Keep acne at bay with these top Korean serum for acne prone skin! Serums penetrate deep into the skin and deliver active ingredients that help heal, hydrate, and moisturize your skin.
Serums also enhance the effectiveness of your other skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. This is why if you have acne-prone skin, you have to use a serum that is specially formulated for your skin type.
Just the thought of getting one more pimple on my skin makes me want to cry. Acne-prone skin can be difficult to maintain. Acne makes the skin so delicate that you gotta take care of it day in and day out, make sure you don’t have anything in your skincare regime that can trigger more.
Top Korean Serum for Acne prone Skin — Quick Summary
| Top Korean Serum For Acne Prone Skin | Key Ingredients |
| Dear, KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop – Top Korean Serum For Acne Prone Skin | 5% Vitamin C |
| Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum | Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C |
| Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid | Betaine Salicylate, White willow bark water |
| Cos De Baha Niacinamideserum | 10% niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid |
| COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum | Centella Asiatica |
| AHC B5 Hydra | Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 |
| MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair | Lactobacillus |
| Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum | Green tea seed extract |
| BE PLAIN Cicaful Ampoule | Centella Asiatica |
| Elizavecca Hell Pore Control | 97% hyaluronic acid |
Our Top Picks For Top Korean Serum For Acne Prone Skin
- Dear, KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop – encourages collagen production
- MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair – calms the skin and reduces active acne
- Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid – reduces blackheads and controls excess sebum production
Serums are a good way of tackling this as they penetrate deep into the skin in a way that moisturizers simply cannot. And take it from the Koreans cos no one is as obsessed about their skincare as the Koreans are.
Best Korean Serum For Acne Prone Skin
How To Choose The Best Korean Serum For Acne Prone Skin
Having acne-prone skin can be frustrating and overwhelming, but investing in the right Korean serum can make a significant difference. With so many options available, choosing the perfect serum can be daunting, so here are some tips to help the journey become more manageable.
Firstly, it is essential to look for a serum that has active ingredients to combat acne and blemishes effectively. Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and niacinamide are some of the ingredients that can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts.
Secondly, look for a serum that is lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly. The serum should not leave a greasy or heavy feeling on the skin, which can exacerbate acne. It is also essential to pick a serum that suits your skin type.
For instance, if you have dry skin, look for a serum containing hyaluronic acid, while oily skin types benefit from serums containing AHAs or BHAs. Furthermore, always consider the quality and brand of the serum.
Korean skincare is renowned for its high-quality ingredients, and some of the top Korean serum brands for acne-prone skin include COSRX, Missha, and Dr. Jart+.
It is important to invest in high-quality products to avoid further skin irritation and prevent further breakouts.
How to Take Care of Acne Prone Skin:
Here are a few tips to take care of acne prone skin:
- Gently wash your face with non-drying soap that consists of mild ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
- Moisturise your skin, use toner and serum that’s not too oily on the skin.
- Avoid fragrant skincare products that can trigger your acne.
- Avoid touching your face as it can spread germs on your face which can trigger acne.
- Don’t scrub your face as it can worsen the acne.
- Let your acne heal naturally.
Ingredients That Are Good And Bad For Acne Prone Skin
Ingredients to look for acne prone skin:
The ingredients mentioned below are anti-bacterial properties and kill acne-triggering bacteria in no time helping the acne to heal better.
- Tea tree oil
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Azelaic acid
- Vitamin C
- Adapalene
- Sulfur
Ingredients not good for acne prone skin:
Ingredients mentioned below aren’t great for acne prone skin as they worsen or cause acne because they are either too drying or oily.
- Lanolin
- Coconut oil
- Parabens
- Algae extracts
- Isopropyl compounds
- Argan Oil
- Almond/Sweet almond oil
- Avocado oil/butter
Dear, KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Serum
The first top Korean serum for acne prone skin on our list is Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Serum. The problem that acne-prone skin faces is that too much of anything can cause it to breakout. Dear, Klairs’ Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop contains just the right amount of Vitamin C to brighten the skin while not causing it to bring on more pimples.
I love the fact that this serum is light on the skin and absorbs real quick. I didn’t have any reactions to this serum so it’s safe to say that it’s good acne prone skin. A little goes a long way with this serum so just a little bit of it is enough to cover your skin. Also, I noticed that my skin felt plump right after I apply this. And in general, my skin’s hydration improved as well!
Key Features:
- Contains 5% concentration of vitamin C
- Vitamin C lightens the skin, fights free radical damage and brightens the skin
- It also encourages the production of collagen that is responsible for the elasticity in your skin
- The serum retains moisture and keeps the skin hydrated all day long
- This serum is light weight and does not leave back a greasy feeling
Pros:
- A serum that hydrates as well as brightens the skin without causing acne
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 4/5
- Lightweight: 4/5
- End result: 4/5
Pair it up with a Korean moisturizer formulated for acne prone skin to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and moisturized.
Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
What is the one other thing that acne-prone skin struggles with? Blackheads! Because the pores get clogged easily, they lead to blackheads which in turn lead to pimples. Tackle this with CosRx’s Bha Blackhead Power Liquid.
After I started using this serum, I saw a clear difference in my skin just after a couple of weeks. I have sensitive skin and it didn’t cause any reaction on skin so it’s safe to say that it’s definitely hypoallergenic. There are no artificial fragrances in this serum which is serum which is great because that usually causes irritation. to my skin. If you have sensitive skin, you know what I’m talking about!
Key Features:
- The active ingredient in this serum is Betaine Salicylate and the base is White willow bark water
- The BHA ingredient clears the skin of impurities and blackheads and keeps it clean
- It also removes excess oil and controls the production of sebum
- The serum is hypoallergenic as it contains no artificial fragrances, colorants and parabens and is free of phthalein and triethanolamine that can be harmful to sensitive skin
Pros:
- A hypoallergenic serum that clears blackheads effectively
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 5/5
- Lightweight: 5/5
- End result: 5/5
Check out this top Korean serum for acne prone skin below!
Cos De Baha Niacinamide Serum
Cos De Baha Niacinamide serum should be your go-to serum for all-round protection, healing and skin repair. This top Korean serum for acne prone skin is a powerful blend of the best ingredients makes this serum super effective in dealing with acne-prone skin.
Key Features:
- 10% concentration of niacinamide is one of the active ingredients in this serum that soothes inflamed skin, reduces the redness and helps it heal
- It also moisturises the skin, minimises the size of the pores and keeps it smooth
- The other main ingredient is hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture
- Allantoin in the serum keeps infections away
- The B3 added protects the skin from harmful UV rays
- It contains no harsh chemicals that can trigger allergies and acne in your skin
Pros:
- An intensely hydrating serum that also protects and soothes the skin
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 5/5
- Lightweight: 4/5
- End result: 5/5
Related: Keep acne at bay with these Korean skincare products for acne!
COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
While acne itself is quite painful, the spots and blemishes it leaves behind is very annoying. COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum is something you should consider for clearing out those blemishes and revealing that gorgeous smooth skin underneath.
Key Features:
- Centella Asiatica is the primary ingredient that works magic on your skin
- It heals the skin, stimulates regeneration of the cells and repairs inflamed and damaged skin quickly
- The other ingredient is niacinamide which hydrates the skin, soothes it and helps reduce hyperpigmentation, blemishes and dark spots
- The important element in this serum is EGF which encourages the production of collagen, making the skin more elastic
Pros:
- A wonderful serum for repairing acne-prone skin and getting rid of blemishes
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 4/5
- Lightweight: 4/5
- End result: 4/5
Check out the top Korean serum for acne prone skin below!
AHC B5 Hydra Serum
B5 is an essential Vitamin that you need for your skin’s good health. Unfortunately, there’s very little we can get from our diet. The good news, though, is that we can get plenty of it from AHC B5 Hydra serum to nourish our skin.
Key Features:
- The key ingredients in this serum are hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5
- B5 has the ability to soothe the skin and keep away redness, inflammations and itchiness
- Hyaluronic acid intensely hydrates the skin without making the skin feel too heavy or clogging the pores
- This combination keeps the skin from becoming dry and effectively keeping away acne
- The other ingredients are centella extracts, ginseng and gingko leaf extracts that work to heal the skin and stimulate cell repair
Pros:
- Is chock full of healthy ingredients that are safe for sensitive, acne-prone skin
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 5/5
- Lightweight: 4/5
- End result: 4.5/5
Check out this top Korean serum for acne prone skin below!
MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Serum
I love overnight serums and I believe they work best as you are relaxed, away from sunlight and in a calm and cool place. I also love to see the transformation in the morning when I wake up to fresher and brighter skin. The Missha Time Revolution Night Repair serum works wonders on your skin with its unique blend of probiotic ingredients.
Key Features:
- Contains Lactobacillus as the active ingredient which has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne
- This is a soothing agent that calms the skin and reduces active acne
- It also contains other probiotic strains like Fermented Bifida and Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate that promote the building of collagen, improve elasticity and tighten the skin
Pros:
- The concoction of probiotic ingredients effectively reduce acne and make the skin look younger
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 4.5/5
- Lightweight: 3.5/5
- End result: 4/5
Check out this top Korean serum for acne prone skin below!
Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum
The Green Tea Seed serum is amazingly effective in cooling the skin and reviving dull and tired skin. This serum by Innisfree is a refreshing drink for your skin.
Key Features:
- Contains green tea seed extract as the active ingredient
- It has antimicrobial properties that keep your skin free of acne
- The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea extracts soothe the skin and reduce rashes and redness
- It reduces the production of sebum in the skin
- It is light, spreads well and gets absorbed into the skin instantly
- Skin feels fresher and cooler when you use this serum
Pros:
- An effective serum to keep skin clear of acne
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 4.5/5
- Lightweight: 5/5
- End result: 5/5
Check out this top Korean serum for acne prone skin below!
Related: Sensitive skin causing breaking outs? Check out these Korean toners for sensitive skin!
BE PLAIN Cicaful Ampoule
With a high percentage of centella asiatica as its main ingredient, your skin is sure to benefit from the Cicapule Ampoule by Be Plain in more ways than one.
Key Features:
- Contains 85% Centella Asiatica extract as its active ingredient instead of purified water, making this ampoule extremely powerful in healing your skin
- It has antibacterial properties that discourage the formation of acne
- The anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin and help it heal
- The serum also contains extracts of Anthemis Nobilis Flower, Penthylene Glycol, and glycerin
- These are safe on the skin and keep it hydrated
- The formula is light and easily gets absorbed into the skin
Pros:
- Very effective in healing the skin of acne
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 3.5/5
- Lightweight: 4/5
- End result: 3.5/5
Check out this top Korean serum for acne prone skin below!
Elizavecca Hell Pore Control
This little piggy will cause hell to your acne and scare away any potential ones by keeping your skin moisturised. The Elizavecca Hell Pore Control intensely hydrates without clogging your pores and keeps your skin plump and supple.
Key Features:
- Contains a high amount, 97% hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture
- This keeps the skin plump and supple, reducing the need for the skin to overproduce sebum which can in turn cause acne and breakouts
- It is light weight and does not clog the pores
- Since it does not contain any harsh ingredients, this is best suited for acne prone and sensitive skin
Pros:
- An effective moisturiser
Cons:
- Does not contain ingredients that can actually get rid of acne
My ratings
- Active ingredients: 5/5
- Lightweight: 4.5/5
- End result: 4.5/5
Check out this top Korean serum for acne prone skin below!
How to choose a Korean serum for acne prone skin:
My team and I tested 20+ Korean serum for acne prone skin on the basis of it’s active ingredients, formula weight, non-comedogenic product and end result. All the Korean serum chosen had ingredients that are soothing for acne skin type like salicylic acid, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil etc.
We chose serums that are lightweight that don’t feel too heavy on skin. We also chose only non-comedogenic serums that wouldn’t clog pores and lead to acne. Considering the end result was an important factor as it’s important to see if the serum has brought positive changes and is soothing to the skin.
Korean Serum for Acne prone Skin: FAQs
Can I use serum if I have acne?
The best serums for acne-prone skin are those that contain glycolic acid or salicylic. This is because they help to unclog pores and generate cell turnover which can reduce breakouts and improve the texture of the skin.
Is snail serum good for acne-prone skin?
Snail serum is good for acne-prone skin because it contains natural antimicrobial elements that help to fight bacteria that cause acne on your skin. The snail slime in the serum is effective, reduces acne gradually when applied, and also brightens your skin.
When to use a serum?
It’s best to use a serum two times a day, once in the morning and once at night. Serums are supposed to be applied right after cleansing your face and right before putting on makeup or any other skincare products.
What type of serum should I use for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin look for serums that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid. They are skin-beneficial ingredients that kill the bacteria which cause acne breakouts on the skin. To reduce acne scars and hyperpigmentation it’s best to go for a serum that contains niacinamide.
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.
Also Read:
- Korean BB cream perfect for your skin type!
- Related: Top Korean Moisturizer for Acne prone Skin
- Related: Top Korean Skincare for Acne
- Related: Top Korean Pimple Cream
