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The multi-billion-dollar beauty and skincare industry has no shortage of products from various parts of the globe, but even among them, Korean products tend to stand out ahead of the pack. Made with natural ingredients and minimal to no harmful chemicals, it’s no wonder they’re so popular and highly in demand.
Korean Vitamin C serum has shot up in popularity in recent years and for good reason- they provide great results, are quite affordable, and have a wide range of brands to choose from. Here are our top 10 picks for the best Korean Vitamin C serums in the market!
Top 10 Best Korean Vitamin C Serum In 2023
| Image | Product Name | Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Beauty Day Glow Serum | Check Price |
 | Best Antioxidant Serum Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop | Check Price |
 | Best for Hydration Cos de Baha Vitamin C Facial Serum with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid | Check Price |
 | Best For Dark Spots OSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum | Check Price |
 | Best for Anti-Aging Cica Vitamin C Serum | Check Price |
 | Best for Nourishing Soothing Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum | Check Price |
 | Best for Healthier Skin Pure Vitamin C21.5% Advanced Serum by Wishtrend | Check Price |
 | Best for Brightening DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB Real Vita C Serum | Check Price |
 | Best For Sensitive Skin It’s SKIN Power 10 Formula VC Effector | Check Price |
 | Best Glow Toner SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner | Check Price |
1. Best Overall – SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Beauty Day Glow Serum
Specification
- Skin Type: All; best for dry skin and oily skin
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: 20% vitamin C hyaluronic acid serum, CE ferulic acid
- Liquid Volume: 3 fl oz. (30ml)
- Scent: Citrus
Description
SeoulCeuticals Korean Skin Care Beauty Vitamin C serum will revitalize your dry and oily skin with maximum efficiency. It gives your skin a youthful glow and works wonders on dull skin lacking in nourishment, supplementing the lack of Vitamin C in your diet.
Features
Organic ingredients: made with all-natural ingredients that include plant-based Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, Citrus Stem Cells, and more that efficiently hydrate your skin.
Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle: this serum leaves your skin not only feeling refreshed but also has anti-aging and anti-wrinkle properties.
How to use
This product is meant to be the finishing touch in your daily skincare routine. Apply the serum through the following steps:
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
There are a couple of excellent reasons why SeoulCeutical’s Day Glow Serum is at the top of this list. I’ve found it to be very effective for my oily skin, and the difference was noticeable in just a few days. The serum has a very pleasant smell and is suitable for almost all skin types thanks to its organic ingredients. It also gave me glowing youthful skin and removed some of the noticeable blemishes as well. The only nitpicking I have is that you need to apply it really quickly once the serum is dropped from the dropper. Other than the recent price hike, there’s really nothing much to complain about this product. It worked wonders for me and some of my acquaintances and colleagues who’ve also used it report the same. The reason why I considered this to be the best overall product on the list is because I think as a vitamin C serum this does all the good things. The application may be a bit of a hassle but once you get used to it, you are pretty much set to have wonderful glowing skin!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent fit for both oily and dry skins | Dries out too quickly once out of the bottle. |
| All natural ingredients that don’t have any adverse effects. | |
| Leaves your skin looking glowing and youthful within a few days of use |
2. Best Antioxidant Serum – Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Specification
- Skin Type: All
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: Cruelty and irritation free
- Liquid Volume: 1 fl oz. (35ml)
- Scent: Neutral
Description
Worried about all the oxidants that cling to your skin throughout a busy day? Dear, Klair’s Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is the perfect solution for you. This vitamin C serum is perfect for protecting your skin from all the smoke, dust, and oil, leaving you feeling fresh and rejuvenated throughout the entire day.
Features
5% concentrated vitamin C: provides adequate moisture and nutrition for your skin
Neutral scent: ensures that the scent of the serum doesn’t permeate into the scent or perfume you’re wearing
Multi-functional: it not only protects your skin but also prevents acne, skin irritation, brown spots, and a few other skin blemishes.
How to use
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- For regular skin, uncork the dropper from the bottle and fill half the dropper.
- For sensitive skin, use toner on the skin before taking 2-3 drops of serum into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
I simply adore this product because of the neutral scent which allows me to use my perfumes without diluting the scent. As a professional, I have to move around a lot throughout the day which leaves me exposed to all manners of pollution. Thanks to Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop my skin stays protected the entire day, especially when I’m stuck during heavy traffic. Since I have sensitive skin, the extra moisture it provides also leaves me feeling refreshed with the added benefits of removing my skin blemishes. It’s just that it contains glycolic acid, something that might not suit those with extra sensitive skin so you would have to do a patch test before applying the product on your face.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Made from non-comedogenic ingredients. | Contains glycolic acid which might not suit some skin types. |
| Neutral fragrance | |
| Particularly well suited for sensitive skin. | |
| Free from ethanol, silicon, and steroids |
3. Best for Hydration – Cos de Baha Vitamin C Facial Serum with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Specification
- Skin Type: Normal
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: Cruelty-free
- Liquid Volume: 1.0 fl oz. (30 ml)
- Scent: Neutral
Description
Cos de Baha Vitamin C Facial Serum with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid is a top-notch product for aging skin that is in need of hydration and to deal with age spots and skin elasticity!
Features
High L-ascorbic content: ensures that skin blemishes and wrinkles are reverted quickly compared to other products in the market.
Excellent hydration: keeps your skin moisturized and feeling fresh throughout the day.
Highly affordable: pricing is low enough to make it a viable regular addition to your skincare roster.
How to use
Since this product is not suitable for all skin types, you should start off by applying a small amount under your chin. If there’s no skin irritation, then slowly increase the application area. If it is safe to use on your skin, here is how you should apply this serum:
- First, clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
As I get older, removing fading aging spots on my skin has become increasingly difficult, which is where Cos de Baha’s Vitamin C Facial Serum comes into play. While the other Korean vitamin C serums more or less have decent anti-aging properties, I’ve found this particular one to be the best among the bunch due to the high L-ascorbic acid content. Though I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it for everyone as it’s reactive to sensitive skin because of the high concentration of acid that is in the serum. However, if it works for you then you’ll get the best bang for your buck when it comes to anti-aging Korean vitamin C serums. It also doubles as a sunscreen which is another plus in my book.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly effective at fading aging spots | Not suitable for all types of skin; can cause breakouts for sensitive skin |
| Doubles as sunscreen | |
| Reduces overall redness of the skin |
4. Best For Dark Spots – OSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum
Specification
- Skin Type: All
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: Paraben, Gluten, Formaldehyde, Fragrance, Sulfate, and Artificial Color
- Liquid Volume: 0.7 fl oz. (20ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
If dark spots are the bane of your existence, then the OSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum will definitely come to your rescue. This Korean vitamin C serum is particularly effective at fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Not only does it brighten your skin but makes it firm as well.
Features
Clinically proven to work in only 4 weeks: After conducting a study with 20 subjects by Dermacosmetic Skin Science Laboratory Co., Ltd, a 16-30% improvement was seen across the board in terms of skin pigmentation, elasticity, pore volume, and pore count.
Improves uneven skin tone: by improving skin radiance in a short amount of time
Contains tocotrienol: which provides 50% more efficiency when it comes to antioxidant properties.
How to use
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Shake the bottle a couple of times before use.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
- Make sure to refrigerate after use.
Expert Verdict
While I absolutely adore this product since it helped me get rid of dark spots in the past, I’ll definitely recommend wearing a strong perfume if you plan to use it. The high ascorbic acid content means there’s a strong pungent smell that people around you will notice immediately. The serum also has high moisture retention properties thanks to the presence of hyaluronic acid and can also soothe mild pain thanks to one of its ingredients allantoin. If you can work your way around the smell and have dark spots, this one is a must-buy.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Removes dark spots in record time | Has a very pungent smell |
| High moisture retention capabilities | Can cause mild skin sensitivity which goes away with time |
| Can alleviate facial pain |
5. Best for Anti-Aging – Cica Vitamin C Serum
Specification
- Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry, Normal
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and animal cruelty
- Liquid Volume: 1.1 fl oz. (33 ml)
- Scent: Green Tea
Description
Coming with a highly unusual fragrance of green tea, the Cica Vitamin C Serum is the perfect companion for those who want to look young and youthful. It is perfect for all skin types and the perfect solution for those looking to turn back the clock on their youthful appearance.
Features
Enhanced healing properties: thanks to the Centella Asiatica ingredient, say goodbye to sore skin and irritation.
Improves skin tone and texture: noticeably thanks to the presence of green tea and niacinamide in the ingredients, the latter being particularly helpful for smooth skin.
Promotes a healthy skin barrier: which in turn prevents your skin from common skin blemishes.
How to use
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- If using during the morning, make sure to use SPF.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
The Cica Vitamin Serum is a combination of a bunch of highly beneficial ingredients which really help to reverse aging. Aside from Centella Asiatica, the serum also contains Adenosine and Panthenol which have proven results in skin cell rejuvenation. I’ve personally experienced the benefits of this serum as I’ve had some serious issues with damaged skin cells in the past. And for those who have excessively oily faces, I definitely recommend this Vitamin C serum.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Rejuvenates and heals damaged skin cells | Does leave a greasy feeling on the skin |
| Gets rid of dead cells from the body | |
| Good for even oily skin |
6. Best for Nourishing Soothing – Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum
Specification
- Skin Type: Sensitive
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: artificial fragrances, animal products, mineral oils, essential oils, or silicone
- Liquid Volume: 1.01 fl. oz (30 ml)
- Scent: Lemon
Description
What better way to supplement Vitamin C to your skin than a vit C serum that uses citrus as one of the base ingredients? Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum is the best Korean vit C serum that works wonders for post-acne hyperpigmentation. With a powerful blend of ingredients that contains 70% tangerine, this serum will target the dark spots in your face and restore them back to the original skin texture!
Features
Tangerine-based formula: ensures this serum is as organic as they come compared to its peers which are more chemical-focused.
Gel form: makes it easier to apply and store compared to Vit C serums that come with a dropper.
Noticeable results in 2 weeks: without fail. Most users report a noticeable difference within this timeframe.
No pungent smell: unlike most Vitamin C serums that are heavy on Vitamin C in chemical form.
How to use
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Squeeze a bit of gel from the serum container by pressing the top.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
- Once applied, follow up with SPF and moisturizer.
Expert Verdict
A clear favorite of mine that comes in handy on days when I’m in a rush or on a trip somewhere. Since the serum doesn’t vaporize quickly unlike liquid Vit C serums, you can take your time to apply it evenly over your face. This is great for those who’re busy or can’t be bothered with fumbling around with a dropper. If you had acne recently and want to get hyperpigmentation fixed ASAP, then this definitely is the vitamin C serum for you.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cold-pressed for maximum Vitamin C retention | Only good for sensitive skin. |
| Lightweight and non-sticky. | |
| Strong and refreshing citrus fragrance |
7. Best for Healthier Skin – Pure Vitamin C21.5% Advanced Serum by Wishtrend
Specification
- Skin Type: All
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: Ethanol-free, Silicon oil-free, Artificial coloring-free, Artificial fragrance-free, Gluten-free
- Liquid Volume: 1.01 fl. Oz (30 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
If you have no particular skin blemishes but want to maintain healthy and radiant skin, then Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum by Wishtrend is the perfect Korean Vit C serum for you. It doesn’t excel at any particular skin blemish but provides overall protection for your skin. This serum is also comparatively cheaper than its more specialized counterparts, which makes it a fine addition if you just want something for regular skin maintenance.
Features
Provides a cool, soothing effect: thanks to the 70% Vitamin Tree Water which also acts as an excellent moisturizer
Maximum skin absorption level: is ensured by the advanced formula that utilizes 10 core ingredients for maximum results.
Good for general skin maintenance: along with other skin care products that you use.
How to use
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
Whenever I don’t have any particular skin blemish on my face or neck, this is my go-to Korean Vit C serum. It’s not expensive, easily available, and acts as a replacement until I get the particular Vitamin C serum I need in emergencies. The only downside of this serum is the fact that it’s extremely heat sensitive and can get spoiled during delivery. As long as you keep it refrigerated, you won’t have many complaints.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Optimal vit C serum for skincare maintenance. | Prone to getting spoiled due to excessive heat |
| Cool and refreshing | |
| Light and fast absorbing |
8. Best for Brightening – DERMALOGY by NEOGENLAB Real Vita C Serum
Specification
- Skin Type: All
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: Cruelty-free
- Liquid Volume: 1.12 fl oz. (32 ml)
- Scent: Lemon
Description
With all the pollution around us every day, maintaining the natural beauty of your skin can get really tough. If the natural tone of your skin has dulled over time, then NEOGENLAB’s Real Vita C serum might be just what you need to brighten up your skin! This top-notch dermatology product is one of the most effective best Korean vit C serums when it comes to brightening your skin.
Features
Super potent: Vit C serum that has a high concentration of Vitamin E and Vitamin B5 which makes the skin more radiant.
5 sources of vitamin C: packs quite the punch by using all major citrus sources- lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, and grapefruit.
How to use
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
Most Korean Vit C serums more or less help maintain and improve skin radiance, but I’ve found this to be the best when it comes to brightening skin tone. The serum contains SAP (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) which prevents oxidative damage of the skin, which is the main cause of skin dullness. Before using this Vit C serum I tried a couple of other methods to brighten my skin, but none of them worked as well as this for me.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Prevents skin damage from pollution | Doesn’t work well with acne. |
| The core ingredient SAP prevents the product from getting spoiled | |
| Budget-friendly |
9. Best For Sensitive Skin – It’s SKIN Power 10 Formula VC Effector
Specification
- Skin Type: All
- Item Form and Package: Serum; Bottle with dropper
- Material Type Free: Artificial scent, coloring, and alcohol
- Liquid Volume: 30 ml/1.01 fl. Oz
- Scent: Lemon
Description
Those with sensitive skin often have a hard time finding the right skin care products as one reactive ingredient can cause irritation and a host of other problems. It’s SKIN Power 10 Formula VC Effector was made exactly with this aspect in mind, the ingredients of its formula were selected particularly not to aggravate sensitive skin.
Features
Gives your skin a youthful glow: alongside curing skin blemishes that plague sensitive skin
A combination of 10 different serums: is the reason it suits all types of sensitive skin.
Ultrasonic extraction and low-temperature aging: ensure that the serum has no side effects.
How to use
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
Personally, I don’t suffer from sensitive skin but my sister does. So last year I gave her a bottle of this serum, and in a month it worked wonders for her. Since then she has been using this serum regularly and is one happy customer. Her skin blemishes have reduced significantly and the flakiness of her skin has gone completely
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Specially made for sensitive skin types. | Not as effective for other skin types. |
| Contains no artificial harmful chemicals. | |
| Cheaper than most serums. |
10. Best Glow Toner – SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner
Specification
- Skin Type: All
- Item Form and Package: Glow Toner; Bottled
- Material Type Free: Cruelty-free, Preservatives Free, Sulfate Free, Artificial Color Free, Alcohol-Free
- Liquid Volume: 6.76 fl Oz (200ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
SOME BY MI is one of the few Korean Vit C serums that offers its customers a product that specifically focuses on giving you glowing, shiny skin. It also helps that it’s quite budget friendly and is packed with helpful and healthy ingredients.
Features
High galactomyces concentration: This is an excellent antioxidant ingredient and moisturizing agent.
Get more, pay less: is something very few Vit C serum brands focus on. Some by MI probably offer the best deal in its product category by focusing on both quality and quantity at the same time. If you’re looking for a toner that’s under budget and will last you a long time, this is the best Korean Vit C serum you can buy
How to use
This product is meant to be the finishing touch in your daily skincare routine. Apply the serum through the following steps:
- First clean your face and neck properly and apply toner.
- Uncork the dropper from the bottle and take 2-3 drops into the dropper.
- Squeeze the serum from the dropper into the palm of your hands.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the serum across your face and neck. Make sure your fingers are clean.
Expert Verdict
I’m usually very picky about toners, but this one has definitely earned its spot on my favorites list. Unlike other Korean Vitamin C serums that focus on removing skin blemishes and hydration, Some by Mi’s toner focuses on making your skin glow thanks to its unique blend of ingredients. The toner is a good fit for all types of skin including sensitive ones that react badly to chemical ingredients present in other glow toners, which is a definite plus in my book.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| One bottle lasts for a long time | Not particularly effective when it comes to hydration |
| Noticeable difference in skin glow within a short time | |
| Protects skin from pollution |
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do?
We all know that Vitamin C is one of the most important nutritional components of the human body that prevents serious health problems like scurvy and gum degeneration. But Vitamin C is also a very important component of skin care that has gained prominence in recent years. The beauty industry touts it as the secret of anti-aging, but Vitamin C serums do so much more than that. Here are the most important ones to know:
- For starters, it helps you maintain smooth, glowing, and healthy skin with regular use and is suitable for all skin types. Vitamin C is on the top end of the safety profile when it comes to beauty product ingredients. It doesn’t react to alpha hydroxyl acids, retinol, and SPF which is why Vitamin C is not only used in serums but all other beauty products as well.
- Vitamin C also helps greatly in skin hydration but not by ingesting it along with your regular diet. External application of Vitamin C, especially in the form of ascorbic acid, is the best way to keep your skin hydrated, which is where Vitamin C serums come into play.
- Other skin-related benefits of Vitamin C include improving the brightness of your skin, reducing the redness of your skin tone, and most important of all, preventing oxidative damage caused by everyday pollution around us. Sun spots, age spots, and melisma are also easily curable with regular application of Vitamin C serum.
- Collagen is also an important aspect of skin health that’s often ignored by beauty aficionados. It is the primary building block of most parts of the human body, including the skin. Vitamin C serums help collagen production which prevents dryness and flakiness of skin.
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Does Vitamin C Serum Expire?
Like any other beauty product out there, Vitamin C serums also have a shelf life that can differ from brand to brand. On average most Vitamin C serums will expire between 3-6 months after opening, provided they’re stored and used properly. If not opened, these serums can have a shelf life of between 12 to 18 months. Vitamin C serums tend to be sensitive skin care products that can often get ruined if not taken care of properly.
If a Vitamin C serum that you purchased expires or goes bad, then there are some telltale signs that it’s gone bad. These signs include:
- Change of color to yellow, brown, or orange compared to the color of the serum when originally bought.
- The oil and cream within the serum separate.
- There are gas bubbles when you take off the cap or the dropper of the serum container.
- The serums seal got broken or torn during delivery.
Since Vitamin C serums can get ruined very easily, it’s best to take proper steps to preserve them for maximum efficiency. Here are some of the things you can do to preserve Vitamin C serums:
- Keep them in a cool, shaded place, ideally a refrigerator.
- Always close the cap or dropper tightly to ensure no oxygen gets inside the bottle.
- If the original bottle of the serum isn’t of a dark shade, consider transferring the contents to a bottle with a dark color and seal.
FAQs
1. Can I use other serums alongside Vitamin C serum?
Yes, you can, but you should incorporate them slowly to ensure the combination of two different serums doesn’t cause any adverse reactions on your skin like tingling or irritation.
2. Are Korean Vitamin C serums cruelty-free?
Yes, Korean Vit C serums are 100% cruelty-free since testing and experimenting products in South Korea are totally banned.
3. Why do I need to use Vitamin C serums for moisturizing my skin when I’m already using an SPF?
SPFs, or sunscreen lotions are designed to protect the upper layer of your skin from the UV rays of the sun, not retain water moisture. Using Vitamin C serum ensures that your face and neck have proper moisture retention.
4. How many times a day should I use Vitamin C serums?
Ideally twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. But it will mostly be dependent on the product so you should follow the instruction the manufacturer gives.
Final Thoughts
So there you go, the 10 best Korean Vit C serums that I have personally used, reviewed, and recommended. Proper facial care is something not only for women, but men as well, so I recommend all my readers to try out the ones that specifically suit your skin problems from this list. Keep using Vitamin C skincare in your routine and I guarantee you’ll see the results yourself in no time!
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