Korean Vitamin C Serums For Every Budget and Skin Type
Looking for the best Korean vitamin c serum for your skin type? Look no further! In this post, we will be discussing the 15 best Korean vitamin c serums on the market to get that glass-like glowing complexion. We will also be going over the pros and cons of each serum so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing.
If you have normal skin you’re in luck! Any of these amazing serums will work for you. Let’s get started!
Before you go on…
- check out the best Korean moisturizers here
- find out how often to use vitamin C serum here
- the correct order to apply your skincare products here
- which facial serum ingredients are most beneficial here
- and how to make your serums last longer here!
Best Korean Vitamin C Serum For Sensitive Skin
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
If you’re looking for a skincare serum that does it all, look no further than Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop. This award-winning K beauty serum helps with irritation, scarring, and breakouts, and it also protects the skin from hyperpigmentation (dark spots). And because it contains a lower concentration of 5% vitamin C and only non-comedogenic ingredients, it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.
Customer Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Per Ounce: $17.71
Pros
- gentle/non-irritating
- non-comedogenic
- vegan
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- oily feel
- low concentration of Vitamin C means it will take longer to work.
It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector Blemish Catcher
This serum is known for its skin brightening abilities. Featuring pure plant-based Vitamin C, this Korean vitamin C serum promises to get rid of blemishes and dark spots. The ascorbic acid (vitamin C) works synergistically with hyaluronic acid to help maintain excellent hydration. Free of the top 20 harmful ingredients found in most skin care products.
Smooth unscented gel formula, leaves no sticky or greasy residue. Perfect for oily skin and mild enough for sensitive skin.
Customer Rating: 4.3 stars
Price Per Ounce: $16.83
Pros
- Gentle- great for sensitive skin
- Hydrating (contains hyaluronic acid)
- Non-greasy
- non-scented
Cons
- Mild formula does not work as quickly as others
Dermology by Neogen Real Vita C Serum
Enriched with Niacinamide and 22% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP)- a stabilized and gentler source of vitamin C, this elixir, when used religiously, will brighten and firm the appearance of your skin for a healthy-looking complexion.
Its key ingredients – SAP, citrus fruit extracts, and a vitamin complex (Vitamin E, Vitamin B5) – work to produce collagen synthesis and protect your skin from oxidative damage (i.e. the main factor of skin aging). Not to mention, it also helps to slough off dead skin cells preventing your skin from further troubles and breakouts.
This Korean vitamin C serum is perfect for all skin types and works especially well for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Customer Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Per Ounce: $33.93
Pros
- Uses SAP- a more stable and gentler form of vitamin C.
- Formulated with Niacinamide and vitamin E, improving the effectiveness
- Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Cons
- Because SAP is gentler than other forms of vitamin C it will take longer to see results.
Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Facial Serum
Made with 70% green tangerine extract, this serum uses vitamin C derivatives instead of pure vitamin C.
Pure vitamin C can only be used at night due to photosensitivity and can make your skin prone to irritation. However, this Korean vitamin C serum is certified as non-irritating, which means it’s gentle even to sensitive skin and can be used both AM and PM while still packing a powerful punch when it comes to fading dark spots.
The translucent gel texture goes on smoothly and has a non-sticky, dewy finish. The only downside to this product is the packaging. It comes in a clear bottle so it is easily exposed to light which will cause it to oxidize quickly. Keep this one in your skincare refrigerator, or another cool dark place.
Customer Rating: 4.4 stars
Price Per Ounce: $19.90
Pros
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Non-sticky, non-oily
- Light scent
Cons
- Clear bottle- does not protect from oxidation
Goodall Green Tangerine Vitamin C 3 Step Kit
If you like the Goodall Green Tangerine Dark Spot Facial Serum, you might want to try out this 3 step kit from Goodall. This kit includes Vita C Toner Pads, Eye Gel Patches, and Dark Spot Serum, in convenient trial sizes.
Tone and exfoliate with Vita C Toner Pads free of harsh chemicals (AHA and BHA) that can damage irritated skin. Instead, they rely on natural acids derived from real fruits to gently exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells. They’re also certified as non-irritating and gentle enough for both AM and PM use.
Treat tired, dull skin around your eyes with firming gel eye patches. These patches are textured to imitate tangerine peels for ultimate formula absorption. In 5 minutes, you’ll see plumper, brighter skin.
The only drawback is there are only 2 sets of eye gel patches. It would be helpful to have 5 to 7 sets in order to try them out for a full week.
Customer Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Per Set: $25.00
Pros
- Great way to try out all three products
- Toner pads are a convenient way to apply toner
- Eye pads plump and reduce fine lines instantly
Cons
- Only two sets of eye pads- could use more
Best Korean Vitamin C Serum For Oily Skin
Cosrx The Vitamin C 23 Serum
Packed with a high concentration of 23% vitamin C, this serum effectively prevents the overproduction of melanin to stop hyperpigmentation and brighten your complexion while fading away acne scars.
The hypoallergenic formula is also stabilized to reduce the irritating effects of pure vitamin C. It is formulated with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to increase hydration and overall effectiveness.
It comes in a dark recyclable glass bottle with an oil layer on top to maintain freshness and delay oxidation. Absorbs quickly with no greasy or oily texture.
Customer Rating: 4.5 stars
Price Per Ounce: $41.67
Pros
- High vitamin C concentration- works quickly
- Contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
- Dark recyclable bottle to maintain freshness
Cons
- Slightly sticky feel after application
- High concentration of vitamin C could be irritating for sensitive skin
Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C Serum 21.5%
Going above and beyond isn’t always a good thing, especially when it comes to vitamin C products. In fact, according to experts, anything over 22% vitamin C won’t have any more benefits and could actually cause irritation.
Wishtrend Pure is formulated with 21.5% Vitamin C for optimal results. Not to mention, it’s also light, watery, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, ethanol-free, paraben-free, silicon-free, steroid-free, and artificial coloring- and fragrance-free.
Although this is highly effective serum, its overall rating is only 3.7 stars almost entirely due to packaging problems and leakage.
Customer Rating: 3.7 stars
Price Per Ounce: $28.00
Pros
- Long-lasting- a little goes a long way
- High concentration- works quickly
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Great for oily skin types
Cons
- Occasionally bottle leaks during shipping
- High concentration of vitamin C can be irritating to sensitive skin
Liz K Super First C Serum Pure Vitamin 13%
This Korean vitamin C serum combines 13% ascorbic acid with 10 different anti-aging ingredients. These ingredients work together to brighten, fight fine lines, and even out the complexion.
Tocopherol, for example, is a type of vitamin E that can help to moisturize the skin and fight free radicals. Other ingredients, like ganoderma and shiitake mushrooms, are known for their ability to brighten the skin and even out its tone. This is a non-oily, quick-absorbing serum.
It goes on a little sticky but soon leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Although the scent is advertised as “green tea” it initially smells quite perfumy but dissipates pretty quickly. This is a great choice for those with oily skin.
Customer Rating: 3.8 stars
Price Per Ounce: $66.64
Pros
- Lower vitamin C concentration- less irritation
- Absorbs quickly
- Incorporates several ingredients to improve anti-aging benefits
Cons
- Can feel sticky at first
- Perfumy scent initially
Purito Pure Vitamin C Serum
This formula contains 5% Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which is known for its ability to even out skin tone. The serum is also packed with other beneficial ingredients, including Bambusa Vulgaris (bamboo) Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Adenosine.
These ingredients work together to strengthen the skin barrier, restore moisture balance, smooth the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, the dark brown bottle provides maximum protection from sunlight, ensuring that the ingredients stay fresh and potent. Initially, the formula smells of sulfur but the scent quickly dissipates.
Customer Rating: 4.2 stars
Price Per Ounce: $9.44
Pros
- Great for oily, combination, and sensitive skin
- Contains added ingredients to improve hydration and strengthen the skin barrier
- The lower 5% concentration of vitamin C is less irritating and better for sensitive skin
Cons
- Unpleasant initial scent
- Lower concentration will take longer to see results
Best Vitamin C Serum For Acne Prone Skin
Learn how to use vitamin C serum to get rid of acne here.
Peach Sake Pore Serum by Skinfood
This product contains sake extract, which tightens pores, and peach extract, which is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and silica powder. Together, these ingredients work to reduce dark spots and acne while also minimizing the appearance of pores. If you’re looking for a pore minimizer that can also help with oily skin and hyperpigmentation this is a good one to try.
Customer Rating: 4.4 stars
Price Per Ounce: $5.91
Pros
- Works great for oily and acne-prone skin
- Minimizes pores
- Decreases oil production
- Light fresh scent
Cons
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
Tiam My Signature C Source
This pure 20% vitamin C serum delivers a multitude of complexion benefits, from regenerating the skin, brightening and evening out skin tone, to firming your skin. It’s also an ideal Korean vitamin C product for acne-prone skin. If you’re struggling with breakouts and uneven skin texture, this serum is definitely worth a try.
Customer Rating: 4.1 stars
Price Per Ounce: $21.00
Pros
- High potency 20% vitamin C
- Fast results
- Great for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Faulty seal on bottle causes leakage
- Slightly sticky feel
Best Korean Vitamin C Serum For Dry Skin
Mizon’s Real Vitamin C Ampoule
Mizon’s Real Vitamin C is made with 19% Pure Vitamin C and 0% Water. By not including any water in the formulation Mizon stops Vitamin C oxidation keeping it fresh and potent. Small particles allow the active ingredients to be easily absorbed into your skin.
This product is great for uneven skin tones, moisturizing, skin elasticity, and antioxidation. The formula only contains 10 ingredients that hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin. This Korean Vitamin C serum is perfect for dry, aging, or acne-prone skin.
Customer Rating: 4.4 stars
Price Per Ounce: $29.70
Pros
- High ascorbic acid (vitamin C) concentration- fast results
- Stays stable and fresh for longer due to 0% water
- Minimal ingredients
Cons
- High concentration of ascorbic acid is not good for sensitive skin
Cos de Baha Vitamin C 15 Serum
This Vitamin C Serum is produced in small quantities to ensure freshness and potency. With 15% Vitamin C, it’s perfect for those looking to achieve brighter, fresher-looking skin.
The high concentration of active, bio-available Vitamin C helps improve skin tone and clarity while diminishing age spots. This formula also contains Hyaluronic Acid which deeply hydrates and plumps the skin.
This is one of the most affordable high-quality Korean vitamin C serums out there. It does have more of an oily texture so it is not ideal for those with oily skin.
Customer Rating: 4.4 stars
Price Per Ounce: $9.99
Pros
- Affordable
- High concentration vitamin C
- Excellent for dry and aging skin
Cons
- Oily texture
- Not for oily or sensitive skin
SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum
This Korean vitamin C serum packs a powerful punch without breaking the bank. It contains the same potent, active ingredients as the far more expensive Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum, but at a fraction of the price.
In addition to vitamin C, it also includes hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid to increase its hydration and antioxidant effects. SAP (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) one of the most stable yet gentle forms of vitamin C, is the main component in this serum. It has a light citrus scent and absorbs quickly leaving no greasy or sticky residue.
Excellent for all skin types and proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sun spots, and acne scars, and prevent breakouts.
Customer Rating: 4.3 stars
Price Per Ounce: $18.00
Pros
- Utilizes SAP- one of the most stable and gentle forms of vitamin C
- Includes hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid to increase hydration
- Absorbs quickly- works well under makeup
- Light fresh scent
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- Although very stable and gentle, SAP will take longer to see results
Best Korean Vitamin C Serum For Dull Skin
Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum
This unique Korean vitamin C serum contains 3% pure vitamin C and 75% Galactomyces ferment filtrate. Galactomyces ferment filtrate is a natural ingredient that has been shown to reduce oil production, improve uneven skin tones, and minimize wrinkles.
This serum has been dermatologist tested and is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) approved. With a lower vitamin C concentration, this is a helpful product for those that are highly sensitive to vitamin C.
Customer Rating: 4.4 stars
Price Per Ounce: $17.00
Pros
- Light scent
- Brightening- improves skin dullness
- Hydrating
- Works well for those more sensitive to vitamin C
Cons
- Not for extremely sensitive skin