Original Article

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation are no match for these expert-loved Korean serums.

In the ideal world of board-certified dermatologist David Kim, we'd all all using a vitamin C serum every morning. Why? Well, the antioxidant protects the skin from free radical damage, UV exposure, and pollution. When paired with sunscreen, vitamin C provides an added boost to UV protection. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin formation, brightening and evening skin's tone.

But vitamin C is fickle. It's notoriously unstable, requires specific packaging to prevent oxidation, and, in its purest form as L-ascorbic acid, can be irritating. If you have sensitive skin or are new to the vitamin C game, one of the best K-beauty vitamin C serums may be just what you need.

“Korean brands tend to use other forms [of vitamin C], like 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid or tetrahexyldecyl," says Kim. "I think it's because Asian skin tends to be a little bit more delicate, and so they want to use forms of vitamin C that are a little bit gentler on the skin."

Why are they a better choice? Derms note that Korean vitamin C serums often combine skin-soothing ingredients like green tea, centella asiatica, and panthenol with the antioxidant for a more gentle approach. According to board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu, these formulations typically use stabilized derivatives in lower concentrations to avoid disrupting the skin barrier.

A Korean vitamin C serum may be your best bet for brightening dark spots without irritation. Here are my picks of the best ones to shop.

Mediheal Vitamin C Brightening Serum