The best Korean non-comedogeninc BB creams

All things K-Beauty are my ultimate weakness as a skincare blogger. Whether it’s adorable packaging or mysterious snail goop, nothing brings a smile to my face like K-Beauty makeup. So I’m stoked that my people at Curology asked me to round up the best Korean BB cream for every skin type.

The best BB cream for dry skin

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45

A hydrating beauty balm with a glowy finish, the formula boasts strong UV protection with physical and chemical sunscreens. Glycerin is the first ingredient after sunscreens, which gives this cream its moisturizing power. It also has niacinamide, which may help fine lines and dark spots.

$39.00 via Sephora

The best BB cream for mature skin

The Face Shop Intensive Glow BB Cream SPF 37

This beauty balm smooths the complexion with occlusive moisturizers like dimethicone and beeswax while plumping the skin with ceramide and sodium hyaluronate. It also contains niacinamide and retinol to help improve signs of aging.

$28.00 via The Face Shop

The best full-coverage BB cream

Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42

Not only does this cream by Missha have an adorable bear on it, it’s full-coverage that won’t dry you out. It offers strong UV protection with a mix of chemical and physical sunscreens, plus high-powered moisturizing ingredients like squalane, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate (to name a few)!

$22.00 via Missha

Image via Missha

The best BB cream for oily skin

Erborian BB Creme

This BB cream has a matte finish, making it ideal for oily skin types. It boasts light-coverage (perfect for your no-makeup makeup look) and is packed with dimethicone and other silicones that help maintain hydration with minimal shine. It has SPF 20 with physical and chemical sunscreens, but most dermatologists recommend you use at least SPF 30!

$39.00 via Ulta

The best BB cream for combination skin

Purlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream SPF 30

This BB cream has a satin finish, which is ideal for harmonizing the dry parts of your face with the oilier parts. It offers strong UV protection with physical and chemical sunscreens plus occlusive moisturizers like beeswax and dimethicone to help maintain hydration.

$35.00 via Purlisse

The best medium coverage BB cream

Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream

This balm boasts medium, buildable coverage that’s packed with hydrating ingredients including squalane, glycerin, and butylene glycol — to name a few. In fact, this BB cream has the longest ingredients list out of any that I came across in my analysis. So while none of its ingredients are known to be irritating or comedogenic, you might want to avoid this one if you have sensitive skin, just in case you’re allergic to one of these plant extracts.

$29.00 via Missha

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Skincare minimalism vs. maximalism

One of the challenges with rounding up these reviews is the ingredient maximalism that gives K-Beauty makeup its edge. Korean beauty balms are formulated to do the most — they’re often your daily moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen, all rolled into one. They also tend to be packed with skincare ingredients, as well as natural extracts and essential oils. This means they can be a double-edged sword, because the more ingredients are in a product, the more potential they have to cause an allergic reaction.

If you’re looking for a solution for intersecting skin issues like hormonal acne and signs of aging, a simplified routine with customized skincare just might save the day. Sign up for a free month of Curology and try a prescription cream designed just for you by one of our in-house dermatology providers. Just pay $4.95 (plus tax) to cover the cost of shipping and handling. For no extra cost, Curology can complete your skincare routine with our non-comedogenic cleanser and your choice of moisturizer. See what all the hype is about and start your #SkincareJourney today.

Written by

Stephanie Papanikolas