Collection: Moisturisers

Moisturisers are an essential step of your skincare routine because they not only provide hydration but also make sure to lock it in and prevent dehydrated skin. They deliver vital moisture to the skin thanks to essential lipids like ceramides and fatty acids, while simultaneously locking it in with a protective seal and not letting it evaporate into the air. At the same time, because they are also enriched with nutritious ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides, they actively help improve the skin barrier, making your complexion look significantly healthier over time.

Choosing between these three moisturisers depends entirely on your skin type and environment: 

• Creams: Are richer in texture and are ideal for dry, mature, or compromised skin types that need intensive barrier support, especially during colder months.
• Gel-Creams: Are water-based, ultra-lightweight formulas that absorb instantly without leaving any greasy residue. They are perfect for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, as well as hot, humid weather.
• Lotions: Are right in the middle in terms of texture and feeling. They are lightweight creams that offer balanced daily moisture for normal to combination skin types.

Yes, you can definitely use the same Korean moisturiser for both morning and night, as many K-Beauty formulas are suitable for the skin no matter the time of the day. However, if your morning routine involves outdoor activities and time spent in the sun, we would recommend a lightweight gel-cream type, such as the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream. For evening routines, switching to a richer formula like the haruharu wonder Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream will support your skin’s natural repair cycle.

Sometimes we confuse dry skin with dehydrated skin, but they are actually two entirely different concerns. Dry skin is a structural skin type that naturally lacks oil (sebum), whereas dehydrated skin is a temporary skin condition that lacks water. Because dry skin types consistently produce less sebum than other types, the complexion might appear dull and flaky, with clear signs of tightness and rough texture. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is a temporary skin condition in which the skin lacks water rather than oil. This is usually caused by damage to the skin barrier due to environmental factors, lifestyle, or harsh products and involves a sensation of tightness. 

* Malkn Tip: Dehydrated skin might feel tight and oily at the same time, because it produces more sebum than usual as a coping mechanism for the lack of water. When the skin barrier is disrupted, water tends to evaporate faster, prompting the skin to produce excess oil to physically protect the surface. If you notice an extra layer of oil on your skin, avoid over-cleansing. Continuous cleansing doesn’t just get rid of the oil but also strips further moisture from the skin. Instead, focus on repairing your skin barrier with nourishing and hydrating products. =

If your skin feels tight or dry even after applying a moisturiser, it could either mean that your cream doesn’t fit your skin type or that your skin barrier is compromised and cannot hold onto moisture. This process is known as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), and it refers to the water in your skin evaporating much faster than it should. 

To fix this, you should focus on layering a hydrating essence or serum underneath your cream to moisturise your complexion more. At the same time, you should focus on creams rich in ceramides to effectively lock in that moisture and prevent irritation. Our ultimate go-to is the haruharu wonder Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream.

Applying a pea-sized or nickel-sized amount is more than enough to perfectly cover your whole face and neck. There is no need to apply more than that, as using too much product might cause unwanted effects, such as clogged pores, excess greasiness, or product pilling under your makeup or SPF. If your skin still feels dry after a pea-sized amount, it is a sign you need a richer formula.