Using vitamin C serum every morning can be a game-changer for your skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that can effectively treat hyperpigmentation and acne scars, as well as protect the skin against free radical damage. Plus, it restores radiance and glow to tired, dull skin.
But finding the best vitamin C serum is not easy; it’s unstable and needs specific packaging to prevent oxidation (which makes the product useless). And we all know Korean skincare is developed with innovative technology and uses powerful yet natural ingredients, while the West is still trying to catch up!
So, it’s ideal to try a Korean vitamin C serum, especially if you’re a beginner. To find the best Korean vitamin C serum, check the list I included below to get what is suitable for you!
Let’s get started…
What Is The Best Korean Vitamin C Serum?
1- GOODAL Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum
The GOODAL vitamin C serum is formulated with organic green tangerines, which are hand-picked in a short four-week span, when levels of vitamin C are the highest.
It also contains niacinamide, arbutin, centella Asiatica, allantoin, and turmeric root. So, all these ingredients can even skin tone, fade dark spots, brighten hyperpigmentation, improve skin appearance, reduce enlarged pores, and calm & soothe irritated skin.
It’s ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, as it will definitely boost skin health, lock in hydration, and relieve irritated skin.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C (Ascorbyl glucoside), turmeric root extract, niacinamide, arbutin, centella Asiatica, and allantoin.
Ideal For: Hyperpigmentation and brightening.
Best For: Sensitive, oily, combination, and dry skin.
Pros:
- Lightweight formula.
- Helps with dark spots.
- Treats post-acne hyperpigmentation.
- Increase hydration.
- Soothe the skin.
- Gentle formula.
- Vegan.
- Cruelty-free.
Cons:
- It has a citrus scent (not artificial, it’s from the green tangerine).
- Does not come in an opaque bottle.
An Amazon Customer Review: “I wanted to try a few times before I gave a rating. I’m very happy with this serum. I like to wear it under my makeup, I feel like my skin is smoother and not as dry. It doesn’t have a strong smell and my skin absorbs it well. I’d buy it again.”
2- CosrX The Vitamin C 23 Serum
This is one of the best Korean vitamin C serums on the market that is super gentle yet effective. It’s available in two concentrations: 13 and 23 percent. This is an ideal product for those who want to try a Korean vitamin C serum for the first time or those with sensitive skin to build up their tolerance. Find the 13% on YesStyle here.
Additionally, this product contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and panthenol, which reduces fine lines & wrinkles, boosts radiance, improves skin brightness and glow, delivers deep moisture, and soothes the skin.
Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, allantoin, and panthenol.
Ideal For: beginners who want to start with a more gentle formula, especially the 13%.
Best For: All skin types, even sensitive skin types.
Pros:
- Gentle formula.
- Available in 13% and 23% concentration.
- No artificial fragrance.
- Even out skin texture.
- Hydrating.
- Treat discoloration.
Cons:
- Has an unpleasant scent according to some reviewers.
An Amazon Customer Review: “This was recommended to me by a top dermatologist, and I was beginning my skin care journey with Vitamin C with this serum. It’s pretty potent and effective, and I can see the difference just in a few days.”
3- Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Serum
Innisfree offers the best Korean vitamin C serum for dry skin that helps fade dark spots, acne scars, and sun spots by 90% in 4 weeks, based on a clinical study on 32 women.
It can also improve skin texture, brighten the skin, and even skin tone by 100% in only one week. Thanks to its powerful formula, this product melts into the skin to protect your complexion while hydrating and soothing it.
Key Ingredients: Ethyl ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin C, ferulic acid, and sunflower seed oil.
Ideal For: dark spots and brightness.
Best For: Dry, dull, sensitive, and combination skin.
Pros:
- Double dose of vitamin C.
- Comes in an opaque bottle.
- Gel texture.
- Exfoliating.
- Hydrating.
- Diminish dark spots.
- Does not clog pores.
- Safe for sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Some reviewers dislike its scent.
An Amazon Customer Review: “I’ve been using the Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Serum for a few weeks, and I’m really impressed. It absorbs quickly, isn’t sticky, and has a nice light scent. My skin looks brighter, and I’ve noticed some dark spots fading. It’s a great addition to my routine for a natural glow!”
4- Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C
The Glow recipe is formulated with 5 forms of vitamin C and anti-acne ingredients, which will brighten the skin, kill acne-causing bacteria, prevent breakouts, and diminish dark spots.
According to an independent consumer use study, 90% had an improvement in dark spots in 4 weeks. Plus, it prevents dullness, protects against free radical damage, diminishes redness, boosts moisture, soothes the skin, and leaves it supple.
Key Ingredients: 5 forms of vitamin C, tranexamic acid, raspberry fruit extract, vitamin E, and ferulic acid.
Ideal For: brightening and fighting acne.
Best For: all skin types.
Pros:
- Best Korean vitamin C serum for oily and acne-prone.
- Free of heavy oils.
- Non-sticky gel.
- Even out skin tone.
- Kill bacteria that cause acne.
- Does not clog pores.
- Leave the skin bright and healthy.
Cons:
- Has a Guava scent that some reviewers don’t like.
- The pump could sometimes break.
An Amazon Customer Review: ” I’ve been using this marvelous product for a few months now, and I love it. It helps to fade my freckles and age spots.”
5- Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum
This one is formulated with glutathione (cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid) and vitamin C. It can definitely protect the skin from UV rays, free radicals, and pollution. It evens skin tone and leaves it bright and supple.
To prevent oxidation, vitamin C is encapsulated with vitamins B5, B12, and E. Those vitamins, along with panthenol, help soothe the skin, reduce irritation, and hydrate the skin.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Tranexamix acid, niacinamide, and glutathione.
Ideal For: Hyperpigmentation and anti-pollution.
Best For: all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Comes in a dark container.
- Even skin tone.
- Help with dark spots.
- Protect the skin against free radical damage.
- Give you glowy skin.
Cons:
- Not an airtight container.
An Amazon Customer Review: “This is my second bottle, and I love it! It makes my skin look even and radiant. It’s perfect for my oily skin because it doesn’t feel greasy and absorbs well when you apply it. I can wear makeup over this serum and it’ll be fine.”
6- Vitamin C Boosting Serum
This product contains Hippophae rhamnoides water, which is rich in vitamin C, so it helps even skin tone, revitalize dull, stressed skin, and prevent hyperpigmentation.
It also packed with Centella asiatica, niacinamide, and 3 types of hyaluronic acid. Those ingredients soothe delicate skin, provide long-lasting hydration, support the recovery of weakened skin, refine pores, and control sebum. It’s the best Korean Vitamin C serum!
Key Ingredients: Hippophae rhamnoides water, vitamin C, centella Asiatica, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and 3 types of hyaluronic acid.
Ideal For: hyperpigmentation.
Best For: dry and sensitive skin types.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Minimize pores.
- Enhance firmness and resilience.
- Relieve stressed skin.
- Free from unpleasant odors and yellowing.
- Fragrance-free.
Cons:
- A bit greasy.
- Not an airtight container.
An Amazon Customer Review: “I love this product. The effectiveness of this is immaculate. I used it for the first 4 days, and it helped with my dark spots. I was impressed, it’s lightweight, not greasy, moisturizing, and it did not irritate my skin. And also, not too expensive for what it does.”
7- Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
This is one of the most luxurious and best Korean vitamin C serums on the market; it’s meant to boost any product you layer on top of it.
It revitalizes and strengthens the skin barrier against external stressors, reducing fine lines and other aging signs. This product can increase hydration by 44.6% after one use and promote skin cell turnover by 10.2% after 3 days.
Plus, it’s not just like any other serum; it contains ginseng and skullcap root that help boost circulation, increase protection, prevent dullness and dryness, and soothe irritation.
Key Ingredients: Ethyl ascorbic acid, ginseng extract, and skullcap root extract.
Ideal For: aging signs.
Best For: All skin types.
Pros:
- Boost the skin barrier health.
- Reduce early visible signs of aging.
- Improve dryness.
- Nourish the skin.
- Increase firmness.
Cons:
- A bit pricey.
- More than just a vitamin C serum.
An Amazon Customer Review: “Love this product, always makes my skin feel clean and moisturized. Never caused me to break out or any burning or stinging sensation, but it’s just a bit expensive. Other than that, I love this product as well as the cleansing foam!”
8- Frankly Vitamin C 21 Concentrated Brightening Serum
This brightening product contains a high dose of vitamin C, which helps achieve clear and glowing skin, even skin tone, and boost skin vitality.
It’s also formulated with other powerful yet effective ingredients, including panthenol, niacinamide, and glycerin. They can increase skin moisture, boost skin elasticity, plump the skin, revitalize dull skin, and soothe irritated skin. It’s one of the best Korean vitamin C serums that suit your skin needs exactly!
Key Ingredients: Ascorbic acid 21%, panthenol, niacinamide, and glycerin.
Ideal For: Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and brightening.
Best For: dry, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin types.
Pros:
- Highly concentrated vitamin C.
- Brighten the skin.
- Treat hyperpigmentation and blemishes.
- Cruelty-free.
- Fragrance-free.
- Provide care for the skin.
Cons:
- It may be a bit stronger for sensitive skin.
A YesStyle Customer Review: “Non-greasy and non-sticky texture spreads easily and absorbs quickly”
9- Anua Vitamin C 20 Blemish Serum
This product is ideal for those who need a powerful vitamin C serum! It’s formulated with green lemon extract 56% and pure vitamin C 20% to protect the skin against aggressors, reduce anti-aging signs, brighten complexion, and treat blemishes.
Plus! It’s encapsulated with panthenol, bisabolol, and glutathione to easily deliver vitamin C (water-soluble) through the skin barrier. Thanks to its content of vitamin E and ferulic acid, this product treats blemishes and freckles and leaves the skin healthy and supple.
Key Ingredients: green lemon extract, ascorbic acid, glutathione, bisabolol, vitamin E, and panthenol.
Ideal For: blemishes, freckles, and aging signs.
Best For: dry, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. If you have sensitive skin, it’s advised to start slowly.
Pros:
- High dose of vitamin C.
- Helps with blemishes and freckles.
- Keep the skin firm.
- Hydrating.
- Soothing.
- Plump the skin.
Cons:
- Has a scent that some reviewers don’t like.
A YesStyle Customer Review: “I have not been a fan of using vitamin C until I tried this product. helped fade away my acne marks. I use it in the morning together with my azelaic acid, and then layer it with a sunscreen. Worth the price!”
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin from damage and fix the existing damage in skin caused by oxidative stress (environmental damage and free radical damage). It can stimulate collagen production, fade hyperpigmentation, brighten the skin and improve its texture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
We must mention here why Korean vitamin C serums are the best. This is because K-beauty made pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic) formulas that are more shelf stable. Plus! The formulas are gentle, more hydrating, and lightweight to help restore skin barrier health and maintain it.
When Should You Apply Vitamin C Serum To Your Face?
It’s best to apply vitamin C serum in the morning as it helps to protect the skin against free radicals and environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
You can apply it to your skin after toner or right after washing your face. Give it a few minutes to soak into the skin then you can layer on top of it.
How To Choose The Best Vitamin C Serum?
Skin Type
Before purchasing a vitamin C serum, it’s highly important to choose a formula that suits your skin type.
For dry skin, look for an oil-based formula to help lock in moisture and keep the skin looking healthy and hydrated.
For oily skin, look for formula that contains lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid and squalane. Avoid formulas with heavy oils.
For sensitive skin, start with a gentle formula with low concentration of vitamin C (5-10%) to avoid irritation and always test the product.
Your Goals
You should know first your purpose of using the product. Do you need to protect your skin, treat hyperpigmentation, brighten up the skin, or reduce aging signs? Your answer will makes things easier and help you find the product easily.
If you need something for glowing, find a formula that contains moisturizing and soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, panthenol, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid.
If you need something for hyperpigmentation, look for formula that contains tranexamic acid or Kojic acid.
If you need something for aging signs, look for formula that contains high concentration of vitamin C and peptide rich to boost collagen and elasticity.
What Percentage Of Vitamin C Should I Use?
Generally, concentrations between 10% and 20% are suitable for most skin types. But if you are a beginner, it’s best to start with a 10% concentration then increase it gradually.
For sensitive skin, it’s best to start with 5-10% to avoid skin irritation and remember to always test the product.
Determining the best percentage depends on your skin’s type, sensitivity, and experience with the vitamin.
So, it’s always a good idea to experiment with your skin and consult a dermatologist to avoid irritation especially if you have skin issues like rosacea.
Looking for more K-beauty Guides?
Master Day and Night Korean Skincare Routine For Top Results
Best Korean Moisturizer For Oily Skin: Most Praised 12 Picks
Best Korean Moisturizer For Dry Skin: Top 13 Picks
Best Korean Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin: 11 Loved Picks
Unveiling the Truth: Are Korean Skincare Products Better For Asians?
The Best 10-Step Korean Skin Care Routine To Follow
Ultimate Guide: 21 Best Korean Skin Care Products
The 15 Best Korean Face Creams To Unlock Your Glow
The Ultimate Guide To The Best Korean Skincare For Acne
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