It’s better to nourish your skin instead of just cover up imperfections as a band-aid solution. That’s why a dynamic and multi-purpose product like a Korean BB cream has become SO POPULAR today.
Many BB cream products generally offer protection and skin repair, but some DO MORE THAN JUST THAT.
Below are all the best Korean BB Creams you can consider. We highlighted their best ingredients and features to help you pick out which one will suit your needs.
5 Best Korean BB Creams to Choose From
1. MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42
Our Pick
Quality should be affordable. That’s why Missha ensures high-quality products without compromising value.
The Experience
This best Korean BB cream lives up to its name of being a Perfect Cover because it has superb coverage. Longtime users say that they skip foundation whenever they use this.
The BB cream formula is creamy enough to spread on your skin WITHOUT CAUSING FLAKINESS on dry patches. And you don’t have to worry about reapplication because it stays on the skin even in warm weather.
Plus, the Chamomile and Rosemary extracts in the formula soothe your skin upon application so it really is a great BB cream for the summer months.
Worried about your sensitive skin? Don’t be. This BB cream is GENTLE ON ALL SKIN TYPES, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.
This BB cream also dries with a dewy finish so it’s a great product to achieve a glass skin look.
Special Ingredients
This BB cream has SPF 42 in the form of active ingredients like:
- Octinoxate
- Zinc Oxide
- Titanium Dioxide
It also has beeswax that HEALS AND SOFTENS the skin while providing bacteria-fighting properties that PREVENT ACNE.
You’ll also be glad to know about the Ceramides in the BB cream formula. They NOURISH THE SKIN and FIGHT SUN DAMAGE that can cause premature aging effects.
Just Take Note Of...
#1 Heavy Formula
While lighter than foundation, it is heavier compared to most BB cream formulas in the market. People with OILY SKIN might experience greasiness and shine, especially since it dries dewier.
#2 High SPF
The white cast this BB cream leaves on the skin is caused by the high amount of SPF 42. You might NOT want to use it for events with flash photography. You’ll look like a geisha without trying!
#3 Faux Creams
A lot of buyers have received a FAKE VERSION when they ordered online. Due to the Korean beauty balm cream’s popularity, it has gained copycats. Make sure to buy from trusted beauty websites only!
Feel free to read through our dedicated Missha BB Cream review for a whole lot more details.
Pros
- High SPF
- Anti-aging properties
- Whitening effects
- Comes in multiple shades
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Heavy formula
- Leaves a white cast
- Has counterfeits online
2. SKIN79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm
Best for Combination or Dry Skin
The SKIN79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm is a Korean BB Cream that promises skin whitening, sun protection, and anti-wrinkling properties.
The Experience
The first thing you’ll notice is its heavy and thick BB cream formula. You’ll only NEED ONE LAYER of this BB cream to reap all of its nourishing benefits.
It works best on aging skin, as well as DRY and COMBINATION SKIN types because of this.
Acne-prone types can also try this BB cream but with caution since it can create a lot of moisture and oiliness.
Special Ingredients
This BB cream has a WHITENING INGREDIENT called Arbutin. It reduces melanin production and evens out complexion.
That’s why we recommend this BB cream choice for people who with splotchy skin tones or dark patches.
Just Take Note Of...
#1 Sheer Coverage
If you’re looking for a high coverage BB cream, this isn’t it. It’s more for those who want to create a no makeup makeup look since it has a SHEER FINISH.
It won’t be enough for uneven skin tones though.
#2 Not Buildable
Since it’s a sheer formula, you’ll want to apply this BB cream in layers. BUT YOU SHOULDN’T.
Yes, you will receive double of the nourishment. But you’ll also end up with an unflattering GRAY CAST.
#3 Not for Oily and Sensitive Skin
If you have oily skin, this is not the best BB cream for you. Since it’s highly moisturizing, it can’t control oil well.
It also contains an added scent in the formula. Certain fragrances usually IRRITATE those with sensitive skin, and this Korean beauty balm cream is no exception.
#4 Opaque Bottle
The BB cream bottle has an elegant design that feels luxurious. The BUILT-IN PUMP makes it a hygienic and easy to dispense product.
The only catch is that the bottle is opaque. You won’t be able to gauge how much Korean beauty balm cream you have left.
Pros
- SPF 30
- Whitening formula
- Reduces wrinkles
- Good for dry and combination skin
Cons
- Not for oily skin
- Added fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
- Sheer coverage
- Not buildable
3. Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream
Best for Oily Skin
This jelly-like BB cream is known for the cooling effect it gives upon application.
The Experience
This Korean BB cream has a mattifying finish that’s perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s also very easy to blend onto the face.
As for color coverage, it’s pretty decent. It isn’t too sheer nor is it full coverage. You can EVEN OUT your complexion fairly well.
Special Ingredients
#1 Marine Jelly
This ingredient launched this BB cream to fame. The jelly-like texture is because of a mixture of 7 PLANT COLLAGEN EXTRACTS that come from seaweed.
Marine Jelly lifts the skin tone and controls oil production. It’s beneficial for oily skin types.
#2 Peppermint
This is where the soothing effect comes from. Peppermint leaves a calming and cool feeling on the skin.
It also helps control sebum production so that there’s less chances of acne forming.
#3 Aloe
Aloe is a good remedy for sunburns and that’s why when added to this Korean beauty balm cream, it can soothe and heal minor skin damage.
This BB cream also has antioxidants like Vitamins A and C which protect and rejuvenate your complexion.
Aloe is also EASILY ABSORBED by the skin so it’s ideal for those with oilier skin types.
Just Take Note Of...
#1 Low SPF
This BB cream offers only SPF 20, which is quite low, especially for hotter months. (A 2013 study published in Cosmetics & Toiletries report SPF 30 is the minimum amount needed for ample sun protection.)
You’ll need to layer on another sunscreen product when you use this. Preferably at least SPF 30.
#2 Skin Patches
This Korean BB cream makes dry patches more prominent on the skin, especially when applied in multiple layers. It could give you the appearance of having splotchy skin tones.
We don’t recommend it for those with dry or dehydrated skin. You can try to wear a moisturizing primer underneath to solve this problem though.
Pros
- Mattifying finish
- Contains hydrating mint water
- Best for oily skin
- Blends into the skin well
- Cooling effect on face
Cons
- Low SPF
- Causes caking when multiple layers are added
- Can leave patches on a dry skin type
4. Missha M Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF25
Best for Sensitive and Normal Skin
If we’re talking a sensitive skin type, this is the best Korean BB cream on the list.
The Experience
The BB cream formula can feel quite heavy despite its lightweight coverage. It can cover up pores while still giving you a natural glow.
We also really love the container’s portability. It’s a tube with a pumping mechanism so you can easily control how much product you get, even when on-the-go.
Special Ingredients
This Korean BB cream contains 50 PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS!
Ginkgo Biloba is the standout because it contains antioxidants that prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming. It’s also a natural sunscreen that can SOOTHE INFLAMMATION.
Another ingredient called Job’s Tears, which may invoke a biblical image, packs a punch when it comes to skin benefits. It’s a commonly used grain in Southeast Asia because it can treat Contact Dermatitis and other allergic reactions.
Just Take Note Of...
#1 Allergic Reactions
You may want to double check if you’re allergic to any of the 50 plant-based ingredients of this Korean BB cream.
Don’t use this if you’re allergic to squalene, beeswax, and stearic acid. READ THROUGH THE PRODUCT INGREDIENT LIST for extra caution.
But if you don’t have any allergies, then this BB cream is generally safe enough for sensitive skin types.
#2 Too Heavy for Hot Weather
The heavy formula of this BB cream tends to MELT in high temperatures. We DON’T recommend it for use on hot and sunny days.
Plus, it only has SPF 25 so you will have to REAPPLY your sunscreen throughout the day, especially in the summer.
Pros
- Contains 50 plant-based ingredients
- Anti-aging effects
- Glowy finish
- Safe for a sensitive skin type
Cons
- Tends to melt off in hot temperatures
- Only has SPF 25
5. Mizon BB Cream Snail Repair Blemish Balm
Best for Dry and Acne-Prone Skin
This Mizon product is the best Korean BB cream for both skin dryness and acne.
The Experience
You’ll notice a faint citrus smell with this Korean beauty balm cream. Some say the smell reminds them of herbs because of the flower extracts in the formula.
You can use the Mizon BB Cream Snail Repair Blemish Balm in lieu of a foundation since it has medium coverage. It’s also very BUILDABLE but just don’t layer on too much so that it won’t feel heavy on your face.
Special Ingredients
#1 Snail Mucin
This amazing ingredient has the power to rejuvenate skin and provide healing benefits on top of moisturizing your face.
Snail mucin is packed with HYALURONIC ACID, which hydrates the skin, and GLYCOPROTEINS, which reinforce the skin’s barrier. It’s also composed mostly of water so it’s good for dehydrated and dry skin.
What’s special about it is it doesn’t cause irritation to the skin. People with rosacea skin sensitivity can safely use it too.
#2 Papaya Extract
Papaya can lighten uneven pigmentation because it has Vitamins A and C. It’s a popular skin whitener in BB cream formulas because of this.
#3 Adenosine
This ingredient restores the skin while soothing it. It has proven anti-wrinkle benefits as confirmed by a 2014 study published in Experimental Dermatology.
Adenosine promotes wound healing which, along with snail mucin, means this BB cream has excellent skin-rejuvenating abilities.
Just Take Note Of...
#1 Heavy Formula
The heavy formulation dries up quickly, so you’ll need to apply this FAST, or else you’re left with an uneven face tone.
It’s also best to use this BB cream with a moisturizer since it tends to stick to dry spots and patches.
#2 Limited Shade Options
Unfortunately, this Korean BB cream comes in only ONE SHADE so if that doesn’t suit your skin tone, it’s an immediate no-no.
We recommend mixing it with your foundation to get better coverage.
Pros
- Contains snail extract that repairs and protects skin
- Good for preventing breakouts
- Anti-wrinkle
- Anti-aging
Cons
- Heavy formula
- Has only one shade
What is a BB cream?
BB stands for either BEAUTY BALM or BLEMISH BALM. A Korean beauty balm cream protects the skin while improving it at the same time.
Most BB cream formulas contain ingredients that can nourish and moisturize the skin while providing adequate coverage for your flaws.
What are the Benefits of BB Creams?
Coverage
While most BB creams do not carry enough coverage to completely replace your everyday foundation, they do offer a good amount that can reduce the appearance of blemishes (hence, the name).
Another good trick is to MIX YOUR FOUNDATION AND BB CREAM especially if you are not satisfied with the latter’s coverage and color. A lot of BB creams have limited shade options.
Skin Protection
As it turns out, providing good coverage is not the reason why the BB cream was created. They are actually formulated to shield every skin type from harmful elements for better repair time.
Many BB creams containing vitamins and antioxidants that STRENGTHEN the skin’s barrier over time.
Sun Protection
BB creams are always formulated to contain a good amount of SPF for proper skin protection. You can skip your regular sunscreen if you’ll be using a Korean beauty balm cream.
The best ones contain AT LEAST SPF 30 for sun protection. Being exposed to UV rays increases the rate of skin sagging and aging.
An important sunscreen ingredient to look out for is Titanium Oxide. This protects your skin’s elastin and collagen, resulting in a healthier and more youthful complexion.
Anti-Aging
Apart from sun protection in the form of SPF, BB creams contain the following anti-aging vitamins and ingredients:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Aloe
- Peptides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Green tea extract
- Retinol
Hydration
It’s always important to maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels. And that’s why BB creams contain hydrating formulas.
Ingredients such as ceramides, snail mucin, and hyaluronic acid are great at providing moisture and maintaining it in the skin.
Place Your Bet on the Alphabet
So what’s the deal with these double-lettered Korean beauty products? When you’re looking for the best Korean BB cream, you might as well know what other creams are out there.
You’re familiar with what a BB cream is already. But how about CC, DD, and EE?
CC Cream
Best for Dull Skin
The CC in CC cream stands for COLOR-CONTROL. The difference between a CC and BB cream is that the former works like a tinted moisturizer while a Korean Beauty Balm cream is closer to a foundation in terms of texture.
Check out our favorite Korean CC creams that you can add to your skincare regimen to even out your skin tone.
DD Cream
Best for Aging Skin
DD stands for DAILY DEFENSE or DYNAMIC DO-IT-ALL.
It’s meant to have all the benefits of CC and BB creams while having a higher SPF. Its main function is to PREVENT SKIN AGING.
EE Cream
Best for Uneven Complexion
EE stands for EVEN EFFECT or ESSENTIAL ESSENCE. It can also mean EXTRA EXFOLIATION. (Confused yet?!)
Look carefully at the label when buying an EE cream because they are relatively new.
EE creams claim to repair uneven skin tone by lessening the appearance of dark spots and other color imperfections.
A Fair Warning
A lot of Korean beauty products are marketed as BB, CC, DD, etc., but don’t conform to the definition of those creams. So it is important to try them out first and see if they’re effective.
A Korean Beauty Kick
Koreans prefer having a healthy skin base compared to doing heavy cover-ups.
And that’s why Korean BB creams are more beneficial for overall skin nourishment. They can easily remove flaws like dark spots and acne marks!
But of course, it’s also important that you learn how to apply BB cream properly to ensure that it settles on your skin well. The trick is all in the beauty balm application.
Many Korean brands have creams that have rich ingredients and have also wrapped them up in cute packaging. They’re your best bet when looking for the perfect one for you.
Happy Korean beauty balm cream shopping!
CHANGELOG:
August 9, 2021 – Updated content and formatting
August 4, 2021 – Updated content and formatting, added headings
July 13, 2021 – Updated and reviewed article links
