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10 Best Korean Vitamin C Serums to Brighten Skin

Original Article

Gentler in concentration and more focused on preventative skincare, the best Korean vitamin C serum comes in lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation and scarring. Thoughtful packaging preserves their stability, while a gentle formulation helps deliver on the key tenements ofΒ glass skin:Β smoothness, clearness, and luminosity. Paired with theΒ best Korean cleansing oilsΒ andΒ toners,Β you’re well on your way to creating a well-roundedΒ K-beauty regimenΒ that places its biggest focus on restoring, maintaining, and repairing the skin barrier.

Vogue’sΒ Favorite Korean Vitamin C Serums

To start, there are three main forms of vitamin C: L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and 3-O-Ethyl-L-ascorbic acid. All have varying levels of stability and solubility. But regardless, vitamin C has three main benefits, says David Kim, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City. β€œFor starters, it’s a great antioxidant and keeps the skin cells really healthy. It also has brightening properties, alongside UV protection, so it’s great to use during the summertime.”

Paula Brezavscek, a board-certified physician assistant,Β previously toldΒ VogueΒ as well that β€œvitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays several important roles in skin health,” including helping protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution; supporting collagen production, and helping even out skin tone by fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation. β€œIt’s one of the most well-studied and effective ingredients we have for brightening and protecting the skin,” Dr. Brezavscek added. To add the ingredient to your regimen, take stock of the best Korean vitamin C serumsβ€”a look at someΒ VogueΒ editor and dermatologist favorites below.

Best Exfoliating: Mediheal Vitamin C Brightening Serum

  • Why We Love It:Β The use of two types of acids (PHAs and LHAs) in this formula work to gently exfoliate while vitamin C brightens the skin tone. (PHAs are more gentle than common chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and BHAs, while LHAs are a derivative of salicylic acid.) Nourishing the skin with a mix of niacinamide and three types of hyaluronic acid, expect glass skin in a bottle with this beloved serum.
  • Key Ingredients:Β PHA, LHA, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
  • Best For:Β Mature skin, acne-prone skin
  • Size:Β 1.35 oz

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