As a beauty editor who tests K-beauty launches for a living, I’ve noticed a surge of Korean serums. If you haven’t incorporated one into your K-beauty routine yet, this is your sign. From smoothing to plumping to delivering that signature glass-skin glow, these formulas do it all with some of the most effective ingredients—like PDRN, glutathione, and ginseng peptides. “They stand out for their lightweight textures and ability to deliver targeted results without irritation,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam.
To find the best ones for every skin type, I went straight to the experts, asking Cho and three top dermatologists for most-recommended picks. I cross-referenced these with my personal notes from the three months I spent researching Korean skin care products in Seoul last year, and this roundup is the result.
The best Korean serums, at a glance
- Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier Hydro Cera-HA Serum, $34
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide, $24
- Best for Oily Skin: Mixsoon Bean Essence, $35
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Abib Heartleaf TECA Capsule Serum Calming Drop, $20
- Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum, $70
- Best for Acne Scars: CosRx The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum, $25
- Best Vitamin C Serum: Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum, $21
- Best Retinol Serum: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum, $50
Best Korean Serum Overall: Aestura Atobarrier Hydro Cera-HA Serum
Aestura’s Atobarrier365 Hydro Cera-HA Serum is my top pick for a hydrating serum that packs long-lasting moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. “If you’re struggling with dry skin, this is a game changer,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. Dr. Chang loves the “powerful blend” of ingredients, which includes hyaluronic acid, ceramides, triple lipid complex, glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamin E. “It hydrates and repairs the skin barrier, soothes, and brightens,” she explains. She’s also a fan of the smooth, lightweight texture, which she says “absorbs rapidly into the skin, making it great for layering with other products.” While any skin types can get in on its moisturizing benefits, it’s particularly effective if you’re experiencing dryness or dehydration. “I noticed an instant improvement in how soft and moisturized my skin was after applying it,” says Dr. Chang. “Over time, this serum helps my skin look glowier and more radiant.”
I have a well-documented love for Aestura’s soothing, nourishing products, and this serum remains a staple in my skin care cabinet on days when my combination skin leans dry or my rosacea flares up. Lately, I’ve been layering it with Aestura’s Atobarrier365 Cream Moisturizer for the ultimate overnight hydration.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle is also a fan. “I can’t go a day without this hydrating serum. It absorbs quickly, layers so well with my moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup, and combined with the Aestura moisturizer, it gives me glass-like skin. As a shopping editor, I’m constantly testing new skin care products, and this is one of my favorites of 2025.”
Best Korean Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
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If you want to balance combination or acne-prone skin without stripping your face of moisture, try Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide. “This serum effectively addresses multiple skin concerns, including moisture retention, blemish improvement, and skin-barrier protection,” says Hwang Wonuk, MD, cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul. Dr. Hwang calls out the formula’s inclusion of propolis extract, a resinous substance produced by bees that has natural soothing and antibacterial properties, “making it ideal for blemish-prone skin.” It’s also formulated with niacinamide, an ingredient that brightens, hydrates, supports your skin barrier, and helps balance sebum levels.
“It’s effective in addressing uneven skin tone and promoting a clearer complexion,” he says. “Regular use can result in visibly brighter, hydrated, and more balanced skin. It’s an excellent choice for anyone aiming to enhance their skin’s overall health.” He also enjoys the formula’s “lightweight yet slightly thick texture that absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue…providing a refreshing and moisturizing feel.”
As someone with combination skin, I appreciate that the formula feels cushiony and moisturizing on the dryer zones of my face without getting greasy on my oily T-zone. It keeps my face feeling nicely balanced in both my morning and evening skin care routines.
Best Korean Serum for Oily Skin: Mixsoon Bean Essence
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Mixsoon’s Bean Essence is—well, technically an essence—but you can easily swap it in for your serum step. Plus, it’s just too good to leave off this list. You’ve probably seen its smoothing benefits on KBeautyTok, where fascinated reviewers show how the formula makes your skin naturally slough off as you rub it in. It’s made with fermented soybean and fruit extracts that create a natural exfoliating effect.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect from a serum that’s called an ‘essence,’ but the Mixsoon Bean Essence quickly became a staple in my routine,” says Cho. “It has this bouncy, viscous texture that melts beautifully into the skin, and it’s packed with fermented ingredients like soybean ferment extract that help balance oil production while boosting hydration. Also, it doubles up as an exfoliator as you can rub it into your skin to exfoliate your dead skin cells.”
For best results, I’d recommend working it in for at least a few minutes so that your dead skin cells can start gradually clumping up. I focus on my nose area where I get clogged pores, rub until I see tiny specks of skin, then gently wipe it off with a toner pad. It also works great as a fast-absorbing, glow-boosting serum if I just apply a thin layer and don’t massage it in. My friends in Seoul told me to try applying this before makeup for an extra-smooth base, and I’m obsessed with how easily foundation layers on top.
Best Korean Serum for Sensitive Skin: Abib Heartleaf TECA Capsule Serum Calming Drop
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Sensitive skin will drink up every drop of this calming, cooling serum. “It’s formulated with heartleaf (also known as Houttuynia cordata) and Centella asiatica, anti-inflammatory ingredients that reduce redness and inflammation,” says Dr. Chang. She particularly recommends this formula for anyone with sensitive or blemish-prone skin, but it’s also a great option for when other skin types are feeling irritated or overheated. It also contains niacinamide, which “helps with brightening the skin and repairing skin damage,” she says.
I first tried this serum last September in Seoul, when it felt like the summer heat wave was going to last forever. I loved how it immediately cooled my skin after a day in the sun and toned down the redness in my midface. Since then, I’ve kept a bottle in rotation for days when I need a soothing reset. The tiny green flecks in the bottle are capsules filled with Centella asiatica extract that melt into my skin for an extra-refreshing effect.
Best Korean Serum for Skin Barrier: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
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PDRN may have been the most popular ingredient in K-beauty last year. “PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is used for wound healing and skin care,” says Christina Chung, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania. “It enhances circulation, and stimulates cellular growth and repair. These properties make it a great product to maintain skin integrity and is especially perfect for times when you need to protect it most.” While the salmon DNA-derived ingredient is typically used in injectables, K-beauty brands have been experimenting with topical versions. Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum uses a vegan, rose-derived PDRN to help boost your skin barrier.
“It employs a blend of innovative ingredients designed to promote skin regeneration, improve elasticity, and enhance overall skin appearance,” says Dr. Hwang. Along with its rose PDRN, the formula also contains peptides, which he says “support collagen production and help improve elasticity.” It’s also packed with barrier-boosting coenzyme Q10, which “improves the skin barrier, offering protection against environmental stressors.” Dr. Hwang likes the lightweight, smooth texture and quick absorption, “making it ideal for layering under other skin care or makeup.”
I personally love this serum for its smoothing, firming effects. The combination of collagen-boosting ingredients works best when I use it regularly, leaving my skin feeling especially bouncy, plump, and soft.
Best Anti-Aging Korean Serum: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum
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Sulwhasoo is famous for making some of the best ginseng skin care in K-beauty, and this new Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum doesn’t disappoint. “The retinol helps with fine lines, the niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin tone stay even, the ginseng is like a superpower antioxidant, and hyaluronic acid keeps skin supple and plump,” says Dr. Chung. While she recommends it for all ages and skin types, the potent ingredients are especially effective for mature skin or anyone looking to target fine lines and texture. “This serum checks all the boxes,” she says.
I’ve also been testing the formula for the past month and can’t get enough of its immediate plumping, brightening effects. It has a subtle ginseng scent that makes my bedtime skin care routine feel like a soothing treat. With continued use, I’ve also noticed that it helps my cheeks and forehead look and feel smoother.
Best Firming Korean Serum: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
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Another great take on PDRN is Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, which Dr. Chang and I both love for its intensely hydrating, firming benefits. “This serum contains a powerful trio of PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen to hydrate the skin and work on skin anti-aging,” she says. “PDRN is popular in Korea for its skin-regenerative, reparative, and brightening properties. This serum also has 3% hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen that help provide a boost of skin hydration.”
Along with Aestura’s Atobarrier Hydro Cera-HA Serum, this is one of the most hydrating K-beauty serums I’ve tested. It has a watery texture that sinks in immediately but still packs a ton of moisture. The combination of hydrating ingredients creates a temporary plumping, firming effect that makes my skin look bouncier and helps makeup glide on seamlessly.
Best Brightening Korean Serum: CosRx The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
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CosRx is best known for popularizing snail mucin skin care in the early days of K-beauty, but the brand’s latest launches are just as good. I particularly like CosRx’s new Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum, which is packed with derm-approved brighteners. “This serum has some of my favorite skin-brightening ingredients, including 2% alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, and glutathione,” says Dr. Chang. “It’s great for those with uneven skin tone, dull complexion, hyperpigmentation, or post-acne marks. The star ingredient in this serum is alpha-arbutin, a gentler alternative to hydroquinone that helps to brighten dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.”
Both Dr. Chang and I enjoy the lightweight texture, which she says “absorbs easily without being sticky.” My skin can react poorly to some brightening ingredients, but I didn’t experience any irritation or sensitivities after using this formula daily for a few weeks. “It’s great for those who are looking to brighten the skin but cannot handle chemical exfoliants, retinols, or hydroquinone,” confirms Dr. Chang. While it gives a subtle glow boost on application, patience pays off if you’re looking for long-term, more dramatic brightening. “Remember that it can take time, even a couple months, to see results with any topical regimen,” says Dr. Chang.
Best Korean Vitamin C Serum: Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum
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Anyone who’s tired of sticky, greasy, or unpleasantly scented vitamin C serums needs to try Numbuzin’s No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum. I picked up a bottle of this TikTok-viral vitamin C last fall in Seoul and emptied it in a month after using it day and night. “This serum packs a punch if you are looking to even out your skin tone,” says Dr. Chung. “Not only does it contain a special glutathione vitamin C, but it also has niacinamide and tranexamic acid, two actives that are known to help with dyspigmentation.” Dr. Chung also highly rates this serum for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. “Products that help brighten and even skin can be irritating, but this one is the complete opposite,” she says. “It’s gentle and hydrating to the point that oily skin types may find it too heavy!”
I found the texture to be just right for my combination skin, delivering the right amount of hydration without making my skin feel weighed down or oily. But my favorite part of this formula is definitely the visible effect it had on my post-breakout dark spots. After a month of regular use, it faded the marks around my chin and brightened my overall complexion without causing the slightest bit of irritation.
Best Korean Retinol Serum: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
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This popular retinol serum isn’t just the best Korean retinol I’ve tried; it’s the best retinol serum in my extensive collection, period. Cho also loves this best-selling formula. “Retinol can be tricky, but this Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum makes it easy,” she says. “It uses a gentle, stabilized form of retinol that helped smooth my fine lines and boost my skin’s elasticity without irritation—plus, it has soothing ingredients like panthenol and hyaluronic acid to cushion the effect. I use it at night, a few times a week, and always wake up to skin that feels firmer and more even.” If you’re new to the ingredient or find your skin tends to flake and peel after using retinol, give this a try. “I would recommend it to anyone who is just starting out on retinols,” says Cho.
I’ve now on my third bottle of this serum, which is gentle enough for me to use every night while still giving me visible results. In the past, I’ve had to buffer retinols by layering them over moisturizer so I don’t start flaking, peeling, and turning red. Not only does this serum stay gentle, it also makes my skin look smoother, plumper, and more even with continued use. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a retinol skin care product.
Best Korean Serum for Glow: Round Lab Vita Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
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For that signature glass-skin glow, pick up a bottle of Round Lab’s Vita Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum. This lightweight, glow-giving formula was Dr. Hwang’s top pick out of the Korean serums he tested. “Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly without any residue, making it perfect for layering with other products without feeling too rich,” he says. “It stands out as an excellent choice for combating dark spots and dullness. Incorporating this serum into a daily skin care routine can lead to significant improvements in skin tone and texture, providing a radiant and youthful appearance.” The formula is packed with derm-approved ingredients for glow, including antioxidant-rich vitamin tree extract, stabilized vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and glutathione. Dr. Hwang particularly likes the form of vitamin C used because of “its small molecular structure, allowing it to retain its efficacy longer than traditional vitamin C and deliver visible benefits in reducing dark spots.”
Every Round Lab product I’ve tested has been both gentle and effective, and this serum was no exception. The first time I used it, I fell in love with the refreshing texture and instant glow boost it gave me. It’s also one of my most-used serums for dealing with dark spots or allover dullness. In terms of finish, it’s a touch lighter than Numbuzin’s vitamin C serum, so if your skin is especially oily, give this formula a try.
Your Korean-serum questions, answered
Are Korean serums better?
With Korean serums taking off on TikTok, one of the most-asked questions is whether these formulas are better than their competitors. And while we wouldn’t make that blanket claim, you’ll definitely find interesting ingredients and delivery systems in K-beauty that make them worth trialing in your Korean skin care routine. “These serums stand out due to their unique, innovative formulations, the diversity of ingredients, and the focus on long-term skin health and hydration,” says Dr. Chang. “Common ingredients include Centella asiatica (cica), niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, ginseng, licorice root extract, green tea, panthenol, propolis, and honey.” Dr. Chang also loves that these formulas tend to be formulated for quick absorption and overall skin health. “They typically focus on maintaining a healthy skin barrier, promoting better moisture retention, and tend to be gentle and well-suited for many skin types,” she says. They’re also usually designed with extensive routines in mind, resulting in lighter, gentler formulas made to pair with your most-loved Korean cleansers, toners, sunscreens, eye creams, moisturizers, sleeping masks, and other trending K-beauty products.
Should you use separate Korean serums for day and night?
Depending on your skin type and needs, you can use most of these Korean serums both day and night, or mix and match. The one exception is retinol, which causes sun sensitivity and should only be used in your evening skin care routine.
“Those with a single skin concern or with more sensitive skin may use one serum both day and night,” says Dr. Chang. Otherwise, feel free to switch it up. “I recommend a day serum that protects the skin while offering lightweight hydration,” she says. “Some antioxidant ingredients I recommend for daytime use include vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract, and green tea extract. Lightweight hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are also great, especially if using a multi-step skin care routine.” Numbuzin’s No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum is a great pick for your daytime routine. At night, focus on formulas that “support repair and regeneration of the skin along with deeper hydration” like Iope’s Retinol Super Bounce Serum.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
- Hwang Wonuk, MD, cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul
- Christina Chung, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Pennsylvania
- Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer
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