The best Korean serums—ranking of 10 Korean facial serums
For years, Korean skincare has delighted users with lightweight formulas, interesting active ingredients, and results that fit seamlessly into a daily skincare routine. Facial serum is one of the most important steps in K-beauty because it delivers concentrated ingredients to the skin and allows you to tailor your routine to your skin’s specific needs.
A good Korean serum can support hydration, brightening, smoothing, regeneration, firming, reducing the appearance of pores, or reducing hyperpigmentation. In this ranking, you will find 10 options available at AzjaSklep—from PDRN serums and centella asiatica ampoules to products with collagen, niacinamide, and smoothing ingredients.
Table of contents
Why are Korean facial serums so popular?
How to choose the best Korean serum for your skin?
Korean serums – TOP 10 product ranking from AzjaSklep
Which Korean serum should you choose for hyperpigmentation, pores, and wrinkles?
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Korean face serums
Why are Korean facial serums so popular?
Korean facial serums stand out above all for combining a lightweight texture with effective active ingredients. Many formulas contain ingredients known from Asian skincare, such as PDRN, centella asiatica, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides, glutathione, ceramides, and plant extracts. Thanks to these ingredients, a serum can work in multiple ways while remaining pleasant to use every day.
Another major advantage of Korean serums is their versatility. Depending on the formula, you can choose a product for dry, sensitive, combination, acne-prone, mature, dehydrated, or dull skin. Korean brands often create cosmetics that do not weigh down the skin, absorb quickly, and work well with moisturizer, SPF, and makeup.
Serum is worth using when a regular cream is not enough. If your skin looks tired, has an uneven tone, visible pores, dry patches, or early signs of aging, a well-chosen serum can become the most important step in your skincare routine.
How to choose the best Korean serum for your skin?
The best Korean serum is not always the most popular product, but the one that suits your skin’s needs. For dry and dehydrated skin, look for hyaluronic acid, PDRN, collagen, ceramides, and soothing ingredients. For hyperpigmentation, niacinamide, arbutin, TXA, glutathione, and vitamin C work well. For problematic skin, centella asiatica, tea tree, soothing ingredients, and lightweight formulas that do not clog pores may be helpful.
If your skin is sensitive, it is better to start with soothing and hydrating serums. If it is mature or losing firmness, look for collagen, peptides, retinal, PDRN, and regenerative ingredients. For visible pores and uneven skin texture, smoothing, exfoliating, or targeted pore serums are a good choice.
Korean serums – TOP 10 product ranking from AzjaSklep
1. Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Volume: 30 ml
Best for: dry, dehydrated, tired, and dull skin
Active ingredients: PDRN, hyaluronic acid, collagen, niacinamide, glutathione
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight hydrating and regenerating serum. The formula combines PDRN with hyaluronic acid to support refreshed, smoother, more comfortable-looking skin. This serum works well in daily skincare, especially when the complexion looks tired or dull or needs extra hydration.
The product also contains niacinamide and glutathione, ingredients often chosen for dull skin. With regular use, the serum helps give the skin a more radiant appearance and prepare it for the next steps of skincare.
2. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Snail Serum
Volume: 30 ml
Best for: dry, mature, weakened skin in need of regeneration
Active ingredients: ginseng, snail mucin, niacinamide
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Snail Serum is a great choice for people who enjoy classic Korean skincare ingredients in an elegant, lightweight formula. Ginseng supports nourishment and improves the appearance of the skin, while snail mucin is known for its regenerating, smoothing, and soothing properties.
This serum is a good choice for skin that needs softness, comfort, and a more rested appearance. Thanks to niacinamide, the product may also help even out skin tone and give the complexion a subtle glow.
3. Medicube Triple Collagen 4.0 Serum
Size: 55 ml
Best for: dry, mature, less firm, and dull skin
Active ingredients: triple collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, elastin
Medicube Triple Collagen 4.0 Serum is designed for people who want to focus on firmness, smoothing, and intense hydration. Its formula with triple collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid supports a more supple-looking complexion, making it a good fit for anti-aging skincare.
The serum has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and can be used both morning and evening. It is a good choice if the skin is losing elasticity, looks dry, or needs a more nourishing step before moisturizer.
4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Best for: all skin types, especially sensitive, reddened skin in need of soothing
Active ingredients: Centella asiatica extract
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is one of the most well-known products in Korean skincare. The ampoule contains Centella asiatica extract and has a very lightweight, watery texture, allowing it to absorb easily into the skin without leaving a heavy layer.
This product works well in a minimalist skincare routine. It can be used with sensitive, combination, dry, or problematic skin, or simply when the skin needs calming and refreshing. It pairs perfectly with moisturizer, SPF, and makeup.
5. SKIN1004 Centella Tea-Trica Relief Ampoule
Volume: 100 ml
Best for: acne-prone, problematic, sensitive, and redness-prone skin
Active ingredients: Centella asiatica, tea tree water, cypress, botanical extracts
SKIN1004 Centella Tea-Trica Relief Ampoule is an ampoule serum designed for problematic skin. The formula combines Centella asiatica with tea tree water and botanical extracts, making it well suited to caring for skin with blemishes, redness, and excess sebum.
The lightweight, watery texture does not weigh down the skin while providing a refreshing sensation. It is a good option for those looking for a soothing Korean serum without a heavy or greasy formula.
6. SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule
Volume: 50 ml
Best for: dry, sensitive, irritated skin with a weakened protective barrier
Active ingredients: Centella asiatica, Probio-Cica complex, ceramides, panthenol, madecassoside
SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule is a more nourishing option for skin that needs regeneration and restoration of its moisture barrier. The formula with the Probio-Cica complex, ceramides, and fermented ingredients helps restore comfort to dry, sensitive, and irritated skin.
This serum is especially suitable when the skin feels tight, reactive, or looks tired. It can be incorporated into an evening routine, but it also works in the morning under moisturizer if the skin needs additional soothing.
7. Medicube Exosome Shot 13 ml
Volume: 13 ml
Best for: combination and oily skin with visible pores and blackheads
Active ingredients: exosomes, AHA, BHA, PHA, microscopic spicules
Medicube Exosome Shot 13 ml is a targeted serum designed for pores, uneven skin texture, and problem areas. The formula with AHA, BHA, and PHA acids supports gentle skin smoothing, while microscopic spicules help increase the product's intensity.
This is not a classic all-over face serum for every skin type, but rather a more concentrated product for specific areas such as the T-zone, nose, chin, or areas with visible pores. For sensitive skin, it is worth introducing it gradually.
8. Anua Anti-Hyperpigmentation Facial Serum
Volume: 30 ml
Best for: skin with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and visible pores
Active ingredients: niacinamide, TXA, arbutin
Anua Anti-Discoloration Face Serum is an option for people who want to brighten their complexion and improve its tone. The formula contains niacinamide, TXA, and arbutin—ingredients often chosen for discoloration, uneven skin tone, and dull complexions.
The serum has a lightweight, watery texture, making it well suited to daily skincare. It can be used in the morning or evening, and when following a brightening routine during the day, remember to apply sunscreen with SPF.
9. Medicube PDRN Pink Glutathione Serum Mist
Best for: tired, dry, mature, and dull skin
Active ingredients: PDRN, glutathione, peptide complex
Medicube PDRN Pink Glutathione Serum Mist is an interesting option for people who appreciate quick, convenient application. This two-phase serum in mist form combines PDRN, glutathione, and peptides. As a result, it helps refresh, regenerate, firm, and create a more radiant-looking complexion.
The product can be used as part of your daily skincare routine, but also whenever your skin needs a quick refresh. It is a good choice for people who dislike classic, heavier serums and prefer lightweight spray formulas.
10. Medicube Collagen Glow Booster
Volume: 15 ml
Best for: mature, dry, pigmented, and dull skin
Active ingredients: collagen, ceramides, niacinamide, elastin, milk extracts
Medicube Collagen Glow Booster is a serum-booster with a lightweight, milky formula. The product was created for skin that needs firmness, radiance, and nourishment. Collagen, ceramides, and elastin support a more supple-looking complexion, while niacinamide helps even out skin tone.
This serum is a good choice for people who want to combine anti-aging care with a glow effect. It can be used on its own or as an additional booster under moisturizer.
Which Korean serum should you choose for a specific skin concern?
If your main concern is dryness and dullness, Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, Medicube PDRN Pink Glutathione Serum Mist, or Medicube Collagen Glow Booster would be a good choice. These products focus on hydration, refreshment, and improving the appearance of tired skin.
If you are looking for regeneration and restoration of the skin barrier, consider SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule or Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Snail Serum. These options are suitable for weakened, dry, sensitive skin or skin that needs greater comfort.
If you have problematic, reddened, or acne-prone skin, SKIN1004 Centella Tea-Trica Relief Ampoule or SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule could be a good choice. For visible pores and blackheads, it is worth considering Medicube Exosome Shot 13 ml.
If hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone are your biggest concerns, the best choices from this ranking are Anua Anti-Pigmentation Face Serum, as well as products with niacinamide and glutathione, such as Anua PDRN or Medicube PDRN Pink Glutathione Serum Mist.
How should you use Korean face serum?
Serum is best applied after cleansing your skin and using toner, and before cream. A few drops of product are enough; gently spread them over your face and pat them in with your fingertips. There is no need to use a large amount – serum has a concentrated formula, so consistency is more important than applying a thick layer of product.
In your morning routine, apply cream and SPF after serum. In your evening routine, you can pair serum with a regenerating or moisturizing cream. Products containing acids, spicules, or more potent active ingredients should be introduced gradually while observing your skin’s reaction.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Korean face serums
Can Korean serum be used every day?
Yes, most Korean serums can be used every day, in the morning or evening. Products containing acids, spicules, or potent active ingredients are an exception – it is best to introduce them gradually.
Does serum replace face cream?
No, serum does not replace face cream. Serum delivers concentrated active ingredients to the skin, while cream helps complete your skincare routine and reduce moisture loss.
Which Korean serum should you choose for hyperpigmentation?
For hyperpigmentation, choose a serum with niacinamide, TXA, arbutin, glutathione, or vitamin C. Anua Anti-Pigmentation Face Serum would be a good choice.
Which Korean serum should you choose for pores?
For visible pores, Medicube Exosome Shot 13 ml or a serum with a lightweight, balancing, and smoothing formula will work well. It is also worth cleansing your skin regularly and using SPF.
Which Korean serum is best for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule or SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule would be a good choice. These products focus on soothing, hydration, and improving skin comfort.
Summary – the best Korean serums from AzjaSklep
The best Korean serum is one that meets your skin’s real needs. Dry skin will love PDRN, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. Sensitive skin responds well to centella and soothing ingredients. For hyperpigmentation, reach for niacinamide, TXA, arbutin, and glutathione, while visible pores benefit from smoothing and purifying formulas.
At AzjaSklep, you’ll find Korean face serums suited to different skin types – from lightweight ampoules with Centella asiatica, through PDRN serums, to collagen and brightening products. Choose a serum suited to your skin and build a routine that is pleasant, effective, and easy to follow every day.
