Yeppo Glow Guide: the right moisturizer for your skin type

Moisturizer – a cosmetic product found in almost every bathroom. Moisturizer is one of the cornerstones of a skincare routine because the skin needs hydration to function well 💦

In this article, we will cover:

What moisturizers contain?

Does the skin need moisturizing?

How to choose the perfect moisturizer?

Our tips for the perfect moisturizer according to your skin type and needs

What do moisturizers contain?

To find the perfect moisturizer for yourself, it’s good to first understand what a moisturizer consists of. Moisturizers are a combination of water and oil-based ingredients. They usually contain three main types of ingredients:

• occlusive ingredients
• humectants
• emollients

Occlusive ingredients prevent skin's water loss, humectants increase skin hydration, and emollients soften and smooth the skin. The balance between these three determines which type of moisturizer suits you the best. It is also good to know that some ingredients can belong to more than one category, so for example they can be both humectants and emollients at the same time.

• Examples of occlusive ingredients include... various waxes like beeswax and thicker oils like petrolatum or squalane, and certain silicones like dimethicone. 

• Examples of hydrating ingredients include...hyaluronic acid, glycerin, collagen, and trehalose. 👉🏼 For more information about moisturizing ingredients, see our article here 📖

• Examples of emollients include...various oils and waxes, fatty acids like isopropyl palmitate and glyceryl stearate, and volatile cyclic silicones like cyclomethicone

Most moisturizers contain other ingredients as well, such as soothing, firming, repairing, brightening, and strengthening agents. 

Does the skin need moisturizer?

The skin needs moisture and hydration to stay healthy and strong! For many, moisturizer is the best and easiest solution for this. But whichever product type you choose, the most important thing is that the skin is hydrated. Hydrated skin = happy skin 💜

For most people, moisturizer is an excellent product as part of a skincare routine, but not all skin types need it and they may benefit more from an essence or a serum. However, especially in the Nordic countries, when temperature goes below zero and indoor air is dry, moisturizer becomes more important than ever.

There are moisturizers for every occasion and every skin type, and we will explore this topic more deeply next!

Moisturizers by type

There are different moisturizers and creams for every skin type and need! Here are three different types of moisturizers and which skin types and needs they suit best:

Gel creams

Gel creams are a popular category and are lighter and more watery than traditional creams. Some gel creams are pure gels, meaning translucent and light, while others are hybrids between gel and cream.

These are excellent options for all skin types – the lightest versions are perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, and the richer versions are also suitable for dry and dehydrated skin.

Emulsions and lotions

Emulsions and lotions are lighter versions of moisturizers and have a more fluid texture. They can still contain many skin-strengthening and nourishing ingredients, so there are versions suitable for all skin types. Emulsions and lotions also work as an extra layer of moisture for very dry skin in addition to moisturizer!

Creams

Creams and ointments, which are thick and rich moisturizers, contain more occlusive and skin-softening ingredients like fatty acids, oils, and waxes. These are excellent choices especially for very dry skin or in the dry winter months to protect the skin. They work specifically by preventing moisture loss and create a protective layer on the skin. 

How to choose the perfect moisturizer?

Now that you know what moisturizers are made of and the different types available on the market, you still need to know your own skin type and skin concerns.

Examples of different skin types include: dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin. 

Examples of different skin concerns include: skin sensitivity, dehydration , fine lines, or hyperpigmentation.

If your skin is dry...

choose a moisturizer that contains enough occlusive ingredients as well as emollients. 

For dry and sensitive skin: [hwarang'] Bellflower Moisturizing Barrier Cream

Fragrance-free Bellflower Cream, containing skin-strengthening and soothing ingredients, is one of Yeppo's most popular moisturizers for a good reason! Ceramides and panthenol strengthen dry skin, while squalane and shea butter nourish and soften the skin. 

For dry and aging skin: [Centellian24] Madeca Cream Time Reverse

Rightfully a viral hit in both Korea and the West, Madeca Cream delivers youthfulness to aging skin with retinol, peptides, and centella asiatica, and hydrates the skin with a blend of oils and fatty acids.

For dry and dehydrated skin: [ETUDE] SoonJung Hydro Barrier Cream

If your skin is both flaky dry and also needs humectants, then one of Korea's most popular moisturizers is worth trying out. Etude's cream suits all skin types, especially dry and irritated skin. It also contains humectants like glycerin, panthenol, and trehalose.

For dry skin in need of brightening: [Cosnori] Panthenol Barrier Cream

Rich hydration and skin-brightening ingredients in one package? Yes, please! Cosnori's cream contains antioxidant rich kakadu plum extract, niacinamide, and vitamin C, which brighten and protect the skin from free radicals. 

If your skin is oily...

it may still need humectants! So choose a moisturizer, lotion, or gel that contains plenty of humectants. Oily skin may also need products that specifically balance sebum production, which can also be found in moisturizers. 

For oily and sensitive skin:[Purito Seoul] Oat-in Calming Gel Cream

Purito's gel-like moisturizer contains soothing oat water and panthenol, along with plenty of different humectants. Skin-identical squalane softens the skin and helps strengthen the skin barrier. 

For oily and aging skin: [K-SECRET] SEOUL 1988 Cream: Retinal Liposome 1% + Fermented Rice

The good thing about oily skin is that signs of aging may appear much later, but wrinkles and skin sagging will eventually show up sooner or later. This light cream contains anti-aging retinaldehyde that boosts your skin!

For oily and dehydrated skin:[VT Cosmetics] Cica Cream

Cica Cream is the choice for dry, irritated, and stressed skin. The gel cream contains plenty of skin-soothing, moisturizing, and strengthening ingredients, such as ceramides that reinforces the skin barrier and beta-glucan that hydrates the skin. 

For oily skin in need of brightening:[medicube] Zero Pore Cream 2.0

Medicube's moisturizer combines the benefits of chemical exfoliation and hydration. This moisturizer, containing glycolic acid, panthenol, and centella asiatica extract, brightens and helps reduce uneven skin tone and pimples. Remember to use sunscreen during the day with this! 

If you have combination skin...

it can be challenging to find the perfect cream, but not impossible ☝🏼 Tip! Combining two different creams or applying cream only to the driest areas can work well for combination skin. 

For sensitive combination skin: [Axis-Y] Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream

This two-part moisturizer is a dream come true for combo skin! Mix the creams together or apply the gel-like cream to oily areas of the face and the richer cream to drier parts. This moisturizer is like a custom-made solution for your skin's needs!

For aging combination skin: [Dr.Reju-All] Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream

One of the most respected PDRN products in Korean pharmacies is Dr-Reju-All's PDRN cream, which gel-like texture absorbs quickly into the skin but provides plenty of moisture despite its light consistency. PDRN supports the skin's natural wellness.

For dehydrated combination skin: [Purito Seoul] Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream

Yeppo&Soonsoo's most popular moisturizer has long been Purito's Mighty Bamboo cream, which suits all skin types but is especially suitable for combination skin due to its properties. It soothes and deeply moisturizes the skin and strengthens the skin's protective barrier.

For combination skin needing brightening: [medicube] Deep Vita C Capsule Cream

Medicube's capsule creams are the perfect option for combination skin! The product contains a gel base and creamy capsules, and you can customize the texture according to your skin type by adjusting the amount of capsules and gel. Contains brightening vitamin C, ferulic acid, alpha arbutin, and sea buckthorn water. 

Looking for even more detailed skincare tips?

Ask advice from Yeppo's cosmetologist or visit one of Yeppo&Soonsoo's stores and get tips and product recommendations curated just for your skin! 

Sources:

Wong M. How to Choose a Moisturizer: The Science. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. December 5, 2022. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://labmuffin.com/fact-check-feature-how-to-choose-a-moisturiser/