My boyfriend is an Excel wizard and math-magician; I shudder at spreadsheets and turn to calculators for simple addition. Simply put, we’re different…even down to our skincare predilections. Whereas my dry face and I crave rich, oil-based products, he’s turned off by the slightest slickness, instead, satisfying his sebum-rich complexion with oil-free formulas — the likes of which my thirsty complexion hardly responds to.

So imagine our shared surprise when we simultaneously fell in love with the same daytime moisturizer: Belif’s the True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer. We’re hardly alone in our adoration of the formula, which is immensely popular in Korea. Globally, Belif has sold more than 10 million jars, according to the brand — and understandably so, given its glassify-ing effect and universal textural appeal. Luckily, you needn’t jetset to nab the K-beauty phenomenon for yourself. Shop it at Amazon for just $21.

Belif the True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer is a highly hydrating lightweight gel cream. Designed for all skin types, including oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin, it’s non-comedogenic and decidedly non-greasy. In lieu of heavy oils and emollients, the formula relies on moisture-magnetizing humectants and soothing, skin barrier-strengtheners. 

Hyaluronic acid, for instance, instantly quenches dehydration and plumps fine lines (which are exacerbated by dryness). Yet another humectant, glycerin, offers similar benefits and quenches the skin for hours beyond application (up to 26 hours, per the brand). As dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, previously told InStyle, "Glycerin is one of a precious few moisturizing ingredients that has a lasting effect, well beyond its time of application and absorption.” 

Squalane, which mirrors our skin’s natural squalene, softens rough skin, rendering it baby-soft. Plus, the ingredient plays particularly well with hyaluronic acid, dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano, MD, previously told InStyle. "Hyaluronic acid pulls in water to hydrate [skin] cells,” she explained, and squalane “keep[s] the hydration in the skin,” and prevents it from “evaporating.” 

Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier — the health of which can determine a complexion’s look and feel. Whereas a healthy barrier retains moisture, a damaged skin barrier is fertile soil for transepidermal water loss and a highway to a tight, flaky face. Belif packs its cream with not one, but three ceramides, making it an excellent choice for barrier repair.

Belif’s cream also contains niacinamide — a buzzy B vitamin that whittles pores and fades hyperpigmentation. If you’re familiar with the Korean beauty concept of glass skin, you’ll know microscopic pores and unmarred, even tone are key tenets of the covetable glossy look, and this cream thus addresses both elements. 

In addition to the moisturizer’s stellar skin benefits, it’s notably pleasant from a sensorial standpoint. Both my boyfriend and I relish the pudding-like gel texture and cooling, velvety veil of hydration it instantly imparts. Per my partner, it “goes on smoothly” and “absorbs quickly.” (Given his aversion to heavy, filmy face products, this is the pinnacle of praise.)

I also appreciate the fast-absorbing texture, as it allows me to apply foundation immediately post-moisturizing without worry of pilling. Oh, and the otherworldly dewiness it delivers is a confidence boost when my skin looks sallow, as it so often does in the morning.

Finally, the moisturizer is subtly scented: It’s “clean and fresh,” in my beau’s words. To me, it smells spa-like — a crisp glass of cucumber-infused water, perhaps. Fitting given its cooling, quenching nature, no?

For plump, hydrated skin sans a filmy feel, shop Belif’s global fan-favorite, the True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer, for $21 at Amazon. 

Shop more skincare favorites from Belif:

Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads

Aqua Bomb Brightening Vitamin C Cream With Hyaluronic Acid

Aqua Bomb Hydrating Jelly Cleanser