13 Best Korean Retinol Serums to Boost Glow, Tested 2025

This is one of the stronger Korean retinols in my personal collection, but it’s still mild enough for my sensitive skin to tolerate. It’s also lightweight and fast-absorbing, so don’t be scared off by the oil formula; it won’t leave a greasy residue behind. Try it if you want your face oil to do more than just moisturize.

Best Korean Retinol Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Prmr Youth Radiance Vitatinol Serum

If you want to incorporate retinol in your daily skin care routine but also don’t want to skip your K-beauty vitamin C, Prmr Youth Radiance Vitatinol Serum is the solution. This dual formula combines stabilized vitamin C, vitamin C capsules, and retinol in a single formula that targets both active breakouts and post-breakout dark spots. “Retinol can help with acne by reducing oil production, increasing cellular turnover so you have healthy new skin cells, improving skin texture and unclogging pores,” says Dr. Kim. “It can also help with hyperpigmentation,” he says. Combined with vitamin C serums, another dermatologist-backed ingredient for visible brightening, this is a great pick for fading healed blemishes.

When I tested products with the Prmr team in Seoul last fall, I learned there was a little bit of a learning curve with this particular serum. So to help you get the most out of every drop: Make sure you shake this one vigorously before every use, then let it settle briefly before pumping out the product. You’ll still get the brightening benefits even if you don’t, but shaking ensures that you’ll evenly distribute the vitamin C capsules for each application.

Best Korean Retinol Serum for Dull Skin: Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum

Another combined retinol serum I can’t get enough of is Laneige’s Perfect Renew 3x Signature Serum, a triple-chamber bottle that houses an encapsulated retinol serum, firming peptide serum, and brightening flavonoid serum. Once you twist the bottle upward to release the applicator, all you have to do is pump once to combine all three into a retinol-spiked rainbow. Part of the fun is admittedly in how it looks and applies, but the formula is also packed with dermatologist-loved ingredients for firming, smoothing, and brightening. Along with retinol capsules, it contains peptides, ceramides, tranexamic acid, and ferulic acid. I like that the three serums have been designed for simultaneous use, so I can apply multiple formulas without worrying about whether they can be used together. The lightweight, fast-absorbing texture is another plus, as is the visible brightening effect. Along with the Prmr Vitatinol Serum, this retinol has the most visible brightening effect of the picks on this list.

Best Korean Retinol Serum for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum

Sulwhasoo is famous for making some of the best ginseng skin care in K-beauty, and this new Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum doesn’t disappoint. “The retinol helps with fine lines, the niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and helps the skin tone stay even, the ginseng is like a super-power antioxidant, and hyaluronic acid keeps skin supple and plump,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. While she recommends it for all ages and skin types, the potent ingredients are especially effective for mature skin or anyone looking to target fine lines and texture. “This serum checks all the boxes,” she says.

I’ve also been testing the formula for the past month and can’t get enough of its immediate plumping, brightening effects. It has a subtle ginseng scent and cushiony feel that makes my bedtime skin care routine feel like a relaxing mini spa session. With continued use, I’ve also noticed that the fine lines on my forehead look less visible between Botox appointments—always a plus.

Best Korean Retinol Serum for Sensitive Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum

Even with my sensitive skin, I didn’t experience a single flare up after using the retinols on this list. But if you want the mildest formulation possible, there’s no better option than the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, which contains an especially low dose of encapsulated retinol (0.08%). To boost the benefits without increasing sensitivity, it’s paired with bakuchiol, a popular retinol alternative that’s known to be much less irritating. Plus, the fragrance-free formula contains additional moisturizing and soothing ingredients like ceramides, sunflower seed oil, and rice extracts. While it’s hydrating, it still feels lightweight and sinks in fast, with a texture that feels like a cross between a milky essence and a true serum. It’s my personal favorite “beginner” retinol option, and still has a visible effect on my skin texture with consistent use.

Best Korean Retinol Serum for Pores: Some by Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Seeing retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol together on one label would normally give me pause, but I promise, Some by Mi’s Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is still designed to stay balanced and gentle. It’s also great for targeting skin texture and pores. “This is a well-balanced serum designed for sensitive or retinol-naïve skin,” says Dr. Park. “It features 0.1% retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol—a clinically studied botanical alternative—to support collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve texture with minimal irritation.” She notes the inclusion of panthenol and beta-glucan to provide barrier support and reduce inflammation, “making it ideal for sensitive skin.” She also gives points for the “lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers well under moisturizer” and “noticeable smoothing and brightening effects.”

Cho is also a fan of the “multi-functional blend” of ingredients. “The addition of peptides and panthenol made it feel like a treatment and a barrier repair serum in one,” she says. “It’s great for combination, acne-prone, and oily skin types.” Additional notes from my personal testing are the easy-to-use dropper, fast absorption, and visible smoothing effects on my neck and forehead.

Best Korean Retinol Moisturizer: O Hui Reverse Activator Retinol Wrinkle Cream

Our list of best Korean retinols doesn’t stop at serums; consider adding a retinol moisturizer like the O Hui Reverse Activator Retinol Wrinkle Cream to your K-beauty routine as well. Hwang Wonuk, MD, a cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul, is a fan of this “more intense retinol formulation, best suited for mature skin or those dealing with deeper wrinkles and loss of elasticity.” Along with retinol, he likes the inclusion of niacinamide to brighten and support your skin barrier, peptides to promote collagen production and skin firmness, and adenosine to help smooth the appearance of fine lines. “It’s ideal for anyone concerned with visible signs of aging, especially deeper wrinkles and sagging skin,” he says.

Because the texture is on the thicker side, Dr. Hwang recommends this retinol cream for dry to normal skin types. “While it’s rich and effective, it may feel a bit heavy for oily or acne-prone skin types,” he says. “Personally, I find that the texture is luxurious and nourishing, making it a good option for nighttime routines during colder seasons.” Compared to some of the other Korean retinol picks on our list, this night cream has a stronger concentration of 0.3%, so start slow if your skin tends to be reactive, or if you haven’t tried retinol before. “Those with sensitive skin should start slowly, 2–3 times a week,” says Dr. Hwang.

Best Korean Retinal: Beauty of Joseon Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum : Ginseng + Retinal

Everyone raves about Beauty of Joseon’s TikTok-viral Korean sunscreen, but in my opinion, the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum : Ginseng + Retinal deserves just as much as love. Dermatologists often recommend using a specially formulated retinol for your under eyes, since some retinol serums and moisturizers can be too harsh for this more delicate area. This particular formula uses retinal, a form of vitamin A proven to work faster and more effectively than retinol. Although it’s potent, the concentration is mild enough that it’s unlikely to cause irritation.

“This is a gentle retinal formulation that works well for the sensitive under-eye skin,” says Dr. Hwang. “I often recommend this to younger patients in their late 20s to 30s as a preventative anti-aging option.” Along with retinal, the formula is also packed with other eye-targeted ingredients. “Ginseng extract revitalizes dull under eyes, niacinamide helps brighten dark circles, and ceramides reinforce the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss,” he says. He also likes the lightweight texture that “absorbs quickly without irritation” and “brightening and firming effect.” I’ve gone through multiple tubes of this formula, which I swear by not just for under eyes, but also for making my smile lines and neck lines look less prominent.

Best Korean Retinol Face Mask: Dearcloud Hoppy Skin Firm Renewal Dew Essence Face Mask

For a 15-minute retinol experience that Dr. Hwang describes as “very gentle,” try Dearcloud’s Hoppy Skin Firm Renewal Dew Essence Face Mask. “It offers low-concentration retinol derivatives, suitable for retinol beginners or dry and sensitive skin types,” he says. Along with retinol, each sheet mask comes packed with ingredients known to soothe and calm. “Panthenol soothes and enhances hydration, allantoin calms sensitive skin, and licorice root extract brightens while reducing inflammation,” he says. “This mask is ideal for those looking for mild retinol exposure without irritation. Results like subtle resurfacing may take several weeks to show, but the glow and hydration are noticeable quickly.”