Best serums for all skin types - 12 top K-beauty serums

We often get asked: "What is the best serum?" The best serum is, of course, the one that suits you the best! We believe the best serums are Korean serums that are both effective and gentle on the skin.

K-Beauty offers endless selections and options, so we ranked our favorites according to each skin type and challenge ✨

Why use a serum?

Serums are the best skincare products for targeted treatment. They contain high concentrations of active ingredients that can deliver visible results in skincare. Korean serums (sometimes also called ampoules) are popular for their balanced effectiveness. They are potent enough to bring clear results to skincare but not so strong that they easily damage the skin.

If your concerns include skin lines, impurities, or uneven skin tone, serums are among the best products to reduce these issues!

The best serum: for dry skin

[SKIN1004] Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

Dry skin can't manage with just a moisturizer; effective hydration comes from a serum! Pair your moisturizer with this nourishing SKIN1004 serum, whose emulsion-like texture provides intense hydration for dry skin. The serum contains skin-balancing probiotics and SKIN1004's traditional Madagascar centella, which soothes irritated skin. 

The best serum: for oily skin

[medicube] Red Succinic Acid Serum

Oily skin needs balance in sebum production but also proper hydration. Medicube Red Succinic Acid serum balances the skin with niacinamide, salicylic acid, and succinic acid. Salicylic acid also helps cleanse the skin and keep small pimples away. Ceramides and panthenol support the skin and help strengthen the skin's protective barrier. With these ingredients, oily skin gets perfect support in balancing moisture and oiliness. 

And no worries, the product's red color does not turn the skin red; the redness comes from extracts in the product, such as feather coral algae extract.

The best serum: for aging skin

[K-SECRET] SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng

Some of the best ingredients for aging skin are retinols, and retinal is already a familiar ingredient to many, being a gentler but more effective version of retinol. Retinal supports skin renewal, helps the skin feel firmer and more youthful. The serum also uses black ginseng, a well-aging ingredient long used in Korea, known for its antioxidant and skin renewal supporting effects. This serum is a good option for beginners thanks to its gentle formula. 

Products containing retinal are suitable both for treating signs of aging and controlling blemishes. If you want to take advantage of retinal or retinol's anti-aging properties, we recommend incorporating it into your skincare routine from around age 25 onward. If you want to benefit from its blemish-fighting properties, you can start using retinol or retinal even earlier.

Remember to start using the product slowly and always begin with a low concentration! 

Best serum: for combination skin

[EQQUALBERRY] Swimming Pool Ampoule

Combination skin needs can vary greatly, but combination skin benefits from a serum that provides hydration while helping to keep breakouts under control. The perfect choice is EQQUALBERRY's ampoule, which offers rich hydration and balance for combination skin. The ampoule contains eight different types of hyaluronic acid that help keep the skin hydrated for a long time. The ampoule's Anti Sebum P complex balances sebum production and reduces skin shine. 

Best serum: for redness

[VT Cosmetics] A1 Calming Ampoule

One of the trending ingredients right now is the azelaic acid in this serum. Azelaic acid is a multi-functional ingredient that soothes the skin, helps control blemishes, and evens out skin tone. Azelaic acid has been used for years in prescription medications, including for rosacea treatment, and this ingredient has finally become a standard part of cosmetics. Azelaic acid is suitable for many sensitive skin types, making this an excellent option for those who cannot tolerate strong exfoliating acids. 

VT Cosmetics' A1 Calming Ampoule contains azelaic acid along with several types of hyaluronic acid, exosomes, centella asiatica, and green chameleon leaf extract, all of which help to hydrate and soothe the skin. 

Best serum: for sensitive skin

[Purito Seoul] Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented

Sensitive skin can also use effective products, and Purito's classic serum is a perfect intensive serum for sensitive skin. Wonder Releaf Centella Serum is fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin, offering benefits for aging, dull, and dehydrated skin. The serum contains an EGF compound that supports normal skin health and balance. The product's cooling effect soothes irritated and sensitive skin. 

Best serum: brightening and pigmentation

[EQQUALBERRY] Vitamin Illuminating Serum

A brightening and skin tone evening serum is a good choice for those dealing with challenges like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun spots. EQQUALBERRY's Vitamin Illuminating Serum offers multi-action brightening for the skin! Its vitamin C-rich acerola extract, glutathione, niacinamide, arbutin, and ferulic acid work together to fight skin pigmentation spots and help brighten skin tone. This antioxidant serum also strengthens the skin against free radicals. 

Best serum: for skin prone to blemishes

[Some By Mi] AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum

If your skin is prone to breakouts or acne, exfoliating serums can be an effective solution. Some By Mi's long-popular serum contains a blend of chemical acids and tea tree water that cleanses the skin, helping to keep it clear and even. The serum also includes brightening niacinamide, licorice root, soothing chamomile, green tea, and many other effective plant extracts 🌿

Remember to use at least SPF 30 sunscreen during the day when using products containing AHA acids.

Best serum: for smoothing skin texture

[Purito Seoul] TXA 6 Niacinamide 10 Retinal Serum

The skin texture can feel rough due to either dryness or slow skin renewal. Purito's intensive serum smooths skin texture, brightens, renews, and helps keep the skin clear. This intensive serum is suitable for many! The serum's specialty is encapsulated retinal, which protects this sensitive ingredient and ensures its effectiveness lasts until the end. The whole is completed by a beautifully designed package that delights the eyes and adds joy to your skincare routine! 💜

Best serum: for enlarged pores

[HEVEBLUE] Pot Pore Tightening Podo Ampoule

Genes strongly influence the size of our skin's pores, but skincare can reduce their visibility and keep them clean. Heveblue’s ampoule contains red bean and lotus, both cleansing ingredients. The product’s peptide helps firm the skin, and hyaluronic acid adds plumpness and moisture. 

Heveblue’s serum is also vegan and fragrance-free, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin!

Best serum: for damaged skin barrier

[Anua] 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum

If your skin barrier is compromised, it’s good to keep your skincare routine simple and focus on gentle, moisturizing, and skin-strengthening products. Anua’s serum with rice and ceramides offers deep hydration and support for damaged skin. The serum’s lightweight texture is also suitable for oily skin because it provides abundant water moisture without clogging pores. Rice, niacinamide, and arbutin also brighten and even out the skin, making this an excellent choice for those suffering from hyperpigmentation.

Best serum: for skin where products do not absorb normally

Did you find a new favorite serum?