There are many skincare ingredients that we associate with K-Beauty: niacinamide, Centella asiatica, snail mucin, and rice extract are some of them. Vitamin C doesn’t immediately come to mind, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any incredible vitamin C serums from Korean brands.
Our top 7 favorite Korean vitamin C serums
Throughout this list, you’ll find serums that are mainly dedicated to brightening the skin, minimizing dark spots, and reducing the first signs of aging. You’ll also notice that, in addition to vitamin C, our favorite serums are packed with other highly regarded skincare ingredients–like niacinamide, Centalla asiatica, or tranexamic acid. Vitamin C may be a must-have skincare ingredient, but it doesn’t have to get the job done on its own!
Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule
The radiance-boosting serum for dry skin
Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule
The Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule is a special serum, ideal for those who like skincare products with rich and nourishing textures. The key ingredients of this serum are propolis extract and royal jelly extract, two ingredients from beehives that nourish, strengthen, and help soothe the skin.
Alongside them, this serum also features hydrating panthenol and niacinamide and, of course, antioxidant vitamin C. Perfect for sensitive skin that’s a little dull and lackluster, this serum offers the perfect balance between comfort and radiance.
Holika Holika Gold Kiwi Vita C+ Brightening Serum
The anti-dullness brightening serum
Holika Holika Gold Kiwi Vita C+ Brightening Serum
If you have dull skin and are looking for a brightening effect, try the Holika Holika Gold Kiwi Vita C+ Brightening Serum. Featuring 97.5% gold kiwi extract, this serum has a formula rich in vitamins–including, of course, the powerful antioxidant vitamin C.
In addition to this antioxidant powerhouse, the serum also contains brightening ingredients, such as arbutin and niacinamide, and hydrating ingredients, such as panthenol and hyaluronic acid. If you’re looking for a serum to restore radiance to your skin and minimize small dark spots, this is a great option!
It’s Skin Tangerine Toneright Serum
The revitalizing serum for bouncy skin
It’s Skin Tangerine Toneright Serum
For those who want smooth and supple skin, bouncy with vitality, the It’s Skin Tangerine Toneright Serum is a great option. The key ingredients of this serum come, obviously, from tangerine (Citrus unshiu): tangerine peel extract and tangerine extract, both rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and brightening agents. The formula also features niacinamide and vitamin E, two versatile ingredients that contribute to the health of the skin.
This fragrant serum, with a refreshing citrus scent, blends easily into the skin, without leaving behind any grease or stickiness–just glowy, bouncy skin.
Missha Vita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule
The anti-aging serum with tranexamic acid
Missha Vita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule
More than a brightening serum, Missha Vita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule also brings a more powerful anti-aging action, thanks to its well-rounded formula. Highly concreatated in active ingredients, this serum contains two forms of vitamin C (ascorbic acid and ethyl ascorbic acid), combined with a series of antioxidant and brightening ingredients, such as vitamin E, niacinamide, arbutin, and tranexamic acid.
This unique blend helps minimize dark spots and even out the complexion, for a brighter, more revitalized look. Last, but not least, this powerful serum also includes hydrolyzed collagen, to promote more elastic and smooth skin.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
The brightening serum for sensitive skin
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
If you have sensitive skin, you know how difficult it can be to find a brightening serum that works without irritating your skin. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule solves this problem, with a two-in-one formula that is, at the same time, soothing and brightening. The key ingredient here is Madecassoside, a component of Centella asiatica that has proven soothing and antioxidant properties. Along with it, the formula also includes calming Centella asiatica extract and brightening niacinamide and tranexamic acid.
All wrapped up in this lightweight formula, these ingredients help sensitive skin achieve a smoother, softer, and more even appearance.
TonyMoly Vital Vita 12 Synergy Ampoule
The rebalancing anti-fatigue serum
TonyMoly Vital Vita 12 Synergy Ampoule
The TonyMoly Vital Vita 12 Synergy Ampoule brings an incredible cocktail of antioxidants to your skin. From vitamins C and E to a wealth of natural plant extracts, such as Centella asiatica extract, purslane extract, green tea leaf extract, and turmeric root extract, among others, this serum brings your skin a real boost of antioxidant energy. But that’s not all! This powerful formula also includes moisturizing squalane, brightening niacinamide, and repairing adenosine.
All in all, this is the perfect serum to rebalance your skin and fight off those early signs of aging, such as dullness, fatigue, and lack of radiance.
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum
The super concentrated anti-aging serum
COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum
With 23% pure vitamin C, the Cosrx The Vitamin C 23 Serum is a high performance serum ideal for preventing and minimizing the first signs of aging. With a 2-in-1 formula, antioxidant and brightening at the same time, this serum helps reduce the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation spots, while fighting off dullness and evening out the complexion.
In addition to vitamin C, with its powerful antioxidant and anti-aging function, this serum also features vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, for a soothing effect.
Now that you know our favorite Korean vitamin C serums, you know what to look for to help minimize your main skin concerns. And if this is your first time using vitamin C, don’t leave just yet: make sure to read through our introduction to vitamin C serums, which will help you integrate them into your skincare routine without hassle.
