Even if you’re a relative newcomer to the world of skin care, you’re likely to have heard of K-beauty (Korean beauty), which has been trending Stateside for about a decade. There’s a reason that people seek out the best Korean serums, says Jenny Jin, a beauty writer and editor based in Seoul, South Korea: “Though there are lots of good options in the US, I think Korean serums offer more bang for your buck overall, considering the quality of ingredients used, sensorial textures, and thoughtful packaging,” she says.
Vogue’s Favorite Korean Serums:
Indeed, Korean serums are renowned for their performance, with hardworking ingredients that go viral here once American brands catch on to their efficacy (niacinamide, anyone?). And because they’re designed to be part of a 10-step skin-care routine, Korean serums play nicely with other products in your existing regimen. “Formulation and stabilization are key factors in Korean skin care, with products that don’t pill when layering,” says Eunice Park, a dual-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of AIREM Aesthetic Spa in New York.
In This Story:
- Are Korean serums better?
- What to Look for in a Korean Face Serum
- What Is the Most Popular Korean Face Serum?
- Which Korean Serum Is Best for Glass Skin?
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
Best Overall: Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
- Why We Love It: This was one of the very first Korean serums we integrated into our routine, and it remains a staple of our lineup. “Sulwhasoo’s serum is a classic that both my nearly 70-year-old mom and I enjoy using,” shares Jin. Designed to be used directly after cleansing, the blend of herbal ingredients (including ginseng, skullcap, and madecassoside, a compound found in cica) works to support your skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and promote a more youthful-looking complexion. “I think of it as a little vitamin boost in my skin-care routine,” Jin adds. This serum just makes our skin look better, full stop—there’s a clear radiance and vitality when we use the formula, and we see the difference when we don’t.
- Editors Experience: “I love starting my nighttime routine with this Sulwhasoos seurm, designed to be the first step in any regimen to improve the absorption of the skin-care products that follow it. The formula is notably gentle so pairs well with everything in my routine and aids my complexions luminousity. I keep a bottle stocked in my vanity at all times.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Baikal skullcap extract, ginseng extract, madecassoside
- Size: 2.02 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Absorbs beautifully | Contains fragrance |
| Silky texture that balances skin and boosts radiance |
Best for Glass Skin: Peach Lily Glass Skin Serum
- Why We Love It: “In K-beauty, glass skin refers to a clear, smooth, and intensely hydrated complexion that resembles the flawless, translucent quality of glass,” explains Dr. Park. This clear serum lives up to its name, smoothing rough texture (even enlarged pores), brightening dull tone, fading redness, and plumping skin for a more luminous look. That’s due to multiple weights of hydrating hyaluronic acid and firming peptides, as well as niacinamide, a do-it-all antioxidant that helps calm, balance, and restore. It’s said that a bottle of this serum sells every two minutes, and you’ll see why once you try it for yourself.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides
- Size: 1.35 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Improves uneven skin texture and tone | May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin |
| Gives skin a naturally dewy radiance |
Best With Retinol: Primera Youth Radiance Vitatinol Serum
- Why We Love It: Retinol and vitamin C are two of the most effective antiaging ingredients at our disposal, but they also happen to be incredibly unstable. This innovative product solves that with clever packaging that mixes the two actives before your first use so they stay powerful and fresh until you’ve used up the whole bottle. In as quickly as one week, this product works to help smooth texture and brighten tone—and, unlike most retinol serums, leaves your skin moisturized and luminous rather than flaky and dry. This is especially impressive due to the high potency of the ingredients—95% pure retinol and 60% vitamin C.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, panthenol
- Size: 0.7 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Rapidly works to improve skin texture | Doesn’t layer easily with other products |
Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Serum
- Why We Love It: As beauty editors, we try many products, so finishing and replenishing one is a clear sign of a winner. We’ve burned through several bottles of this soothing serum, which features centella asiatica extract and multiple related compounds to help quell skin irritation and inflammation in a flash.
- Editor Experience: “This formula is easy to love—it absorbs quickly to rapidly hydrate and soothe skin. With regular use, it calmed the perpetual redness around my nose to the point that I could confidently skip concealer.” —Emily Orofino, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, asiaticoside, madecassic acid
- Size: 1.01 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Helps calm redness, including rosacea | Packaging can leak |
| Soothes irritation and dryness |
Best for Dark Spots: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
- Why We Love It: This formula’s two signature ingredients are rice bran water and alpha-arbutin, in concentrations of 68 and 2% percent, respectively. Rice bran water has long been used as a moisturizing toner in Korean culture due to its high levels of amino acids and minerals; alpha-arbutin is a tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it helps prevent the formation of dark spots and discoloration. This power couple is supported by niacinamide, jojoba, and other ingredients to leave your skin with a noticeable glow.
- Editors Experience: “I do not know what I did before testing Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum. Finally, I have an elixir that keeps my acne at bay without removing my natural oils, via a blend of 60% propolis extract, 2% niacinamide, and 0.5% BHA. These are whipped into a viscous, hydrating serum that my skin drinks up in seconds. I like to layer this K-beauty formula with a milky toner to lock in the moisture day or night.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Rice bran water, alpha-arbutin, niacinamide
- Size: 1 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| A little goes a long way | May cause irritation in sensitive skin |
| Absorbs quickly to boost radiance |
Best Sunscreen: Etude Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+
- Why We Love It: “I love Korean sunscreens for their formulations, which are light while maintaining a high level of sun protection,” says Dr. Park. “The Sun Milk is super lightweight but also very hydrating and can be used like a primer or base before applying foundation.” In addition to being powered by mineral filters (yet disappearing into most skin tones without leaving a white cast), the formula is infused with hardworking plant extracts for a boost in benefits. That includes Kakadu plum and Barbados cherry, two plants naturally packed with vitamin C (which helps brighten, protect, and firm skin).
- Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum extract, Barbados cherry extract, aloe vera extract
- Size: 1.85 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Feels light on skin, even oily complexions | May leave a white cast on deep complexions |
| Sits well under makeup |
Best for Acne: Numbuzin Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Serum
- Why We Love It: If Numbuzin isn’t yet on your radar, this is the time to try it—it’s hugely popular in Korea, and we’re confident it’s about to take off here in the States. This formula, in particular, is a hero of the brand’s lineup. “It’s especially good for those with easily irritated, acne-prone skin, as it features a cocktail of clarifying and soothing ingredients like pantothenic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid,” says Jin of the oil-regulating, skin-calming formula. Its gel-like texture is also remarkably lightweight, evaporating almost instantaneously upon application.
- Key Ingredients: Pantothenic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1.69 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Instantly hydrates and calms skin | Cannot control very oily skin |
| Lightweight texture absorbs easily |
Best Hydrating: Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum
- Why We Love It: While Laneige’s legendary sleeping masks tend to get all of the acclaim, we’re fans of this sleeper-hit serum, which delivers a serious dose of hydration with humectants beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid, plus nourishment from emollient squalane. Though it has a fairly rich texture, it’s not remotely greasy or heavy, so it’s suitable for all skin types. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the futuristic packaging—the top twists to reveal the pump, keeping the dispenser hygienic and streamlined.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan
- Size: 1.6 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Silky texture is very hydrating without being heavy | Strong fragrance |
Best With Snail Mucin: CosRx Snail 96% Power Essence
- Why We Love It: Don’t be afraid or skeptical of snail mucin—the hype is real and deserved, especially when it comes to this formula. The water-light gel lists snail mucin first on the ingredient list, a sign it’s in the product at a high concentration. It addresses uneven texture and tone, while low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and allantoin work to plump up skin and lock in hydration for a plush, luminous complexion. This layers beautifully with other serums; we like applying it directly to damp skin for even more hydration.
- Editors Experience: “The first essence I ever tried, this holds a special place in my heart. Best known for its sticky, snail mucin texture this yields more than just sensorial benefits. The gentle elixir is a true glass skin-achiever—softening, smoothing, and illuminating with consistent use.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Snail secretion filtrate, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin
- Size: 3.38 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Provides deep hydration without weight | Will not be hydrating enough on its own without a subsequent serum or moisturizer |
| Doesn’t pill or have a sticky finish |
Best Vitamin C: Hanyul Yuja Vita-C Serum
- Why We Love It: If sensitivity has sworn you off vitamin C serums in the past, give this one a go. Niacinamide and taurine work in tandem to help soothe and fortify the skin barrier, while multiple forms of vitamin C promote a brighter, more luminous complexion without that sticky texture commonly associated with vitamin C serums. We also absolutely love the scent, which comes courtesy of star ingredient yuja (also known as yuzu, a very tart and aromatic citrus fruit popular in Korea). Its energizing fragrance is a great way to kick-start the day!
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, yuzu-peel extract
- Size: 1.01 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Not sticky like most vitamin C serums | Pleasant but potent natural citrus scent |
| Compatible with sensitive skin |
Best for Beginners: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum
- Why We Love It: According to Jin, this brand is a great jumping-off point for those new to K-beauty. In addition to being part of the Amorepacific family of brands (including numerous aforementioned favorites, like Sulwhasoo and Laneige), Innisfree was an early pioneer of using naturally derived ingredients and prioritizing sustainable packaging. “The Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum is one of their OG bestsellers, and it’s been reformulated in recent years to include encapsulated hyaluronic acid, so it’s even more hydrating than earlier versions,” she adds. According to a clinical study, this serum provides up to 72 hours of hydration.
- Key Ingredients: Green tea, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol
- Size: 2.7 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| One pump provides full-face coverage | Strong natural scent |
| Great for all skin types |
Best for Dehydrated Skin: Torriden Dive In Serum
- Why We Love It: Parched skin will drink up this thirst-quenching formula: It contains five forms of hyaluronic acid at varying molecular weights to draw water into multiple layers of the skin for lasting hydration. Panthenol and allantoin provide conditioning and soothing benefits for an even and calm complexion. The result? Plump, bouncy, and comfortable skin without any sticky residue.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin
- Size: 1.69 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| One dropperful of serum is profoundly hydrating | Works best on damp skin |
| Non-sticky and fast-absorbing formula |
Best for Discoloration: Abib Glutathiosome Dark Spot Serum
- Why We Love It: This formula works quickly to fade stubborn hyperpigmentation, including melasma, promoting an overall more even complexion with a smoother texture. As glutathione, niacinamide, and vitamin C help brighten, ingredients like cica and beta glucan work to calm and hydrate, making this serum a well-rounded formula for any skin-care routine.
- Key Ingredients: Glutathione, niacinamide, vitamin C, centella asiatica
- Size: 1.69 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Improves discoloration within a few weeks | Dropper doesn’t draw up enough product |
| Hydrating formula absorbs rapidly |
Best Spicule Serum: VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot
- Why We Love It: This cult-favorite formula is like a med spa treatment in a bottle—often hailed as “liquid microneedling,” this spicule serum features microscopic needle-like structures that support cellular turnover and collagen production, as well as soothing cica and hydrating hyaluronic acid to promote taut, smooth skin with a luminous, glassy glow. What’s especially unique about this product is that it comes in varying strengths as your skin adjusts to the spicules, ranging from Reedle Shot 50 (with 3,800 spicules) to 700 (570,000 spicules).
- Editors Experience: “The subtle tingling of the Reedle Shot serum is oddly satisfying. Im using level 100 which is the second-lowest concentration and havent experienced any irritation or purging. Im please with how well my skin has taken to it—imparting a smoother complexion by morning.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Spicules, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1.69 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Available in a range of strengths | Can be irritating, especially at higher strengths or on sensitive skin |
| Leaves skin smooth, radiant, and youthful-looking |
Everything You Need to Know
Are Korean Serums Better?
Some experts—and many consumers—say yes. “I think its safe to say that Korean serums are generally better than most that are currently on the market,” says Jin. “The constant demand for innovation from within the country means brands are always creating, testing and ultimately providing new or improved-upon formulas.” She adds that Korean brands also pay particularly careful attention to detail when it comes to a product’s texture, ingredient levels, and packaging. “Its no wonder why more U.S. brands have started sourcing and producing their products in Korea,” Jin adds.
What to Look For in a Korean Face Serum
Skin Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
Both Jin and Dr. Park point to hyaluronic acid and ceramides as common ingredients in Korean serums; you’ve likely come across these if you have dry skin. “Hyaluronic acid can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, making it excellent for keeping skin plump and hydrated,” explains Dr. Park. “By plumping up the outer layers of skin, hyaluronic acid can temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That hydration creates a smoother texture and a youthful glow.” Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin barrier that help retain moisture, so combining these two ingredients is a must to keep skin comfortable and nourished, especially during the drier, colder months.
Brightening Ingredients
Niacinamide is one of the most popular ingredients found in Korean skin-care formulas, says Jin. “It’s a favored ingredient for improving the overall texture and tone of skin, [as is] brightening vitamin C.” According to Dr. Park, vitamin C helps defend skin from damaging free radicals, promotes collagen production, helps fade dark spots and discoloration, and has anti-inflammatory properties. How much vitamin C is in the formula matters, she says: “At 15%, vitamin C is potent enough to deliver visible results but is often still tolerable for most skin types, especially if formulated as L-ascorbic acid, the purest and most effective form.”
Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
In addition to soothing plant extracts like heartleaf, cica (centella asiatica), and cica’s related compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside, Jin also notes the popularity of serums with PDRN or polydeoxyribonucleotide, the active ingredient used in the notorious salmon sperm facial (a treatment Dr. Park offers at Airem). “It’s touted as this catchall superhero ingredient that helps with everything from reducing inflammation to improving hydration and pigmentation,” says Jin. “Getting PDRN injections is a popular skin-care treatment that many glowy-skin civilians swear by in Korea, so it makes sense that the ingredient is being bottled up for topical use by brands like Medicube, CNP, and Iope.”
Value Offers
Those looking to get bang for their buck can find it in K-Beauty. “Having lived in Korea for over a year now, Ive noticed that a lot of brands offer refills or special sets, which often include a second bottle of serum and/or other travel-sized products within the line like a cleanser, moisturizer or sheet mask,” notes Jin.
What Is the Most Popular Korean Face Serum?
According to Jin, the real question is, “What is the most popular Korean face serum right now?” “The Korean beauty market is known for its constant innovation, so you tend to see a very fast turnover with trending products here,” she explains. Dr. Park shares that she’s seeing a surge in “clinical beauty” right now—basically, “serums that evoke a sense of going to a med spa,” she says, pointing to VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot 100 as an example. “The Reedle Shot is a hydrating serum that boosts collagen, and the levels of hydration allow the consumer to customize the product to their needs,” Dr. Park explains.
Other trendy formulas right now include Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum (popular among those with acne-prone skin) and Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, notes Jin, adding that the latter works for almost everyone. “Who doesn’t need more moisture this time of year?” she says. “My skin has been especially dry lately with the change in seasons, so I’ve been layering the Torriden serum underneath my moisturizer. It definitely makes a difference in how my makeup goes on.”
Which Korean Serum Is Best for Glass Skin?
To achieve clear, smooth, gleaming skin, you can’t solely rely on a serum, our experts say. “Achieving glass skin involves a skin-care routine focused on deep cleansing, hydration, and layering lightweight, nourishing products to create a radiant, dewy, and poreless look,” says Dr. Park. Jin recommends double cleansing to remove every last trace of SPF and makeup every night, regularly exfoliating (gently, to avoid irritation and redness), and constantly incorporating hydration into your routine via multiple formulas. “Some Korean serums that can help in this quest include Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum,” Jin adds.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogues vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industrys standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to Korean serums, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Jenny Jin is a beauty writer and editor based in Seoul, South Korea.
- Eunice Park is a dual-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of Airem in New York.
