Serums & Treatments

By need

• Radiance and dark spots: vitamin C, such as the Vitamin C 13 Serum by Cosrx, or tranexamic acid, such as the Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum by Haruharu Wonder. See also our vitamin C skincare.
• Fine lines and firmness: retinol or retinal, such as the Retinol Retinal 2000 NAD+ Serum by Purito, and peptides. See our retinol skincare.
• Blemishes: exfoliating acids, azelaic acid or niacinamide, such as the Azelaic Acid 10 Kojic Tea Tree Serum by Purito.
• Soothing: centella, such as the Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule by Skin1004, or panthenol.
• Hydration: hyaluronic acid, such as the Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Mixsoon.
• Comfort and recovery: PDRN, an ingredient widely used in Korea; see our PDRN selection.

How many serums?

One or two are enough. Avoid layering several strong actives in the same routine, such as retinol and exfoliating acids: alternate them instead, one in the morning and the other in the evening, or every other night.

How to use it

Apply a few drops after toner, from the most fluid texture to the thickest, then finish with a cream. Actives such as retinol are used in the evening and call for sunscreen in the morning.

Read more: K-beauty: how to spot an effective active ingredient behind the packaging