12 Best Serums for Different Skin Concerns

What is the best serum? The best serum is, of course, the one that suits your skin best! We believe the best serums are Korean serums, which are both effective and gentle on the skin.

In K-Beauty, the range and options never end, so we have ranked our favorites for every skin type and skin concern.

Why use serum?

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

If you have fine lines, blemishes, or uneven skin tone, serum is one of the best products to fight these skin issues!

Best serum: for dry skin

[SKIN1004] Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

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

Best serum: for oily skin

[medicube] Red Succinic Acid Serum

Oily skin needs balance in sebum production but also the right kind of hydration. Medicube's Red Succinic Acid serum balances the skin with niacinamide, salicylic acid, and succinic acid. Salicylic acid also helps cleanse the skin and keep small blemishes away. Ceramides and panthenol support the skin and help strengthen the skin barrier. With these ingredients, oily skin gets perfect support to stay balanced.

PThe product's red color does not make the skin red; the redness comes from the extracts in the product, such as red coral algae extract.

Best serum: for mature skin

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

The best ingredients for aging skin are retinoids, and retinal is an ingredient many already know, which is a milder but more effective version of the well-known retinol. Retinal supports skin renewal, helps the skin feel firmer and more youthful. The serum's content of black ginseng is a traditionally valued well-aging ingredient in Korea, known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support skin renewal. 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 for combating blemishes. If you want to benefit from the anti-aging properties of retinal or retinol, we recommend starting to include it in your skincare routine from around 25 years of age. If you want to use it to fight blemishes, you can start using retinol or retinal earlier.

Remember to start using the product gradually and always begin with a lower concentration! 

Best serum: for combination skin

[EQQUALBERRY] Swimming Pool Ampoule

The needs of combination skin can vary greatly, but combination skin benefits from a serum that hydrates while helping to keep breakouts in check. Perfect for this is EQQUALBERRY's ampoule, which provides abundant hydration and balance for combination skin. The ampoule contains eight different hyaluronic acids that help keep the skin hydrated for a long time. The ampoule's Anti Sebum P-complex balances the skin's sebum production and reduces shine. 

Best serum: for red skin

[VT Cosmetics] A1 Calming Ampoule

One of the hottest ingredients right now is azelaic acid in this serum. Azelaic acid is a versatile ingredient that soothes the skin, helps control blemishes, and evens out skin tone. Azelaic acid has been used in prescription medications for years, including for treating rosacea, and this ingredient has finally become an established part of cosmetics. Azelaic acid suits many with sensitive skin, making it an excellent option for those who cannot tolerate strong exfoliating acids. 

VT Cosmetics A1 Calming Ampoule contains, in addition to azelaic acid, several types of hyaluronic acids, exosomes, centella asiatica, and leaf extract from green chameleon, which help hydrate and soothe the skin. 

Best serums: for sensitive skin

[Purito Seoul] Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented

Sensitive skin can also use effective products, and Purito's classic serum is the perfect treatment 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 the skin's normal health and balance. The product's cooling effect soothes irritated and sensitive skin. 

Best serums: for radiance and skin evening

[EQQUALBERRY] Vitamin Illuminating Serum

A radiance-boosting and skin tone-evening serum is a great choice for those facing challenges like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun spots. EQQUALBERRY's Vitamin Illuminating Serum offers versatile radiance for the skin! Its content of vitamin C-rich acerola extract, glutathione, niacinamide, arbutin, and ferulic acid work together to combat skin pigmentation spots and help brighten the skin tone. The antioxidant serum also strengthens the skin against free radicals. 

Best serums: for skin prone to blemishes 

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

If you easily get pimples or are prone to acne, exfoliating serums can be an effective solution. Some By Mi's long-popular serum contains a blend of chemical acids as well as cleansing tea tree water, which together help keep the skin clean and smooth. The serum also contains niacinamide and licorice root for radiance, as well as chamomile and green tea for soothing, along with several other effective plant extracts.

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

Best serums: to even out skin texture

[Purito Seoul] TXA 6 Niacinamide 10 Retinal Serum

The skin's texture may feel rough either due to dryness or slow skin renewal. Puriton’s effect serum smooths skin texture, brightens, renews, and helps keep the skin clean. This effect serum suits many! The serum’s specialty is encapsulated retinal, which protects the sensitive ingredient and ensures its effect lasts fully. The whole is finished with a visually pleasing beautiful package that brings joy to the skincare routine!

Best serum: for enlarged pores

[HEVEBLUE] Pot Pore Tightening Podo Ampoule

Genes strongly influence pore size, but with skincare, you can reduce the visibility of pores and keep them clean. [HEVEBLUE]’s ampoule contains red beans and lotus, which are cleansing ingredients. The product’s peptide helps tighten the skin, and hyaluronic acid provides plumpness and hydration. 

[HEVEBLUE]’s serum is also vegan and fragrance-free, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin too!

Best serum: for damaged skin

[Anua] 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum

If your skin barrier is damaged, it’s good to keep your skincare routine simple and focus on mild, moisturizing, and skin-strengthening products. [Anua]’s serum with rice and ceramides provides deep hydration and support for damaged skin. The serum’s light formula also suits oily skin because it delivers ample moisture without clogging pores. Rice, niacinamide, and arbutin also add radiance 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

Have you found a new favorite serum?