As you may know, Korean brands are big on clean skincare, and Korean serums are one of the MVPs when it comes to rejuvenating your skin according to your skin concerns.
With a vast choice to choose from, like basics such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, etc, to advanced serums that are particularly effective for acne and acne scars, you can achieve youthful-looking skin easily.
If you have acne-prone skin, you can choose a Korean acne serum with skin-friendly ingredients such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, or tea tree to minimize breakouts and heal the acne scars.
If you are looking for the best Korean serums for acne-prone skin, you have come to the right spot my friend!
10 Best K-Beauty Serums For Acne & Acne Scars
The perfect serum for acne and acne scars should be packed with awesome ingredients that work to reduce acne breakouts and sebum production while soothing inflamed skin.
Here are our top picks for the best K-beauty serums for acne-prone skin:
1. IUNIK Tea Tree 67% Relief Serum
Our verdict: Overall best Korean serum for acne and oily skin
Bursting with the goodness of 67% tea tree leaf water, 19.5% Centella Asiatica extract, niacinamide, and other natural ingredients, this is the best K-beauty serum for individuals with acne-prone, sensitive, and oily skin types.
Tea tree extract has anti-inflammatory benefits, making it perfect for fighting acne-causing bacteria.
Meanwhile, Centella Asiatica extract promotes wound healing, boosts the skin’s moisture barrier, and keeps dry skin hydrated.
Niacinamide helps to calm down angry red skin while fading acne scars.
The unscented lightweight formula absorbs easily into the skin, making it great for daily use.
Why You Love It
- Heals inflamed skin
Most users love how this Korean acne serum helps soothe their skin inflammation, visibly reducing redness and skin damage.
People with rosacea and other sensitive skin concerns tag this as the best serum they could ask for.
- Non-comedogenic
Women who use this serum are super impressed by its ability to minimize their enlarged pores, making it a holy grail for people with oily skin.
- Reduced acne flareups
What girls love about this Korean serum is how its antibacterial properties help keep their acne at bay.
Keep In Mind
A few users reported that it broke them down initially, but eventually cleared out.
2. COSRX Refresh AHA/BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum
Our verdict: Best gently exfoliating serum for acne skin
This Korean beauty serum contains Vitamin C, AHA (glycolic acid), and BHA along with Kiwi fruit goodness.
Whenever there is Vitamin C in a product, you know your good skin days are not far away.
Its ability to boost collagen production and skin elasticity, fight free radical damage and reduce wrinkles keeps the skin plump and rejuvenated.
Next, the exfoliative AHA and BHA in this Korean serum dissolve the dead skin cells, improving the skin texture and dull skin tone.
The BHA (beta salicylate) is great for clearing zits and impurities while balancing excess oil production. In short, this is the best serum for people who get pimples with oily and dull skin.
Free of harsh chemicals, this non-sticky formula glides on easily and layers well with subsequent Korean beauty products.
Why You Love It
- Fades dark spots
Most women who use this product love how it fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots, with improved skin health.
- Smooth skin
Among the benefits, users rave about the silky smoothness of their skin texture with regular use of this Korean serum.
- Glowing skin
What girls love about this serum is how it improves their uneven skin tone and adds a healthy glow, making it one of the best Korean serums for dull skin that improves skin tone too.
Keep In Mind
Some users are not too fond of the slightly citrus scent of this serum.
3. Cos De Baha Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Serum
Our verdict: Great serum for minimizing pores and reducing pimples
This Korean serum contains 10% niacinamide which is great for skin barrier protection, moisture retention, and improving the overall skin tone.
Other than that, there is zinc PCA which is super effective for people with acne-prone skin types. It minimizes large pores, balances sebum production, and reduces redness or itching associated with dry skin.
With added active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin B3 (panthenol), this Korean serum can help improve skin elasticity and brighten the skin complexion while protecting against UV rays.
You won’t be wrong if you call this the best Korean serum for dry skin.
It has a slightly thick texture and works great for dry skin types and any dry skin concerns.
Why You Love It
- No more oversized pores
What most users love is how it shrinks the appearance of oversized pores and reduces the greasy appearance of their skin.
- Fades hyperpigmentation
Women who use this Korean acne serum admire the fact that their hyperpigmentation and acne scars have reduced considerably with regular use.
- Acne buster
Most girls claim this serum helps keep pimples and redness away, and is the best Korean serum for acne and acne scars.
Keep In Mind
Some users find the consistency too thick for their liking.
PRO TIP: If you’re struggling with scarring, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and pimples, niacinamide could be the solution to your skin troubles. Make sure to read my article about Korean niacinamide serums here.
4. make p:rem Radiance Boosting C-Capsule Serum
Our verdict: Fantastic Korean serum for acne scars
This is the best Korean serum to fade dark spots and acne marks for all skin types.
This serum contains Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and bitter orange extract, so if you have hyperpigmentation, dark spots, freckles, or blemishes, this little guy will clear them all up in 4-6 weeks, leaving you with healthy skin.
Apart from this, this lightweight orange-scented serum contains niacinamide, arbutin, tranexamic acid, vitamin E, and a blend of plant extracts (jojoba oil, shea butter, sugar cane, etc).
This Korean serum will surely brighten your skin and keep it nourished.
Why You Love It
- Bye-bye acne scars
Most women who use this skincare product love how it addresses discoloration, with a marked reduction in their acne marks and scars.
- It brightens complexion
Among the benefits, users love how this Korean serum helps brighten their skin, improve skin tone, and give them healthy skin.
Keep In Mind
Since this serum also contains cocoa seed oil (which is comedogenic), individuals with really problematic acne should choose other serums.
PRO TIP: Acne left some dark spots and scars on your face? Vitamin C serum can help you brighten them and make your complexion more even. Here you can find my favorite and safest K-beauty serums with vit. C.
5. Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Our verdict: Best Korean acne serum for mature skin
Hyaluronic acid is usually a part of all the best Korean serums out there.
With its ability to carry loads of extra water weight, hyaluronic acid in this serum is great for moisturizing the skin while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier.
It helps maintain the water-oil balance, making it one of the best Korean serums for oily skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin types.
Allantoin minimizes skin irritation and is great for fading acne scarring, reducing redness, and improving skin tone.
The lightweight formula with a refreshing aloe vera scent absorbs easily and does not leave a tacky feel, even if you have oily skin.
Why You Love It
- Pores? What pores?
Most women who use this Korean serum love how it reduces their pores when used regularly in their skincare routine. One user even claimed that it feels like her huge pores have been airbrushed!
- Value for money
Among the benefits, girls who use this serum love how a little goes a long way, and is super affordable, unlike other Korean serums.
- Soft skin
Most of the girls love how soft and light their skin feels after applying this serum. Gotta love hyaluronic acid!
Keep In Mind
A user complained that the brand could work on improving the finishing of the dropper/pipette.
PRO TIP: If you want to fight acne and wrinkles at the same time, hyaluronic acid is your best bet. I found a few amazing Korean serums with hyaluronic acid – which I share in this article.
6. IUNIK 70% Black Snail Mucin Restore Serum
Our verdict: Awesome acne serum for sensitive skin (with anti-aging properties!)
Korean skin care has introduced unique natural ingredients to the world.
For instance, snail mucin, the active ingredient of this serum is known to soothe skin, making it one of the best soothing ingredients to incorporate in your skincare routine if you have acne, rosacea, or similar skin concerns.
Other than that, it restores skin elasticity, hydrates the skin, promotes wound healing, and fights signs of aging.
The other star in this skincare product is Centella Asiatica extract, which helps soothe eczema, rosacea, or sensitive and irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
This lightweight unscented serum absorbs easily and can be used by any skin type, including sensitive skin, oily and combination skin, damaged skin, etc.
Why You Love It
- Anti-aging
Among the benefits, users love how this serum helps prevent wrinkles and sagging skin, boost collagen production, and reduce dullness.
- Hello hydration
Most women love how their skin feels hydrated from within ever since they included this magical serum in their skincare routine.
- Great for sensitive skin
Girls who use this serum claim it protects skin, minimizes skin irritation, and is one of the best Korean serums for sensitive skin, or if you have a specific skin concern like rosacea etc.
Keep In Mind
Some users believe this serum is a little pricey compared to similar Korean serums.
7. Meebak Cica Vitamin C Serum
Our verdict: Amazing acne serum for hyperpigmentation and dull skin
This Cica and Vitamin C serum is the stuff of your dreams for healthy-looking, clear and glowing skin.
Cica, or Centella Asiatica extract, is great for restoring damaged skin, strengthening the skin barrier, and upping hydration in dehydrated skin.
Meanwhile, Vitamin C is responsible for boosting skin health and adding a healthy glow to your skin, making it one of the best Korean serums to address skin dullness.
It also contains skin-loving ingredients like adenosine, green tea, and vitamin B5 that hydrate dry skin instantly and prevent signs of aging.
Green tea is known to soothe and brighten the skin alongside moisturizing it from within.
This green tea-scented serum has a lightweight texture and is suitable for every skin type.
Why You Love It
- Fades dullness and scars
Most women with sensitive skin love how this serum reduces dark spots, acne scars, and pigmentation. Maybe this is why it is so loved in Korean skincare.
- Glowing skin
Among the benefits, users claim that they receive many compliments for their smooth and glowing skin.
I believe it’s because of the combined goodness of vitamin C and green tea.
Keep In Mind
A user mentioned that though it is great for her morning skincare routine, she needs extra moisturizing in her night routine.
8. I Dew Care Juicy Kitten Face Serum
Our verdict: One of the best Korean acne serums for combination skin
What makes this one of the best Korean serums in the market is the awesome ingredients it has. Basically the perfect green juice blend but for your skin.
This supercharged serum contains extracts of kale, spirulina, moringa seed, and willow bark along with niacinamide, so you know your skin is going to be soothed and purified like never before.
Willow bark extract is the natural source of salicylic acid (BHA), so this serum helps remove dead skin, reduces acne-causing bacteria (that can clog pores), and manages excess sebum.
If you have acne-prone, oily skin or combination skin (an oily T zone with normal skin elsewhere), this might be the perfect serum for you.
This green serum has a lightweight formula and a slight herbal scent, goes on easily, and dries perfectly, leaving no residue behind.
Why You Love It
- Great for oily skin
Most women who stumbled upon this serum love how it delivers what it promises. One of the cumstomers reviewed that among all the Korean serums she has used, this one finally puts an end to her quest of finding the right one for her oily, acne-prone skin.
- Removes dead skin cells
Among the benefits, users love how this acne-busting, pore-shrinking serum makes their skin fresh and keeps dullness at bay, thanks to the salicylic acid.
Keep In Mind
Though it is a safe product with promising results, it contains polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, so if you have very delicate or reactive skin, you can choose serums that won’t irritate your skin.
9. IUNIK Propolis 70%
Our verdict: Great Korean serum for bacterial acne and irritated skin
This serum contains 70% propolis, nature’s gift to mankind that helps repair the skin with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Thus, it’s a great option for individuals with acne-prone skin as it reduces acne-causing bacteria, and is commonly used in holistic acne treatments.
Other than that, this serum is full to the brim with vitamin C, thanks to the vitamin tree extract (also known as sea buckthorn), Centella Asiatica extract and green tea extract, making it one of the best Korean serums for damaged, irritated and dry skin types due to these soothing ingredients.
It is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, and the consistency is like thick water that dries perfectly without leaving a tacky finish.
Why You Love It
- Soothes irritation
Among benefits, users love how this serum does not irritate their reactive skin, instead, it calms the pre-existing redness and itching.
- Nourishes the skin
It’s no secret that great skin is achieved when the skin is healthy. That’s exactly what this serum does.
Women who use this serum regularly love how it makes their skin replenished from within, minimizing signs of damage and aging.
Keep In Mind
A user claims it wasn’t super hydrating from her dry skin in the harsh winter, making it a better option for summer evenings skincare.
10. COSRX Niacinamide 15% Face Serum
Our verdict: Effective Korean acne serum that evens out skin tone
What I love about this serum is that is backed by a clinical trial on its effectiveness and safety, making it one of the best serums to reduce acne (whiteheads and blackheads), excess sebum, discoloration, and melasma.
The superstar of this serum is Niacinamide which brightens and hydrates the skin while improving the skin tone. This makes it an excellent choice for people with acne and acne scars.
Along with that, there’s N-acetyl glucosamine that fades hyperpigmentation, boosting the effect of niacinamide.
Next up, there is the anti-inflammatory zinc that is great for fighting acne. In short, this is the safest niacinamide serum for acne-prone skin, with a non-greasy lightweight texture.
Why You Love It
- Acne safe
Girls who use this serum love how it does not clog pores or worsen acne. Instead, it helps reduce acne scars.
- Radiant complexion
Among the benefits, users rave about this serum’s ability to improve their skin tone. No more acne scars and a better complexion, what’s not to love about this serum?
Keep In Mind
Some women did not appreciate the scent of this serum.
Final Decision: Which Korean Serum Is Best For Acne Skin?
After reviewing so many different serums, in my opinion the best Korean serum for acne skin type is this IUNIK Tea Tree 67% Relief Facial Serum.
Enriched with the goodness of tea tree, Centella asiatica extract, and niacinamide, it heals inflamed skin, reduces acne-flare ups, and does not clog your pores, making it the best Korean acne serum for people with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types.
Why Do You Need A Serum For Acne Prone Skin?
These are the benefits of using a serum if you have acne-prone skin:
- Fewer breakouts
- Controls excess oil production (no more shiny face)
- Reduces acne scars and hyperpigmentation
- Fights acne-causing bacteria
- Reduces impurities and unclogs pores
- Calms down angry skin (redness, itching, irritation)
Which Serums Are Best For Acne Prone Skin?
The following serums are best for acne-prone skin:
- Serum with Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica, or Cica is nothing short of a miracle for irritated, inflamed or reactive skin. It repairs damage, calms redness and signs of inflammation, and adds moisture to the skin layers.
Hence, it is a great ingredient to look for in serums for acne-prone skin.
Serum with tea tree oil/water
Tea tree extract, whether it is tea tree oil or tea tree water, is used worldwide to reduce excess oil, fight acne and improve old scars, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics.
Serum with BHA (salicylic acid)
Commonly used in Korean skincare, salicylic acid is one of the best things for acne.
Since it is oil-soluble, it penetrates the deeper layers and removes oil, pore-clogging impurities, and acne-causing bacteria while exfoliating the dead skin gently.
Serum with zinc
Zinc reduces swelling, redness, and residual scarring associated with acne. If you have an acne-prone skin type, zinc PCA can improve your acne-scarred skin.
Niacinamide serum
A type of vitamin B3 – niacinamide – helps to regulate sebum production, calms irritated skin, and reduces acne scars and discoloration (hyperpigmentation, melasma, redness, dark spots, etc).
Vitamin C serum
Since vitamin C is a known antioxidant, it helps improve skin health by boosting collagen production and fighting free radical damage. This helps reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne and also helps in fading the acne marks.
Just remember that pure vitamin C or higher concentration irritates sensitive skin, so choose a safer variant with a lower concentration.
Hyaluronic acid serum
Hyaluronic acid restores moisture and elasticity to the skin, strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. This in turn heals acne scars and skin redness, improving the skin’s appearance.
In this article you can find out how to use hyaluronic acid to fight acne (and not worsen it!).
Serum with green tea
You may be well aware of the health benefits of green tea, but did you know green tea calms skin irritation, making it a great option for people with acne, rosacea, or acne?
Serum with retinol
Retinol fights signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles) and reduces acne while increasing the cell turnover rate which can help to reduce acne scars.
Serum with azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is loved for its ability to reduce active and future breakouts with its anti-inflammatory characteristics.
It fades hyperpigmentation and scars, hence it is great for acne-prone skin.
- Serums with amino acids
Amino acids are known for their skin-healing ability, as they enable new cell growth.
Serum with bee venom or propolis
Bee venom and propolis are healing natural ingredients easily found in serums. Bee venom helps the regeneration of skin cells and collagen synthesis, whereas propolis strengthens the skin barrier and moisturizes the skin.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority. This article contains affiliate links.
Sources of pictures:
- Pictures of IUNIK Tea Tree, Black Snail Mucin and Propolis serums belong to IUNIK Brand. Source: https://www.iunikcos.com/
- Pictures of COSRX Niacinamide and AHA/BHA serums belong to COSRX Brand. Source: https://www.cosrx.com/
- Pictures of Cos De Baha serum belong to Cos De Baha Brand. Source: https://www.cosdebaha.com/
- Pictures of Elizavecca 97% Hyaluronic Acid serum belong to Elizavecca Brand. Source: https://elizavecca.us/
- Pictures of Meebak serum belong to Meebak Brand. Source: https://meebak.com/
- Pictures of I Dew Care Juicy Kitten belong to I Dew Care Brand (Wishtrend). Source: https://idewcare.com/
- Pictures of make p:rem serum belong to make p:rem Brand. Source: https://www.instagram.com/makeprem_global/