The Best Korean Face Creams And Gels To Use During The Summer

Summer means glorious sunshine, ice cream, and a new skincare regimen! It’s a season that requires a skincare change-up to products that are lightweight, and where less means more.

Skincare products available in the summer are formulated differently because brands keep environmental factors in mind, specifically humidity during the summer. Instead of heavier creams that create barriers of thick protection, switch to products that are lighter in consistency and texture, and even lessen the amount of steps in your daily skincare regimen. The most important product during summer months is sunscreen no doubt, but a good moisturizer can still alleviate summer skin issues and prevent dehydration. Plus no one wants to walk around feeling as if their products are melting off their face!

belif – The True Cream Aqua Bomb

A personal favorite during the summer, belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb is gel-like in texture and provides a light layer of moisture that instantly absorbs into the skin. Meant for all skin types, it’s been proven to increase hydration by 70 percent and has a cooling effect you’ll be thankful for, perfect for irritated or sun-damaged skin that needs repairing. The main philosophy behind belif’s Aqua Bomb is to be weightless and minimize the appearance of pores, so it has a little bit of everything you’re looking to tackle in the heat!

Nature Republic – Soothing & Moisture 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

A cult favorite for years, I wouldn’t dream of leaving out this product that revolutionized summer skincare and took the K-beauty industry by storm. Nature Republic’s Soothing & Moisture 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is the OG of all aloe vera gels when it comes to Korean skincare. Still highly coveted, it can be hard to get your hands on a tub this season, since its so versatile and simply ideal to have on hand during the summer or when vacationing to humid destinations. Soothing and firming are the key effects of this moisturizer, but it goes beyond being a basic face product, since it can be used in eight different ways! From a sleeping pack to nail essence, this is one product that’s affordable and formulated with certified organic aloe vera.

Mamonde – Floral Moisture Cream

While aloe vera and a pore minimizing cream are more ideal for sensitive and dry skin types, Mamonde’s Floral Moisture Cream is a moisturizer for dry skin-types in the summer. A cream that’s whipped in texture and soft to the touch, it’s infused with hibiscus flower extract that deeply penetrates to provide maximum moisture. This unique product also contains ceramides (molecules that hold skin cells together) that strengthen the moisture barrier to fight against moisture loss. If you wear makeup frequently in the summer, then this is one moisturizer to consider, since it wears well under the weight of makeup and would pair nicely with a mattifying foundation. It’s also vegan certified, which is perfect for those looking to go environmentally friendly!

Glow Recipe – Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer

If you had to name a single food group that defines summer, then you’ll immediately think of fruit! Fruit shouldn’t just be ingested during summer months, but applied topically as well for the antioxidants. Another vegan product and an essential to have if your aim is glass skin, Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer contains two main ingredients that pack a lot when combined together. Watermelon hydrates and soothes while hyaluronic acid is the rescuer of dehydrated skin and results in oil reduction, so you’re not left feeling like a greasy mess by the end of the day.

Innisfree – Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream

As a brand with a reputation for creating products that cater to summer months, Innisfree’s Jeju Cherry Blossom Jelly Cream is clear when applied and delivers a massive amount of hydration to skin, with benefits that promise to brighten and soften skin that appears dull and rough. Revitalization is this moisturizer’s aim, and unlike other ‘jelly’ products out there, this one isn’t sticky, nor does it feel similar to a night mask. In other words, there won’t be too much shine (how your skin would look if you decided to walk out with a jelly night mask on), and it will work well with makeup products and sunscreen.

Pro tip: stick your moisturizer in the fridge when it’s expected to be sweltering out. You’ll love the feeling of a cold moisturizing gel that’s extra icy! And remember to always stay hydrated with water!

debra4040 loves K-dramas, reading a good book in bed, and is a K-beauty enthusiast. You can find her sharing her food adventures, K-drama musings, and love for travel and reading on Instagram and Twitter!