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Posted: 2023-10-30T09:45:21Z | Updated: 2023-10-30T09:45:21Z 21 Korean Skincare Products Under $25 That You'll Want To Add To Your Cart | HuffPost Life

21 Korean Skincare Products Under $25 That You'll Want To Add To Your Cart

Get ready to unlock that Seoul-ful glow.
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Popular items from this list include:

  • Cosrx’s 96% snail mucin essence

  • A brightening rice extract toner

  • A soft-finish sun milk with SPF50+ sun protection

HuffPost and its publishing partners receive a share from retailers on this page. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
The cult-favorite Cosrx snail mucin essence
The snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed.

Promising review: "Ive been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasnt sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and its a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and its helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. Ive noticed my red spots from past acne is fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" Sarah D.
2
The Saem hydrating and cooling eye stick
It also can help tighten the appearance of eye wrinkles if you'd prefer for them not to be as noticeable. And here's a tip! It reduces puffiness faster if used after refrigeration.

Promising review: "This is definitely a miracle product. I was impressed that it worked so well, so fast, and so instantly. The packaging is silly but whimsical; I enjoy it. This is the last thing I apply before walking out the door. First day I used it, I put it on and got in my car I looked in the rear view mirror and my heart jumped. My eyes had de-puffed on my walk down the front path!!! So impressive. It's not hydrating, its more tightening/brightening. If you have dry under eyes, use a creamy hydrating eye cream first, and apply this over it problem solved. You dont get much product, but you dont need to use much either, and its not like its expensive. Definitely worth it if a product actually DOES what it claims itll do!!! Buy it!" Joseph S.
3
And a super rich collagen eye cream
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this eye cream! I have a dry skin type and am prone to darkness under eye when Im tired. After I use a small amount my under eye glows and feels so hydrated. I am on my second jar and will absolutely repurchase it!" Makayla

"I really wanted an inexpensive eye cream just to moisturize and keep my skin feeling soft and subtle during winter. This did the trick. I've bought it over and over again." Mary
4
A clarifying carbonated clay mask
This reviewer recommends putting the lid back on when not using because the air activates it.

Promising review: "I loved this! The fizzing effect exfoliated and deep cleaned my face.beyond facial smooth and bright! It felt nice during the treatment. I really sensed DEEP cleaning! I think it will be a nice weekly treat! I highly recommend it for the fun experience and the amazing results." Amy Lynn Volansky

Another promising review: "I love love love this carbonated bubble clay mask! Ok so the packaging was very cute and simple, when opening up the jar, they give you this little spatula to help spread the mask. A little bit goes a long way! The texture is jelly-like and smells decent. Once on your face, you can feel it tingling and cracking cause it's creating bubbles on your face. When done your face itself looks like a huge bubble, it's quite fascinating. I kept the mask on for 10 minutes. Afterward, I used wet hands to rub the product in, then I washed with warm water. After using this my face felt amazing! Super soft and shiny, not oily of grimy at all. Will definitely buy again, 10/10." Erica
5
A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser
All Cosrx products are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and have no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Promising review: "After hours of exhaustive research on Korean gentle cleansers, I finally decided upon a cleanser. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my face! I have sensitive, combination, and very volatile skin, so if I ever make it unhappy, it definitely lets me know. This cleanser is light enough that it doesn't feel thick or cloying, it has a very subtle smell (which I love), and the ph of the cleanser is so low that the only thing I am worried about for my face anymore is the ph of the water I am splashing on my face. It hasn't caused any bad breakouts or negative reactions like drying or tightness of skin but it can certainly handle itself in the department of a full face cleanser. This has caused me to look forward to trying more Cosrx products!" Haley Hart
6
A rice water facial foaming cleanser
Promising review: "Not any of the many Ive tried throughout my life have worked as incredibly as this one has. Ive had top recommended brand cleansers that required two washes to thoroughly cleanse it all off. Not with this one. And the scent is wonderful!! I love it even more for that! The size of the bottle is much bigger than I expected and for such a great price!! Highly recommended!" Carlos
7
A 24-pack of Dermal daily collagen sheet masks
Promising reviews: "I love this mask! I use them one or two times a week and they make my skin very soft and moisturized. It has enough liquid in every bag to use the remaining as you please. I put them in the refrigerator and it helps with puffiness and freshness!" Amazon customer

"I've been using these sheet masks for 4+ years. I must say, these Korean masks worked wonders on my skin. I had a lot of acne scars, mild pigmentation around my lips and dark eye lids but ever since I included these masks to my skin care regimen (alongside Glow Recipe skin care products) I have seen visible improvement in my skin. Now, I've zero breakouts and almost fully evened out skin tone. It always feels refreshing and rejuvenating after using these masks. Highly recommend." Siva
8
A melt-away cleansing balm
Promising review: "I LOVE this cleansing balm. Ive been trying all sorts of different cleansers to try and help my acne to no avail. It wasnt until I started watching vids on Korean beauty that this oil cleanser kept being recommended and I decided to give it a try. Worth. Every. Penny. You dont need a lot to wash your whole face, and it gets the job done well, leaving my face super refreshed afterward. Of course, Ive been using other Korean beauty products so I wont give it full credit, but I do think its helped out my acne a lot." A Flying Potato
9
A propolis and niacinamide glow serum
Promising review: "From the moment I started using this serum I saw results! The combination of propolis and niacinamide in this serum is a winning formula. My complexion has never looked this radiant and healthy. It effectively addresses dark spots and hyperpigmentation, visibly reducing their appearance. What makes this serum even more remarkable is its lightweight and fast-absorbing texture. It feels like silk on my skin and leaves no greasy residue. I can apply it seamlessly without worrying about it disrupting my makeup or other skincare products. The hydrating properties of this serum are a game-changer. My skin feels intensely nourished and plump, minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The only downside is the price. I think it's a bit expensive for the amount of product you get. However, it's so good that I'll still leave it at 8/5 stars!" Yuna Lee
10
A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil
This lip oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Promising review: "This is the first lip oil I've ever used. Usually I avoid anything with oil because I have very sensitive and generally oilier skin, but I wanted to give this a try because I wanted something sheer and pretty for a natural makeup look. Probably the best purchase I've ever made!!! It's super sheer and looks fine on its own without any other makeup. The smell is delicious, and while the gloss dries and fades after about an hour or two without eating, the color stays all day! I did have to reapply after eating, but not after drinking water! I just wish it was bigger, it's a teeny bottle. Would definitely buy again!!" Debby Gold
11
A Mizon snail repair cream
Promising review: "I am obsessed with this stuff I would bathe in it if I could!! I have really sensitive skin to weather changes and tend to get flaky skin on my face, but I've used this for two years now and I have had the most moisturized baby smooth face since. Seriously buy it, put it on before bed, and the next morning you can absolutely tell the difference. Im like a freaking walking ad for it. My face is brighter and more moisturized." Leah
12
A brightening rice extract toner
This toner is vegan and cruelty-free.

Promising review: "I love this toner! Ive finished the whole bottle. Its light and moisturizing. I can definitely tell the difference, my skin is smoother and plump. I love it cause I have both oily and dry skin and it makes my skin normal again! Best of all it doesnt burn or irritate my skin, if anything it calms it down. Will definitely be buying again." Rachael
13
A soft-finish sun milk with SPF50+ sun protection
In the progression photos above, you can see a reviewer before applying the sun milk, after applying the sun milk, and then the sun milk under makeup.

Although many reviewers say they don't experience a white cast with this, it is an untinted mineral sunscreen so results in terms of white cast may vary.

Promising review: "I have dark, oily skin and purchased this product after reading recommendations. There is no white cast; you can barely see it upon application unless you use too much. You definitely do not need a lot, it spreads thin. When it dries, any color is gone. It also helps slow down my face getting all greasy as the day goes on, which I love. My skin is very, very oily but I can still apply this after my moisturizer and feel totally comfortable. I'm not a fan of scents, and the scent on this is extremely mild." Ms. Renee
14
A popular 16-pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks
Skin1004 is a Korean skincare brand that provides high-quality skincare items made of plant-based ingredients from Madagascar. Its signature ingredient is centella asiatica extract, a soothing and hydrating antioxidant that is known for its ability to heal wounds and protect the skin.

Promising review: "I purchased the three-pack. I have only tried the zombie so far, but wow! First time, immediate results. My skin was brighter, the tone was more even, my pores looked smaller. There was no shine to my skin. I was amazed! I have bad skin. Not terrible skin but bad. Nothing helps, but this mask floored me. I can not wait to try the others. I will say the zombie mask does get quite restricting as it dries. I would do it at a time when you're not trying to talk to anyone or do much of anything. Lol It didn't smell bad. I don't really recall the smell much at all. The mask came off super easily. It took about five minutes to completely remove. I love it. I rinsed the brush that was included with hot water and it's good as new, ready for next time. Very happy. Totally worth it." Andrea Russell

Promising review: "I was a little skeptical when I bought this. Tried it for the first time and was amazed by the results! My skin looks and feels amazing, I felt like I looked at least 5 years younger. Yes it doesn't smell the greatest, but it wasn't overly strong. My skin is very sensitive and I avoid trying new products because a lot irritate my skin, this product didn't. I am so thrilled." Dayna
15
@kravebeauty
A Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser
Krave Beauty is a Korean woman-owned small biz that aims to make skincare easy and stress-free.

Promising review: "I struggled with oily, acne-prone skin and a damaged barrier since I was a teenager. But I've been loyal to this cleanser and the oat moisturizer since they came out and y'all...it took some time, but my skin is finally, FINALLY, in the place I always wanted it to be. It has the perfect texture, amount of lather, and after-feel of any cleanser I've ever tried. Do your skin a favor and try this." Monisa A.
16
The Laneige lip mask
Promising review: "I was kinda skeptical, as I am with anything that blows up on TikTok because you never know who is getting paid for a review. But Im dead serious this stuff works. I have the driest, chapped lips, and I have anxiety so Im always biting my lips, and Ive only used this for three days, and my lips are already so soft and healed. It seems expensive but looks like it will last me for months." Caitlin
17
A cute little octopus-shaped blackhead remover
Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself." LuckLocust
18
An exfoliating toner for acne-prone skin
After cleansing, soak your cotton pad with the toner, gently wipe your face, and lightly tap for absorption. Follow with moisturizer.

Promising review: "This stuff works! First off all there was no purging period, which my acne prone skin is grateful for. It also doesn't sting or smell harsh. Within a week of using this toner I stopped having breakouts. My dark spots are slowly getting lighter and my skin is starting to glow. I'm on my second bottle now and I have nothing but good things to say. I really hope they never stop making this." kem
19
Glow Recipe's hydrating niaciamide "dew drops"
Glow Recipe is an Asian-owned business that aims to create fruit-forward, clean beauty formulas to incorporate into your skincare routine.

Promising review: "This water glow serum will make your skin glow! It will give you the dewy, glass skin effect that everyone wants on their skin. Even when you layer on your moisturizer and sunscreen, you can still see the glow. I have never tried a product this good before. This is something worth checking out if you want a glow in the skincare routine" trasang
20
A 72-pack of popular Cosrx pimple patches
For persistent or bigger pimples, leave a pimple patch on overnight for two to three days to allow the pimple to diminish completely.

Promising review: "This product works! It stays on until you remove it and honestly, you can wash your face and forget its there and still it holds up to a lather without falling off. I had a few hormonal acne areas on my chin that were painful to the touch. This patch seemed to alleviate the discomfort and I forgot about it and wore them overnight. It took a few days for the spot to go down in size but it works. As for blemishes after threading, single treatment and by morning the blemish is gone." LaTisha Taylor
21
A fast-working calming cream
Promising review: "Absolutely worth every single cent! I have severe rosacea that leaves my nose and cheeks dry, flaky, and breaking out. Ive had little success with anything topical that will provide any relief to my irritated skin...I received my order Wednesday and applied it that night after washing my face. By Saturday afternoon, my face is almost completely healed, preventing pealing and helping clear up my rosacea skin irritation!" Amazon customer

Before You Go

Skin Care Products Under $50 That Actually Work
Maelove The Glow Maker serum(01 of13)
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Maelove's Glow Maker serum has long being considered an affordable alternative for those who covet the ultra-pricey SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic acid serum . This cult favorite has the same balance of active ingredients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid. It drenches the skin in healing antioxidants that can help improve brightness and texture while infusing it with hydrating and nourishing botanicals.

Promising reviews: "Wow. I'm 61, and after two weeks of using this my cousin who I have not seen in 3 years told me my skin looked so smooth and bright." Debbie J.

"Amazing product! I've seen a massive difference since I started using The Glow Maker! It makes my skin glow and has helped with dark spots. I am going to continue purchasing!" Robert S.
(credit:Maelove)
Embryolisse Lait-Crme Concentr face cream(02 of13)
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This French drugstore-brand moisturizer is everywhere these days , beloved by influencers, models, makeup artists and our own staff writer Tessa Flores. It has a sensitive-skin-friendly formula that includes calming aloe vera, protective beeswax, nourishing soy proteins and skin-softening shea butter.

Promising review: Im 43 and live in Colorado and Im not kidding when I say I have tried 20+ moisturizers in the past few years trying to find something that works in the winter for my super fair, super sensitive skin. I tend to break out easily with certain ingredients and fragrances, also often deal with flaking/redness. It has been so hard to find something that is moisturizing ENOUGH that doesnt break out or irritate my skin, but still actually works. Ive tried so many Sephora lines as well as Biossance and Caudalie, numerous drugstore brands in all price ranges, but this cream is amazing. Moisturizing enough to use as a night cream but not so greasy that you cant wear it during the day under makeup, and super soothing for redness and irritation. KaritaG
(credit:Amazon)
Black Girl Sunscreen moisturizing sunscreen lotion SPF 30(03 of13)
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SPF is a non-negotiable regardless of skin tone, but it's not easy to find formulas that don't leave a white cast. Makeup artist Kierra Lanice Wray just recently recommended Black Girl Sunscreen's lightweight hybrid formula. It's made with zinc oxide, aloe, lavender and shea butter and leaves skin dewy, soft, smooth and healthy as well as protected.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this sunscreen and will forever repurchase it. It leaves my extremely dry skin looking super dewy. It is a necessary step before applying my makeup! The only downside for me personally is that i wish it was more than spf 30 but im looking to try their new hybrid formula that's spf 50." Dom
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Differin Adapalene gel(04 of13)
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Dr. Shari Sperling, a board-certified dermatologist at Sperling Dermatology in New York and New Jersey, told HuffPost previously , "Retinol helps promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen, reduce discoloration and restore your skins natural texture and tone. Differin, which used to be prescription-only but is now available over the counter, is a great product for acne and anti-aging." Use it to spot treat acne or all over to help prevent breakouts and help with overall skin health.

Promising review: "My dermatologist recommended this to me for the comedonal acne on my forehead. She said it could take up to 3 months to work, but within 7 days of using it, my forehead was mostly clear. I am thrilled and will keep using this from now on. I use a good moisturizer afterward and it hasn't been drying out my skin." Olivia
(credit:Target)
Laneige lip sleeping mask(05 of13)
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Laneige lip sleeping mask is a wildly popular lip mask and for good reason. It creates a seal on the lips that lets the products hydrating ingredients soak in. Wake up to soft, hydrated and thoroughly nourished lips of your youth with minimal effort.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this lip mask. I've tried other ones and this one is just so soft and stays on well but doesn't feel sticky. The scent is nice and subtle. The chocolate one has a bit of a brown cast to it which does show more than the pinkish berry one. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little silicone tipped spatula thingy - it is so nice to use. I like using that so much more than using my fingers. My lips have been a lot softer since I've been using this regularly. Since the chocolate is smaller, I use that one for travel mainly and use the pink more for night time when I'm home." Pandalu
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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA liquid salicylic acid exfoliant(06 of13)
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Similarly to The Ordinary's exfoliating treatment, Paula's Choice uses a potent blend of BHAs to help gently resurface acne-prone, rough and dull skin. It can help to unclog pores, smooth wrinkles and even out skin tone. It's less abrasive than other treatments, and also hydrates and smoothes out skin without causing damage or irritation.

Promising review: "I had wanted to try this for a long time so I finally got the travel sized bottle to give it a go and its been great. I disagree with the reviews saying its tiny, it is small but its the same ounces as my other serums but without the thick glass bottle and dropper. The travel sized bottle has lasted me a month at this point and has about a third left and I use it once a day. I would say if you used a cotton pad to apply it then it would probably go a lot quicker so I prefer to use my fingers immediately after washing my face. Anyways, this works miracles and hasnt dried my skin out yet when using with a Hyaluronic acid serum over top. Ive gotten compliments on my skin a lot and people thinking Im wearing foundation when Im not. I tried differin and tretinoin last year for several months each and never got results like this. I also am allergic to so so many cosmetics and this has yet to cause me to get the flaky rash that I so easily get around my mouth and eyes. My only tiny complaint might be that the texture can feel a smidge oily/heavy at first, but it really isnt too bad and it sinks in after about 10 minutes to where you wouldnt notice it more than any other skincare product. I also think I notice that less when I use it immediately after washing my face when my skin is still not totally dried out, which maybe helps it sink in quicker, Im not sure. I highly recommend giving this a try though. For $13 you would definitely have enough product to see some results before deciding to splurge on the full size." Rhyann Wilson
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EltaMD UV Clear tinted sunscreen SPF 46(07 of13)
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Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, noted that this mineral sunscreen is great for people who have breakout-prone skin. This is the tinted version, but you can also grab a clear one if you prefer a natural, clean slate. It doesn't clog pores or feel heavy and has a lovely soft finish that isn't too oily. It's the perfect combination of skin care and makeup.

Promising review: "I was prone to breakouts from other sunscreens which made me not want to wear them. Elta MD is a great dermatologist recommend sunscreen that keeps your pores clear while providing break protection and a tinted appearance. Great to wear alone or as a base layer in your make up routine. Will be buying again." Madi
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Paula's Choice Boost 10% azelaic acid booster serum(08 of13)
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Azelaic acid is a must for anyone hoping to reduce the look of dark spots and fade acne scarring, while also targeting active breakouts with the help of salicylic acid. It's a very effective, versatile serum that's available at a very reasonable price. Many reviewers also note that it works wonders for those with rosacea.

Promising review: "Great product. This cream is a perfect solution for oily parts of my face. It blurs pores and makes my skin tone even. It was a great preventive treatment for my acne as well." Jane
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First Aid Beauty hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid(09 of13)
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Leave your skin bouncy and firm with this popular and highly-rated serum from First Aid Beauty. Camp stated that "hyaluronic acid (HA) is normally found in skin, and functions to attract water molecules to keep skin moisturized. Using an HA serum at night helps skin recover from environmental stresses from the preceding day."

Promising review: "Bye bye wrinkles. I absolutely love their products. This hyraluronic Acid is the best non greasy fast absorbent. It leaves my skin looking bright. I love the way my face feels after using it and i can still apply my makeup after using without clumping or smearing. It has also done wonders for my aging neck. Get old stinks but this is making it a little less of a problem." Kelly McConnell
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The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% exfoliating peeling solution(10 of13)
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Hardcore skin care devotees rave about The Ordinary's 10-minute chemical peel in a bottle. It's a blood-hued exfoliating treatment that can help with acne, skin texture and dullness. It harnesses the power of both AHAs and BHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid, which exfoliate the skin and pores to help reduce congestion.

Promising review: "Was skeptical given the price. This is a miracle product. I tried it before going to bed one night, not thinking it would do much and I realized when I looked in the mirror the next morning that my skin was visibly smoother and less textured. I chalked it up to good sleep but after it happened a couple more times after using this product I realized its the serum thats making my skin look so good. I had my mom try it as well and she said the thing. It does sting a little when applied (do NOT apply to wet or damp skin- must be dry) but its not bad at all for me. I use this weekly and my skin has never looked better!" barb99
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Image Skincare Vital C hydrating enzyme masque(11 of13)
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While a face mask might seem high-maintenance, there's a good chance you'll be able to find a way to pop it into your routine even just once or twice a week. This is a great option for those who want the luxury skin care experience but don't want to go into major debt trying to get the skin of their dreams. According to Sperling, "this mask is soothing, anti-aging, hydrating and is great for all skin types, including dry/dehydrated skin. It leaves the skin looking and feeling refreshed."

Promising review: "After a year of use I cannot say enough good things about this product. I have a mix of dry and oily very sensitive skin. Most exfoliating products either give me hives, cause breakouts, burn, or leave the skin more dry than before. This product smells fantastic (pineapple/orange), is so unbelievably gentle, and leaves skin feeling clean and moisturized. It feels like a professional facial in a bottle. It's helped reduce breakouts and even out my skin tone as well. I use 1-2 times a week on a wet face after the shower before any other products or just in the shower after cleanser. Worth every penny even if you don't have an elaborate skin care regimen." KayliJean
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The Inkey List 20% niacinamide serum(12 of13)
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Niacinamide is one of those wonderfully versatile antioxidants that generally works well with a range of skin types and addresses everything from uneven skin texture to signs of aging and excess oil production. This Inkey List serum has a whopping 20% concentration of niacinamide along with hydrating squalene and zinc to help balance it all out. As Dr. Carmen Castilla , a board-certified New York-based dermatologist, mentioned in a previous article , "the 20% niacinamide concentration is relatively high and has the potential to be irritating. However, the formulation also has squalene, a fatty acid, which can help support the skin barrier and may prevent irritation."

Promising review: "New added product for my routine! So I have used this product for about 2 months ... It works! Before my face would be super oily and shiny at the end of the day, but when I would put this on every morning my face is completely not oily! it really works very well, a good bit will be good and it will be a little tacky. Put it on after all your serums and before your moisturizer." ClearCleanBeaut
(credit:Nordstrom)
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced repair barrier cream(13 of13)
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For anyone seeking deep, restorative hydration, this barrier repair cream is a must. It's great for dry patches, irritated skin and anyone who needs to add an extra dollop of moisture to their routine. Colloidal oatmeal and beta glucan soothe, reduce redness, smooth and support skin's natural barrier. It's just as nourishing and effective as pricey creams like SkinFix and Sunday Riley, but it won't leave you panicking about the cost.

Promising review: "Love love love this moisturizer!! It has such a rich and balmy texture that relieves the dryness on my skin the second I put it on." hafsamlb
(credit:Nordstrom)

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