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Korean BB creams were one of the first complexion products I used. My Korean cousins and aunts used them, and I watched my mother apply them under her mineral powder foundations. As a result, I mistakenly thought the product category originated in South Korea. “BB creams actually originated in Germany in the 1960s by a dermatologist looking for a product to apply after cosmetic treatments. BB creams became popular in South Korea in the early to mid-2000s,” reveals Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. However, due to their widespread popularity in the peninsula, Korean makeup brands and Korean skin care brands have created some of the most innovative and effective BB creams over the years.
If you’re not sure what a BB cream is, “BB” is short for “beauty balm or “blemish balm,” according to Diane Lee, the marketing and e-commerce manager at Missha. They are “multi-functional makeup products that combine various skincare benefits, such as moisturizing, sun protection, and coverage,” Lee explains. Korean BB creams usually offer a lighter coverage than a typical foundation or CC cream, but they are buildable and provide enough pigment to even out the skin and make it appear more perfected. Their only fatal flaw is that many of them possess limited shade selections that cater toward fair to light skin tones, although there are a few that accommodate a wider range. “BB Creams may also contain active ingredients including antioxidants, peptides, moisturizing ingredients, skin-lightening ingredients, or brightening ingredients,” adds Dr. Chang.
Top picks for the best Korean BB creams in 2024
If multi-purpose beauty products are your speed and you want to get in on the action, we’ve prepared a list of the best Korean BB creams below. With help from experts and customer feedback, our picks are highly rated, editor- and customer-approved, and do everything you’d want a BB cream to accomplish and more. Who knows? You might find the skin perfecter of your summer!
Pros
Buildable coverage
Cons
- Limited shade range
This BB cream is one of the most popular options out there and “contains a variety of skin hydrating, anti-aging, and brightening ingredients while offering medium coverage. Some ingredients include hydrolyzed collagen, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and arbutin,” says Dr. Chang. The formula spreads evenly over the skin, whether you use your fingers, a sponge, or a brush.
Shades: 7
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve heard and seen so many people online rave about this BB cream, and it doesn’t surprise me at all. The formula feels nourishing and hydrating and sinks in quickly for a second skin-like finish. It also offers a surprising amount of coverage, which is always nice to find in a BB cream.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
2
Best for Redness
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Although this product isn’t called a BB cream, Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment contains the best qualities of one: calming skin care ingredients like cica, mineral SPF protection, and lightweight coverage. The cream looks green in the jar but turns beige when blended into the skin.
Shades: 1
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Rosacea has plagued me for half my life, and a little bit of coverage to even things out always makes me feel better. However, I don’t always want to put on an actual complexion product, and that’s where this product comes in. When I use it, I don’t feel like I’m applying makeup; instead, it feels like another layer of hydrating skin care. I don’t have to use a lot to conceal my redness, and it doesn’t look like I’m wearing anything at all.” —Carol Lee
3
Best for Irritated Skin
Purito Cica Clearing BB Cream
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Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Limited undertones and shades
Formulated to serve your skin, this Korean BB cream contains centella asiatica to soothe irritation, panthenol to support the skin barrier, and niacinamide to brighten. Despite its glowy finish, the product stays put all day and is nearly undetectable on the skin.
Shades: 6
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This BB cream melted into my skin and actually stayed there without needing to use any setting spray. While I pumped it out, I was shocked to see that the color didn’t match the packaging in the slightest. It was brownish/gray, but once you put it on the skin, it’s as if it blends into your color and gets away any unevenness, including redness. I tested this on the back of my hand before putting it on my skin to see how it would oxidize. Again, I noticed a very weird brown color oxidation, but it goes away. When I put it on my face, there are no lines or oxidizing. It turned out [to be] a perfect shade match after all.”
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Pros
- Buildable coverag
Cons
- Can feel a bit thick on skin
When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to all sorts of issues, including dryness and excess redness. This BB cream is designed to strengthen the barrier with continued use and contains malachite extract, which serves as protection against harmful free radicals and pollution.
Shades: 8
Size: 1.01 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This BB cream is excellent. I am older with sun damage, wrinkles, a touch of acne here and there, and super fair skin that shows every flaw. This BB cream covers my imperfections well, doesn’t sink into wrinkles and pores, keeps my face looking moisturized without looking oily, and lasts a very long time, requiring few touch-ups. In short, it’s fantastic! Also, being so fair with pink undertones, I have trouble finding makeup without too much yellow, but this cream is perfect. It matches my skin without looking too pale, and doesn’t wash me out. In fact, everything I have tried from this brand has worked great, doing what it claims to do, and remains affordable and accessible. I definitely give it five stars!”
Pros
- Features SPF 40
Cons
- Limited shade range
If you want to slap on one product in the morning and go, this SPF 40 BB cream is a safe bet. The formula “contains skin-moisturizing and skin-brightening ingredients, like niacinamide, while providing great coverage,” says Dr. Chang
Shades: 4
Size: 1.35 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Since using this, I’ve never gotten more compliments in my life. Your skin literally glows after applying. I usually dab some powder once dry to avoid shine in [the] T-zone. Application is VERY easy. You only need a little bit to cover the full face. Hides dark circles better than any concealer I’ve ever bought. I use this as both a foundation and concealer now. I have rosacea and very sensitive skin and have had zero issues.”
Pros
- Refreshing feeling
Cons
- Only two shades
When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is apply a thick layer of makeup. However, you might not mind applying the Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly B.B as much. With 80 percent fresh mint water, the product cools the skin while serving up natural-looking coverage.
Shades: 2
Size: 1.35 oz.
Yesstyle rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Yesstyle reviewer says: “This is my all time favorite BB cream. I have very sensitive and dry skin. This formula doesn’t make me break out, feels great on the skin, and doesn’t dry my skin out over the day (if I don’t use powder). It doesn’t cover my blemishes completely, but I find this perfect for an overall light coverage. I would totally repurchase again!”
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Pros
- Comfortable finish
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that it can feel heavy on the skin
By now, you’ve probably heard all about the healing, anti-aging, and moisturizing effects of snail mucin. Mizon offers those benefits via this BB cream, as well as buildable coverage. If the first layer isn’t enough, you can apply more without the fear of it appearing too cakey or thick.
Shades: 4
Size: 1.7 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It doesn’t have a very long list of ingredients and has almost 40 percent snail mucin to keep my skin hydrated (I used tretinoin for hormonal acne). It doesn’t cause any breakouts and has medium-to-buildable full coverage. I’m 43 years old, and this BB cream doesn’t look cakey or show my lines or pores. In fact, it actually softens the look of my pores and gives a healthy glow. You all know so well that it’s hard to find a fragrance-free BB cream that has good coverage. The best part is [that] the price is so affordable.”
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Those with blemishes will appreciate the higher coverage and oil control this BB cream offers. Formulated with SPF 30, it protects against UVA rays, which can cause premature aging, and UVB rays, which can lead to burns.
Shades: 1
Size: 1.4 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using this BB cream for just under a year now, and I think it’s great! It’s subtle with great coverage. It’s very light on the skin, and I’ve even introduced it to other family members who love it too!”
Pros
- Plumping
Cons
- Strong fragrance
The star ingredient in this anti-aging product is moisturizing and wrinkle-reducing ginseng. Most BB creams remain glowy when applied, but the Erborian version settles into a natural matte finish that blurs pores and other imperfections.
Shades: 4
Size: 1.5 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I reach for this when I want something lightweight but still with some coverage that I feel confident about my skin [and] when I want something easy, no fuss, that I can blend with my fingertips. This is legit the best BB cream ever! Pricey, but it does last a long time.”
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Pros
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- May not be suitable for very dry skin
Not only does this flexible formula avoid making wrinkles and fine lines worse, it also features ceramide and collagen to improve the look of them over time. Plus, its moisturizing prowess also makes it ideal for skin both young and mature.
Shades: 2
Size: 1.4 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I like the way it smooths on and the coverage. I do use a concealer under it for occasions when I want a flawless look. When used with my concealer, it lasts all day. I’m 63, and this does not settle in my lines.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Y. Claire Chang is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
Diane Lee is the marketing and e-commerce manager at Missha.
What skin types can use BB creams?
Our experts say anyone can use them, no matter their skin type. “BB creams cater to different skin concerns such as hydration, oil control, and sensitive skin,” reports Lee.
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How should you apply BB creams?
You should apply them after all of your other skin care steps. “If your skin is drier, you can apply a moisturizer prior to applying BB cream. Apply about a nickel-sized amount for full face coverage, starting from the key facial zones- forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Spread the BB cream outward from the center of your face using circular motions and blend around the edges of the face,” says Dr. Chang. You can also put on more makeup if needed, and Dr. Chang adds that you should use enough BB cream to achieve adequate SPF protection if you’re not utilizing a standalone sunscreen underneath.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted Korean skin care and makeup experts to learn about the best Korean BB creams. She also read through countless customer reviews and evaluated each product on their features.
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