In addition to the soothing cica plant extract (centella asiatica) and its related compounds, Jin also discovered a trendy ingredient in Korean serums that is starting to trend worldwide: PDRN or polydeoxyribonucleotide, the ingredient active used in the famous salmon sperm facial (a treatment that Dr. Park offers Airem). “It’s touted as this catch-all superhero ingredient that helps with everything from reducing inflammation to improving hydration and pigmentation,” says Jin. “PDRN injections are a popular skin care treatment that many civilians with glowing skin swear by in Korea. So it makes sense that the ingredient would be bottled for topical use by brands like Medicube, CNP, and Iope. I predict that this is just the beginning and we will likely see more PDRN products appearing in 2025.”

What is the most popular Korean facial serum?

According to Jin, the real question is: “What is the most popular Korean facial serum?” right away?“The Korean beauty market is known for its constant innovation, so you tend to see very rapid turnover with trending products here,” she explains. Dr. Park shares that she is currently seeing a rise in “clinical beauty” — essentially, “serums that evoke the feeling of going to a medical spa,” she says, emphasizing VT Cosmetics Cica Reedle Shot 100 as an example. “The Reedle Shot is a hydrating serum that boosts collagen and the hydration levels allow the consumer to customize the product to suit their needs,” says Dr. Park.

Other trendy formulas of the moment include Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum (popular among people with acne-prone skin) and Scorching dive into low molecular weight hyaluronic acid serumnotes Jin, adding that the latter works for almost everyone. “Who doesn’t need more humidity this time of year?” » she said. “My skin has been particularly dry lately with the change of season, so I’ve been applying Torriden serum under my moisturizer. It definitely makes a difference in how I do my makeup.

Which Korean serum is best for glass skin?

To get clear, smooth, glowing skin, you can’t rely on serum alone, our experts say. “Achieving glass skin involves a skincare routine focused on deep cleansing, hydrating, and layering with lightweight, nourishing products to create a radiant, dewy, pore-free look,” says Dr. Park. Jin recommends double cleansing to remove all traces of SPF and makeup each night, exfoliating regularly (gently, to avoid irritation and redness) and constantly incorporating hydration into your routine via multiple formulas. “Some Korean serums that can help in this quest include Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, and Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum,” Jin adds.

Meet the experts

• Jenny Jin is a beauty writer and editor based in Seoul, South Korea.
• Eunice Park is a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of Airem in New York.