Thirsty Skin? Try These Game-changing Korean Serums for Glowing Skin!
As I continue my Korean Skincare series, this article covers the 6 Best Korean Serums for Dry Skin.
Serums are a critical part of daily skincare steps, ideally applied after toner and before lotion or moisturizer. As they contain a concentrated dose of active ingredients, they are highly effective, whether boosting hydration, fighting the signs of aging, or brightening the skin tone.
In my opinion, the most significant benefit of serums is to keep the skin hydrated and nourished. If you have dry and rough skin, double down on your moisture game with a serum to get the glowing, radiant skin back!
While most beauty regimens gradually enhance your skin condition, you can almost instantaneously feel the improvement when using the proper serum. I was ecstatic that my face no longer felt tight after switching the serum for one day!
Hey, I know you want naturally radiant glowing skin! Check out my other K-beauty articles, too.
Table of Contents
Pin it for later!
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Click here to read full disclaimer.
How I Chose Korean Skin Care for Dry Skin
How did I select Korean skin care products to improve my dry skin?
After all, I am not a dermatologist or chemist. Like most of you, I learned what works best for my dry skin after trial and error. I tested and used all of the recommended serums in this post. I researched and spent my money to try many more products before I shared only a few efficient and effective products with you.
This is a non-sponsored post based on 100% personal experience. All opinions are my own. But I may earn small commissions if you buy through affiliate links. (And I thank you for your support!)
Also, rest assured, I guarantee all my recommended Korean serums do not contain harsh chemicals. I checked their ingredients via this app (only supports Korean; iOS, Google Play) and cross-checked with EWG’s Toxic 20 list.
Nonetheless, as for the general rule of thumb, if you see any irritation, stop using the product immediately and see a dermatologist as needed.
By the way, I stick to this 5-step daily skincare routine: cleanser → skin toner → eye cream → serum → moisturizer. Once or twice a week, I would add facial masks.
Pin it for later!
Best Korean Serums for Dry Skin
#1. COSRX Propolis Ampoule
COSRX Propolis Ampoule is an all-season, lightweight moisturizing serum for dry skin. The whopping 83.25% propolis and honey extract deeply hydrates the skin and soothes irritations. Its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties also make this an excellent choice for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
It is claimed to reduce redness, heal stressed skin and give a radiant glow. I was impressed that a lightweight serum with a watery texture can keep my skin hydrated all day without leaving any tight sensation.
If you want a lightweight serum that is also light on your wallet, give the COSRX Propolis Ampoule a try.
Type: Non-sticky Lightweight Ampoule
Key Ingredients: 72.6% Black Bee Propolis Extract, 10.7% Honey Extract, 0.1% Panthenol
Recommended for: Day & Night, All Seasons, Age 20+
#2. CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Ampule Serum
CNP Laboratory Propolis Energy Ampule Serum is another propolis-based serum I recommend for dry skin. In case you are unfamiliar, CNP Laboratory is a reputable K-beauty brand created by Korean dermatologists.
It was the first propolis serum I used. When I complained about dry skin to a Korean friend, she let me try hers. It was amazing how my facial skin did not feel tight after just a one-day trial. I immediately bought one and many bottles afterward.
Compared to COSRX, CNP serum has a slightly gooey texture, although both are not sticky. Also, while both products do not use any ‘Toxic Twenty’ ingredients, CNP Propolis Ampule contains some fragrances that sensitive skin may want to avoid.
Type: Lightweight Ampoule
Key Ingredients: Propolis Extract
Recommended for: Day & Night, All Seasons, Age 20+
#3. Beplain Multi Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule
You may have heard of hyaluronic acid if you are in the know. Many other moisturizers seem to contain hyaluronic acid, so how does Beplain stand out?
Beplain is a clean, sustainable beauty brand in Korea. Besides exclusively containing sustainable ingredients, Beplain Multi Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule uses hyaluronic acid of three different molecule sizes to lock in moisture. And snow mushroom extract increases natural hyaluronic acid to give the skin a more radiant and dewy glow look.
The serum is absorbed well despite its thick, dense consistency. But note that I generally prefer a more viscous formula serum for long-lasting hydration, which may or may not be your preference.
Type: Thick Viscous Ampoule
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Snow Mushroom Extract
Recommended for: Morning & Night, All Seasons, Age 20+
#4. Torriden Dive-In Serum
Torriden is another natural and vegan skincare brand popular in Korea. The brand is committed to using certified vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and FSC-certified packaging.
Dive-In Serum is infused with five types of low-molecular hyaluronic acid designed to penetrate deep into the skin and absorb quickly, hence the watery, lightweight texture.
Because of its light formula and cooling effect, Torriden Dive In Serum is ideal for summer for dry skin and all seasons for normal to oily skin. I have dry skin but live in a highly humid climate. In summer, I love how it is refreshing yet hydrating. This serum is a perfect choice if you are not a fan of stickiness in thick moisturizers.
Type: Watery, Lightweight Ampoule
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Allanntoin
Recommended for: Morning & Night, All Seasons, Age 20+
#5. Ample:N Ceramide Shot Ampoule
Unless you are a K-beauty fanatic, you probably have never heard of Ample:N Ceramide Shot Ampoule by Coreana. Me neither, until I stumbled upon it. And I am glad I tried it.
Like its name, Ample:N is packed with a high concentration (50,000ppm) of Cera Complex, which deeply moisturizes the skin and strengthens a barrier. I love its gigantic 100ml package and price point. In contrast to other typically tiny bottles of serums, I feel comfortable applying generous amounts as I like!
Ample:N is more appropriate for age 30+ only because of its anti-aging benefits, such as wrinkle reduction and repairs. I do not see any harm in starting early, though.
Type: Milky Lightweight Serum
Key Ingredients: Ceramide, Arctigenin, Allantoin
Recommended for: Day & Night, All Seasons, Age 30+
896
#6. ISOI Intensive Perfect Anti-Aging Program
ISOI Intensive Perfect Anti-Aging Program is a splurge-worthy anti-aging serum I highly recommend for dry, sensitive skin! All natural, EWG-verified ingredients are highly concentrated in a small bottle. Two-three drops are all it takes to keep the skin deeply moisturized and nourished.
A few years ago, I got my skin tested and diagnosed with severely dry skin at a local department store. After seeing the horrible image of the skin with spots and rough patches under the microscope, I almost pulled out my credit card to pay USD 100+ for the recommended serum. Instead, I ended up trying out this ISOI product after my research. I could immediately feel improvements in a week. I revisited the department store three months later to get a complimentary check-up. I sang the triumph inside after seeing the surprise on the face of the sales lady.
This tiny yet powerful serum is expensive. But given the high price tag of other comparable products, it is almost a bargain. If you are still in your 20s, save money because it is probably overkill. On the other hand, for ladies in their 40s and up, it is a worthy investment to address skin concerns like dehydration and aging.
Type: Thick Viscous Ampoule
Key Ingredients: EWG Verified; Bulgarian Rose Oil, Oyster Mushroom Ferment Filtrate, Niaouli Oil, Olive Fruit Oil
Recommended for: Night, Age 40s+, Safe for sensitive skin
Traveling to the Winter Wonderland? See what I packed for Snow Country Japan >>
***
Lastly, do not expect dramatic changes overnight. Although I mentioned earlier, I immediately felt the improvement after using a serum because it was the right product for me; however, your experience could be different. As my beauty guru mom always says, you are investing in your skin for ten years later. So don’t be disappointed. Keep your skin hydrated, and your less wrinkly face will thank you years later.
To Your Glowing Skin!
ENJOYED THIS POST? PIN IT!
