Product type
Korean Serums
Targeted Korean serums, essences and ampoules for specific skin goals.
Products
Build a routineSerums are concentrated, lightweight formulas designed to deliver specific ingredients to the skin. In K-Beauty you will also see essences, usually lighter and more hydrating, and ampoules, often positioned as more concentrated. The names overlap, so focus on what each product is designed to do.
Korean routines often use one hydrating essence plus one targeted serum, chosen according to the skin goal of the moment.
More is not always better. Two or three well-chosen serums used consistently usually give a better result than a long list of actives used occasionally. Watch for overlapping ingredients: if your toner, serum and cream all contain exfoliating acids, your skin may feel overwhelmed. When in doubt, keep one hydrating serum as a base and rotate a targeted serum on alternate nights.
How to choose
- Hydration: hyaluronic acid, snail or birch sap serums. See hydration.
- Uneven tone and dullness: niacinamide, vitamin C, rice or arbutin. See uneven skin tone.
- Sensitive skin: centella or heartleaf ampoules. See sensitive skin.
- Fine lines: peptides or gentle retinoids. See fine lines.
- Oily skin and pores: niacinamide or light BHA serums. See visible pores.
How to use
Apply serums after toner and before moisturizer, on slightly damp skin. Layer from thinnest to thickest texture. Introduce one new active serum at a time and patch test first. If you are pregnant or use prescription skincare, check with a healthcare professional before using retinoids. Use our routine builder to plan the order.