11 Best Korean Ampoules to Address All Your Pesky Skin Concerns

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Mar 19, 2024
Best Korean Ampoules
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Everyone wants to have that coveted glass-like skin, and undoubtedly, it requires us to go an extra mile! These best Korean ampoules are the finest examples of that and are currently roaring in the beauty market for all the right reasons. But if you are still stuck with traditional beauty serums, let us tell you that ampoules are more potent, and the ingredients present in them are higher in concentration, which makes them work like supercharged serums designed to reach the skincare goal faster and address all concerns better. 

Korean ampoules take the upper hand at addressing skin issues like aging signs, acne scars, tired skin, uneven skin tone, loss of moisture, stressed skin, clogging of pores, and pigmentations single-handedly, thanks to the potent formula of the product that promises to work quicker on your skin than other serums. Plus, they are non-sticky and quick-absorbent unlike serums which often leave a residue, to say the least. Now, if you are wondering which one to choose among so many options available online, let us help you with the best ones that we have rounded off based on our first hand experience  –

11 Best Korean Ampoules

Infused with centella asiatica extracted from Madagascar, the brand boasts of providing you with a non-sticky formula that deeply penetrates into the skin to moisturize it while strengthening the barrier at the same time. It also has a slightly acidic formula that creates a protective layer on your skin to balance the pH levels. Apart from hydrating the skin, the product quickly calms your irritated skin for the best results. The best part? The clinically-proven product is also non-comedogenic!

Pros
  • Non-sticky
  • Moisturizes skin
  • Strengthens skin barrier
  • Balances pH
  • Clinically proven
  • Non-comedogenic
Cons
  • Not for acne-prone skin
  • Best Hypoallergenic Product

    COSRX PROPOLIS LIGHT Ampoule

    COSRX PROPOLIS LIGHT Ampoule
  • The propolis light ampoule from COSRX has 83.25% black bee propolis extracts, honey extracts, and hyaluronic acid, which work wonders to hydrate your skin. Not only that, it is also effective to blur out fine lines, even out uneven skin tone, and reduce pesky pigmentation. The product further promises to reduce redness and boost your skin’s radiance from the very first use. Addedly, it has a non-sticky and lightweight texture that feels like feathers on your skin. Last but not least, the hypoallergenic product doesn't contain any harmful ingredients so that you can use it without any worry!

    Pros
    • Non-sticky
    • Lightweight
    • Blurs out pigmentation
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Leaves skin soft
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Not for acne-prone skin
  • Best to Revitalize Skin

    MIZON ORIGINAL SKIN ENERGY COLLAGEN 100

    MIZON ORIGINAL SKIN ENERGY COLLAGEN 100
  • Mizon has come up with a one-of-a-kind drop that is packed with allantoin, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and other natural extracts to boost collagen production while nourishing, hydrating, and soothing the skin at the same time. Further enriched with 54% collagen solution, which is known to be a potent ingredient for anti-aging care, the product also improves the skin’s elasticity and helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, the non-irritating product claims to be lightweight and non-sticky as you apply it on your skin for desirable results.

    Pros
    • Improves skin elasticity
    • Smoothes fine lines
    • Revitalizes skin
    • Tightens the skin
    • Minimizes skin irritation
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Contains butylene glycol
  • Best for Rapid Moisturization

    PYUNKANG YUL Moisture Ampoule

    PYUNKANG YUL Moisture Ampoule
  • The Korean ampoule boasts of quenching your skin's thirst with a formula loaded with hydrating ingredients like barberry root extracts, coptis, and more that help your skin soothe immediately and protect itself from environmental aggressors. Developed by dermatologists, the brand further claims to formulate the product without any irritating ingredients. Furthermore, the lightweight texture goes deeper into the skin without leaving any residue and ensures that your skin remains fresh and rejuvenated for a long time. And we think, a product with rapid moisturizing ingredients like this one surely deserves a place in your stash!

    Pros
    • Soothes skin
    • Dermatologically-developed
    • Lightweight
    • Rapidly moisturizes
    • No irritation
    • Protects the moisture barrier
    Cons
    • Not for rosacea-prone skin
  • Best to Increase Skin Elasticity

    ISNTREE TW-REAL BIFIDA Ampoule

    ISNTREE TW-REAL BIFIDA Ampoule
  • The ampoule claims to not only soften the skin texture but also enhance your skin tone and keep aging signs at bay. Packed with soy, green tea, and peptides, the product helps to maintain the elasticity of your skin while keeping the natural moisture level of your skin intact. It also contains protein, lactic acid, and vitamins that take the upper hand at strengthening skin barrier. The triple fermented ingredients further claim to absorb the nutrients and protect the skin from pollutants and free radicals.

    Pros
    • Increases skin elasticity
    • Improves uneven skin tone
    • Enhances skin's ability to absorb moisture
    • Protects from pollutants
    • Strengthen moisture barrier
    • Thoroughly moisturizes
    Cons
    • Too runny
  • Best for All Skin Types

    ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule

    ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
  • The best part about this ampoule for skin is that it suits every skin type including people with sensitive skin. With a great amalgamation of 90% bifida ferment lysate and 5 types of probiotics, the product helps to enhance the skin's natural barrier and slow down your aging signs to let you age like fine wine. It also assures no tingling effect or irritation is caused to sensitive or dry skin for the best results. Last but not least, it infuses ceramide into the skin and reduces the sensitivity for great results.

    Pros
    • Balances skin barrier
    • Ensures lasting hydration
    • Provides healthy skin
    • Firms skin
    • No irritation
    • Suits all skin types
    Cons
    • Not leak-proof
  • Best to Ensure Skin Nutrition

    Dr.Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis Ampoule

    Dr.Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis Ampoule
  • This is one multitasking Korean ampoule serum that can change your skincare game for the best! It is formulated with 335,000ppm propolis extracts, sea buckthorn, vitamin B5, and vitamin C derivatives to plump up the skin while brightening it at the same time. Besides, it has a honey-like texture that ensures long-lasting hydration that you have always wanted. Furthermore, the royal jelly extracts present in the product help in protecting the skin from free radicals and making it look plumper.

    Pros
    • Ensures nourishment
    • Contains antioxidant properties
    • Tones skin
    • Lightweight
    • Hydrating formula
    • Restores radiance
    Cons
    • Overpowering fragrance
  • Best to Brighten up the Skin

    IOPE STEM III Skin Care Set

    IOPE STEM III Skin Care Set
  • This set from IOPE STEM III contains 3 skin care items — a toner, lotion, and an ampoule. Packed with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptide, allanto complex, niacinamide and panthenol, the products claim to suit all skin types while softening, emulsifying, and repairing the skin barrier. It also deeply moisturizes and lifts the skin, and brightens the appearance at the same time. The best part? The ampoule has allanto and ribosome that work like magic as anti-aging components.

    Pros
    • Protects skin barrier
    • Plumps skin
    • Ensures radiance
    • Soothes skin
    • Brightens skin
    • Deeply moisturizes
    Cons
    • Has slight tingling sensation
  • Best to Restore Youthful Glow

    It'S SKIN POWER 10 FORMULA CO EFFECTOR ELASTICITY CHIEF

    It'S SKIN POWER 10 FORMULA CO EFFECTOR ELASTICITY CHIEF
  • Apart from hydrating, moisturizing, and making your skin soft, the ampoule works like magic as an anti-aging skincare product. With 74% French collagen extracts and 26% of 2 types of peptides, the powerful formula enhances elasticity, and lifts the skin while reducing wrinkles and fine lines. The slightly viscous formula further promises a non-sticky texture for a supple finish. It also claims not to block pores which makes it excellent for oily skin as well. Addedly, the skin power 10 formula serum effectors present in the product promise to suit each skin type irrespective of the sensitivity level.

    Pros
    • Builds collagen
    • Restores youthful glow
    • Truly anti-aging
    • Chemical-free
    • No artificial color
    • Non-sticky
    Cons
    • Contains fragrance
  • Best to Repair Skin Barrier

    DERMACENTRIC DERMA PEPTIDE Ampoule

    DERMACENTRIC DERMA PEPTIDE Ampoule
  • This is one of the best ampoules for face from Dermacentric that contains powerful ingredients like peptide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B12, syn-hycan, myricetin, and vegan collagen to enhance the appearance of your skin while minimizing wrinkles, fine, lines, pigmentations, and dark spots. Its potent formula works as a skin barrier and improves the elasticity of your skin for a bright and youthful glow. Plus, the product is a blessing in disguise to retain moisture and regenerate skin cells. The best part? It is hypoallergenic!

    Pros
    • Diminishes wrinkles
    • Improves skin elasticity
    • Repairs skin barrier
    • Works on fine lines
    • Restores youthful radiance
    • Hypoallergenic
    Cons
    • Take time to work
  • HISTOLAB 72% AZULENE COMPLEX Ampoule

    HISTOLAB 72% AZULENE COMPLEX Ampoule
  • The best part about this product is that it is loaded with azulene complex that is known to be a potent ingredient for sebum control. Plus, we don't wonder why it is considered one of the best Korean facial serums, as it is loaded with active ingredients like BHA and dimethyl sulfone that regulates sebum production, and comes as a rescue aid for oily skin people. Furthermore, it reduces skin irritation or redness, if any, thanks to the soothing formula containing effective ingredients like tea tree oil. Some of the users also claimed the product to remove their pesky acne marks.

    Pros
    • Intensely soothing
    • Controls sebum
    • Minimizes skin irritation
    • Reduces swelling
    • Gets quickly absorbed
    • Helps get rid of acne
    Cons
    • Takes time to work

    Now that you have checked out the products, take a look at how you can pick the best one for yourself -

    How to Choose the Best Korean Ampoule?

    Below are the parameters to keep in mind before purchasing the best Korean ampoule - 

    a) Ingredients- Take a look at the ingredients before putting them into your skin. Make sure the ingredients are safer and gentler on your skin and effectively address the skincare concerns. For example, if you have dull and dehydrated skin, a product containing hyaluronic acid will work wonders. Similarly, a product with centella asiatica can be a blessing in disguise for acne-prone skin. For people who have dark spots and blemishes, ampoules with vitamin C or B12 can be a game changer.

    b) Texture- Since it is an additional skincare step, it is better if the product comes with a quick absorbent formula that won't sit on the skin surface only. As the product is meant to treat your different skin concerns, if it penetrates well into the skin, it will definitely help you achieve desired results.

    c) Skin Type- Make sure the product you are choosing supports your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, pick a hypoallergenic product that won't aggravate the skin condition. People who deal with oily skin and excessive sebum production, a product with niacinamide, which helps control excess oil, will be the best. Similarly, for people with dry skin, moisturizing products with hyaluronic acid works wonders.

    Now, take a look at the benefits of using an ampoule. 

    What Are the Benefits of Using Korean Ampoules?

    Below are the benefits of using Korean ampoules - 

    a) Addresses Aging Concerns- Korean ampoules are potent enough to address aging-related skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet, moisture loss, and all other issues effectively, and the credit goes to their collagen-enriched formula which works wonders on all skin types.

    b) Reduces Pigmentation- Korean ampoules help in reducing pigmentations like dark spots, melasma, acne spots, and uneven patches. It goes deep into the skin to make it look radiant and improve the overall tone and texture.

    c) Refreshes Skin- The beauty product refreshes dull and damaged skin while making it calm and soothing at the same time for a youthful radiance.

    Now, if you are wondering how you can incorporate an ampoule into your skincare routine, here's how you can go about it - 

    How to Use a Korean Ampoule?

    Here's how you can incorporate a Korean ampoule into your daily skincare routine for effective results - 

    a) First thing first, cleanse your skin with a makeup removing balm, wipe, or micellar water to ensure no residue is left behind before you start your skincare routine. 

    b) Secondly, wash your face with a gentle face wash or cleanser and massage for about 60 seconds before rinsing it off with water, and pat dry.

    c) Now, put some toner in a cotton pad and apply it all over your face. You can also spritz some of it over your skin if it comes in a spray bottle to witness a boost of refreshment.

    d) After it is dry, take your ampoule and gently massage it until it is absorbed into the skin.

    e) Now you can apply your regular serum, or skip it when applying an ampoule. However, if you are using both the products at the same time, make sure you are avoiding using a serum with the same ingredients present in your ampoule.

    f) Lastly, seal it off with a moisturizer or night cream.

    g) If it is daytime, don't forget to use sunscreen.

    So, that's it! Here's how you can pick and incorporate the best Korean ampoules into your skincare routine, which is pretty simple! Drawing from our experience, all we can say is that these products are powerful enough to deal with all your skin concerns effectively which may not happen with other skincare products. Plus, Korean brands boast of coming up with an all natural formula minus the nasty ingredients that could harm your skin. The best part is that these products are lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic! What do you need more? C'mon now, go on and bag one!

    FAQ's

    Do Koreans use ampoules every day?
    Since ampoules contain ingredients with higher concentration, it is often recommended not to use it everyday, as it may aggravate irritation and redness.
    Which one is better: serum or ampoule?
    It depends! If you have severe skin concerns that need to be addressed specifically that too quickly, ampoule is better since it is more potent than serum. However, for daily use, serum works just fine.
    What are the disadvantages of ampoules?
    Ampoules can trigger irritation, redness, and flaky skin if used regularly. They should be considered as a skincare treatment rather than a regular skincare product.
    Do I need moisturizer after an ampoule?
    Yes, ampoules are meant to treat your skin concerns while moisturizers infuse hydrating ingredients into the skin and keep it youthful and plump for a long time.
    What is the difference between serum and ampoule in Korea?
    Although essence, serum, and ampoule belong to the same family, ampoules are higher in concentration of potent ingredients and excellently address skin concerns quite quickly, than the serums.
    Can I mix ampoule and moisturizer?
    Yes, you can definitely mix your ampoule with your moisturizer to make it more potent and increase the power of your moisturizer.
    Should you use an ampoule at night?
    They can be incorporated either into your morning or night skincare routine, followed by a moisturizer! If it is day time, don't forget to add sunscreen at the end.
    How often should you use ampoules on your face?
    Since ampoules are higher in concentration of potent ingredients, the product is only meant to be used once or twice a week.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house skincare coach, Anoushka Sinha, is a lover of Korean beauty products and follows an extensive skincare routine herself. For this article, she curated a few Korean Ampoules that she used over a period of time based on online reviews just only to come up with her own honest review to help out the readers. Later, she rounded off the best ones she found the most beneficial according to her own skin type. She has also taken into consideration online suggestions to pick a few other products for different skin types.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More