In addition to soothing plant extract cica (centella asiatica) and its related compounds, Jin is also seeing a buzzy ingredient in Korean serums that is starting to trend worldwide: PDRN or polydeoxyribonucleotide, the active ingredient used in the notorious salmon sperm facial (a treatment Dr. Park offers at Airem). “It’s touted as this catchall superhero ingredient that helps with everything from reducing inflammation to improving hydration and pigmentation,” says Jin. “Getting PDRN injections is a popular skin-care treatment that many glowy-skin civilians swear by in Korea, so it makes sense that the ingredient is being bottled up for topical use by brands like Medicube, CNP, and Iope. I’m predicting that this is just the beginning and we’ll likely see more PDRN products crop up in 2025.”
What Is the Most Popular Korean Face Serum?
According to Jin, the real question is, “What is the most popular Korean face serum right now?” “The Korean beauty market is known for its constant innovation, so you tend to see a very fast turnover with trending products here,” she explains. Dr. Park shares that she’s seeing a surge in “clinical beauty” right now—basically, “serums that evoke a sense of going to a med spa,” she says, pointing to VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot 100 as an example. “The Reedle Shot is a hydrating serum that boosts collagen, and the levels of hydration allow the consumer to customize the product to their needs,” Dr. Park explains.
Other trendy formulas right now include Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum (popular among those with acne-prone skin) and Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, notes Jin, adding that the latter works for almost everyone. “Who doesn’t need more moisture this time of year?” she says. “My skin has been especially dry lately with the change in seasons, so I’ve been layering the Torriden serum underneath my moisturizer. It definitely makes a difference in how my makeup goes on.”
Which Korean Serum Is Best for Glass Skin?
To achieve clear, smooth, gleaming skin, you can’t solely rely on a serum, our experts say. “Achieving glass skin involves a skin-care routine focused on deep cleansing, hydration, and layering lightweight, nourishing products to create a radiant, dewy, and poreless look,” says Dr. Park. Jin recommends double cleansing to remove every last trace of SPF and makeup every night, regularly exfoliating (gently, to avoid irritation and redness), and constantly incorporating hydration into your routine via multiple formulas. “Some Korean serums that can help in this quest include Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum,” Jin adds.
Meet the Experts
- Jenny Jin is a beauty writer and editor based in Seoul, South Korea.
- Eunice Park is a dual-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of Airem in New York.