4 Best Korean Serums For Different Skin Types

Young Korean woman applying clear serum to her her cheek.

When it comes to skincare, many factors come into play: your skin type, your lifestyle, and even your genetics.


Our skin plays an important part in loving ourselves and feeling confident. So get to know the best Korean serums for your skin type.

Korean Essence or Serum?

First, let's start by answering the popular question, which is better, essence or serum?


Did you know they aren't the same thing?

A serum is a thick liquid containing key active ingredients that penetrate deep within the skin to treat specific needs. These can be ingredients that help with acne, dark circles and pigmentation, brightening, and just general moisture replenishment of the skin barrier.

An essence is a lighter-weight skincare formula used right after toner to provide a layer of hydration right before the serum is added to the skin.

Essences tend to not penetrate the skin as deeply and are less hydrated. So if you are to skip a product, you can do without adding essence to your Korean skincare routine.

Korean Skincare steps always incorporate an essence AND a serum in their steps. Getting that signature glass skin effect calls for well-hydrated skin. The next Korean skincare products will showcase the very best Korean serums for various skin types.

Best Korean Serums For Different Skin Types

Serum for Skin Brightening

Young black woman applying clear serum to her cheek to treat dark spots and acne.

Ever wonder which Korean serum is best for brightening?

Your typical go-to when looking for a Korean serum is you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few key ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and Niacinamide, just to name a few. These properties also tend to be great for treating dark circles and hyperpigmentation, so these recommendations will be great for that purpose as well.

Our favorite serum for supporting smooth, even skin that’s bright and glowing is Nature Republic’s Vitapair C Dark Spot Serum.

Serum for Acne Prone Skin

Young white woman applying a clear serum to her cheeks to treat acne.

Sometimes we have more sensitive skin that needs a little bit of support.


Need to know which Korean serum is best for acne? Keep reading!

Acne can be caused by many things like diet, genetics, lifestyle, and even hormones. Either way, it’s a bummer. The next suggestion is our favorite serum for skin that is just a little more sensitive and needs more support daily.

You may find ingredients like salicylic acid, AHAs, Retinol, and tea tree oil in a serum formulated for acne-prone skin. With sensitive skin, always do a patch test to ensure you don’t have a reaction!

The best Korean serum for acne-prone skin is a lightweight product by COSRX called AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum.

Containing COSRX's own blend of potent, deep penetrating acids, niacinamide, and propolis, this serum will help tackle any issues you have with acne, provide nutrients to your skin, and also leave it feeling calm and refreshed.

Serum for Dry Skin

Young woman with a grey towel on her head applying a orange vitamin c serum to her cheek.

Dry skin can be downright frustrating. Your skin feels tight, it's dull in appearance, and sensitive.

When seeking the best Korean serum for dry skin, you want to see ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalene, green tea, or vitamin e oil. All these ingredients are great at helping promote healthy, moisturized skin without clogging pores.

This serum from Innisfree is a favorite as it provides the best ingredients for keeping the skin healthy and bright while providing you with soft and moisturized skin all day long.

Innisfree's Green Tea Seed Serum contains green tea, a powerful antioxidant that can help calm irritated skin and alleviate dry, uncomfortable skin.

Many products that promote moisturization will leave your skin feeling sticky. No worries here, as the Green Tea serum soaks into the skin, leaving it soft, moisturized, and appearing brighter all day.

Serum for Oily Skin

Young white woman applying a clear serum to her cheek on the left and holding a dropper filled with serum over her left hand on the right side of the image.

Some of us deal with oily skin throughout the year. This can be difficult to deal with because a common misconception is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturization.

It’s not true!


Grab our next suggestion and give your skin a chance to adjust to utilizing a serum suited for your skin type.

Though these serums can be similar to acne-prone skin, oily skin needs a little more help. Your skin is overproducing oil which can contribute to acne or skin reactions. To help your skin stay in the best shape possible, you’ll want to look for a serum that contains ingredients like Niacinamide, Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic acid, and Lactic acid.

The best Korean serum for oily skin is COSRX's The Niacinamide 15 serum. This serum contains properties like niacinamide and zinc, which are perfect for helping control oil production.

Serums are just another step in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Select one of the above serums, try it out, and check out the other Korean skincare products that compliment each serum.

Give your skin the best.


Need some advice on the perfect Korean skincare routine? Check out the articles below to help build the best Korean skincare routine for your skin.

 

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