Looking for the best Korean vitamin C serum?
You've come to the right place! In this blog post, we will be reviewing some of the best serums on the market.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help improve your skin's health and appearance.
If you're looking to boost your glow, a vitamin C serum is a great way to do it!
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient found primarily in citrus fruits, peppers, and cruciferous vegetables. Your body needs Vitamin C to perform tasks related to growth, development, and tissue.
It's also an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radical damage plays a role in illnesses, premature aging, blemishes, and dark spots.
Vitamin C serums are designed to penetrate the outer layer of your skin, delivering concentrated doses of vitamin C where you need it most. This can offer protection against environmental factors such as UVA/UVB rays and pollution.
How Do You Use It?
When using Vitamin C Serum you'll want to start with clean skin. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel. Make sure that you have already performed a patch test on an discreet area of the body before proceeding to the next step.
Next, apply the vitamin C serum all over your face and neck, avoiding the delicate eye area.
Finally, allow the serum to soak in before applying moisturizer and makeup. For specific instructions, always follow the directions on the packaging for any Vitamin C Serum product.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient necessary for any healthy, balanced diet. Along with a high-quality topical Vitamin C Serum, it may be appropriate to take an additional supplement to avoid vitamin C deficiency with symptoms such as dull, wrinkled skin, slow wound healing, and fatigue.
When using a topical Vitamin C Serum, it is important to structure your skincare routine to prevent certain ingredients from interacting with Vitamin C. Because
Pure Vitamin C is highly acidic, it can counteract ingredients with conflicting pH levels, such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Niacinamide, Retinol, and AHAs/BHAs. Combining these ingredients with Vitamin C can cause redness, skin irritation, and even UV Damage.
How To Make The Most Of This Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours.
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease. Read on to spot the perfect Vitamin C Serum for your needs!
Best Brightening: SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum (20%)
Why We Are Passionate About It
Looking for an effective skincare product that promises youthful, beautiful skin without breaking the bank? SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum is here to save the day with its potent blend of active ingredients and a budget-friendly price tag!
This K beauty serum contains all the same powerful components as more expensive CE Ferulic Serums and provides even more - SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum is skin-brightening and reduces the appearance of dull skin, wrinkles, fine lines, and crow's feet, and corrects uneven skin tone to give your skin a youthful and radiant glow!
This cost-efficient juggernaut reduces the appearance of pores, clears up acne breakouts, and minimizes the effects of acne scars. To make things even better, it comes with a fresh, revitalizing citrus scent!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Organic Vitamin C, plant-based Hyaluronic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Organic Aloe, and Vitamin E.
This product is cruelty- and paraben-free with key ingredients naturally sourced from Korea.
Best Potency: COSRX Vitamin C 23 Serum (23%)
Why We Are Passionate About It
This powerful formula is designed with 23% pure vitamin C and delivers powerful antioxidant and anti-aging benefits with long-lasting moisture. The special blend of Vitamin C and Super Vitamin E is clinically proven to combat signs of aging and brighten your skin by 32% in just 7 days. If you're looking for a potent and powerful formula with clinically-proven results, COSRX Vitamin C 23 Serum could be the best choice for you.
It is important to read all instructions carefully before use as this serum consists of highly concentrated Vitamin C. We recommend a patch test on an inconspicuous part of the body before applying COSRX Vitamin C 23 Serum to the face.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients include 23% Vitamin C, Tocotrienol, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Allantoin.
This product is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that alleviate irritated skin. Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist tested, Animal Testing-free Parabens-free, Sulfates-free, and Phthalates-free.
Best Beginner-Friendly: Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (5%)
Why We Are Passionate About It
Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is the perfect solution for people looking to give their skin a healthy dose of vitality! This multi-functional daily serum is made with 5% pure Vitamin C and key ingredients from nature to provide abundant moisture and nutrition.
This non-comedogenic formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and carefully crafted with ingredients that are safe and non-irritating. You should add Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop to your skincare routine for the powerful effects of Vitamin C with extra protection against skin irritation.
This formula has completed both the primary Skin Irritation Test for Sensitive Skin and the Antioxidant Efficacy In vitro Test. Try this Vitamin C Serum today for a gentle and effective formula!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients include 5% ascorbic acid and centella asiatica extract.
This Vitamin C Serum is hypo-allergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic.
Best Organic and Natural: Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin-C Dark Spot Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Looking for an effective and natural solution? Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum might be the perfect choice! This formula is powered by 70% fresh green tangerine extract, which is potent in antioxidants and 10 times more Vitamin C than lemons. You can expect this formula to improve dark spots and post-acne hyperpigmentation found on acne-prone skin.
The organic green tangerines found in this serum are mindfully harvested with natural fertilizers and hand-picked when their vitamin C levels are highest. The formula is also infused with calming ingredients like tiger grass (Centella Asiatica), arbutin, and 4% Niacinamide. This essential serum can add an organic and calming element to your skincare routine with a stable, non-oxidizing formula.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients include 70% Organic Green Tangerine Extract, 4% Niacinamide, 2% Arbutin, Centella Asiatica (tiger grass).
This product is made from fresh, organic ingredients.
Best Night Serum: Meebak Cica & Vitamin C Serum (Soothing)
Why We Are Passionate About It
The Meebak Cica & Vitamin C Serum is the perfect night serum to nourish, replenish, and soothe your skin. This serum is full of natural, enriching ingredients. Centella Asiatica - or 'cica' - helps heal irritated skin by soothing and rebuilding the skin's protective barrier. Irish moss and green tea are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from further damage while keeping it healthy and youthful.
Plus, the serum is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin without causing disruption. Meebak CIca & Vitamin C Serum promises to brighten and replenish so that you can greet every sunrise with dewy, glowing skin.
If you choose to use this serum at night, it is important to remember to avoid using Retinol on your skin at the same time.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients include Cica (Centella Asiatica), vitamin c, green tea, adenosine, panthenol, niacinamide.
This product is cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalates-free
Best Bang For Your Buck: Cos de Baha Vitamin C Facial Serum with L-Ascorbic Acid (15%)
Why We Are Passionate About It
Cos de Baha Vitamin C Facial Serum with L-Ascorbic Acid 15% is indispensable for collagen production and is designed to target the most common signs of aging.
This real 15% pure vitamin c serum blends with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E for superior results on fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, dull skin and other skin imperfections. This product is straightforward and guaranteed to deliver the results you desire from Vitamin C Serums.
These high-quality ingredients make this the best Korean Pure Vitamin C Serum at the lowest price available – guaranteeing fantastic skin care for everyone. Plus, this special serum also contains Vitamin B5 to fade age spots and sun damage, and improve dark spots and acne scars!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients include Vitamin C Ascorbic acid, Panthenol, and Hyaluronic Acid
This product is made cruelty-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free with 45% organic ingredients.
Vitamin C Serum FAQs
It can be hard to figure out which vitamin c serum is right for you since there are so many different brands and formulas on the market.
With all of the different options available, it's no wonder people are confused about what vitamin c serum to buy. How do you know if you're getting a good product?
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about vitamin c serums to help make your decision easier. Whether you're looking for an anti-aging serum or want a fix to brighten dull skin, we have the answers you need.
Is it OK to use vitamin C serum every day?
Yes, using vitamin C serum every day is perfectly safe and beneficial for your skin. When applying a vitamin C serum to your face, it's important to remember that less is more. Due to its high acidity, using too much Vitamin C could lead to irritation or sensitivity reactions which can be damaging to the skin.
For best results, select non-comedogenic formulations intended only for topical use. This can help reduce adverse reactions when applied to the skin, and minimize the possibility of clogging pores!
Do I apply vitamin C serum or moisturizer first?
In general, Vitamin C serum can be should be applied after cleaning the face, but before the moisturizer. Pure vitamin C Serum is full of active ingredients that will have a better effect when applied before a heavy moisturizer.
If your K-Beauty routine contains many different steps and products, it can be difficult to know when to apply different products to your face. When in doubt, remember this rule: lightest-heaviest and water-soluble before oil-based products.
Does Vitamin C Serum work on oily skin?
In short, Yes! Vitamin C works tremendously well on oily skin. Its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nature makes it effective at hydrating the skin, preventing acne, and minimizing pores. Be sure to select formulas made from natural and organic ingredients whenever possible. This can help keep your skin healthy and prevent any unwanted side effects.
Pro-tip: For oily skin, try to find Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid. It's lightweight, water-soluble, and with time might even help to prevent the overproduction of oil beneath the skin. For sensitive skin types look for a Vitamin C Serum with soothing ingredients like
Centella Asiatica. For dry skin, look for VItamin C Serum paired with a hydrating ingredient like sodium ascorbyl phosphate.
At what age should I start using Vitamin C Serum?
Although there isn't a right age to start using Vitamin C Serum, experts recommend introducing Vitamin C Serum into your beauty regimen in your early twenties. It's the perfect time to start preventive action against premature aging and acne-prone skin. Collagen production slows down by about 1% every year starting at age 20.
To ensure proper usage at any age, make sure you’re using a serum formulated specifically for your particular needs and perform a patch test prior to use to avoid any potential irritation or sensitivity reactions.
When should you not use Vitamin C Serum?
The beauty and health benefits of Pure vitamin C serum are undeniable, but it is important to remember that the product should be used with caution. Using this serum responsibly will help you avoid any potential side effects or skin irritation. It is not recommended to mix L-ascorbic acid with niacinamide which can make both products ineffective and potentially cause skin redness.
Also, make sure that the PH level of the serum is suitable for your skin type before using it - generally speaking, many serums will work best at a PH around 3.5–3.7 although some people prefer higher or lower PH levels depending on their individual needs and preferences. Always patch test on an inconspicuous area before applying more widely over larger areas of skin.
Is it OK to use retinol and vitamin C together?
Retinol and Vitamin C are both very potent ingredients. Retinol (Vitamin A) stimulates cell repair and collagen products. Combined with Vitamin C, these two products are a very effective tag-team against premature aging.
However, due to their conflicting PH levels, they should be applied at different times of the day. Experts recommend applying Vitamin C Serum during your morning routine and applying Retinol at night.
Is it OK to wear vitamin C in the sun?
Contrary to popular belief, Vitamin C Serum does not make your skin more sensitive to the sun. In fact, it can have the opposite effect! Vitamin C Serum is one of the most potent topical antioxidants. It neutralizes free radicals, protecting against UV light rays and other harmful environmental aggressors.
However, it is still generally recommended to layer your Vitamin C Serum beneath a layer of sunscreen due to the potential for potent forms of Vitamin C to oxidize in the sunlight.
Best Korean Vitamin C Serum For You - What We Recommend
A high-quality topical Vitamin C Serum is a simple but powerful way to improve your Korean beauty regimen. After reviewing the best Korean Vitamin C serums on the market, it's clear that each one offers something different and worth exploring. Be sure to review this article and select the best brand for your skincare needs!
After using Korean vitamin c serum for just a few days, you will see significant tightening, lightening, and brightening of your skin. It's the perfect way to revitalize and transform aging, blemished skin.
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best Korean Vitamin C Serum on the market with many different ingredients from hyaluronic acid to niacinamide. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have super sensitive skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
