Your serums, chosen with care.
Every serum recommended across our guides, gathered in one place — with what it’s best for and what to know before buying.
The Korean Serums We Actually Recommend
COSRX
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
15% niacinamide, zinc
The higher percentage can tingle for very sensitive skin.
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
Propolis extract, niacinamide
Not suitable for those with bee or propolis sensitivities.
Anua
Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule
Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata), panthenol
Soothes more than it actively treats; best paired with another product.
SOME BY MI
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
AHA, BHA, PHA, tea tree, centella
Can be drying or irritating if overused or layered with other actives.
COSRX
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
96% snail secretion filtrate
Slightly slippery texture; targets marks more than active acne.
numbuzin
No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Serum
Niacinamide, vitamin derivatives
Brightening results are slow and require consistency.
Beauty of Joseon
Ginseng Essence Water
Ginseng root water, niacinamide
The light ginseng scent isn’t for everyone.
Beauty of Joseon
Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Ginseng, snail secretion filtrate
Slightly tacky until it absorbs.
Medicube
PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Salmon PDRN, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
A firming, gradual-results serum — not an overnight fix.
Celimax
The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
0.1% retinal, Matrixyl peptide
Skip if pregnant or brand-new to retinoids; always follow with SPF.
Anua
Azelaic Acid 10 + Hyaluron Serum
10% azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid
Fading dark spots takes several weeks of consistent use.
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
Rice extract, alpha-arbutin
Gentle formula — won’t move stubborn, deep-set pigmentation fast.
Anua
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum
10% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid, 2% arbutin
A concentrated formula — introduce gradually if new to actives.
Eqqualberry
Bakuchiol Plumping Serum
99% bakuchiol, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Gentler than retinal — slower to show dramatic firming results.
Celimax
The Vita-A Retinol Shot Tightening Serum
Retinol
Start 2-3 nights a week — daily use too soon can flake sensitive skin.
SKIN1004
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Pure Madagascar centella asiatica
Soothes and repairs — won’t brighten dark spots or resurface texture on its own.
I’m From
Mugwort Essence
Mugwort (hanbang herbal extract)
A calming essence — not a substitute for targeted acne treatment.
Anua
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
PDRN, 11 types of hyaluronic acid, collagen
Lightweight formula — those wanting intensive repair may want a higher-ppm option.
Genabelle
PDRN Vita Toning Ampoule
5,000ppm salmon PDRN, Vitamin B/C/E complex
Encapsulated beads need a moment to activate — not instant on contact.
VT Cosmetics
PDRN Essence 100
100,000ppm plant-based PDRN (Korean wild ginseng)
High concentration essence — a bigger commitment than a lightweight serum.
Dr. Althea
Vitamin C 63% Serum
63% Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
Not beginner-friendly — can sting or irritate reactive skin.
Dr. Althea
Vitamin C 20% (Gentle) Serum
20% Vitamin C
Slower, steadier results than the 63% version.
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