Korean Serums & Ampoules

How to choose your Korean serum

Choose a Korean serum by its main active first, then by its texture. Start with the concern you want to treat first: one goal per serum gives clearer results than a formula that promises everything.

Serum, ampoule or essence: what is the difference?

• Essence: the lightest texture, which preps and hydrates the skin as a first layer.
• Serum: a formula concentrated in one or more actives, for daily use.
• Ampoule: the most concentrated of the three, designed for a short course or an intense need.

The right active for your concern

• Hyaluronic acid: dehydrated, tight-feeling skin. See our hyaluronic acid skincare.
• Niacinamide: visible pores, excess sebum, uneven tone.
• Vitamin C: dull skin and dark spots, best used in the morning under SPF.
• Centella asiatica: redness and sensitive skin, often as an ampoule.
• Rice and propolis: radiance and nourishment, as in glow serums.
• Tranexamic acid and arbutin: dark spots. See our skincare for hyperpigmentation.
• Retinol, peptides and PDRN: wrinkles and loss of firmness. See our retinol skincare.

In which order to apply a Korean serum

1. Cleanse, then toner.
2. Essence, if you use one.
3. Serum or ampoule: 2 to 3 drops patted onto still-damp skin, from the thinnest to the thickest if you layer several.
4. Moisturiser, then sunscreen in the morning.

A few simple rules: vitamin C preferably in the morning, retinol only at night, never retinol and exfoliating acids on the same night. On sensitive skin, introduce one new active at a time. To finish your routine, see our Korean moisturisers and Korean sunscreens.

How long before you see results

• Hydration: a plumping effect from the first uses.
• Radiance and skin texture: 3 to 4 weeks of regular use.
• Dark spots and wrinkles: 8 to 12 weeks, with daily sunscreen.

Keep vitamin C serums away from light and heat, with the bottle tightly closed: a serum that turns deep yellow has lost part of its effectiveness.

For dark spots, read our guide to the best Korean dark spot serum options.

Why buy your Korean serums at SKINOREA

• Authentic products, bought in South Korea directly from the brands or their authorised distributors, then selected by our team, including Nahla, chemical engineer and co-founder, who reviews every formula.
• Stock in France: same-day dispatch from the Paris region for orders placed before 1 pm, with no customs fees within the European Union.
• Free pickup-point delivery in France from €75.

FAQ

What is the best Korean serum?

The best Korean serum is the one whose active matches your concern: hyaluronic acid for dehydration, niacinamide for pores, vitamin C for radiance, centella for redness. Our comparison of the best Korean serums ranks products by skin type.

What is the difference between a serum and a Korean ampoule?

A Korean ampoule has a higher concentration of actives than a serum. You use it as a course of a few weeks or for a one-off need, while a serum is for everyday use. Both go on at the same point in your routine.

Can I layer several Korean serums?

Yes, that is the idea behind Korean layering. Apply them from thinnest to thickest, letting each layer absorb. Stick to two or three serums and avoid combining retinol and exfoliating acids on the same night.

Which Korean serum for dark spots?

Look for a serum with niacinamide combined with tranexamic acid, arbutin or vitamin C. These actives fade dark spots gradually over a few weeks. Their effect depends on wearing SPF 50 every morning.