Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
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: Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5, $38
- Best for Glass Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum, $17
- Best Vitamin C: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum, $27
- Best Retinol: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum, $35
- Best for Uneven Tone: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, $22
- Best for Fine Lines: Haruharu Wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum, $22
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum, $22
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 cover all skin concerns 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: Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
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Aestura
A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
Sephora
Yesstyle
Olive Young
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
Why we love it: One detail K-beauty has long emphasized is the importance of pH in skin-care formulations. Korean skin care is built around the idea that healthy skin thrives in a slightly acidic environment—roughly pH 4.5 to 5.5—which helps keep the barrier strong and irritation in check. Aestura’s A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5 is formulated to match that natural acidity, supporting barrier skin while helping calm inflammation and speed recovery when skin is stressed. The serum also leans into classic K-beauty soothers, including Centella asiatica, alongside ceramides and squalane to reinforce the skin barrier.
Need further proof that it's worth your money? “This has been a long-time best seller in Korea and is now finally launching in the US,” says Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician based in Fort Lee, New Jersey. “What excites me about Korean skin care like this is that it’s not just about stronger actives—it’s about delivery systems, barrier intelligence, and layering strategies that support long-term collagen health.”
Lee before applying Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
Lee after applying Aestura A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“You caught me on a day when I decided to test a new exfoliator—so my cheeks were definitely more red than usual. When it comes to sensitive skin, Aestura can pretty much do no wrong in my book. The A-Cica365 Soothing Relief Serum pH4.5 sinks in within seconds and immediately takes the edge off irritation without any tstingling or weird tingling from strong actives. It’s one of those formulas I instinctively reach for when my skin needs calming, because anything from Aestura has earned my trust for zero irritation.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, ceramides, squalane
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Glass Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
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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
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Dr. Althea
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Ulta Beauty
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.
What sets this formula apart is its thoughtful balance of efficacy and comfort. “It’s lightweight and gentle, with a noticeably low irritation profile,” says Dr. David Kim, making it a great option even for those who tend to struggle with traditional vitamin C serums. For extra sensitivity, the serum is also available in a lower-potency version with 20% sea buckthorn water instead of 63%.
Allure contributor Devon Abelman applying the Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Devon Abelman
Abelman after applying the Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Devon Abelman
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
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Iope
Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Amazon
Soko Glam
Yesstyle
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Although retinol is a relatively recent addition to K-beauty’s spotlight, IOPE has been working with this wrinkle-smoothing ingredient for nearly two decades. The brand’s Retinol Super Bounce Serum feels especially future-forward, thanks to a four-retinoid blend—including pure and encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, and bio-seletinoid—that delivers a multi-phase approach to firming, plumping, and refining texture. The result is visible smoothing without sacrificing comfort. “This is an excellent retinol option for patients who want to address fine lines and wrinkles with less irritation,” says Dr. Chang, who also calls it “a great entry point” for anyone easing into retinoids. With its cushiony, hydrating feel, the serum helps skin look clearer and more rejuvenated in as little as a week—just don’t skip SPF during the day.
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 Barrier Repair: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
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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 Dr. Hee Jin Kim.
Dall’Asen before applying the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after applying the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Nicola Dall'Asen
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 Uneven Tone: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
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Medicube
PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure video producer Lauren Alberti applying the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Lauren Alberti
Why we love it: Somehow, Medicube has worked its way into everyone’s TikTok feed, and with formulas like their PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, we understand why. It’s all about helping uneven, tired-looking skin return to a smoother, more balanced state. The hero is salmon PDRN, a K-beauty favorite known for supporting skin repair and improving texture, which helps tone look more even over time. These topical salmon DNA products are “very similar to human DNA and can help with skin quality, luminosity, and texture,” Jennifer Levine, a New York City-based board-certified plastic surgeon, previously told Allure. Niacinamide brightens and smooths, while adenosine and a multi-peptide blend (including copper peptides) support firmer, healthier-looking skin. Hydrators like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate keep skin plump and comfortable, while calming botanical extracts—think rose, turmeric, and holy basil—round out the formula.
The end result feels very on-brand for Medicube: effective, gentle, and focused on real results without overwhelming your skin. P.S. While the serum leans soothing overall, it contains fragrance, which could be sensitizing if your skin is extremely reactive, so don’t forget to patch-test.
Tester feedback from video producer Lauren Alberti
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“I've been using this product for the last few months as part of my never-ending battle against dry skin. After a few uses, I could see that this was definitely contributing more hydrated looking skin, helping me achieve that dewy glow. I typically use it with the Medicube Booster Pro to really get the product into my pores.” —Lauren Alberti, video producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salmon PDRN, niacinamide, adenosine, peptides, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, rose, turmeric, and holy basil
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Fine Lines: Haruharu Wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum
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Haruharu Wonder
Wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum
Amazon
Yesstyle
Lee applying the Haruharu Wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: If you were going to trust any brand to make retinol both effective and gentle, it would be Haruharu Wonder. The Rose PDRN Firming Serum is designed for mature skin, targeting fine lines, texture changes, and collagen loss without overwhelming sensitive skin. It uses 0.1% retinal—strong enough to smooth wrinkles and encourage renewal, yet carefully balanced for better tolerability. Vegan PDRN, derived from Damascus rose stem cells, which helps support skin regeneration and long-term resilience. And if your skin has struggled with retinol in the past, this one has your back: Adenosine, ceramides, Centella asiatica, and a blend of peptides (including copper peptides) work together to calm, fortify, and firm the skin barrier. The velvety finish is the cherry on top, because no K-beauty formula is complete without a luxe, sensorial experience.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“This is a really solid option if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly retinal serum that plays nicely with sensitive skin. I use a prescription tretinoin that has to be refrigerated, which means on nights I’m too lazy to go back downstairs to grab it (which is pretty much five out of seven nights), this is one of the gentler retinoids I keep in rotation. The texture is spot-on—not too watery, not heavy—and it absorbs instantly without any stickiness. It feels comfortable the second it hits skin and my I haven't experienced any irritation in the two weeks I've been using it.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rose PDRN, 0.1% retinal, Centella asiatica, peptides, ceramides, adenosine
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
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Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
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.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Deanna Pai
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
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Rejuran
Turnover Ampoule
Amazon
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. While no topical formula will 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—like our tester. Plus, it's derm-backed. “It's lightweight, and the PDRN helps with tissue elasticity and hydration,” Dr. David Kim attests. Unsurprisingly, hyaluronic acid steps in to boost hydration even further.
Rejuran actually offers two different formulas: the Turnover Ampoule and Dual Effect Ampoule. While both are formulated with 0.5% c-PDRN, a proprietary marine growth factor once only available via an injectable, the Dual Effect Ampoule is more focused on firming and reducing the look of fine lines. The Turnover Ampoule is better suited for general skin upkeep, meaning hydration and brightening.
Han applying Rejuran Turnover Ampoule
Sarah Han
Han after applying Rejuran Turnover Ampoule
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor 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.” —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
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Cosrx
The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum
Amazon
Nordstrom
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 Beauty, 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 commerce editor 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.” —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 Sensitive Skin Serum for Redness and Barrier Repair
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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 Dull Skin: Celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum
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Celimax
Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: While Celimax’s Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum doesn’t rely on traditional exfoliating ingredients, like AHAs and BHAs, it still helps wake up dull, tired-looking skin using barrier-friendly brighteners like niacinamide and tranexamic acid. Rather than physically or chemically sloughing skin, the lightweight formula works to “even tone, soften the look of dark spots, and bring back clarity over time,” making it a smart option if your skin looks flat but can’t tolerate too much exfoliation, says Dr. David Kim. Hydrators like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate keep skin plump and comfortably dewy, so added radiance never comes at the cost of dryness. A distinctly K-beauty touch to this formula is loquat leaf extract, an ingredient often found in Korean skin care for its soothing, antioxidant benefits. Here, it helps calm stressed skin and support a clearer, more even-looking complexion.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, tranexamic acid, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, loquat leaf extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
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Anua
Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If you’ve got sensitive skin, you know redness often comes with the territory, which is where azelaic acid really shines. It helps knock out acne-causing bacteria, gently loosen dead skin cells that clog pores, calm inflammation, and even tone, all without pushing easily irritated skin over the edge. Signature K-beauty calming ingredients do a lot of the heavy lifting here: a full Centella asiatica complex (including madecassoside and asiatic acid) helps dial down visible redness, while green tea leaf water supports stressed, reactive skin. Ceramides and squalane reinforce the skin barrier, keeping things comfortable as skin clears and brightens. “This is a rare azelaic-based formula that tackles uneven skin tone while actively soothing and hydrating skin,” says Dr. Chang.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: azelaic acid, ceramides, squalane, Centella asiatica
- 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
- David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Soho Derm and founder of Lightsaver based in New York City
- Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor and Medical Director of PureenMD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey
- Jennifer Levine, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City
- 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.