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 of glass skin: smoothness, clearness, and luminosity. Paired with the best Korean cleansing oils and toners, you’re well on your way to creating a well-rounded K-beauty regimen that places its biggest focus on restoring, maintaining, and repairing the skin barrier.
Vogue’s Favorite Korean Vitamin C Serums
- Best Exfoliating: Mediheal Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $20
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. “For 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, previously told Vogue as well that “vitamin 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. “It’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 serums—a look at some Vogue editor and dermatologist favorites below.
Best Exfoliating: Mediheal Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Why We Love It: 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: PHA, LHA, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: Mature skin, acne-prone skin
- Size: 1.35 oz
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