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Seoul
is the beauty mecca of the world, with so much innovation and skin care goodness to discover. And, happily, some of its formulations are making their way to the States. A perfect way to experience their power is to try
K-beauty serums
. These treatment products incorporate the most innovative technologies and ingredients, from salmon sperm to spicules (read about both, below). To recommend the best options, we tapped dermatologists with K-beauty expertise (one is based in Seoul, the other travels there twice a year to stay in the know). Here, they share their insights and predictions about the best of the best K-beauty serums available now.
1
Best for Redness
Bano Milk Thistle Repair Serum
$25
Amazon
K-beauty has a very skin-forward approach that focuses on barrier repair, says Jae Yong Ban, MD, board-certified dermatologist, medical director of
Banobagi Dermatology Clinic
in Seoul, and CEO of
Bano Cosmetics
. Barrier repair is so key because many people are experiencing more skin sensitivity, often “caused by stress, environmental factors, and overly complex skincare routines,” Ban says. When you feel like your skin is extra sensitive, irritated, or upset, reach for this soothing formula. It calms redness while hydrating your complexion thanks to milk thistle and panthenol, he says.
2
Best Hydrating Serum
Dr. Althea ABC Glow Whipped Serum
$22
Amazon
You’ve never felt a serum like this. It comes out as a bubbly foam, and as you work it onto your skin, it melts into a liquid that hydrates, softens, and plumps. “It feels like you’re applying water onto your face, but it does much more than regular H2O. My skin feels soothed, looks immediately glowy, and remains hydrated even after it’s absorbed,” says senior beauty editor
Genesis Rivas
. The formula contains bakuchiol, nature’s retinol, to firm; antioxidants to protect; and allantoin to soothe.
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3
Best PDRN Serum
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Now 13% Off
$22
$19
Amazon
Also Consider
$21
Ulta Beauty
“PDRN is the undisputed it ingredient of 2026,” says nurse practitioner Darby Koh, who is the founder of
Koh Aesthetics
. “It consists of DNA fragments extracted from salmon sperm, which essentially tell your cells to wake up and produce more collagen.” This serum combines the power of PDRN with peptides to rejuvenate skin, and improve firmness, elasticity, and texture.
4
Best Softening Serum
Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Cream In Serum
Now 20% Off
$26
$21
Ulta Beauty
“K-beauty utilizes lightweight and layerable textures to allow for multiple products to be used comfortably in a routine,” says Ban. Case in point? This milky serum, which combines the hydration of a lightweight gel moisturizer with the texture of silk. Hydrolyzed collagen extract helps firm and smooth skin over time. “It absorbs super quickly into the skin and immediately makes it feel softer,” says Rivas.
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5
Best for Mature Skin
Jolieterre Collagen Boosting Serum
$69
Amazon
Koh says this formula is part of her personal “glass skin routine.” It’s packed with peptides and eight types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin at its deepest levels, while helping to lift and firm the complexion over time. It uses a micro-bubble technology, which “pushes actives deeper into the skin,” explains Koh. She uses it specifically on the eyes, nasolabial folds (smile lines), and jawline.
6
Best for Rough Texture
VT Cosmetics CICA Reedle Shot
$25
Amazon
Also Consider
$30
Walmart
$26
Ulta Beauty
This serum allows you to reap the benefits of
microneedling at home
. It contains tiny spicules—microscopic needle-like structures derived from freshwater sponges—that create teeny holes in the skin as you rub in the formula. “The invisible microchannels in the skin allow for better product absorption,” explains Koh. With continued use, this serum will help smooth rough texture, promote a more even tone, and give a glow. It also contains cica, which Ban explains is a popular K-ingredient thanks to its ultra-soothing properties.
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7
Best Hybrid
Biodance Collagen Peptide Jelly Serum Mist
Now 11% Off
$19
$17
Amazon
Also Consider
$19
Sephora
This looks like gelatin in the bottle, but sprays onto your face as a lightweight mist, giving the skin instant plumpness and radiance. “I love using this before, during, and after makeup—so, basically, all of the time, because my skin looks instantly more radiant and smooth when I mist it,” says Rivas. The serum-mist is infused with collagen extract and ten signal peptides that boost skin firmness and improve texture.
8
Best Smoothing
Celimax The Vita-A Retinol Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
$27
Ulta Beauty
Two powerhouse ingredients—retinol and a blend of peptides—come together in this mighty formula to target and improve the look of fine lines, w
Book Your Appointment
Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.
Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.
Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.
Source: https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/skin-makeup/a71273487/best-k-beauty-serums/
