Cold winds, low humidity, and constant indoor heating make winter especially harsh on dry skin.
In Korea, winter skincare isn’t about aggressive treatments or quick fixes. It’s about maintaining skin comfort, barrier stability, and hydration balance over time—even in long, dry seasons.
This guide explores a winter skincare routine for dry skin based on how Koreans actually take care of their skin in winter, focusing on daily habits and skincare essentials that stay in real routines year after year.
How Koreans Focus on Hydration in Winter?
If hydration is the core of your winter skincare routine, 🔗this overview breaks down Korean hydration skincare brands people rely on for dry seasons
How Do Koreans Change Their Skincare Routine for Winter?
Rather than replacing every product, Koreans adjust their routine strategically.
A typical winter shift focuses on:
- Cleansing without stripping moisture
- Increasing hydration through light, repeatable layers
- Reinforcing the skin barrier with ceramides and lipids
- Using reliable moisturizers that feel comfortable daily
This approach explains why many winter skincare essentials Koreans use may look simple—but are chosen intentionally for consistency and skin comfort.
What Ingredients Are Best for Winter Skincare?
Korean winter routines often rely on ingredients that support hydration and barrier health rather than quick, visible effects.
Commonly favored ingredients include:
- Ceramides for strengthening the moisture barrier
- Hyaluronic acid for replenishing inner dryness
- Soothing botanicals to reduce sensitivity and redness
These ingredients work together to support skin comfort throughout prolonged cold weather.
What Is the Best Skincare Routine for Winter?
A Korean Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin (Step-by-Step)
Instead of chasing trends, Korean winter care emphasizes routine structure. Below is a practical skincare routine for winter that reflects how Koreans manage dryness throughout the season.
- Step 1. Gentle Cleansing Without Disrupting the Barrier
- Step 2. Hydration That Feels Comfortable, Not Heavy
- Step 3. Daily Soothing for Sensitive, Dry Winter Skin
- Step 4. Barrier Repair with a Korean Moisturizer
- Step 5. Sun Protection in a Winter Skincare Routine
Step 1. Gentle Cleansing Without Disrupting the Barrier
Dry skin becomes more reactive in winter, and harsh surfactants can worsen dehydration.
Korean routines favor low-pH, non-stripping cleansers that remove residue while preserving the skin barrier. This first step sets the tone for the entire winter skincare routine for dry skin, ensuring hydration layers applied later can absorb properly.
beplain MUNG BEAN pH-BALANCED CLEANSING FOAM
beplain MUNG BEAN pH-BALANCED CLEANSING FOAM A mild, pH-balanced cleanser using mung bean extract and powder to gently cleanse without leaving the skin tight—ideal for daily winter use on dry or sensitive skin.
💬 What Korean Users Say about beplain MUNG BEAN pH-BALANCED CLEANSING FOAM
⭐ 4.62 (44,561 reviews)
- Cleansing Foam · Pores 1st Place
- 2022 Hall of Fame · Based on Hwahae user reviews
As of Jan 9, 2026
Why Koreans keep using it
- Gentle low-pH cleansing
- Mild exfoliation with mung bean particles
- Doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation
- Comfortable for daily and double cleansing
Real Voices from Korean Users
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ le******* – Combination / Sensitive Skin**
“I’ve been using this for over five years with zero irritation. It cleans thoroughly while staying gentle—my most reliable cleanser.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ yd***** – Normal Skin**
“My skin feels clean but not tight after washing. It leaves just enough hydration and creates a rich, satisfying lather.”
Step 2. Hydration That Feels Comfortable, Not Heavy
Rather than relying on one thick product, Koreans build hydration gradually.
Light layers help reduce irritation, improve absorption, and keep the skin feeling comfortable throughout the day. This method reflects how to take care of skin in winter naturally, allowing the skin to retain moisture without feeling weighed down.
TONYMOLY WONDER Ceramide Mochi Toner
A milky toner that combines hydration with ceramides to cushion dry skin immediately after cleansing.
💬 What Korean Users Say about TONYMOLY WONDER Ceramide Mochi Toner
⭐ 4.49 (15,317 reviews)
- Toners · Moisturizing 1st Place
- 2025 Beauty Awards · Toners 1st Place
As of Jan 9, 2026
Why Koreans keep using it
- Deep hydration for inner dryness
- Bouncy, cushiony texture
- Not sticky despite rich moisture
- Large size, easy to layer daily
Real Voices from Korean Users
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ss***** – Normal Skin / Inner Dryness**
“The hydration is incredible and absorbs so well that I often skip emulsion at night.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ju****** – Dry Skin / Inner Dryness**
“I’ve never found a toner that works better for dry skin. The amount, price, and absorption are all perfect.”
Torriden DIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
A lightweight serum that delivers hydration deep into the skin without stickiness—well-suited for dry skin that still reacts easily.
What Korean Users Say about Torriden DIVE IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
⭐ 4.60 (73,633 reviews)
- Essences/Ampoules/Serums · Hydration 1st Place
- 2021 Hall of Fame · Based on Hwahae user reviews
As of Jan 9, 2026
Why Koreans keep using it
- Lightweight hydration for inner dryness
- Absorbs quickly without stickiness
- Doesn’t pill under makeup
- Safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Real Voices from Korean Users
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ le******* – Dry Skin**
“Applying a generous amount really solves my deep dehydration. My skin feels plump and bouncy.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ki*********** – Dehydrated / Sensitive Skin**
“I’ve used this for over two years with zero irritation. It’s my go-to prep before makeup, especially in winter.”
Maintaining Hydration Between Skincare Steps!
For maintaining hydration between layers during the day, 🔗this guide explains how Koreans use hydrating facial mists for dry skin
Step 3. Daily Soothing for Sensitive, Dry Winter Skin
Cold exposure and dehydration can cause low-grade inflammation—even when the skin looks calm.
That’s why many Korean routines include daily soothing steps to address sensitivity early. This preventative approach is a defining feature of winter care for dry and reactive skin.
SKINFOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad
Used as a gentle hydration and soothing step, especially on areas prone to redness or irritation.
💬 What Korean Users Say about SKINFOOD Carrot Carotene Calming Water Pad
⭐ 4.49 (19,086 reviews)
- Toner Pads · Soothing 1st Place
- 2023 Hall of Fame · Based on Hwahae user reviews
As of Jan 9, 2026
Why Koreans keep using it
- Instantly soothing for irritated skin
- Pads hold a generous amount of essence
- Light hydration without heaviness
- Useful as toner wipe or quick mask
Real Voices from Korean Users
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ oj******* – Oily Skin**
“The thick pads hold so much hydration. I use them as targeted masks during dry winter months.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ lm***** – Dehydrated Skin**
“This is a must-have for me, especially when my skin feels dry and sensitive.”
Step 4. Barrier Repair with a Korean Moisturizer
Barrier repair is the core of winter skincare.
A korean moisturizer designed with ceramides and skin-identical lipids helps restore moisture retention and protect against environmental stress. For dry skin, a korean moisturizer for dry skin becomes a long-term staple—used consistently each winter rather than rotated frequently.
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 CREAM
A dermatologist-trusted cream designed to support barrier repair and long-lasting moisture retention during harsh seasons.
💬 What Korean Users Say about AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 CREAM
⭐ 4.67 (13,133 reviews)
- Face Moisturizers · Moisturizing 1st Place
- 2025 Beauty Awards · Face Moisturizers 2nd Place
As of Jan 9, 2026
Why Koreans keep using it
- Strong barrier-repair performance
- Rich ceramide-based moisture
- Comfortable even on irritated skin
- Reliable winter cream year after year
Real Voices from Korean Users
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ he**** – Dehydrated Skin / Acne**
“This is my winter cream every year. It calms redness and makes my skin feel healthy again.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 12****** – Normal Skin**
“I’ve gone through countless tubes. Nothing works better for me in fall and winter.”
ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion
A versatile option often used for both face and body, reflecting Korea’s practical, barrier-focused winter skincare approach.
💬 What Korean Users Say about ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion
⭐ 4.58 (24,083 reviews)
- Body Lotions · 1st Place
- 2021 Hall of Fame · Based on Hwahae user reviews
As of Jan 9, 2026
Why Koreans keep using it
- Easy to spread over the whole body
- Absorbs quickly without stickiness
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Reliable daily winter body care
Real Voices from Korean Users
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ pi***** – Dehydrated Skin / Inner Dryness**
“Our whole family uses this together. In winter, it works perfectly as a daily body emulsion.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ he******* – Dry Skin**
“It feels amazing to apply during winter and keeps my skin hydrated and dewy all day.”
Step 5. Sun Protection in a Winter Skincare Routine
UV exposure doesn’t stop in winter, and dry skin is more vulnerable to environmental damage.
Including sunscreen as part of a daily winter skincare routine helps protect the barrier and supports long-term skin health, even during colder months.
ROUNDLAB Birch Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++
![Birch Moisture Sun Cream [SPF50+/PA++++]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/1920665/1920665_20220801000000.jpg)
A moisturizing sunscreen that provides protection without drying out the skin—making it easier to apply daily, even in cold weather.
💬 What Korean Users Say about ROUNDLAB Birch Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++
⭐ 4.59 (27,451 reviews)
- Sunscreen · Moisture 1st Place
- 2022 Hall of Fame · Based on Hwahae user reviews
As of Jan 9, 2026
Why Koreans keep using it
- Moisturizing without heaviness
- No white cast
- Gentle around the eyes
- Layers well under makeup
Real Voices from Korean Users
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ no******* – Combination / Sensitive Skin**
“It’s so comfortable that I barely use other sunscreens anymore. Hydrating, zero white cast, and stress-free.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ he******* – Combination / Sensitive Skin**
“It’s lightweight yet keeps my skin from drying out. I can wear it alone without discomfort.”
Winter Skincare Essentials Koreans Use—Less Trend, More Routine
What defines must have beauty products in Korean winter skincare isn’t novelty—it’s reliability.
Products remain in routines because they:
- Don’t irritate dry or sensitive skin
- Support the barrier consistently
- Feel comfortable enough for daily, long-term use
This trust-first mindset explains why many skincare Koreans rely on in winter stay the same year after year.
FAQ: Winter Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
What is the best skincare routine for winter?
A routine that focuses on gentle cleansing, layered hydration, barrier repair, and daily sun protection rather than aggressive treatments.
How do Koreans take care of dry skin in winter?
They prioritize skin comfort, increase hydration layers, and rely on barrier-supporting products instead of frequent exfoliation.
How to get glow on face in winter?
Consistent hydration, barrier repair, and avoiding over-stripping the skin help maintain natural glow during dry winter months.
Editor’s Note
A winter skincare routine for dry skin isn’t about finding new products every season.
In Korea, it’s about building a routine that your skin can rely on—quietly, consistently, and comfortably—through even the harshest winters.
