The HIKOCO Edit

Part Two: Hydration, Considered

Ten Korean Skincare Products for Dry Skin — All Under $30

In the second of our three-part series with HIKOCO, the focus turns to dry skin — and the Korean skincare products that address it without asking a lot of your wallet.

Dry skin is one of those concerns that’s easy to underestimate. It’s not always visibly obvious, but the sensation — that tight, uncomfortable pull after cleansing, or the way fine lines seem more pronounced on days when skin is under-moisturised — is hard to ignore once you’re aware of it. The good news is that Korean skincare has a particular strength here. Building hydration in layers, using formulas that work with the skin barrier rather than against it, is something the category does exceptionally well.

What HIKOCO has put together below is a considered selection — products chosen for their results, their value, and how well they work alongside each other. None cost more than $30.

1. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Cleanser — A great cleanser for dry skin that doesn’t leave behind that uncomfortable tight feeling. The gentle, hydrating formula cleanses away daily build-up while helping the skin retain its moisture, making it an easy first step for a dry-skin routine.
2. JM Solution Water Luminous S.O.S Ringer Mask Plus Black — When dry skin needs an instant moisture boost, reach for a sheet mask. This one is completely saturated in essence, delivering a generous hit of hydration to skin that feels depleted or tight. At under $2 per mask, it’s an especially affordable way to add some extra hydration into a routine.
3. Pyunkang Yul Concentrated Eye Cream — Dryness around the eyes can make fine lines look more noticeable, so a nourishing eye cream can be a worthwhile addition. This formula combines Astragalus Root and Ginseng with three types of ceramides to moisturise the delicate eye area and help support the skin barrier.
4. Round Lab Soybean Nourishing Toner — If regular toners leave dry skin wanting more, this milky formula is a great alternative. Black Soybean Extract provides nourishing moisture, while ceramides help support the skin barrier. It adds a comforting layer of hydration without making the routine feel heavy.
5. Torriden DIVE IN Skin Booster — Think of this as a hydration boost between cleansing and the rest of your routine. The formula contains five types of hyaluronic acid in different molecular weights to help hydrate the skin at multiple levels. Its serum-essence texture makes it particularly useful for adding extra moisture to an existing routine without replacing the products already working for you.
6. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask — For dry skin that needs some extra nourishment overnight, this rich sleeping mask works while you do. The moisturising formula helps replenish hydration and leaves the skin feeling softer and more comfortable by morning, while rice extract adds a brightening element to the treatment.
7. Camellia Deep Collagen Firming Sun Serum SPF50+ — Dry skin doesn’t mean having to choose between hydration and sun protection. This SPF50+ sun serum has a moisturising finish that helps prevent the chalky or greasy feeling some sunscreens can leave behind. It also contains several forms of collagen and is designed to support a firmer, more supple-looking complexion.
8. Nineless B-Boost 10% Niacinamide Serum — Niacinamide isn’t just for oily or blemish-prone skin. This 10% niacinamide serum helps brighten and smooth the complexion while maintaining a comfortable, nourished feel. It’s a good option for dry skin that also wants to address dullness or uneven-looking skin tone.
9. Pyunkang Yul ATO Cream Blue Label — When skin is really dry, sometimes a lightweight moisturiser just isn’t enough. This rich cream contains shea butter to provide a more intensive layer of nourishment, making it particularly suited to very dry skin or colder months when the skin barrier needs extra support.
10. I’m From Honey Mask — A great pick for dry skin that needs both nourishment and comfort. Formulated with 38.7% honey, this rich wash-off mask helps moisturise and soften the skin, while propolis, beta-glucan and botanical oils provide additional nourishment. Use it when skin is feeling particularly dry, rough or depleted for a more intensive treatment.

Not sure where to start? The HIKOCO team at The Crossing can help you find the right products for your skin. Part Three of The HIKOCO Edit covers the season ahead — what to reach for as the weather warms up.