Best Korean Serums for Every Skin Concern (2026 Guide)
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Last updated: September 2026 | Written by the COLORCITY skincare team
Serums add a focused step to a skincare routine, from hydration to the appearance of uneven tone or fine lines. The complete formula, directions and your skin’s response matter more than the headline ingredient alone.
This guide compares the listed ingredients, formats and directions of Korean skincare products available at COLORCITY. Check each product page for its current price, pack size and availability, and follow the label on your own product.
Jump to Your Concern
Brightening & Dark Spots
1. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide)
Size: 30ml | Focus: Hydration and a dewy finish
Formula Notes
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum combines propolis extract, niacinamide and hydrating ingredients in a serum designed for a dewy finish. Its formula also lists betaine salicylate. Propolis comes from bees, so review the ingredients if you have a known sensitivity to bee-derived products.
Key Ingredients
- Propolis extract — A featured ingredient in this hydrating formula.
- Niacinamide — Included for care of uneven-looking tone and texture.
- Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate — Moisture-binding ingredients listed in the formula.
Choosing and Using It
Consider this option if you prefer a propolis-based serum and a dewy finish. Start with a small amount and assess comfort; no serum is guaranteed to suit every skin type.
2. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Size: 30ml | Formula focus: Niacinamide and tranexamic acid
Formula Notes
The current product listing identifies this formula as 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid (TXA). Those percentages identify the formula; they do not establish that it is a treatment for melasma or that it will outperform another serum.
Key Ingredients
- Niacinamide — Listed at 10%.
- Tranexamic acid (TXA) — Listed at 4%.
- Full formula — Refer to the linked product page and your packaging for the complete ingredients.
Choosing and Using It
Check the current product information and directions before use. There is no guaranteed fading timeline, and persistent or changing pigmentation deserves individual professional advice.
3. AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Size: 50ml | Focus: Uneven-looking tone and hydration
Formula Notes
AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is a 50ml formula with 5% niacinamide, squalane and botanical extracts. The ingredient list includes rice bran and papaya extracts; it does not list mulberry extract.
Key Ingredients
- 5% niacinamide — For more even-looking tone.
- Squalane — An emollient for soft, comfortable skin.
- Rice bran and papaya extracts — Botanical ingredients in the listed formula.
Choosing and Using It
Compare the 50ml pack with other products using current price per millilitre and the ingredients you want. Apply a small amount to your face or selected areas and gently pat it in, following the product directions.
Anti-Ageing & Firmness
4. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (Ginseng + Retinal)
Size: 30ml | Format: Retinal eye serum
Formula Notes
This is Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, the eye-area product. It is different from Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng + Snail Mucin facial serum. Ginseng root extract, retinal and niacinamide appear in its ingredient list.
Key Ingredients
- Ginseng root extract — A featured botanical ingredient.
- Retinal — A vitamin A derivative; introduce it gradually.
- Niacinamide — Also included in the eye serum formula.
Choosing and Using It
Beauty of Joseon directs users to gently spread 1–2 pumps around the eyes. Patch test first and introduce gradually; use sunscreen in daytime. The brand advises avoiding this retinal product during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Follow the directions on your pack.
5. Celimax Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
Size: 15ml | Format: Targeted retinal booster
Formula Notes
Celimax Retinal Shot Tightening Booster contains 0.1% retinal with panthenol and peptides. It is a targeted evening step. The brand’s directions describe applying a small amount to the areas being treated; they do not instruct users to mix drops into moisturiser.
Key Ingredients
- 0.1% retinal — The concentration stated by Celimax.
- Panthenol — A hydrating ingredient in the formula.
- Peptides — Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 are listed.
Choosing and Using It
For new retinoid users, Celimax recommends every other evening for the first two weeks, with a small amount on target areas. Adjust use according to tolerance and use sunscreen in the morning. This product is not described as containing noni extract in its current ingredient list.
Sensitive & Irritated Skin
6. Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule
Size: 30ml | Focus: Hydration and skin comfort
Formula Notes
Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule pairs heartleaf extract with glycerin, betaine, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate. It is an optional hydrating serum step, rather than an emergency treatment for inflammation or injured skin.
Key Ingredients
- 80% heartleaf extract — The named botanical component.
- Panthenol and betaine — Hydrating ingredients.
- Sodium hyaluronate — A moisture-binding ingredient.
Choosing and Using It
Use after cleansing and toning, following the product’s instructions, and finish with moisturiser. A higher botanical percentage alone does not prove stronger soothing effects or suitability after a skin procedure.
7. Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum (Centella + Vita C)
Size: 30ml | Focus: Uneven-looking tone and hydration
Formula Notes
Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum combines centella asiatica with the vitamin C derivative 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid. Panthenol and glycerin are also listed. This is a formula for cosmetic tone and hydration care; sensitive skin can still react to it.
Key Ingredients
- 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid — The listed vitamin C derivative, not ascorbyl glucoside.
- Centella asiatica extract — The featured botanical ingredient.
- Panthenol and glycerin — Hydrating components; niacinamide is not listed in this formula.
Choosing and Using It
Compare this serum if you are interested in a vitamin C derivative with centella. Introduce it gradually and follow with sunscreen during the day. A fixed brightening timeline or irritation-free result cannot be promised.
Hydration & Glow
8. Anua Peach 70 Niacin Serum
Size: 30ml | Best for: Dull, tired-looking skin, overall glow
Formula Notes
Anua Peach 70 Niacin Serum lists 70% peach fruit water and 5% niacinamide, alongside glycerin and hyaluronic acid ingredients. It is designed for hydration and a more radiant-looking finish. Peach water content does not establish particular amounts of vitamins A, C or E.
Key Ingredients
- 70% peach fruit water — The ingredient named in the listed formula.
- 5% niacinamide — For care of uneven-looking tone.
- Sodium hyaluronate and hydrolysed hyaluronic acid — Moisture-binding ingredients.
Choosing and Using It
This is one option for a hydrating serum step with niacinamide. Check the full ingredient list, including fragrance, and assess your own skin’s response. An instant change in skin tone is not guaranteed.
9. Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
Size: 30ml | Focus: Hydration and a dewy finish
Formula Notes
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum is a hydrating formula containing sodium DNA and several hyaluronic acid ingredients. The name “Capsule 100” does not mean the bottle contains 100% hyaluronic acid. Research on injected PDRN cannot establish the effects of this topical serum.
Key Ingredients
- Sodium DNA — Listed as the PDRN-related ingredient.
- Hyaluronic acid ingredients — Include hydrolysed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate.
- Niacinamide and glycerin — Also present in the formula.
Choosing and Using It
Consider the full formula as a moisturising skincare step. Do not treat this serum as equivalent to an injectable procedure or expect cellular regeneration based on its name.
Acne & Blemishes
10. AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment
Size: 15ml | Format: Targeted blemish-care product
Formula Notes
AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment is applied in small amounts to selected areas. Its ingredient list includes salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree leaf extract and centella extract. Tea tree leaf extract is different from tea tree oil.
Key Ingredients
- Salicylic and glycolic acids — Exfoliating ingredients in the listed formula.
- Tea tree leaf extract — The listed botanical extract.
- Centella asiatica extract — Also included in the formula.
Choosing and Using It
Apply according to the manufacturer’s directions after cleansing and toning. This is not a promise to clear acne overnight or prevent scarring. Avoid combining several new exfoliating products at once.
Currently unavailable at COLORCITY. Browse the current catalogue
Quick Comparison
| Serum | Concern | Key Active |
|---|---|---|
| BoJ Glow Serum | Brightening | Propolis + Niacinamide |
| Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA | Dark spots | 10% Niacinamide + 4% TXA |
| AXIS-Y Dark Spot Serum | Uneven-looking tone | Niacinamide + Squalane |
| BoJ Revive Eye Serum | Eye-area care | Ginseng + Retinal |
| Celimax Retinal Shot | Targeted retinal step | 0.1% Retinal + Panthenol |
| Anua Heartleaf 80% Ampoule | Calming | 80% Heartleaf |
| BoJ Light On Serum | Uneven-looking tone | Centella + 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
| Anua Peach 70 Serum | Hydration & radiance | Peach Fruit Water + Niacinamide |
| Anua PDRN HA Serum | Hydration | Sodium DNA + Hyaluronic Acid Ingredients |
| AXIS-Y Blemish Treatment | Targeted blemish care | Acids + Tea Tree Leaf Extract |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple serums at once?
You may not need more than one serum. Choose products for a clear purpose, introduce them individually and check the directions before combining active ingredients. Eye products should be used as directed for their intended area.
What’s the difference between a serum and an ampoule?
These are product-format names, not a standard concentration scale. An ampoule is not automatically stronger than a serum; compare the actual formula and instructions.
When do I apply serum in my routine?
Many facial serums go after cleansing and before moisturiser, but follow the specific label. Eye serum and targeted retinal products may have different application instructions. Use sunscreen as directed during the day.
How long until I see results?
The timing and extent of results depend on the complete formula, the concern and individual skin. No single timetable applies to every product. Stop using a product if it causes irritation.
Final Thoughts
Choose by product identity, intended use and the complete ingredient list. Price, strength or a fashionable ingredient alone cannot tell you whether a serum will suit your skin.
Propolis option: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum for a dewy serum step.
50ml option: AXIS-Y Dark Spot Serum with niacinamide and squalane.
Hydration option: Anua PDRN Serum with hyaluronic acid ingredients.
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