10 Best Korean Serums for Every Skin Type of 2025
Use these Korean serums that suit every skin type to enhance your skin health and appearance.
Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy.
Read full bio of Dr. Priya Gill
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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Everything about K-beauty is fantastic! However, the best Korean serums are by far the most popular skin care products and a must-try for you. Dr. Priya Gill, one of Malaysia’s leading dermatologists, says, “Korean serums have certainly taken the world by storm and are showing amazing results.”
The fact that K-beauty serums are manufactured with simple but powerful ingredients and are less expensive than Western skincare products is one of the main reasons for their appeal. In addition, Korean beauty and cosmetic lines have serums to meet all your skin’s requirements. I consulted Dr. Priya Gill, a dermatologist, and curated a list of the 10 best Korean serums for every skin type. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to learn more about these serums.
In This Article
Best Korean Serum For Your Skin Type
1. Best For Dull Skin: The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Serum
Skin Concern: Dullness, blemishes, and spots
Suitable For: All skin types
If you are looking for a brightening serum that can fade stubborn blemishes and marks, go for this product. The White Seed Brightening Serum by The Face Shop contains white lupin seed extract, which is known for its natural skin brightening properties. It also contains white daisy flower extracts that reduce dullness and make your skin bright and clear. It is the best Korean glow-enhancing serum.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No artificial colors
- No animal ingredients
- No mineral oils
- Paraffin-free
- Talc-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Hygienic pump packaging
Cons
None
"This is a skincare gem that fits into my routine. It improves my skin tone and radiance without leaving stickiness. I like that it does not have a strong scent. The formula shrinks my pores and refines my skin texture. My skin looks plump and nourished after I use it."
Pro Tip2. Best For Dry Skin: COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule
Skin Concerns: Dryness and uneven skin tone
Suitable for: Sensitive skin
This lightweight, non-irritant COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule contains black bee propolis extract. This clinically-tested formula delivers moisture deep into the skin, strengthens the moisture barrier, and leaves the skin feeling soft but never sticky. The propolis serum ampoule is also hypoallergenic, made with pure vegetable-based ingredients, and contains no preservatives or fragrances. In addition, the ampoule from the renowned Korean brand is safe for all skin types, so there is no need to worry about skin irritation. However, a small test on a patch of your skin beforehand would do no harm and give you better clarity of the product.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
"I've been reaching for this serum frequently, particularly for how it absorbs seamlessly into my winter-dry skin without leaving a greasy residue. It pairs well with my current moisturizer and enhances my skin's glow beneath makeup. My skin surely feels plump and hydrated and all the credit goes to its high propolis content."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 186 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
3. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum
Skin Concern: Pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skintone
Suitable For: All skin types
This is an ultra-mild (5%) Korean vitamin C serum formula by Dear, Klairs. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Vitamin C has skin brightening effects. The multifunctional serum fades stubborn spots and restores your skin’s youthful appearance. If you have brown spots, fine lines, and open pores, this should be your top pick.The ingredients in this serum are chosen as per the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Standards. It is the best Korean vitamin c serum. To understand a skin care reviewer’s experience and nuances of this serum in a detailed manner, check out this review on YouTube.
Mariah Christhel writes in her blog, “I’ve been using the product for almost a month now and I can honestly say my skin has improved since then. As the days pass by, I also noticed that my acne scars have already faded and lessened. Another good side of using this product is that my skin brightened so much that it caused my skin to glow naturally (i).”
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No harmful chemicals
- SLS-free
Cons
None
Pro TipThe Face Shop White Seed Brightening Serum Best For Dull Skin | COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule Best For Dry Skin | Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum Best Hypoallergenic Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All, Sensitive | All |
| Dimensions | 1.81 x 1.81 x 5.16 inches | 1.97 x 1.38 x 3.35 inches | 19.69 x 19.69 x 11.02 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 Ounces | 1.06 Ounces. | 0.01 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 71 | 186 | 1,389 |
| Price | $35 | $15.2 | $18.68 |
4. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA-30 Days Miracle Serum
Skin Concern: Acne, redness, and breakouts
Suitable For: Acne-prone, sensitive, oily, dry skin
Weather and the environment are really a concern when it comes to keeping skin healthy. This AHA-BHA-PHA miracle serum with centella asiatica is a toning formula that exfoliates dull, dead skin cells to give you cleaner and brighter-looking skin. It is formulated with 10,000 ppm of real tea tree and 14.5% of Centella that target pores, moisturize the skin, and leave it looking bright and radiant. This anti-wrinkling serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and prevents breakouts for smoother and flawless skin. Check out this YouTuber’s video to learn about the key benefits of using this serum on acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Formulated with three chemical exfoliants
- Low pH
- Approved by KFDA
Cons
None
"This serum calms my inflamed skin and removes excess sebum from my face. It smoothes out my fine lines and makes my skin look even. The formula brightens my skin and fades my blemishes. I like that it layers well under my sunscreen."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 116 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
5. Best Anti-Aging: Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule
Skin Concern: Acne, scarring, signs of aging
Suitable For: All skin types, especially sensitive skin
Snail mucin extract is one of the most potent skin ingredients and skin care experts swear by its key benefits. This multitasking product minimizes acne, prevents acne scarring, eliminates the signs of aging, and smoothens skin texture. It is one of the best Korean skin-repairing serums that nourishes dry and mature skin.
Kerry, a blogger, says, “The ampoule has a lot of slip, so it’s easy to spread around. Once absorbed, the finish is not greasy or slippery at all. It definitely has a nice plumping effect on my skin, making it appear moisturized and healthy. The plumping helped conceal what few fine lines I have as well. I used it for about 6 weeks. I did notice some subtle brightening effects after 10 days. It also helped lighten some of my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (ii).”
Pros
- 80% snail mucin extracts
- Contains anti-aging peptides
- Soothes the skin
- Contains hyaluronic acid
Cons
None
"After incorporating this serum into my routine both morning and night, I've noticed a distinct improvement in my skin's texture. Though the slimy texture was concerning at first, I was surprised how quickly it vanished and got absorbed. I top it off with a facial oil on days when I my skin feels extra flaky and the hydration post that is chef's kiss."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1,343 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
6. Best For All Skin Types: Nature Republic Snail Solution Essence
No products found.
Skin Concern: Dullness and wrinkles
Suitable For: All skin types
Stressed skin looks dull and lacks vitality. If you feel that your skin is stressed and does not look healthy, try out this snail mucin serum essence. It contains 80% snail secretion that improves your skin texture within a few days. and gives you healthy-looking radiant skin. It also brightens and soothes dull skin. For the best use, go for a small test on your skin to determine the overall effectiveness.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Mild formula
- Hygienic packaging
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
None
"This snail essence feels lightweight on my skin. It leaves my skin looking moist but not greasy. The formula repairs my damaged skin and refines my skin’s texture. My skin looks smooth and feels soft to the touch. With consistent use of this product, my skin looks radiant."
7. Best Oil-Free: Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum
Skin Concern: Dryness
Suitable For: Dry skin
If a lack of hydration is your prime skin concern, this skin-soothing serum is for you. The Moist Soothing Serum from the renowned Korean brand, Dear, Klairs contains a powerful blend of natural extracts, such as carrot root, celery, and broccoli. It also contains sodium hyaluronate (a salt of hyaluronic acid) that helps restore the moisture barrier and keeps your skin hydrated for long. It contains lemon oil and has a mild and refreshing citrus scent. It is gentle and perfect for anyone who needs a product to calm down their troubled skin. It is the best Korean face serum for combination skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- No artificial fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Contains PEG
"This serum offers lightweight moisture to my dry, sensitive skin. It is oil-free, so it never makes my skin feel greasy. Its soothing composition calms my inflamed skin and restores its youthful radiance. My skin feels soft after I apply this serum. It also leaves a cooling sensation."
8. Best Exfoliating: Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum
Skin Concern: Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes
Suitable For: All skin types
This product is formulated with 8% glycolic acid that targets the spots and blemishes on your skin and helps fade them. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin gently, improves its texture, and promotes skin resurfacing for a brighter complexion. It contains papaya and aloe extracts that offer deep moisturization to the skin while calming it. These two ingredients are also known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. This peeling serum also contains arnica that has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and panthenol and allantoin that help hydrate the skin. If you are new to chemical exfoliators, start with this mild exfoliating serum.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Safe for daily use
- Improves skin’s adaptability
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Contains parabens
9. Best Non-Sticky Formula: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
Skin Concerns: Inflammatory skin and enlarged pores
Suitable For: All skin types
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is designed to calm the skin with inflammatory problems. This non-sticky, pore-refining serum has honey-like viscosity that delivers hydration and shine to your skin. It contains propolis extract, a merge of honey with grain powder that boosts moisture into your inflamed skin. The 2% niacinamide in the serum controls your skin’s sebum secretion, and 0.5% BHA peels out the accumulated dirt and grime from your pores. The supercharged serum is also formulated with lotus corniculatus seed extracts that moisturize and soothe troubled skin and tamanu oil that reduces scars and treats acne. Apply two to four drops of this sebum control day and night serum daily and achieve glowing, healthy complexion. Also, opt for this product after it has been tested on your skin to steer clear of future skin problems.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth consistency
- Non-sticky
- GMP-certified
- FSC-certified packaging
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Essential oil-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- None
"My skin looks smooth and clear, thanks to this serum. I like its thick viscosity that feels comforting on my rough skin. The formula absorbs nicely into my skin and boosts its radiance. It controls my sebum production and soothes my inflamed skin."
10. Best For Sensitive Skin: Neogen Dermalogy White Truffle Serum In Oil Drop
Skin Concern: Dullness, dryness, and signs of aging
Suitable For: All skin types
This is a unique serum that gives you the moisturizing effect of oil without making your skin feel oily! This oil drop serum with anti-aging benefits contains white truffle extracts that strengthen your skin and fights the signs of aging. It is formulated with the microfluidic dispersion technology that balances the oil and serum to give you a fresh finish after application. It’s time to set your skin care goals right with this magical serum!
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Non-irritant
- Improves moisture retainability of the skin
- Lightweight
- Contains niacinamide
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains PEG
"I love how swiftly this serum absorbs into my skin and lends it a healthy glow. It gives my skin a sheer finish. The formula strengthens my skin barrier and repairs damage. It has improved my skin texture and leaves me feeling refreshed. I like that it is unscented."
Your skin care routine feels incomplete without a high-quality serum. These potent skin formulations revolutionized the world of cosmetics and targeted skin care. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy the best Korean serums for your skin type.
Factors To Keep In Mind While Buying The Best Korean Serums
- Skin Type
Pick a Korean serum that suits your skin type, or else you may end up with more skin concerns than relief. A dry skin Korean serum may not be suitable for combination, oily or acne-prone skin, and likewise, an oily skin Korean serum may not be ideal for sensitive skin. If you have acne-prone and oily skin, pick a face serum that contains retinol or salicylic acid. For dry skin, try formula with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. For those with sensitive skin, pick a formula that contains natural ingredients like snail mucin as they are less likely to cause side effects or irritation.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Read the label’s fine print to make sure what goes onto your skin. Avoid serums that contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or phthalates as these can damage or irritate your skin. Also, stay away from formulas that contain synthetic dyes and artificial fragrances. Check the ingredients list to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned on the label.
- Formula
When it comes to the formula, look for a Korean serum that contains skin-enhancing ingredients, soothing agents, anti-aging properties, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that work together to promote skin health and strengthen the skin barrier. Also, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic formulas. In addition, a non-sticky, non-greasy, and quick-absorbing formula is easy to use. It is best recommended to opt for a professional-grade formula with a skin-loving composition for safe and effective use.
- Skin Concerns
Look for radiance-boosting serums for dull skin that promote skin elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier, and boost hydration levels. Invest in formulations that keep your skin plump and healthy, free from acne breakouts and aging signs. For an all-round skin enhancement, look for serums with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid.
Infographic: Korean Serums: Application Tips & Buying Guide
well-known around the world, their serums need special mention. These serums are packed with active ingredients that soothe and nourish the skin while reducing premature aging signs. The infographic below explains how to apply a Korean serum effectively and the several factors that should be considered when purchasing one. Take a look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you are a skincare enthusiast, you are probably aware of all the rage around K-beauty products. Korean skin care products are ruling the beauty industry with their effective formulas. The best Korean serums have proved to be extremely beneficial for the skin and are made with nourishing ingredients. The Face Shop White Seed Brightening Serum is suitable for all skin types, while the COSRX Propolis Light Ampoule Serum is great for deep moisturization and it gives your face a radiant glow. If you are looking for a formula that helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation, try Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum. These products are mostly chemical-free and have non-greasy formulas. These are some of the best skin care products, so add your favorite from the list to your skincare routine. They offer anti-aging benefits and rejuvenate dull and dry skin. However, while choosing the suitable Korean serum for your skin, avoid formulas that contain PEG and go for soothing professional-grade products. Also, check out a few reviewers’ experiences as well to gain better clarity!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should be used first, ampoule or serum?
Ampoules are filled with high concentrations of active ingredients that act as a booster to your dry and dehydrated skin. Therefore, it should be used before applying a serum to give your delicate skin the extra lift that it needs.
What is the difference between a Korean serum and a western serum?
Korean serums are formulated with active ingredients that increase the potency of the products. Unlike regular serums, these serums are lightweight, non-sticky, and suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Can I use two different Korean serums at the same time?
Yes. Two different Korean serums can be used simultaneously, provided that both the products complement each other. To retain the effectiveness of the products, apply the serum with thin consistency first and let it absorb. Then layer it with the thicker one.
How many drops of serum should I use?
Face serums are very potent with a high concentration of active ingredients, so using a pea-sized amount of product is enough. If you have a dropper application, use 3-4 drops of the serum to cover your entire face and neck.
How long after using a serum do you moisturize?
Apply a moisturizer after one minute of using a serum. This will allow the serum to completely seep into your pores and prepare your skin for the following regime of moisturizing and sun protection.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and has an in-depth understanding of skin needs. She prepared this list of the best Korean serums after extensive research and reading feedback on various trusted forums. These serums meet all the skin requirements and contain active ingredients, which promote skin health.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Blushing Sneakerheadhttps://mariahchristhel.blogspot.com/2018/03/my-new-holy-grail-skincare-klairs.html
ii. Skin And Tonics
https://skinandtonics.com/mizon-snail-repair-intensive-ampoule-review/
Read full bio of Dr. Priya Gill
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
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