skin can strike for a number of reasons – some people have naturally dry skin, but others develop it due to external factors. If your skin is not naturally dry, it can become dry because of things like medication, seasonal changes, hormonal changes and aging. Some easy things you can do to help is to avoid washing your skin with hard water or taking ultra-hot baths. Where possible, limit your exposure to air-conditioning and heating.
The other thing to keep in mind is that dry skin is not the same as dehydrated skin. The main difference is that dehydrated skin lacks water, whereas dry skin lacks oil.
Okay so it's not exactly underrated - it's got an average 4.9 star rating buuut it's also not TikTok viral (yet, anyway!)
Jelly Ko's Bubble Tea Steam Cream is a delicious hydrating drink for your face. Inspired by Bubble Tea (the drink!) it contains super ingredients Niacinamide, Vitamin E, Beta Glucan, Pearl, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Arginine, Adenosine and Allantoin.
Not only is it perfect for dry skin, it also works wonders on dull, dehydrated, rough and lackluster skin types as well.
If you feel like your ordinary moisturiser doesn't sink into the skin but just sits on top then you'll love this skin-softening cream.
Another option that doesn't get anywhere near as much credit as it deserves is Tosowoong's Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Ampoule.
Let's start with the fact that it's absolute huge - 100ml, to be exact, which is 2.5 times a regular serum. Not only is it infused with rich levels of hyaluronic acid to fortify your skin's barrier it also helps to hydrate it, leaving it supple and radiant.
Tosowoong's Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule is one of our hidden favourites because it not only boosts skin but moisturises and revitalises it. Hydrolized hyaluronic acid moisturises dry skin from the inside out making it vibrant and elastic. We also love how versatile this ampoule is; you can use it alone or mix it in with your moisturiser or makeup to boost their hydration too.
Get your glaze on with this deliciously hydrating gelato-textured lip mask. Perfect for dry, flaky lips or to prep your pout for smoother makeup application. Lysine and 8 essential amino acids support healthy skin, while decadent oils and butter give your lips a plump sheen.
While it might not be as famous overseas as products like Laneige's Cream Skin, in Korea, AESTURA is a cult-favourite brand. In fact, both Laneige and Aestura are owned by the same company, Amore Pacific!
Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist (120ml) provides long-lasting moisture to your face with a beautiful mist. Containing 10,000ppm of ceramide it forms a strong moisture barrier that provides long-lasting hydration to dry skin.
It works by binding small ceramides and moisture, resulting in intense hydration straight to your skin with no need to tap it in!
Believe it or not this little known Korean cleansing balm is our number one selling Korean cleansing balm!
That's because it's perfect for dry skin because it contains beautiful, antioxidant rich ingredients. The beautiful colour comes from Australian Lemon Myrtle and dreamy Sea Buckthorn Oil. Together, they melt away oil-based impurities like sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum while nourishing the skin with antioxidants, fatty acids and Vitamin E.
Subi's super-effective formula is 100% free from alcohol, silicones, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances or colours, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, PEGs, TEA or phthalates. It is a perfect option for dry and sensitive skin.
