Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Review: Hydrating K-Beauty Formula

I’ve accumulated more Korean skincare products than those from domestic brands, and it all started with this cream. I first tried the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream when my best friend gave it to me over two years ago.

It seems she knows me better than I know myself, because it’s the only thing that keeps my extremely dry skin feeling hydrated for over 24 hours. I use it daily, and I swear more people should know about this stuff.

The only drawback I’ve found is that the recent formulation has more tactile little beads in it, so it’s not a very buildable moisturizer if you wear BB cream or foundation. The tiny granules get clogged, and prevent you from getting a smooth finish. It’s also a little more plasticky smelling than it used to be. But since I’m usually barefaced, and the scent isn’t strong, this hasn’t prevented me from wearing it daily.

Another product from the Aestura line I’ve been using (especially now that it’s hot and humid out) is this fine Cream Mist — it feels like hitting refresh on your face.

I first tested it out after I spent an hour in a 102-degree pilates studio. It’s lightweight, cooling, and helps my face feel less flushed. The bottle conveniently fits in my gym bag, so I keep it there for those moments where my dry skin could use a quick spritz of hydration.

The Atobarrier moisturizer is a rich cream that helps my dry and flaky skin look and feel hydrated.

The newest version of the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream is a heavyweight formula that takes some massaging to evenly distribute. I put it on after I cleanse my face with Tatcha’s Rice Wash, and it feels like my skin is absorbing a silky layer of cream. It’s almost unscented and a little dense I recommend it more so for those with noticeably dry, flaky skin because its intense hydration effect is likely too rich for oily skin.

“Skin barrier” is a buzzy new term in the skincare sphere that I hadn’t paid much mind to when shopping for the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin. However, the skin barrier shields you from pollutants while protecting your body’s hydration balance, so it’s an important aspect to consider for treating dry skin. A key ingredient in the reformulated Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream is its high-density ceramides, which boosts your skin’s ability to retain moisture.

If you’re like me and prone to hormonal acne flare-ups, I’ve found this cream is safe and comfortable to wear even when breaking out. For those with chronic acne, Aestura also has a Theracne moisturizer infused with hyaluronic acid and zinc. I like that the squeeze-bottle makes it portable and helps avoid cross-contamination. I take it with me whenever I travel, and it gives my face the coveted “glass skin” look.

What is “glass skin?”

Glass skin is a well-established trend within K-beauty, though the term was more recently popularized after the viral Pat McGrath makeup artistry from Maison Margiela’s Spring 2024 Couture show. McGrath revealed in a live masterclass a wide medley of makeup products used to create the porcelain glaze, but in Korean skincare, glass skin instead refers to a naturally dewy and smooth complexion. This is achieved via a routine that emphasizes hydration, beginning with cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and finally, moisturizing. The Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream tends to be among the recommended list of products.

The bottom line

This cream has been a crucial part of my skincare routine for two years. The recent reformulation has more texture and scent than the original, so I don’t recommend it if you wear foundation and need something buildable. Still, I’m really satisfied with how the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream works for me.