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If you want to know what the next trending skin-care ingredient is going to be, you should look to the best Korean serums and ampoules. They’re usually the first products on the market to bring the most innovative, future-forward formulas straight to your skin-care routine. For example, K-beauty serums featured the likes of snail mucin and Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) long before these ingredients made their way stateside. These days, PDRN injection alternatives, glutathione, and madecassoside are the most sought-after ingredients in Korean serums. (More on those later.)
Like the best Korean skin-care products we’ve come to know and love, Korean serums focus on deeply nourishing skin and preventing signs of aging rather than drying it out with harsh actives and offering quick fixes for pre-existing fine lines and wrinkles. “Plus, Korean serums tend to have a non-sticky, lightweight texture,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “That’s a big reason why so many people really like them.” Most are also fragrance-free and can be used daily, both morning and night.
Our Top Korean Serums
- Best Overall: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, $89
- Best for Glass Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum, $17
- Best Vitamin C: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum, $29
- Best Retinol: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum, $50
- Best for Acne: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule, $17
- Best for Uneven Texture: Rejuran Turnover Ampoule, $52
- Best for Mature Skin: CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum, $18
- Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum for Redness and Barrier Repair, $46
Ahead, you’ll find Korean serums and ampoules that Allure editors, dermatologists, and K-beauty experts can’t get enough of from brands such as Beauty of Joseon, Dr.Althea, Iope, and CosRx. We made sure to hit all the skin concern bases with formulas that deliver major moisturizing, brightening, hydrating, and firming benefits. Plus, we’ll share exactly how to incorporate them into your skin-care routine.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is the difference between serums and ampoules?
- How do I incorporate Korean serums into my skin-care routine?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Sulwhasoo
First Care Activating Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why we love it: Fun fact: Sulwhasoo’s parent company, AmorePacific, was the first to incorporate ginseng into skin care—a tradition that continues with Sulwhasoo’s iconic First Care Activating Serum. This beloved serum taps into the power of ginseng (aged for 500 hours!) and proprietary herbal extracts to deeply nourish, brighten, and strengthen skin from the inside out—“helping repair the barrier, boost collagen, and fight signs of aging,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City, who calls it “especially beneficial for mature or dull skin.” Like many K-beauty brands, the brand takes the sensorial experience seriously: “Sulwhasoo has always felt luxurious. The herbal extracts give it an elegant, grounding scent that feels so soothing,” adds Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD, based in Fort Lee, NJ.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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When my skin's in serious need of extra TLC—as in, spend-an-entire-night-doing-a-12-step-routine serious—this serum is the first thing I grab after my face is double-cleansed. It's the ultimate K-beauty serum in my eyes because its barely-there texture allows me to layer it with as many other serums, sheet masks, and creams as I like without pilling, which is exactly what it's designed to do. Packed with anti-oxidant ginseng, it works with your other skin-care steps to boost hydration, elasticity, brightness, and overall skin barrier strength. It's a non-negotiable step before I put on any sheet mask, but it works just as effectively on its own.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ginseng, herbal extracts, vitamin C
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Glass Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why we love it: Inspired by the timeless beauty ideals of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty (an era that celebrated gyuhap yogo, or graceful, natural elegance), Beauty of Joseon revives traditional hanbang (Korean herbal medicine) with a modern skin-care twist. The brand’s Glow Serum brings that philosophy to life by delivering radiance and renewal in a single silky formula. While best known for its dewy finish, it’s also a stealthy exfoliating treatment. With betaine salicylate (a mild beta-hydroxy acid) to smooth uneven texture and refine pores, plus propolis, niacinamide, and turmeric to calm and brighten, this serum leaves skin balanced and soft.
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“I'm always on a quest to find products that will boost my skin's glow and this niacinamide-based serum has been a great addition to my arsenal. I love how the jelly texture sinks into my skin without leaving a sticky residue. Plus, it pairs great with my moisturizers and Beauty of Joseon SPF—it never pills.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: propolis extract, niacinamide, betaine salicylate (BHA)
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Vitamin C: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Dr. Althea
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributor Devon Abelman applying the Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Devon Abelman
Why we love it: Dr.Althea’s Vitamin C Boosting Serum is a skin-brightening powerhouse. Its first ingredient is Hippophae rhamnoides (a.k.a. sea buckthorn) water, which is naturally rich in vitamin C. It’s joined by pure vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid to diminish dullness, roughness, and dark spots. For those unfamiliar with the latter ingredient, studies have found that tranexamic acid reduces hyperpigmentation by "blocking the interaction between keratinocytes [a.k.a. skin cells] and melanocytes [a.k.a. melanin-producing cells]," Dr. Chang previously told Allure.
Although it contains cica to keep skin of all types calm and free of redness, the Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is available in a gentler, low-potency version with only 20% sea buckthorn water rather than 63. No matter what concentration you choose, be sure to wear sunscreen during the day after each use.
Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman
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“This is officially my favorite vitamin C serum. Reason being: It doesn’t change colors, sting, or smell like bologna brine. Even though it’s fragrance-free, I think Dr. Althea’s Vitamin C Boosting Serum smells like freshly squeezed Florida orange juice—pulp and all. Scent aside, I love how dynamic this formula is. It covers all the bases for achieving the healthy skin of your dreams: brightening, hydrating, smoothing, and healing. Texture-wise, it’s viscous and almost gel-like without feeling sticky.” —Devon Abelman, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hippophae rhamnoides water (63%), ascorbic acid, cica, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Iope
Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Amazon
Soko Glam
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Although retinol only recently became a popular addition to K-beauty products, Iope isn’t new to this beloved wrinkle-reducing ingredient. For nearly 20 years, Iope has offered several retinol serums, but their Retinol Super Bounce Serum is its most future-forward formula, and Allure editors can’t get enough of it. This chic sculptural white bottle contains four different retinoids, including pure retinol, encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, and bio-seletinoid to provide a multi-pronged, multi-phase approach to firming, plumping, and clarifying all skin types.
Granactive retinoid is considered the next generation of retinol, offering a gentler feel yet greater efficacy than even prescription retinol. (It works by directly binding to retinoid receptors in the skin, without requiring conversion, which is often the cause of irritation.) In other words, it can rev up collagen and elastin production faster, so you can see results, like clearer pores and a more rejuvenated complexion, in as little as seven days. Don’t forget to wear SPF in the a.m., though, to avoid inflammation.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I’ve found myself leaning towards Retinol Bounce during the colder months for an extra boost of hydration, though it works well any time of the year. It melts into my skin and makes my complexion notably plumper—and my thicker nighttime moisturizers seem to absorb better, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: four retinoids (pure retinol, encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, and bio-seletinoid), squalane, lactobacillus ferment lysate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Cica is one of the most popular ingredients in Korean skin-care products for several reasons. First and foremost, South Korea has high pollution levels, which cause skin sensitivity, and cica is known to be incredibly calming. Second, it's chock-full of amino acids, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and phytochemicals, including vitamins C, A, B1, and B2, lending itself to a long list of skin-enhancing benefits, like firming, hydrating, smoothing, and blemish fighting, according to Shari Marchbein, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule takes the trending ingredient one step further with premium cica sourced from Madagascar and fermented to elevate its calming capacities and allow it to better heal breakouts and improve your skin’s moisture barrier function.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“This soothed my breakout-prone skin and even seemed to take down the redness of an active zit. After applying this before bed, I woke up to brighter, clearer skin.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: fermented cica, cica, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, ceramide NP
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Texture: Rejuran Turnover Ampoule
Rejuran
Turnover Ampoule
Amazon
Han applying Rejuran Turnover Ampoule
Sarah Han
Why we love it: This PDRN-packed formula was created by the company behind Korea’s most popular PDRN injectable by the same name, Rejuran. “It's lightweight, and the PDRN helps with tissue elasticity and hydration,” says Dr. David Kim.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), for those unfamiliar, is derived from salmon DNA and is known to help with tissue regeneration for a firmer, smoother complexion. Although this topical version doesn’t deliver the same intensely rejuvenating, literally skin-deep benefits as the injectable, the Rejuran Turnover Ampoule is a great, more affordable option for those who are needle-shy.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I’m a little late on this K-beauty innovation, but it’s better late than never, right? Allure has been reporting on PDRN since 2019, and I finally got my hands on the most touted at-home PDRN formula. My face often looks bloated in the morning, but the more I use Rejuran Turnover Ampoule, the more lifted my skin looks. However subtle, it’s a win.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: C-PDRN (0.5%), adenosine, licorice root extract, blackberry leaf extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
Cosrx
The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Han applying the CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
Sarah Han
Why we love it: When the CosRx 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum first hit Ulta, it sold out in just nine days flat—securing its spot in the K-beauty hall of fame. This silky, lightweight serum delivers a potent hit of six peptides (including acetyl hexapeptide-8 and copper tripeptide-1) that work together to “support collagen production and elasticity,” says Dr. Chang. Niacinamide, adenosine, and sodium hyaluronate add radiance and hydration, while betaine and allantoin help calm and balance. “I love how this serum feels hydrating and helps smooth skin texture. The finish is dewy and plump without stickiness,” adds Dr. Chang. This glow-booster is great for early signs of aging or anyone with a dry, dull complexion.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I’m obsessed with the texture. I use this as a toner, a.k.a. the first step after cleansing, and I like that it’s not watery—more like a lightweight gel serum. I pump the booster into my palms and gently glide/pat it in without losing any precious product. In the mornings, I follow up with an antioxidant serum, and then I’ll go straight into sunscreen—because the formulas I love are inherently hydrating, and thanks to this toner, I’m loaded up on enough hydration to warrant skipping moisturizer. At nighttime, I like pairing it with a retinol serum to keep fine lines from creeping in and deepening.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 6 peptides (including SH-Polypeptide-121, copper tripeptide-1, oligopeptide-68, and acetyl hexapeptide-8),niacinamide, sodium PCA
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Serum
Dr. Jart+
Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Dall’Asen applying the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Serum
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why we love it: Dr. Jart+ gets its name from a portmanteau of “Dr. Jung joins Art,” capturing the brand’s whole philosophy: pairing real dermatological science with a creative sensibility. The Cicapair Sensitive Skin Serum embodies that mix—it’s lightweight, soothing, and surprisingly powerful. Featuring Centella asiatica (a.k.a. tiger grass) and its calming friends—asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid—plus palmitoyl tripeptide-8 to tone down visible redness, it strengthens your barrier and leaves skin hydrated with glycerin and allantoin. Over time, you’ll get skin that’s calmer, smoother, and way less reactive. “I recommend this for patients with extremely sensitive skin who experience redness after laser treatments—they love how soothing and effective this Dr. Jart+ Cicapair serum is,” says Dr. Hee Jin Kim.
Tester feedback from Dall’Asen
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“Because I have rosacea on my cheeks, it's simply not enough for my serums to hydrate and hydrate only—my delicate cherub face requires soothing and reparative properties, too. Whether I'm having a particularly bad flare-up or am just trying to ward off seasonal dryness, I pretty much always turn to Dr. Jart's Cicapair serum because of the magic ingredient it's named for: Cica. It's been used as a wound-healing salve for centuries in Ancient Chinese Medicine, and it's clear to see why, because every time I use this serum, my redness calms down, my dry spots disappear, and my entire face feels just a little more plump. In my eyes, it's not just a quick fix to bring life back to dry skin via hydration; it's more like a long-term strategy for making sure my skin never gets dry to begin with.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, niacinamide, allantoin, glycerin, betaine, palmitoyl tripeptide-8
- Fragrance-free: yes
More Korean serums we love
Best for Dry Skin: Knours Balancing 5xHA + Gromwell Root Bubble Burst Serum
Knours
Balancing 5xHA + Gromwell Root Bubble Burst Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Why we love it: One of the best parts about K-beauty is how it makes skin care fun. The Knours Balancing 5xHA + Gromwell Root Bubble Burst Serum is a prime example, with each pump releasing tiny microbubbles that burst on contact, flooding skin with a wave of hydration from five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. “It feels refreshing, absorbs quickly, and gives skin elasticity right after application,” says Charlotte Cho, co-founder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam, based in New York City. The addition of gromwell root extract helps calm and balance, making it perfect for dry, dehydrated, or easily irritated skin.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 5 types of hyaluronic acid, gromwell root oil, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Uneven Tone: I’m From Rice Serum
I'm From
Rice Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Why we love it: Rice may be a humble farm grain, but in the hands of I’m From, it becomes something closer to a glowy-skin secret. Sourced from Yeoju, a Korean region celebrated for its high-quality rice, this serum harnesses fermented rice embryo extract—a potent source of amino acids and antioxidants—to nourish and brighten skin from within. “This serum is a glow booster in a bottle. The rice extract helps even out tone, brighten dullness, and smooth skin texture over time. I love its silky, lightweight texture and the way it makes skin look illuminated and balanced,” says Cho.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
Purito Seoul
Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
Amazon
Nordstrom
Soko Glam
Why we love it: Centella asiatica might be basically shorthand for K-beauty at this point, but just tossing it into a formula doesn’t necessarily make it a cure-all for sensitive skin. The Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented gets it right with a four-in-one cica active complex that balances Centella’s four key compounds for consistent, science-backed soothing. If you’re already a fan of the serum but it’s been a minute since you’ve used it, the formula has been recently upgraded with even more Centella extract for a faster, stronger (yet still calming) effect. It’s also packed with panthenol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to keep sensitive or reactive skin happy. “This serum is my go-to when my skin feels sensitive or reactive. It’s free of any fragrances and instantly soothes redness,” says Cho.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between serums and ampoules?
Ampoules are typically more concentrated and “deliver results slightly faster than serums,” says Dr. David Kim. However, many Korean ampoules are starting to be labeled as serums these days to make them more approachable and accessible for American K-beauty lovers.
How do I incorporate Korean serums into my skin-care routine?
Like any serum, you should use these after putting on toner. Once you layer it on, you can reach for your favorite eye cream and moisturizer. “Serums have more active ingredients in higher concentration, and they are formulated to either brighten, hydrate, or calm the skin,” Dr. David Kim previously explained. “Then a moisturizer goes on top to lock in the moisture and to repair the skin barrier.”
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Charlotte Cho, co-founder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You, based in New York City
- David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology and founder of Lightsaver based in New York City
- Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD based in Fort Lee, NJ
- Shari Marchbein, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean serums and ampoules, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
