The 10 Best Korean BB Creams of 2021

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
Why Trust Byrdie?
How We Test

BB creams are a big deal. While it’s been a few years since the famed hero product made its way to American shores, it’s been a staple in Korean beauty for some time—and it’s no surprise why. “BB creams are skincare-infused makeup products that conceal small blemishes or uneven tones while also providing hydration, sun protection, or vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Gonzalez of Riverchase Dermatology in Miami.

What makes BB cream different from its counterparts—like foundation and concealer—is that it’s a hybrid of cosmetics and skincare. “While BB creams are not usually known for mastering either of those categories, they can provide you with a one-product option that streamlines your beauty routine,” says Dr. Gonzalez. To put it concisely, it’s a do-it-all wonder that’s easy to use.

We’ve rounded up the best Korean BB creams right here to help you decide which one is right for you.

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++

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This formula is a power player, full stop. It has high SPF, contains good-for-the-skin ingredients (like moisturizing hyaluronic acid, calming chamomile, and nourishing plant oils), seamlessly covers up blemishes, and brightens the complexion—all while feeling weightless. Personally, what I love most about it is how it balances my skin tone in a way that looks and feels natural.

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Infused with a combo of mint and marine jelly complex, this bouncy BB cream feels revitalizing on the skin. It even conceals pesky blemishes for an even canvas. And if you’re looking for a treat, pop this into the fridge overnight and use it in the morning. Your skin will thank you!

Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Moist

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Reviewers describe this BB cream as smooth, buildable, and light. It feels silky to the touch and provides moisture to areas where you need it the most. Start by applying a dime-sized amount to areas of concern and continue to build where you need more coverage.

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If you’re in need of a formula that delivers coverage and anti-aging benefits all at once, this is the BB cream for you. It works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all while brightening your complexion.

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A fan favorite, this formula, made with ginseng, works wonders for your skin: It helps to reverse the signs of aging, counteracts oiliness in the skin, and brings down inflammation.

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For those wanting a higher SPF, Dr. Gonzalez recommends this formula for ultimate sun protection. “It also provides a good amount of blemish coverage while promoting cell turnover, which is a nice bonus,” she adds.

Innisfree Eco Natural Green Tea BB Cream SPF25/PA++

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This BB cream formulated with green tea is ideal for combination skin types. It does everything from fighting premature aging and reducing redness to balancing oil production and hydrating the skin.

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With a light to medium coverage, this formula gives your skin a boost of coverage and radiance. Reviewers love that while there’s a comfortable, light feel, there’s still enough coverage for blemishes.

Mizon Snail Repair Intensive BB Cream SPF 50+

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Wacky as it may sound, snail extract is a massively popular ingredient in Korean skincare, and this multifunctional BB cream is packed with it. This formula also feels soft a pillowy on the skin, plus the shade range is more encompassing than most—although not as much as we’d like. If you're more tan, olive, or golden, you’ll find better shade matches with this BB cream.

EverGlam K-Beauty Skin Perfector Korean BB Cream

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Looking for heavy-duty coverage with the same great skincare benefits? Grab this multitasker—it delivers sun protection, minimizes the appearance of pores, brightens the complexion, and it’s long-lasting, so there’s no need for frequent touch-ups.

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++. It checks all the BB cream boxes—buildable coverage, high SPF, brightening benefits, and much more. A close second and third goes to the Erborian BB Cream Clair Tinted Cream with Ginseng, a favorite amongst the beauty community, and Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 40, which is especially great for those with acne-prone skin.

What to Look For in a Korean BB Cream

Coverage

Coverage can vary from formula to formula, but BB creams typically have a lighter coverage to start and can build up. Their consistency is similar to that of foundation, except more lightweight and sheer. This means that if you’re looking for stronger coverage, you may need to follow up with concealer.

Sun protection

A great perk of a multitasking BB cream is the benefit of sun protection—making a BB cream an ideal product to use during the day. Generally, the higher the SPF, the better the overall protection.

Skincare benefits

Hands down, what we love most about a good BB cream is all the skincare benefits. Depending on your personal needs, there are BB creams that tighten, reduce the appearance of pores, battle acne, mattify oily skin, and treat and prevent dryness. Find the concern you want to repair and choose a BB cream that targets it—chances are, it’ll target more than just that.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Syden Abrenica has years of experience in the editorial beauty industry. She’s written for magazines like Health, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, and more. When she’s not following her seven-step Korean skincare routine, she’s renovating her century-old home and watching Disney movies with her husband, son, and three rescue dogs.