Korean Skincare Secrets: Conquer Winter Dryness with These Viral Moisturizers

These two products, the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Cream and the Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion, look deceptively similar, but their textures and performance differ significantly. The cream boasts a thick consistency, dotted with tiny capsules, while the lotion, a consistent best-seller and Olive Young's top body lotion for four years running (2020-2023), offers a silky smooth application and absorption.

While the cream feels heavier, the lotion initially feels more moisturizing. Both claim to cater to dry, sensitive skin, but I've found this claim to be misleading. They dry down far too quickly, leaving my skin feeling less than satisfied. While their unscented formula is a plus, it's not enough to redeem their lack of lasting hydration. A quick glance at online reviews confirms my experience; many Korean users echo the sentiment that these products fall short for truly dry skin. Some resort to mixing in oils for added moisture, which begs the question: why not just use a more hydrating product from the start?

These products gained popularity due to their dual face and body applicability, making them a convenient choice for the whole family. However, I don't believe they justify the hype.

Now, let's move on to three Illiyoon products that truly deliver on the hydration front: the Illiyoon Ultra Repair Lotion, the Illiyoon MD Lime, and the Illiyoon MD Red-Itch Care Cream. Their packaging alone hints at their superior moisturizing capabilities.

Moving beyond Illiyoon, let's explore two more products specifically designed for dry and mature skin.

The D'alba cream, with its innovative two-in-one design, initially struck me as a TikTok gimmick. However, its practicality and effectiveness won me over. The jar cleverly houses a built-in spatula, eliminating the frustration of misplaced tools. It contains two distinct creams: a serum-like gel and a richer moisturizing cream. This allows for customized hydration based on individual skin needs and preferences.

Oily skin types can use a minimal amount of the cream, while dry skin can indulge in a higher ratio. The two creams can be used separately, with the gel acting as a serum followed by the cream as a sealant, or mixed together in varying ratios. For intense winter hydration, I prefer a higher proportion of the cream, creating a mayonnaise-like consistency that delivers deep moisture. Combination skin can opt for a balanced mix. This product caters to the Korean "ppalli ppalli" (hurry, hurry) mentality, prioritizing efficiency and creativity.

However, the D'alba cream's higher price point is a drawback. It's best to purchase it during promotional periods. Also, be mindful of potential reactions to ingredients like white truffle.

Belif, a brand under LG Cosmetics, is a well-established name in the Korean skincare scene, unlike newer online-centric brands like Anua and Beauty of Joseon. Belif's High Moisturizing Barrier Cream, formulated to prevent moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier, offers a silky, lightweight texture without feeling heavy or sticky. It's suitable for combination skin as a night cream and contains ingredients that prevent moisture evaporation. While it has a slight scent, it's not overpowering. Like the Galba cream, it's best purchased during promotions due to its higher price.

The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream and the COSRX Propolis Light Cream are two popular and similar products. They possess a typical face cream texture but feel lighter than traditional creams. The COSRX Propolis line, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, is a favorite of mine. Its light scent and hydrating yet non-greasy formula make it ideal for pre-makeup application. However, its jar packaging necessitates the use of a spatula. The Beauty of Joseon cream boasts brightening and anti-wrinkle benefits, although I haven't personally noticed significant changes. Nevertheless, it's a solid moisturizer worth trying.

My top pick in this category is the I'm From Rice Cream. It offers slightly more moisture than the previous two, making it suitable for those with slightly drier skin. I find myself reaching for this product consistently, a testament to its effectiveness. The accompanying I'm From Rice Serum is another favorite, as evidenced by its near-empty bottle. Its unscented formula works wonders during the winter months. The combination of the I'm From Rice Toner, Serum, and Cream creates a powerful hydrating trio.

The Belif Aqua Bomb, a Korean skincare staple with over 13 million jars sold, is a gel-cream that provides a light, cooling sensation upon application. It leaves a slight oil layer, making it suitable for pre-makeup use, even for those with oily skin who experience underlying dryness. While its popularity has waned in Korea due to colder weather, it remains a great option for oily-skinned individuals, especially in warmer climates. Its soothing ingredients like allantoin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid provide additional benefits. While its moisturizing effect isn't as long-lasting as richer creams, reapplication can easily address this.

The Ongredients Skin Barrier Calming Lotion, as its name suggests, is a lightweight, liquidy lotion ideal for oily skin. Popularized by Korean beauty YouTubers and K-pop makeup artists, it provides effective hydration despite its light texture by creating a protective barrier. It's perfect for those who prefer lotions over heavier creams and comes in aesthetically pleasing packaging.

The COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream, in my opinion, surpasses their viral snail cream. While the snail cream has a sticky, natto-like texture that doesn't absorb well, the hyaluronic acid cream offers a more conventional face cream experience, absorbing quickly and leaving skin bouncy. While not sufficient for dry winter skin, it's suitable for normal skin and provides significantly more hydration than the snail cream.