The right facial serum can do miracles for your skin.
Among active ingredients, vitamin C stands out with its powerful antioxidant properties, which protect your skin from free radical damage, and various outside factors, like UV damage and related photoaging.
Furthermore, it reduces the appearance of pores, wrinkles and fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, while also providing hydration.
It also boosts collagen production, which is great for aging skin. The benefits of vitamin C are vast!
If your skin cries for the Korean vitamin C serum, you are in the right place. This article will guide you through the safest – and best Korean vitamin C serums out there.
Although all of them are pretty similar, they all have their some unique features and benefits – so stay tuned to find out which one suits your skin best!
PRO TIP: Depending on your skin type and concerns, you may want to try out other Korean serums, too.
Here you can find best K-beauty niacinamide serums for uneven skin tone, and here is my list of the most effective anti-aging Korean serums with hyaluronic acid.
8 Best K-Beauty Vitamin C Serums – Ranking
Depending on your skin type, skin concerns and sensitivity, you should choose different % of vitamin C.
I’m going to make this task easier for you. If you are looking for the best K-beauty vitamin C serum, check out these serums in a wide range of concentrations.
1. Neogen Dermalogy Vitamin C Serum
My verdict: Overall best Korean vitamin C serum for all skin types (even sensitive ones!)
This vitamin C serum has a great combination of active ingredients which, altogether, work synergistically to aid skin brightening and providing healthy-looking complexion.
Besides vitamin C (ascorbic acid), it contains niacinamide, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is a stabilized source of vitamin C itself.
Also, it is additionally enriched with citrus fruit extracts and other vitamins, including vitamin E and B5, and hyaluronic acid, to moisturize your skin.
So, you see this serum is kind of – complete, right?
Containing 0% harsh chemicals, only natural ingredients with multiple benefits (for multiple skin concerns), it makes NEOGEN Dermatology Vitamin C serum great choice for all skin types – including sensitive skin!
And it will surely improve appearance of your fragile and dull skin – or uneven skin tone.
Why You Will Love It?
- Complete Korean skincare facial serum
This vitamin C serum will simply provide your skin with all the care it needs.
Along with other benefits for your skin, it has antioxidant benefits, meaning that it will protect skin from oxidative damages, a main factor of skin aging. And yes, that includes sun damage, too.
- Godsend for every skin type
Thanks to its combination of ingredients, it works great on any skin type. Reading reviews of women with very different skin types and skin issues confirms this.
Not only it improves elasticity, skin tone, texture, helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots, reduce inflammation and appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles – it protects your skin from breakouts and damage.
Even women with sensitive skin types state it didn’t cause any skin irritation on their skin.
Keep in mind
The price of this Korean vitamin C serum is rather on the higher end and some women just find it a less affordable option.
2. Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum (20%)
My verdict: Powerful Korean vitamin C serum
This vitamin C serum from Dr. Althea will surely help fade your dark spots, as it has really potent formula with 20% vitamin C. It also contain niacinamide that supports its brightening function and controls sebum production.
There’s also folic acid – which boasts some anti-aging properties, plus pantothenic acid that has soothing properties.
Why You Will Love It?
- Super effective and powerful formula
It gives almost immediate brightening results. 20% vitamin C is really potent and effective concentration.
I would recommend it for skin that is already used to vitamin C and tolerates it well.
- Bye-bye skin discoloration!
This serum is great for reducing visibility of acne scars and sun spots.
- Hello hydration!
There are 8 different types of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 in it which boost skin’s hydration level.
Keep In Mind
Although there is no fragrance in the ingredients list, this serum contains orange peel oil and limonene (fragrance component). Keep that in mind if your skin doesn’t like fragranced skincare.
PRO TIP: I wouldn’t recommend this serum to beginners. If you’re just starting your journey with vitamin C, try our other Dr. Althea serum (called Gentle Vitamin C Serum). It also work well for facing hyperpigmentation (maybe not that fast), but has gentler formulation, more suitable for sensitive skin and beginner-friendly.
3. Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum
My verdict: Best Korean vitamin C serum for post-acne marks
Number 3 line from Numbuzin has become super popular recently for its brightening effects.
There’s toner, serum and toner pads in the lineup and according to lots of people they are super effective and really lighten red marks after acne.
Furthermore, make Numbuzin serum contains additional brightening ingredients like glutathione and alpha arbutin – that can act as brightening agents to reduce dark spots and improve hyperpigmentation.
Why You Will Love It?
- Bye-bye acne scars
According to comments of women who use this pure vitamin C serum, it really does help you – not only with hyperpigmentation, but also to reduce appearance of acne scars, and generally hyperpigmented scars, without causing irritation.
Plus, it will improve skin elasticity, reduce sebum and visibility of pores.
- So good for skin barrier!
It contains lots of good stuff to improve skin barrier: there are some probiotics (bifida), panthenol, Ceramide NP and beta-glucan.
So this serum not only fights skin dullness, but also dryness!
Keep In Mind
Along with other ingredients, this serum contains cocoa seed oil, which is fairly comedogenic.
So, if you have a problematic skin, which is really acne-prone, maybe you should opt for other Korean vitamin c serums.
4. Jumiso All Day Vitamin Pure C 5.5 Glow Serum
My verdict: Fast working Vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation
This little serum contains 5.5% pure vitamin C and it focuses on hyperpigmentation.
It can give results after just 2 weeks, if you use it consistently every day.
It’s brightening power comes from not only vitamin C, but also alpha arbutin and ferulic acid.
I like that it has short and simple ingredients list, only the best stuff inside!
Why You Will Love It?
- Reduces dark spots in just few weeks
It has potent and effective formula and you can see that your dark spots and blemishes are less visible already after 2 weeks of using it every day.
- Prevents dark spots
Jumiso serum protects skin from sun spots (skin discoloration caused by sun exposure) and dark spots caused by a genetic tendency.
Keep In Mind
Keep this serum in fridge, because it oxidizes super fast.
PRO TIP: The only function of this serum is reducing hyperpigmentation. If you’re looking for vitamin C serum that is also hydrating and anti-inflammatory, check out other Jumiso serum called All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Facial Serum (it comes in orange bottle) and has way more stable formula.
5. SKIN&LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum
My verdict: Gently exfoliating Korean serum
Skin&Lab brightening Korean vitamin C serum is a potent serum with a blend of vitamins, including high concentration of vitamin C, vitamin E, with the addition of hyaluronic acid and panthenol.
The latter two are aimed to hydrate your (dehydrated) skin and to keep it moisturized by locking in the moisture.
Concentrated pure vitamin C in this serum fades dark spots, fades discoloration, hyperpigmentation, promotes collagen production – helping you achieve glowing glass skin tone and reducing signs of aging.
Furthermore, it may help you reduce the appearance of acne scars, thanks to pure vitamin C.
The ingredients are carefully chosen, without harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin.
Moreover, its ingredients help protect your skin barrier – in that way protecting your skin from damage, too.
Why You Will Love It?
- Blend of wonderful ingredients
Besides vitamin C (in the form of l-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, panthenol, hyaluronic acid that I already mentioned, it also contains other great ingredients.
That includes turmeric which has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, biotin and retinol, which make aid smoothening of your skin, making it firmer and tighter.
It also contains AHA, an exfoliant that can – just like other AHAs – gently lift off the dead skin cells of your skin and make it more smooth and fresh (great for oily skin, btw!).
I could continue counting all the beneficial ingredients. You see the point, right?
- Unscented, non-sticky, non-greasy, suitable for all
This Korean vitamin C serum is a great alternative if you don’t like that oily vitamin C. It has rather gel texture, feeling light on your skin. And, although you would think this texture may feel heavy, or sticky – it doesn’t.
Plus, according to reviews, it is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin! Women with eczema and dermatitis claim it worked perfectly on their skin, without breakouts.
On the other side, women with oily skin (and acne prone skin), said it didn’t worsen their oil production or gave them blemishes and pimples.
Keep In Mind
Some women reported they had issues with the packaging and shipping, as it was not properly sealed – and they think the bottle is a bit more heavy than regular serum bottles.
6. Round Lab Vita Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
My verdict: Fantastic beginner-friendly serum with vitamin C & niacinamide
Lots of people often ask if niacinamide and vitamin C can be used together, because in the past there was a belief this duo is a no-no.
But the truth it, they compliment each other, and in this serum you get a perfect blend of these two. So you won’t have to worry if you should apply niacinamide or vitamin C first, here you Round Lab is your 2in1 serum. And it’s a gentle one!
Why You Will Love It?
- Fades blemishes & evens out skin tone
Apart from its two main actives it also contains tranexamic acid and glutathione. What a powerful brightening combo!
Yet, it is suitable for sensitive skin and beginners, because the % is not too high.
- Doesn’t dry out skin
Actives sometimes dry out skin, but not this serum. Cica and panthenol ensure your skin stays irritation-free and well-hydrated throughout the whole brightening process.
Keep In Mind
It’s a high end product! You should definitely look for sales.
7. I DEW CARE Bright Side Up Brightening Vitamin C Serum
My verdict: Best serum for reducing acne and redness
Another brightening Korean serum based on pure vitamin C, mixed with niacinamide, vitamin E, grapefruit extract, and panthenol into a great combo that boosts collagen production, radiance, even your skin tone and protect your skin against environmental stressors.
Besides, thanks to the antioxidant properties of grapefruit extract, this is one of those vitamin C serums that will definitely reduce visible signs of aging.
Thanks to vitamin E and panthenol, it will lock in the moisture, having healing properties on your dehydrated skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Multitask serum
This serum has wide range of uses. It is very effective in reducing dark spots and regenerating your dull skin looks.
But – did you know it can also be used to reduce acne and reduce inflammation and redness related to acne? And redness in general?
And, more surprisingly, it is effective in soothing bug bites! How great is that?
- Optimal texture
This serum has a lightweight, jelly texture that will not make your face sticky or greasy – or oily.
But still, a little of it goes a long way, so it’s not too watery. It absorbs quickly and – according to reviews, feels great even in hot summer days.
Keep In Mind
Although this vitamin C brightening serum is really effective and does its job perfectly, it contains fragrance. So, if your skin is sensitive, rather choose another serum.
8. GOOD DAYS FOR ALL C’s The Day Serum
My verdict: Best lightweight vitamin C serum for summer
This Korean vitamin C serum formulated with pure vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice root extract, known for brightening properties will surely help you get rid of skin dullness.
But the story doesn’t end there. The benefits of vitamin C will also show on your face as minimized pores and fine lines, and no uneven skin tone.
Additionally, it contains ginseng and white truffle, which have soothing effects on your skin – and help its nourishment.
As with most Korean vitamin C serums, this serum has only clear ingredients and is safe for any skin type. As it has non-comedogenic formula, it is safe even on acne prone skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Great under the sun(screen)
According to women who use it regularly, thanks to its lightweight formula and non-sticky texture, it goes on smoothly and fits great under the sunscreen, and/or make up.
- Mindful for true values
This brand not only appreciate the value of natural formula with high-quality, mindful ingredients, but also appreciates true life values.
They donate the part of their earnings every year to charity.
Keep In Mind
It is well known that vitamin C can oxidize when exposed to the sunlight and air. Some women reported the product turned to yellow, orange, or brownish colors – and they were worried if they can still use it. Well, vitamin C oxidation is a normal process.
To help prevent premature oxidation, make sure you store the bottle in a cool, dry place, and to minimize the exposure to air.
Final Decision: What Is The Number 1 Korean Vitamin C Serum?
So, now that we have all that great vitamin C serums listed here, the question arises – which one is the best Korean vitamin C brightening serum for me?
Well, after a long research, I would go for this Neogen Dermalogy’s serum.
It has a great formula, for every skin type (perfect for my ultra sensitive skin), and can help with different skin concerns, including acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Best Vitamin C Serum In Korea – FAQ
If you still have some doubts and insecurities, no worries. I will answer you some of the most frequently asked questions, that may bother you, especially those related to safety of your vitamin C serums.
What Is Vitamin C Serum & What Are Its Benefits?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is nowadays one of the most popular ingredients in various skincare lines. It is a holy grail for various skin concerns, improving your skin’s condition overall – and all of it is – scientifically proven!
Vitamin C has skin brightening properties, meaning it will fade any discoloration (including acne scars).
Also, it helps you slow down skin aging, as it boosts collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
It also prevents collagen to break down faster, thanks to its antioxidant benefits and blocking of (bad) reactive oxygen species.
Due to vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce the redness and irritation that comes with acne breakouts, too.
Besides all of that, vitamin C minimizes the redness you can get from sun exposure and sun damage. Using vitamin C serums before sunscreen aids UV protection and protects your skin better, making it a great combo.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) Serum In Skincare?
Well, as with any skincare product – vitamin C products also have some drawbacks.
First of all, vitamin C is unstable. Exposing it to high temperatures, air, and sunlight can cause it to oxidize. And once it oxidizes, it becomes pretty much – useless.
It can also react with other skincare ingredients, with the potential of developing skin irritation. This primarily refers to exfoliators, including AHA/BHA.
Keep in mind that high concentration, higher than 10% can irritate your skin.
Therefore, if you’re introducing it to your skincare routine, make sure you start with lower concentrations.
Which Form Of Vitamin C Is Best For My Skin?
Derivatives of vitamin C in the skincare industry are safe and effective.
Probably the best way to introduce it into your routine is – using it as an active ingredient in your serum.
When Is The Best Time To Use Vitamin C Serums?
You can use your serum everyday. You can use it maximally twice a day (in the morning and evening). However, in any case, for the best results, use it before a sunscreen before you head out.
Can I Use Vitamin C Serum On My Face Every Day?
Absolutely! However, I would highly recommend you start with low concentrations of vitamin C and then slowly increase as your skin becomes used to it.
Also, if you have sensitive skin types, rather use it 2-3 times a week.
Why Do Vitamin C Serums Change Color Over Time?
Vitamin C oxidizes when exposed to heat, air, sunlight. It is a normal reaction of vitamin C. So, when your serum changes color – it is due to vitamin C.
You can notice that your serum becomes more yellow, orange, or brown in color. And, it is expectable.
Can I Still Use Vitamin C Serum If It Turns Brown Or Orange?
Although, probably, nothing bad will happen (unless you have extra sensitive skin), I wouldn’t recommend you to use it. Once it oxidizes, it is much less effective, or even ineffective.
So, you will not get the benefits from it. Try to use vitamin C serums within 6 months of purchase or opening.
How To Prolong Shelf Life Of My Vitamin C Serum?
To avoid oxidation, and to prolong its shelf life, store your vitamin C serums in a cool, dark place, away from the direct sunlight.
Skincare organizer for your fridge is great solution.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
Sources of pictures:
- Pictures of Neogen Dermalogy serum belong to Neogen Dermalogy Brand. Source: https://neogenlab.us/
- Pictures of Dr. Althea serum belong to Dr. Althea Brand. Source: https://doctoraltheaglobal.com/
- Pictures of Jumiso serum belong to Jumiso Brand. Source: https://jumiso.us/
- Pictures of Round Lab serum belongs to Round Lab Brand. Source: https://roundlab.com/
- Pictures of SKIN&LAB serum belong to SKIN&LAB Brand. Source: https://skinnlabglobal.com/
- Pictures of Numbuzin No. 5 serum belong to Numbuzin Brand. Source: https://www.instagram.com/numbuzin_official/
- Pictures of I DEW CARE serum belong to I DEW CARE Brand. Source: https://idewcare.com/
- Pictures of GOOD DAYS FOR ALL serum belong to GOOD DAYS FOR ALL (Soko Glam Labs) Brand. Source: https://sokoglam.com/
