20 Best Korean Serums That Are Worth the Hype

Beauty of Joseon – Glow Serum

Beauty of Joseon – Glow Serum infused with 60% propolis extract and 2% niacinamide, this serum effectively targets inflammation, controls sebum production, and diminishes hyperpigmentation, while ensuring optimal hydration levels. Its luxurious honey-like texture absorbs effortlessly, leaving your skin with a radiant, dewy finish. Crafted with only EWG Green Grade ingredients, it’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

Pros: Anti-inflammatory formula; Sebum control; Brightens skin

Cons: Small bottle size

Skin Types: Suitable for sensitive, dehydrated, dry, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types.

Customer Review: “I ordered all three Beauty of Joseon serums and this one is my favorite! This was the first out of the three that I’ve finished the entire bottle for. I used this serum every morning after applying toner and it definitely improved my skin by reducing acne and providing hydration. It absorbs into the skin nicely and leaves a nice glow, but doesn’t make my very oily skin look too oily. This is now a staple in my routine and I will continue to repurchase!”

TIRTIR – SOS Serum

The SOS Serum is a moisturizing powerhouse enriched with polyglutamic acid, offering immediate hydration and skin barrier strengthening. Its lightweight, gel-like formula absorbs quickly, plumping fine lines and wrinkles while soothing irritated skin with centella, witch hazel, chamomile, and cucumber extracts.

Pros: Instant hydration; Lightweight formula; Strengthens skin barrier

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially those in need of immediate hydration and skin barrier strengthening.

Customer Review: “I love this serum! I’ve added to my AM routine and it helps keep my skin comfortable all day. It has a super lightweight consistency, like water with a little more slip. It instantly gives me a glow but doesn’t dry sticky. I wear it under sunscreen and it’s very comfortable. My skin feels amazing – comfortable and hydrated all day. I’m loving this one!”

Peach & Lily – Glass Skin Refining Serum

Experience your healthiest, smoothest, clearest, and most luminous skin with the Glass Skin Refining Serum by Peach & Lily. This revolutionary serum combines peach extract, niacinamide, East Asian mountain yam, madecassoside, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to visibly hydrate, calm, brighten, and firm your skin. Achieve crystal-clear glass skin with a radiant glow.

Pros: Brightens skin; Soothes irritation; Lightweight hydration

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types

Customer Review: “I’ve never had a Holy Grail product but I can say this is my first. I’m already planning to buy backups when they come back in stock so I won’t be without it. I highly recommend this to everyone to try out.”

AXIS – Y – Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

Experience the power of nature with our Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum. Formulated without cruelty, vegan-friendly, and free from artificial colorants, mineral oils, fragrances, and parabens, this serum rejuvenates and nourishes your skin. Harnessing the potency of botanical extracts from calendula, papaya, and sea buckthorn, along with rice bran extract and niacinamide, it offers brightening effects while improving skin tone. With quick-absorbing plant-derived squalane, your skin will feel refreshed and deeply nourished.

Pros: Cruelty-free & vegan; EWG certified Green Grade ingredients; Brightens skin

Cons: Dark spots may take time to fade

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially those dealing with acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

Customer Review: “100% a must have for fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation, have been using this consistently for a month or so now and feel like I’ve definitely noticed a lot of my acne scars have faded significantly!! It also feels quite hydrating as well so it’s great to use in nighttime skin routine!”

Beauty of Joseon – Glow Deep Serum

Revive tired-looking skin and achieve a natural glow with the Glow Deep Serum from Beauty of Joseon. Formulated with 68.6% rice bran water to clarify the skin and 2% arbutin to fade hyperpigmentation, this serum penetrates deeply to provide long-lasting brightening and hydrating effects. Enriched with a Grain Complex, it delicately moisturizes and nourishes the skin for a healthy, hydrated complexion. Lightweight and quick-absorbent, this serum is free from mineral oils, essential oils, parabens, sulfates, and PEG, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Pros: Brightens skin; Fades hyperpigmentation; Lightweight texture

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for sensitive, dry, and combination skin types.

Customer Review: “I have a lot of red spots and hyperpigmentation due to sun exposure and constant pimple popping in my tweens and early teens. this really really helps with that and leaves your skin hydrated and super smooth. I’m so excited for this product overall because I know it’s gonna help me target all my concerns and take care of my skin really well.”

Anua – Peach 70 Niacin Serum

Experience the skincare gem that is the Anua Peach 70 Niacin Serum. With its niacinamide-rich formula and 70% peach fruit extract, this serum works wonders to even out skin tone and promote clear, smooth skin. The Peach Yogurt Complex, featuring peach flower extract and betaine salicylate, clarifies pores while moisturizing and nourishing the skin with Vitamin B12 and hyaluronic acids.

Pros: Niacinamide-rich formula; Lightweight texture; Brightening effects

Cons: Strong fragrance

Skin Types: Suitable for most skin types, but may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivities.

Customer Review: “I’ve used this serum now for about 2-3 weeks and can already tell that my dark spots are fading. It has a faint scent of peaches but I actually really like that. It is already a staple in my skincare routine.”

I’m from – Rice Serum

Brighten and hydrate your skin with the I’m from Rice Serum, a vegan-friendly serum made from 73% rice embryo extract. This dual-function serum delivers instant glow and long-lasting nourishment, formulated to whiten, brighten, and moisturize your skin. With a vegan formulation and clean beauty credentials, it contains rice to provide deep hydration for a radiant finish. Infused with niacinamide, it nourishes and maintains clear and bright skin complexion.

Pros: Vegan formulation; Lightweight hydration; Fragrance-free

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Customer Review: “After weeks of consistent use, the results are undeniable. My skin feels more supple, and the serum has visibly improved the overall radiance of my complexion. The brightening effect is particularly impressive, contributing to a more even skin tone and a healthy glow.”

numbuzin – No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

Revitalize dull skin with the No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum, packed with antioxidant-rich vitamins to restore your skin’s natural glow. Featuring brightening agents like glutathione, niacinamide, and alpha-arbutin, it reduces hyperpigmentation while soothing irritation with plant extracts from sugarcane, turmeric root, and mushroom.

Pros: Brightens skin; Reduces hyperpigmentation; Antioxidant-rich formula

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially those with dry, sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation concerns.

Customer Review: “I have a dry and sensitive skin with hyperpigmentation around the upper cheek areas. This serum has so many great ingredients such as arbutin and tranexamic acid, along with other antioxidants which not only make my skin glowy and hydrated but also in the long run, helps lighten my dark spot. Definitely recommended!”

Torriden – DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Experience ultimate hydration with the DIVE-IN Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Torriden. Packed with 5D-complex hyaluronic acid, this lightweight yet potent serum swiftly absorbs to instantly hydrate the skin. Enriched with panthenol, allantoin, and madecassoside, it effectively soothes the skin, leaving it refreshed and revitalized. The pastel blue color of the serum, derived from malachite extract, provides an extra fortifying boost to the skin.

Pros: Instant hydration; Lightweight formula; Soothes skin

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for sensitive, dry, and combination skin types.

Customer Review: “If you have dry skin, this HA serum is the holy grail serum for you (even oily girlies, hydration is still important). This instantly hydrates your skin, making it feel plump and fresh. Absolutely love this, this will never leave my morning skin routine, ever.”

numbuzin – No. 3 Skin Softening Serum

Numbuzin’s No. 3 Skin Softening Serum offers a rejuvenating experience. Crafted with a potent blend of Galactomyces-Bifida fermentation, this serum deeply moisturizes, enhances skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its lightweight formula nourishes and hydrates, leaving your skin with a radiant and youthful glow.

Pros: Intense moisturization and elasticity boost; Brightens dull skin for a refreshed look; Lightweight and quick-absorbing formula

Cons: Slightly sticky

Skin Types: Suitable for a wide range of skin types, but caution is advised for those with extremely dry or sensitive skin.

Customer Review: “This is one of the best serums I’ve ever tried. I have used it in the morning and at night every day for a few months and I’ve been able to notice that the texture of my face has improved considerably. And the ingredients are…amazing. Love it.”

Dr. Althea – Vitamin C Boosting Serum

Dr. Althea – Vitamin C Boosting Serum revitalizes and brightens lackluster skin, combating hyperpigmentation with its Vita Boosting Complex. This vegan serum, featuring eight types of hyaluronic acid, provides deep hydration and includes allantoin and tocopherol to address signs of aging.

Pros: Fades dark spots, hydrates without stickiness, suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

Customer Review: “The serum is quite lightweight and doesn’t weigh down on my skin which I enjoy. I also have combination skin and the serum doesn’t make my skin feel oily when applying. It’s every effective with 20% vitamin C and fades my post acne marks and dark spots very fast! Highly recommend!”

SOME BY MI – Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Some By Mi – Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is formulated with retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol to enhance skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging. Utilizing patented elastic-liposome technology, it delivers active ingredients deep into the skin, leaving a non-sticky, moisturizing finish. Recommended for sensitive skin.

Pros: Boosts skin elasticity, reduces signs of aging, gentle formula for sensitive skin.

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

Customer Review: “It contains a small percentage of retinol, so it is suitable for beginners. It delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is safe to use and does not cause allergies.”

Beauty of Joseon – Revive Serum

Beauty of Joseon – Revive Serum combines 63% ginseng root water and 3% snail mucin to repair damaged skin, reduce wrinkles, and enhance elasticity. Its lightweight texture deeply hydrates, preventing skin aging and pigmentation for clear, youthful skin. Formulated with EWG Green Grade ingredients for a safe skincare experience.

Pros: Repairs damaged skin, improves wrinkles and elasticity, lightweight texture.

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially those concerned with aging and skin repair.

Customer Review: “I had small dry patches on my face because of the change in weather, and they’re gone now thanks in part to this serum. I have sensitive skin and it’s not sensitizing at all, and I love how it’s fragrance-free. The color is also super pretty, making it satisfying to use.”

iUNIK – Black Snail Restore Serum

iUNIK – Black Snail Restore Serum is formulated with 70% snail extract and 5 black superfoods to improve skin elasticity and provide antioxidant benefits. Enriched with patented HG ingredients and Centella Asiatica, it aids in skin recovery and helps alleviate traces of freckles and stains. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly, leaving the skin hydrated and smooth without any tackiness. It is fragrance-free and features a double functional design for whitening and wrinkle care.

Pros: Lightweight, fast-absorbing, hydrating, fragrance-free, improves skin texture and elasticity.

Cons: None

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin, acne scars, and fine lines.

Customer Review: “This serum has a very high concentration of snail secretion and a lot of other beneficial ingredients for the skin. It is more lightweight and absorbs faster than other snail serums.”

Dear, Klairs – Rich Moist Soothing Serum (Unscented)

Dear, Klairs – Rich Moist Soothing Serum is formulated with patented ingredient Phyto-Oglio to cool and soothe sensitive skin while replenishing moisture. This lightweight, easily-absorbed serum is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without essential oils, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

Pros: Fragrance-free, lightweight and refreshing, reduces redness instantly, provides hydration and barrier protection, suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

Cons: May be considered basic for some

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for sensitive, dry, and allergy-prone skin.

Customer Review: “This perfect for dry weather in both summers and winters. Very light weight and absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky feeling. Hydrates the skin very nicely and leaves with a smooth finish. Its really good for people who have dry skin or even people with oily/combination skin that get dry patches.”

Purito SEOUL – Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented

Purito SEOUL – Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented (formerly the Centella Unscented Serum) is a go-to for many skincare enthusiasts. Infused with cica extract, allantoin, and peptides, this serum provides quick relief from irritation and redness while revitalizing the skin. It soothes acne-prone skin and repairs the skin barrier. The lightweight, gel-like texture absorbs quickly, leaving behind a glowy finish.

Pros: Soothes irritation and redness, repairs the skin barrier, lightweight texture, multi-functional benefits.

Cons: None

Skin Types: All skin types.

Customer Review: “By far the best Purito item I’ve tried. I’m already halfway through the bottle, and my skin is glowing, much more supple and my overall texture is smoother. This one got me through one hell of a period’s breakout. I highly recommend!”

Dear, Klairs – Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Dear, Klairs – Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a hypoallergenic serum containing 5% Vitamin C, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin. This serum helps to even out skin tone, tighten pores, brighten skin, and fade pigmentation. Users praise its effectiveness in fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation, though caution is advised when using it with other products to avoid potential reactions. The light texture absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it brighter and without discomfort.

Pros: Gentle for sensitive skin, fades acne scars and hyperpigmentation, lightweight texture, absorbs quickly.

Cons: May feel slightly sticky

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin and concerns about hyperpigmentation.

Customer Review: “It is a really great serum for giving GLOW to the skin. It is a bit oily texture, and I usually have to give it a few minutes to sink into my skin before applying other products. Therefore this one is optimal to use during nighttime if you have a hectic morning… but it really does what it’s supposed to do”

I’m from – Ginseng Serum

I’m from – Ginseng Serum is enriched with 7.98% essence from six-year-old Red Ginseng, harvested from Geumsan County in Korea. This concentrated extract enhances blood circulation, rejuvenating the skin and restoring elasticity and firmness. Free from harmful additives and certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Korea), this serum is a favorite among users for its nourishing and glow-inducing properties.

Pros: Nourishing, promotes glow, hydrating, suitable for sensitive skin, absorbs quickly.

Cons: Thick texture, slightly sticky

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for dehydrated and sensitive skin.

Customer Review: “I cannot find any flaw with this serum. It is soothing and moisturizing, without leaving a greasy film on the skin. I aslo noticed anti-aging properties : my fine lines around my eyes are visibly reduced. I strongly recommend this product to all skin types.”

iUNIK – Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum

iUNIK – Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum combines propolis and sea buckthorn extracts to soothe, nourish, and revitalize the skin. With an optimal ratio of Propolis (70%) and Vitamin C (Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract) (12%), it offers instant calming and brightening effects for sensitive skin. The serum deeply moisturizes and vitalizes the skin with rich nutrients, providing a double functional product for whitening and wrinkle care.

Pros: Lightweight and liquidy texture, absorbs quickly, suitable for day and night use, provides hydration and plumpness, improves skin tone and texture.

Cons: May feel tacky for oily skin types

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for dry, acne-prone skin.

Customer Review: “I have only been using this product at night time just as an introduction to my skincare regime and let me tell you that it does one heck of an amazing job. When I wake up my textured skin is soft and any pimples have been minimized immensely, have more an even complexion and it’s so lightweight that it sinks into the skin so well.”

Goodal – Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum

Goodal – Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum is a powerhouse when it comes to fading blemishes and dark spots. Packed with 70% Vitamin C from green tangerine extract, this hypoallergenic serum delivers impressive results in just a week, according to users. Its lightweight, gel-like texture absorbs quickly without leaving any stickiness behind.

Pros: Rapidly fades hyperpigmentation, lightweight formula, luxurious glass packaging, suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons: Slightly sticky

Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for those with hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin.

Customer Review: “This serum has truly transformed my skincare journey, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the results. As someone who battles with dark spots and uneven skin tone, finding a serum that actually delivers visible improvements is a game-changer.”