Best Korean Serums 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Korean Beauty, commonly known as K-Beauty, has established its name for the exquisite 10-step routine to achieve glass skin. While a variety of K-Beauty products are doing rounds in the market, if you have to pick one, you must buy the best Korean serum.

The formula in every good Korean facial serum is specially designed to tackle all skin problems associated with our modern lifestyles. Korean serums are known to be some of the best skincare products across the globe.

“Koreans are serious about their skincare, they also know what they want, like innovation, gentle ingredients, pleasing packaging, and they definitely don’t want to pay a fortune for it,” says Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam, an online retailer specializing in Korean beauty products, and more recently her own brand, Then I Met You.

Korean brands have officially raised the standards for skincare products in the world. They offer a plethora of benefits at the cost of peanuts. Once you get used to Korean skincare products, there is no going back.

The best Korean serums can be tricky to find as all Korean serums in the market come with a lot of benefits and can be hard to differentiate from one another. To ease some of your legwork, we have come up with a list of the best Korean serums in the market after a lot of research.

Raise your personal skincare standards to perfection by shifting to K-Beauty products from your regular skincare items. The best Korean serums never disappoint in providing outstanding results right from the first application.

Here is a compilation of the top 15 best Korean serums available in the current market.

The Top 15 Best Korean Serums 2021

1. Seoul Ceuticals Store Day Glow Serum

Good skincare products need not be expensive, as it is well established by SeoulCeuticals Store Day Glow Serum. At an affordable price, this serum has the same potent active ingredients as any pricey serum available in the market.

You will find a noticeable change in your skin within just three weeks of regular use of this Korean serum. It has proven to be an effective barrier against wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines and acts as a potent anti-aging agent.

The topical Vitamin C helps fade sun spots and ensures that you get bright, youthful skin. The facial serum shrinks pores, reduces acne, and minimizes acne scars to provide you with flawless glowing skin.

Key Features

• 20% Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Serum
• CE Ferulic Acid provides potent Anti-Aging qualities
• Anti-wrinkle and reduces fine lines
• Vitamin C reduces sunspots.
• Brightens complexion
• Suitable for all skin types

Pros

• High-quality Vitamin C serum
• Great texture and performance
• Quick absorbing
• Increases collagen synthesis
• Reduces pigmentation and skin spots
• Affordable price

Cons

• It might be too runny.
• The products are not actually manufactured in South Korea.
• The citrus smell can be too overwhelming for some people.

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2. The Face Shop Whiteseed Brightening Serum

The Face Shop launched in 2003 and became an instant sensation to become Korea’s pioneer skincare brand. The Whiteseed Brightening Serum is formulated from natural ingredients that nourish your skin and keep it hydrated.

Whiteseed Brightening Serum provides milk-like clear skin in just three simple steps. The white seed complex in the serum is responsible for enhancing the skin’s complexion and making it more radiant and bright.

The serum contains no GMOs and is free of all harmful chemicals like parabens, tar, animal ingredients, etc. Formulated with all-natural ingredients, this serum is truly one of the best Korean serums on the market.

Key Features

• White seed complex and daisy extract for brighter skin in just three steps
• GMO-free seeds
• No dangerous chemicals
• 100% natural ingredients

Pros

• Visible effects in just three weeks
• Makes the face smooth and the cheeks rosy.
• Pleasant fragrance
• Improves skin texture

Cons

• The consistency of the serum is too thin.
• It doesn’t stick to the face easily.

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3. Cosrx Propolis Light Ampule

Nourish and shield your skin from damage simultaneously using COSRX Propolis Light Ampule regularly. Pure black propolis improves skin elasticity and nourishes and brightens the skin from deep within.

Just a couple of drops regularly, and you can have glowing, plump skin in a few weeks. The lightweight ampule is easily absorbed by the skin as it is smooth and non-oily. It is suitable for all skin types.

The key ingredients help in reducing redness and skin damage due to stress and exhaustion. With the naturally moisturizing ingredients, get smooth, glowing skin without any stickiness.

Key Features

• Pure black propolis provides antibacterial and nourishing benefits to the skin.
• The lightweight ampule is quickly absorbed
• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist tested
• Cruelty-Free
• EWG Rated (All Green)
• Paraben-Free
• Recommended for all skin types

Pros

• Improves skin texture and quality
• Thick and sticky serum stays on the face longer
• Improves moisturization of the face
• Hydrates the skin with the natural ingredients

Cons

• It is quite pricey as compared to other Korean serums in the market.
• It is not quite effective on acne scars.

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4. DearKlairs Store Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

A daily serum must be gentle on the skin and rejuvenate, and that is what DearKlairs Store’s Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop does. It energizes the skin without irritating it. This serum is safe to use regularly to get glowing, healthy skin.

The concentrated Vitamin C blended with other essential ingredients moisturizes the skin deep within and keeps it hydrated. This serum has 5% of pure Vitamin C and plenty of other natural ingredients that nourish your skin.

This serum can fulfill multiple purposes, including scar reduction, acne removal, and fading dark spots. Perfect daily serum for sensitive skin, this serum from DearKlairs is one of the best Korean serums in the market.

Key Features

• Safe and non-irritating
• Energizes and rejuvenates the skin
• 5% pure concentrated Vitamin C
• Multi-functional serum
• Contains non-comedogenic ingredients only
• Ideal for sensitive skin

Pros

• Noticeably diminishes acne marks and dark spots with regular use
• Visible results within a week of application
• Reduces pigmentation
• Smoothens the skin texture

Cons

• Vitamin C rapidly breaks down when exposed to light, and so it needs to be put in an airtight, opaque bottle. With this bottle, you need to be extra careful to prevent the serum from oxidizing.
• It takes time to absorb into the skin.
• It is recommended that you take a patch test before applying the serum to your entire face so that you can see if it suits your skin or not.

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5. O’Sum Korean Organic Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Face

Made with a variety of natural organic ingredients, O’Sum Korean Organic Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face prevents the loss of moisture and hydrates the skin deeply. It conditions the skin without causing irritation or redness.

Hyaluronic acid helps retain water and replenishes the lost hydration of your skin. It acts as a barrier against water loss and ensures that you get youthful, glowing skin. The advanced organic ingredients of the serum protect your face from redness, acne, and wrinkles.

This serum actively heals and repairs damaged skin and also fades away the scars and acne marks on your face. It gives you a bright and beautiful skin texture with regular use. Apply this serum regularly and restore the lost charm of your skin.

Key Features

• Over 95% natural ingredients
• Formulated with Organic lemon balm extract and 7 different kinds of natural organic ingredients
• Natural ingredients replenish and prevent moisture loss from the skin
• Hyaluronic acid acts as a natural barrier against hydration loss of the skin
• Jejuorga Hydrating Serum with advanced organic ingredients reduce and repair skin damage
• Certified by France’s Ecocert and the Korean FDA Organic Cosmetic Guideline

Pros

• Helps combat skin dryness effectively
• Easy to apply
• Quickly absorbs into the skin
• Lightweight and not tacky
• Brightens the skin tone

Cons

• It might react with your skin if it is too sensitive and thus, it is recommended that you do a patch test before applying the serum to your whole face.

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6. Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule For Face

Protect, moisturize, and soothe your skin with this serum from Mizon. It absorbs quickly into the skin and provides a tremendous and lasting improvement in your skin texture and quality. It is free of harmful parabens that can irritate your skin.

This unique formulation contains Snail Secretion Extract, which reinforces skin regeneration. It provides hydration to the skin and removes the wrinkles on your face. It contains no artificial colors or fragrances.

Dermatologically has proven to be suitable for sensitive skin, this serum has multifunctionality as it reduces wrinkles and fine lines, fades dark spots and acne scars, and improves the pigmentation of the skin.

Key Features

• Protects, soothes, and moisturizes the skin
• 80% of Snail Secretion Extract to reinforce skin regeneration
• Free of artificial coloring, fragrance, and parabens
• Reduces acne scars
• Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
• Fast absorption

Pros

• Visible reduction of scars and acne
• Improves skin texture and consistency
• Repairs skin damage
• Brightens the skin

Cons

• It might burn some people’s skin, so it is better to patch test it first before applying it to the face.
• It is not suitable for all skin types.

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7. Nature Republic Snail Solution

Suitable for all skin types, the Nature Republic Snail Solution works well both during the day and at night. It brightens the skin to give you a youthful glow. A small amount applied regularly is enough to get the desired results.

The liquid-type essence for the face comes in a small bottle for easy use and application. The boosting function of the serum improves and repairs damaged skin. The serum is very moisturizing and is perfect for dry skin.

The luxurious consistency of the serum has a nice refreshing fragrance. It is known to slow down the effects of aging and give you plump and super soft skin. Witness incredibly smooth and beautiful skin with the regular application of this serum.

Key Features

• Enzymes and peptides for improved skin quality
• Suitable for all skin types
• Works well both during the day and at night
• Liquid type essence for face
• Improves damaged skin
• Hyaluronic acid for hydration

Pros

• Deeply moisturizes the skin
• Smoothes skin texture
• Rich fragrance
• Easy to apply
• Affordable

Cons

• No known cons as such.

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8. Dear Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Serum

This serum from Klairs does everything right to give you flawless glowing skin. The moisturizing serum goes deep into the skin and repairs the layers from within. It softens the skin and replenishes the lost moisture.

It has cooling abilities that lower the surface temperature and keep the skin cool and hydrated throughout the day. Your skin remains radiant and glowing all day long. The rich ingredients moisturize the skin on a cellular level to get rid of the signs of aging.

The concentrated formula is a rich blend of organic components that gets easily absorbed into the skin and provides deep cleansing and hydration. Nourish and replenish the lost charm of your skin by using this serum.

Key Features

• Deeply hydrates the skin
• Moisturization on a cellular level
• Replenishes and makes the skin plump
• Patented ingredient Phyto-Oligo nourishes the skin
• Long-lasting skin repair
• Cruelty-free and Vegan-Friendly
• Ethanol-free
• No parabens, silicones, or steroids
• No artificial fragrances or colors

Pros

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Leaves a nice after-shine
• Absorbs quickly into the skin
• No residual; tackiness
• It leaves the skin soft and supple

Cons

• It might be allergic to some people, so it is recommended that you do a patch test before applying to the face.
• It can’t be used on any cuts or breakouts as it might burn and itch.

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9. Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum For Smooth Exfoliation And Nourishing

Revitalize and restore the youthful glow of your skin by regularly applying Mizon’s Peeling Serum. The Glycolic Acid AHA in the serum helps in nourishing and exfoliating the skin and it can be used daily as well.

The serum naturally firms the skin by tightening and gently lifting off the dried and dead skin cells. It replenishes the skin moisture by profoundly hydrating the layers of the skin. The mild formulation is safe to use every day.

The soothing ingredients provide nourishment and keep the skin soft and plump. The serum protects the skin by creating a hydration barrier to prevent dryness. This serum is a worthy option on our best Korean serums guide.

Key Features

• A daily peeling serum that contains Glycolic Acid AHA
• Exfoliates the skin from deep within
• Tightens the skin by removing dead cells
• A mild formula that is safe to use every day
• Protects and nourishes the skin

Pros

• It helps get rid of acne by healing them
• Prevents new breakouts
• Slowly peels off the dead skin cells
• Gives a healthy glow to the skin

Cons

• You will have to use sunscreen along with this serum to avoid hyperpigmentation.
• This product contains carcinogens.

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10. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum

For optimal skincare results, use Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum that is formulated with Korean herbs of medicinal qualities. This essential serum boosts the regimen, promotes balance, and restores the skin’s hydration and nutrients.

After application, it instantly goes deep into the skin and repairs the cells from within. This results in a smooth, soft, and supple skin texture. The herbal extracts ensure that the skin retains its natural glow and radiance.

Use your fingers to apply and gently massage this serum on your cheeks and slowly on your entire face. Apply regularly to see the magic within just a few weeks. Enhance the beauty of your face by using this Korean serum daily.

Key Features

• Made with Korean medicinal herbs
• Essential regimen boosting serum
• Replenishes moisture and essential nutrients
• Membranous Milkvetch promotes natural skin circulation
• Dwarf Lilyturf and Licorice boost synergy
• Herbal extracts restore skin’s natural healthy radiance

Pros

• Smoothes skin texture
• Restores the glow of the face
• Tones and cleanses the skin

Cons

• It is quite pricey.
• Don’t forget to do a patch test before applying the serum to your entire face as it may cause allergic reactions.

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11. Dermatology By Neogenlab White Truffle Serum

Hydrate and moisturize your skin with a unique combination of oil and ampoule provided by Neogenlab. This serum has a unique oil drop texture that nourishes the skin deeply and makes your cheeks plump.

The white truffle in the formula nurtures the weakened skin to give its vitality back. At the same time, it ensures that there is no further damage to the freshly repaired glowing skin. It preserves the radiance and youthfulness of your face.

This serum ensures that your face gets cleansed from deep within and provides you with clearer, transparent skin. With a fast-absorbing consistency and long-lasting moisturization, this serum has earned a rightful spot on our best Korean serums guide.

Key Features

• White truffle formula for nourished skin
• Unique oil drop texture
• Lightweight and smooth consistency
• Fast-absorbing formula
• Long-lasting hydration and moisturization
• True-barrier skin protection to prevent skin damage

Pros

• Leaves your skin soft and smooth
• Restores the glow and radiance of your face
• Provides hydration from the first use
• Lightweight consistency

Cons

• The texture is a bit like watery-oil and feels a little heavy.
• Not suitable for acne-prone skin.
• It’s costlier than some other Korean serums available in the market.

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12. Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum Facial Moisturizer

Get visibly smooth and soft skin in just a few weeks by regularly using Amorepacific Moisture Bound Rejuvenating Serum Facial Moisturizer. It gives back the radiance to your face and makes it shine with a youthful glow.

This concentrated serum is formulated with bamboo sap and provides rich moisture and hydration to your dry and weakened skin cells. The botanical magic of bamboo acts as a barrier so that you don’t lose the freshly restored moisture again.

Even after being highly concentrated, it is quickly absorbed into the skin and has a lightweight consistency. The serum does wonders to your skin by improving the texture, complexion, and glow of your face.

Key Features

• Lightweight consistency
• Formulated with bamboo sap to provide hydration and defend the skin from drying again
• Smoothes skin texture
• Long-lasting benefits
• Soothes the skin for improved radiance
• Provides youthful complexion
• Quickly absorbs into the skin

Pros

• Deeply moisturizes the skin
• Easy to apply
• Noticeably soft skin
• Brightens skin complexion
• Creamy yet light

Cons

• It has quite a strong fragrance, which may not be liked by some people.
• It is not effective against wrinkles.

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13. Jin Jung Sung Soothing Face Moisturizer Essence Serum

Balance the state of your skin by using this rich moisturizing serum from Jin Jung Sung. This deeply-hydrating serum is formulated with a few of the best moisturizing ingredients available in the market like glycerin, shea butter, beeswax, etc. All sync together to make this one of the best Korean serums.

The essential ingredients not only hydrate the skin deeply but also create a barrier so that the moisturization stays in the skin. Extracts of lavender and aloe vera soothe the skin and calm the nerves.

The serum contains patented and dermatologically approved ingredients that bring out the perfect radiance of your skin. Get youthful, glowing, and visibly soft skin by applying Jin Jung Sung Soothing Face Moisturizer Essence Serum daily.

Key Features

• Contains 8 moisturizing ingredients: glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil, apricot kernel oil, botanical squalane, beeswax, sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, ceramide 3, and allantoin
• Organic lavender water and highly concentrated aloe vera leaf extract for soothing the skin
• Collagen, peptides, adenosine, niacinamide for nourishing the skin
• Contains patented ingredients including Acid Amino Complex, Oriental Beauty Fruits Newplex, and Botanical Plus-10
• Cruelty-free
• No harmful chemicals
• No strong scents

Pros

• Great all-in-one daily serum
• Quickly absorbs into the skin
• Brightens the skin tone
• Decreases the visibility of pores and scars
• Nice pleasant fragrance
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons

• No known cons as such, but it is recommended that you do a patch test before applying it to your entire face to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions.

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14. Proot Ginseng Radiance Serum

The perfect anti-aging serum, Proot Ginseng Radiance Serum, contains highly concentrated Ginseng Extracts that enhance skin elasticity. This serum helps in moisturizing the skin from deep within so that you get soft skin with a supple complexion.

The anti-aging formula recharges the tired and dry-looking skin and replenishes the lost hydration. Formulated with Korean natural herbs, this serum acts as an all-in-one daily substitute as it cleanses, nourishes, and moisturizes the skin.

The lightweight serum is non-greasy and provides a radiant glow to the dull and low-energy skin. Use regularly to see a noticeable improvement in the texture, complexion, and skin quality. Just a few drops daily are enough to unleash the organic magic of this serum.

Key Features

• 52.5% Ginseng Extract for elasticity, radiance, and glow
• Innovative anti-aging serum with Ginseng EX2 Matrix
• Korean natural herbs for hydration and moisturization
• WGF Complex-3 and Hyaluronic Acid for visible improvement of dull skin
• Lightweight formulation
• Non-greasy
• Minimizes visible signs of aging
• Cruelty-free

Pros

• Restores the radiance and glow of the face
• Pleasant light scent
  Improves skin texture
• Softens the skin with deep moisturization
• Visible anti-aging benefits

Cons

• It has quite a thick consistency, which takes a little time to spread.

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15. Mizon Original Skin Energy Collagen 100 Facial Care Moisturizing Ampoule

Hydrate and moisturize your skin deeply with Mizon Original Skin Moisturizing Ampoule. It nourishes the layers of the skin to give you radiant and glowing skin. The concentrated collagen tightens the skin and makes it plump again.

This serum tones the skin and makes it even. It moisturizes and hydrates deeply and then defends the newly restored moisture by locking it. The serum is free of artificial colors, parabens, and harmful chemicals.

With the natural vegetable extracts, it creates a protective film that balances the skin by keeping the moisture locked in. Use this serum to turn your dull skin into radiant, youthful, and healthy skin.

Key Features

• 90% highly concentrated marine collagen ampoule
• Natural vegetable extract to form a protective film on the skin
• Highly enriched moisturizing effect
• Free of harmful chemicals
• No artificial colors
• No strong fragrances

Pros

• Tightens and revitalizes the skin
• Improves skin texture
• Locks the moisture to prevent dryness
• Ideal for sensitive skin

Cons

• Collagen products usually provide temporary tightening effects.
• It stays slightly tacky on the skin.

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Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Korean Serums

Korean beauty products have taken over the market and have become a part of the regular skincare regimens of many women. Korean skincare has a 7 to 10 step routine to get flawless glowing skin.

However, with the abundance of K-Beauty products in the market, picking the best Korean serums can be daunting. Here are a few things that you should consider before investing in the best Korean serums:

1. Ingredients

You must check the ingredients before buying any K-Beauty product. There are a few trademark components that are usually found in skincare products from South Korea. They are as follows:

Snail Mucin or Snail Slime — Fastens cell restoration
Tea Tree Oil — Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties
Hyaluronic Acid — Helps retain moisture in the skin
Propolis — Fights anti-aging and photodamage
Ginseng — Powerful anti-oxidant
Aloe Vera — Soothes the skin
Honey — Plumps up the skin

2. Authenticity

Ever since K-Beauty has become popular, there has been no shortage of imposters and con artists trying to sell their products by calling them K-Beauty products. Always check the reviews and the company’s history before buying anything.

3. Packaging and Price

The best products are not necessarily the costliest. Do proper in-depth research on the internet, as well as take notes before buying Korean beauty products. Also, don’t go for cheaply-priced products before thorough checking as they might be fake.

4. Allergies

It is important to know the requirements of your skin. At the same time, you must also know what your skin is allergic to. Since Korean beauty products use a lot of natural and organic ingredients, check beforehand if you are allergic to any of the essential ingredients.

5. Skin Type

Not all products are suitable for all skin types. Some products are greasy and may not go well on acne-prone skin. Others might not suit any particular skin type. Make sure that you know your skin type and only then invest in a product.

What’s your pick?

K-Beauty has become the new hype and has taken over the market over the last few years. The best Korean serums are in a lot of demand and have proven to be effective against many skin problems.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your wallets and rejuvenate your skin with the best Korean serums now!

Happy Shopping!

FAQs on Korean Serums