Want to reduce skin pigmentation and spots? Here are the best Korean products for pigmentation that will help you achieve that clear skin!
Your acne, injuries, rashes and sunburn will come and go, but they leave behind something worse – pigmentation.
Even the best of makeup can struggle to cover up these dark spots or patches, and all those skin brightening creams don’t really work.
What you need for your hyperpigmented skin is Korean skincare that is specially formulated for treating pigmentation.
Nobody understands skincare like the Korean beauty brands, with unique formulations that reduce hyperpigmentation while being gentle on the skin.
Pigmentation is a condition that has bothered me for many years. Though preventing it is the best cure, I decided to research the market for the best Korean products for pigmentation.
I tested several Korean products for pigmentation to curate the best ones based on efficacy, effectiveness, application, and formula. Here are the top picks for best Korean products for pigmentation
Editor’s Pick for the Best Korean Products for Pigmentation
- KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum – Suits for sensitive skin
- COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid – Suits normal to dry skin
- MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence – Anti-aging properties
Check out the detailed reviews of the Best Korean Products for Pigmentation:
Top Korean Products for Pigmentation
KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum
The first one on this list of best Korean products for pigmentation is by Dear Klairs.
Dear, Klairs is a highly recommended Korean skincare brand and if you haven’t tried the products, I urge you to.
The Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a serum that contains 5% pure vitamin C blended with Centella Asiatica extracts.
When you’re purchasing any vitamin C serum, you need to make sure that it is in a stabilised form, otherwise, it’s going to be useless on your skin.
This particular serum by Dear, Klairs, contains Vitamin C in one of its best forms because of the Hybrid Stabilisation Technology employed.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which, along with Centella Asiatica extracts brightens the skin and gets rid of the free radicals that damage the skin.
The concentration of vitamin C in this serum is very safe even for sensitive skin as there are cases where high concentrations can irritate the skin.
Pros :
- Suits for all skin types
- Works best for acne prone skin
- Vegan product
- No Synthetic smell
Cons:
- Can be greasy on few skin types
- Expensive
- Related: Best Korean Whitening Products
- Related: Top Korean Whitening Cream
- Related: Best Korean Vitamin C Serum
KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Another very effective product to get rid of hyperpigmentation from Dear, Klairs is the Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask.
Vitamin E has skin rejuvenating properties. It reduces fine lines and keeps the skin supple. This mask contains Niacinamide which is gentle on the skin but shows great results.
Niacinamide is known to reduce sun sensitivity, so this is a great cream that you can use during the day. It is also known to brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots, minimise pores and reduce sebum.
Since it brings down the occurrence of acne, it automatically lowers the chances of pigmentation. The adenosine in the mask moisturises the skin and keeps it plump.
Antioxidants are always powerful when applied together.
This is a great booster for the Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop. Otherwise, you could also apply both the serum on alternate nights to reap the best benefits.
Check out the best Korean products for pigmentation by Dear Klairs below!
Pros:
- It is good for oily skin
- Keeps the skin hydrating and dewy
- Ideal for use at night after facial cleansing.
- Leaves a afterglow affect in the morning
- Great texture and smell
Cons:
- Sometimes feels sticky
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
The next one on this list of best Korean products for pigmentation is the CosRx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid.
One of the best ways to reduce the chances of pigmentation and to lighten the skin is by gently exfoliating regularly.
Physical exfoliants can be very harsh on the skin, they might even end up causing microtears, resulting in more pigmentation.
That’s why a chemical exfoliant like the COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid is a recommended option for reducing pigmentation.
It contains 7% glycolic acid which, while effective, is not very harsh on the skin. It loosens dead skin cells, clears the pores and makes the skin brighter.
The AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid also contains niacinamide (we already know that this is an amazing ingredient to include in our skincare regime!) as well as panthenol.
Panthenol makes this product good for dry and normal skin as it adds moisture to the skin.
You can begin by using the Power Liquid once a week and slowly build it up to twice or thrice a week once your skin adapts.
Pros:
- It relaxes pores with dead skin cell
- Deductions of whiteheads in pores
- Helps in disappearing bums in a day
Cons:
- None
COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
Nighttime is my favourite time to tend to my skin. Mornings are too busy, plus the skin is exposed to all the heat and pollution.
While day time is for prevention, I prefer night time for the actives. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask is suitable for all skin types as it contains very safe ingredients like rice extracts and niacinamide.
The high percentage of rice extracts infuses moisture into the skin, purifies it and brightens it. It also contains glycerin which works on retaining the moisture better.
This cream has a light texture, so you could also use it as a regular moisturiser during the day to reap the benefits. Since it is very safe, you could leave it on for as long as you like.
Check out the best Korean products for pigmentation by CosRx below!
Pros:
- Leaves a healthy glow.
- Is an effective moisturizer
- Has a great consistency
- Smells beautiful
Cons:
- Not for allergy skins
- Oily skin can expect breakouts
ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner
The next one on this list of best Korean products for pigmentation is by ACWELL.
Before I get to the specifics of this product let’s talk about toners.
Many experts state that toners are unnecessary but the Koreans use toners for specific purposes.
If you’re familiar with the Korean double cleansing method, toners play an important role in ensuring that your skin is squeaky clean. A good toner must also hydrate your skin.
The ACWELL 5.5 Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner does both these functions and more. It balances the pH levels of your skin plus brightens the skin tone and evens out the texture.
It contains liquorice extracts which are super gentle on the skin. This helps in reducing inflammation, heals the skin and fights free radical damage with its antioxidant properties.
The ACWELL 5.5 Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner is not only fantastic in brightening the skin, but also helps prevent further pigmentation.
Pros:
- Good price
- Doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
- Helps rehydrate the skin
- Nice smell
- Great deep cleanser.
Cons:
- No cons
NEOGENLAB Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon Pads
This is great as a physical exfoliator by Neogen Dermalogy.
The Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads by Neogen have a mildly rough surface that helps slough off the dead skin cells and dirt. These pads are soaked in a whole lot of citrus extracts which are natural skin brighteners.
The exfoliating properties in the pads help get rid of those tiny bumps and even out the skin tone.
These peeling pads are so amazing, they cool the skin and are a boon in the summertime. I also tend to notice an immediate brightening effect when I use these after a whole day in the sun.
The one downside is that this does contain denatured alcohol which could have a drying effect on the skin.
Check out the best Korean products for pigmentation by NEOGEN DERMALOGY below!
Pros:
- Skin feels naturally hydrated
- Keeps skin soft and moist
- It absorbs really quickly
- Impressive price
- Leaves dewy, glowing
Cons:
- Can let rash breakout
MISSHA Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream
The next on one this list of best Korean products for pigmentation is the Super Aqua snail renew Snail Cream by MISSHA
There is no way you are not getting a Korean skincare product recommendation that contains snail mucin in it!
Snail mucin is like the elixir for our skin, soothing it, calming inflammation, hydrating it, helping skin cells repair, reducing pigmentation and preventing further skin darkening.
The Super Aqua by MISSHA Cell Renew Snail Cream contains this wonderful ingredient along with deep sea water, baobab tree extracts and Botanical Callus extracts to sort out all your skin troubles.
Apply this cream twice a day to protect it from sun and environmental damage and nurture it.
Using it regularly shows visible results in the form of more youthful looking skin, more elasticity, brighter and more even skin tone.
Pros:
- Amazing texture,
- It is very easy and non greasy.
- Smells very nice
- The skin feels very soft.
Cons:
- Made no difference to few skin types
MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
The MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence is an all time favourite of many who have been using it regularly.
This essence acts as a toner, getting rid of any residual dirt and grime, leaving your skin clean and prepped for the next product in your skincare regime.
But that’s not all.
It also contains vitamin B which brightens the skin and smoothens it. It helps fade dark spots and makes the skin clearer. MISSHA Time Revolution Essence is also one of the best Korean anti aging skin care products!
This essence hydrates the skin, replenishing the moisture and makes it more supple. It can be used by all skin tones, but is especially suitable for dry skin.
Check out the best Korean products for pigmentation by MISSHA below!
Pros:
- Delivers almost flawless
- leaves skin feeling so soft
- Nice formulation
- Very light texture
- The skin becomes soft and smooth.
Cons:
- Makes sensitive skin itchy
Related: You’ll love this Korean eye mask for dark circles. Check it out!
JUMISO Yes I Am Toner AHA 5%
The next one on this list of best Korean products for pigmentation is by JUMISO!
The Yes I Am Toner by JUMISO contains the chemical exfoliants, glycolic acid and lactic acid in quantities that are mild and safe to be used regularly.
These ingredients gently slough away the dead skin cells, clear the pores, get rid of excess sebum and make the skin smoother.
In addition to the acids, the toner also contains panthenol which moisturises the skin and keeps it healthy.
Though the toner is quite mild, it is advisable to use this only once or twice a week in the beginning until your skin gets used to it, and then build it up to four or five times a week.
Pros:
- Has the most pleasant fragrance
- The skin gets clearer and smoother
- Has no irrational effect
Cons:
- None
JUMISO All Day Brightening & Balancing Vitamin Serum
Another great product from Jumiso for reducing hyperpigmentation in your skin is the All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Serum.
Serums are the most effective part of your skincare routine as they are formulated to be absorbed by your skin.
This serum is the whole deal. It contains a vitamin complex, including niacinamide, so you have all the antioxidants plus nutrients working to nourish your skin and brighten it.
The hyaluronic acid, chamomile flower extracts and Centella extracts add to moisturise your skin, soothe it by reducing inflammation and help rejuvenate it. It is light, gets absorbed quickly and safe to be used everyday.
Check out the best Korean products for pigmentation by JUMISO below!
Pros:
- Face feels super hydrated
- See visible change in appearance
- Uses Vegan Formula
- Absorbs fast
Cons:
- Might have a sensation of burn
- Not for sensitive skin
Related: If you’re troubled with acne, here’s a complete list of Korean skincare for acne you should try!
Which are the best Korean products to reduce pigmentation?
Here are 10 best Korean products for pigmentation that will help you achieve brighter skin and reduce spots:
- Klairs Freshly Juice Vitamin C Serum
Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask - COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
- COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
5.5 Licorice PH Balancing Cleansing Toner - NEOGENLAB Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Pads
- Super Aqua by MISSHA Cell Renew Snail Cream
- MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence
- JUMISO Yes I Am Toner AHA 5%
- JUMISO All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing
The best ingredients to treat pigmentation:
Not all skincare deal with pigmentation. Some that imply that they brighten the skin might only have a mild bleach that, in the long run, will harm your skin further and worsen the pigmentation. Look for Korean skincare products that have ingredients that treat pigmentation like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Snail Mucin, Galactomyces and Rice.
Tips to take care of skin pigmentation:
Skin pigmentation is usually caused due to oxidative stress due to the imbalance of antioxidants in the body. Hence, including antioxidants in your diet is one of the best ways to take care of your skin pigmentation.
- Orally: Vitamin C and Glutathione supplements can be provided to help neutralize free radicals and make skin appear brighter and glowing.
- Topically: Look for skin care products that include ingredients that eliminate free radicals like vitamin C, kojic acid, lactic acid, arbutin, antioxidants like berry extracts, azelaic acid etc.
Korean Products For Pigmentation: FAQs
Is Cosrx good for hyperpigmentation?
As a part of Cosrx’s snail mucin range, the Snail Mucin Power Essence works intensely to repair and hydrate skin while remaining gentle. Also, it’s incredibly hydrating that is very much required for the skin. Consumers have generally no problem affording most of Cosrx’s inventory. This brand seems to be retaining consumer trust and reliability due to it not putting its focus on trends.
Which Innisfree product is good for pigmentation?
Innisfree Brightening Pore Spot Treatment works to remove the appearance of dark spots and brighten your skin for a clearer complexion. A fruit rich in vitamin C, hallabong is included in the formulation. Bioflavonoids in the peel, such as hesperidin, provide skin with antioxidant effects.
Will my pigmentation disappear if I use anti-pigmentation products?
It’s hard to promise that the pigmentation will disappear; however, it will definitely fade over time and become almost unnoticeable. Keep your diet clean and include antioxidants in your diet to help combat the issue of pigmentation.
Do Korean skincare help with pigmentation?
Yes, Korean skincare does help with issues like pigmentation as most of the products are formulated with natural ingredients and don’t have toxic chemicals. They help in brightening the skin and reducing the effects of pigmentation.
What are the best ingredients for treating pigmentation?
A few ingredients that one should look for in their skincare products when suffering from pigmentation are niacinamide, kojic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, retinol, azelaic acid, mandelic acid and antioxidants like berry extracts etc.
What causes pigmentation?
When the melanocyte cells in your skin produce excess melanin, pigmentation is caused. Pigmentation occurs more in those with skin of colour because we tend to have more melanin. Pigmentation can occur because of a number of reasons, the most common being, sun damage, acne, scratches or other injuries, insect bites, hereditary reasons, hormonal imbalance or allergic reactions.
Why You Should Trust BestKoreanProducts?
All our editors including the author of this article, Jih Yun do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. BestKoreanproducts has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.
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