Dry skin

Hydration-first picks — humectants and barrier support for skin that reads tight, flaky or dull.

Best-of roundups

Moisturisers

Three Korean moisturisers for three needs — a light all-rounder, a rich cream for dry skin, and a gentle ceramide gel for sensitive skin.

Essences & Serums

Three Korean serums that punch above their price — for glow, dark spots and value.

Reviews

COSRX

4.3

A rich, fragrance-free rice overnight mask with a touch of niacinamide — a cheap, gentle overnight hydration boost for dry skin.

Anua

4.3

A fragrance-free heartleaf toner that calms redness and adds light hydration — a gentle daily step for sensitive skin.

Anua

4.3

Melts off sunscreen and makeup, then rinses clean — a gentle, good-value first cleanse for the double-cleanse step.

Beauty of Joseon

4.5

Rice and gentle alpha-arbutin for a brighter, more even tone — the Korean serum most routines can start with.

COSRX

4.4

Plump, dewy skin without the tight feeling — a sensible first K-beauty active.

Other skin types