PSA: These Are 5 of the Best Korean Serums

Serums: they’re the workhorses of our routines.

They tend to be the most concentrated products in the cabinet.

But there are so many serums to choose from!

Serums can be formulated to focus on almost any skin concern, from hydration to brightening to much, much more.

That’s why it’s important to choose a product that benefits your own complexion, not that of your BFF or an up-and-coming TikToker doing a K-beauty product review.

The K-Beauty world is teeming with serums, ampoules, and emulsions, so navigating this niche can be even trickier than the usual realm of facial serums.

Fear not, as I’m here to take you through the best Korean serums and break down the difference between serums and Korean skincare emulsions.

I also answer key questions that often come up when someone takes their first plunge into a new K-Beauty skin routine.

You can also watch our YouTube video all about K-Beauty if you want to continue to level up your skincare...

Now Here Are Our Best Korean Serums

1. COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule

What it is: A highly concentrated ampoule featuring 83% propolis extract from black bees.

The unique ability of propolis to help reduce scarring makes this the best Korean ampoule for acne scars and anyone seeking an enviable glow.

Who it’s for: Best for oily and combination skin, and those prone to breakouts.

Why it’s so good: This ampoule’s lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs effortlessly into the skin.

Propolis extract is heralded for its power to banish blemishes and improve skin’s tone and texture.

This highly concentrated ampoule ensures that your skin is deeply nourished by this magical ingredient.

Shop COSRX Full Fit Propolis Light Ampoule here:

2. COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

What it is: Supercharge your skin’s hydration with COSRX’s highly charged hyaluronic ampoule.

This formula features 3 types of hyaluronic acid to rehydrate skin efficiently and effectively.

If you’re looking for a glow, well, here’s the best Korean ampoule for glowing skin.

Who it’s for: This ampoule is the best Korean ampoule for combination to dry skin that needs help for dehydration.

Why it’s so great: Because it contains 3 types of hyaluronic acid, this ampoule can effectively hydrate multiple layers of the skin.

Alongside superstar plumping agent hyaluronic acid is soothing vitamin B5.

Shop COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule here:

3. KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

What it is: A Korean Vitamin C Serum with 5% pure vitamin C to brighten, tighten, and lighten the skin!

Suitable for all skin types, this emulsion of vitamin C and botanical oils leaves you smooth and glowing to the moon and back.

Who it’s for: All skin types looking for a brightening boost. Klairs is sensitive skin-friendly, which is why this is the best Korean emulsion for sensitive skin.

Why it’s so good: Alongside pure vitamin C, this fabulous formula also features peptides to help firm the skin over time.

Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop can be applied straight or mixed into a serum or moisturiser to supercharge those formulas with its brightening benefits.

Shop KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop here:

4. SOME BY MI Yuja Niacin Blemish Care Serum

What it is: If breakouts and lingering scarring have gotten you down, SOME BY MI can pick you back up with its supercharged niacin serum.

This blend of vitamin C, B3, and yuja extract works to balance, nourish, and brighten.

Who it’s for: Lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin, this is the best Korean serum for combination skin that shows dark spots and blemishes.

Why it’s so good: With a blend of 5% niacinamide for its barrier restoring and sebum regulating properties and Yuja extract, this serum will not only help calm active blemishes but also target the pigmentation that is often left behind.

Shop SOME BY MI Yuja Niacin Blemish Care Serum here:

5. innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum

What it is: One of the best Korean serums for hydration, this unique serum-and-essence hybrid hydrates deeply and restores balance to your skin.

If you’re having a lazy skincare night or prefer a simpler routine, this product can replace two steps in your routine. Fab!

Who it’s for: All skin types, particularly normal-to-dry skin.

Why it’s so good: This formula is packed Green tea seed extracts for a radiant, clearer complexion. It also deeply cares for skin while eliminating dryness.

Water Bank Hydro Essence hydrates for 24 continuous hours, so you always look dewy, never dry.

Shop innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum here:

What Is Emulsion in Korean Skincare?

An emulsion is a lightweight moisturiser that’s a blend of water and oil.

Most Korean emulsions are best for combination skin.

What Are Ampoules in K-Beauty?

Korean skincare ampoules are like supercharged serums!

They tend to feature an incredibly high concentration of a key active ingredient and deliver it deep into your skin.

While your hyaluronic serum might stay the same, you change your ampoule more regularly.

Although the world of K-Beauty serums, ampoules, and emulsions can be confusing at first, I hope this guide to the best Korean serums has cleared it up for you.

Keep this party going by exploring more K-Beauty brands.

And put on some K-pop in the background while you’re at it!

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

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