A Korean facial serum can be a targeted step in your routine, but attractive packaging and terms such as “glass skin” say little about whether it is suitable for your skin. The right choice depends mainly on your skin concern, the ingredients list and how easily you can fit the product into your daily skincare routine.
As a consumer in the Netherlands, watch out for three common pitfalls:
A serum is easiest to assess when you choose one main objective. Consider the following:
An ingredient’s name does not tell the whole story. According to the product information, for example, Beauty Of Joseon Glow Deep Serum contains 2% alpha-arbutin, niacinamide and rice bran water. This makes it suitable for anyone mainly looking for a more even, radiant-looking complexion and hydration.
With a hyaluronic acid serum, it is useful to check whether several forms of hyaluronic acid have been used and whether the formula also contains moisture-retaining ingredients. According to the product description, Torriden DIVE IN combines five types of hyaluronic acid with panthenol, ceramide NP and beta-glucan.
A vitamin C formula requires extra care with storage and daytime use. Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains, among other ingredients, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid and alpha-arbutin. According to the product information, daily use of sun protection is recommended.
A dropper does not automatically prevent contamination. Avoid touching your skin with the dropper. A pump bottle can be practical for everyday use, as with the Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum.
With concentrated formulas, it is wise to build up use gradually. According to the usage instructions, Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum recommends starting with one or two drops, once or twice a week. According to the packaging, products containing azelaic acid may cause a tingling sensation or dryness.
Also check:
Test a new serum on a small area of skin first. If you experience redness, swelling, itching or persistent irritation, stop using it. Cosmetics are intended for external use and are not a substitute for advice from a doctor or dermatologist.
Why it suits this profile: The lightweight formula combines hydration with 2% alpha-arbutin and niacinamide for dull skin or visible pigmentation.
The product information lists specific ingredients and a 30 ml volume, rather than relying solely on general glow claims.
2% alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, rice bran water and an alcohol- and fragrance-free formula according to the product details.
Why it suits this profile: Suitable for anyone looking for a daily, fragrance-free hydration step that can be used both morning and evening.
The focus is on a clear hydration goal, rather than an unnecessary blend of numerous potent actives.
Five types of hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramide NP, beta-glucan and a 50 ml volume according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: For users who want to introduce an azelaic acid serum specifically to address an uneven complexion, visible redness or blemish-prone skin.
The usage advice recommends building up gradually, patch testing and taking care with sensitive or irritated skin.
10% azelaic acid, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, allantoin and centella asiatica according to the ingredients list.
Why it suits this profile: Its simple focus on centella asiatica and hydration suits anyone who first wants to establish a gentle basic routine.
You avoid an overly complicated start with several acids or vitamin C at the same time; always check the current packaging, however.
100 ml volume, lightweight texture and centella asiatica as the key named ingredient.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Apply a serum after cleansing and, if desired, toner, but before your moisturiser. Usually, one to a few drops are enough. Dry skin benefits from applying moisturiser over the serum, helping to lock in the moisture you have applied.
During the day, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen if your routine contains ingredients that may increase sensitivity or if the packaging recommends it. Preferably, do not introduce several new actives at once. For example, start with a hydrating serum and only add vitamin C, azelaic acid or a peptide serum later.
This depends on the volume, dosage and frequency of use. A 30 ml bottle will usually last less time with daily use than a 50 or 100 ml bottle. Always check the expiry information on the packaging and close a dropper or pump bottle securely.
Choose a formula with a limited number of active ingredients and look out for fragrance, alcohol and potential allergens. Centella asiatica, panthenol, beta-glucan and hyaluronic acid are used in various product formulas for hydration and skincare. Always test each new product on a small area of skin first.
Some skin types can tolerate this, but the combination may be unnecessarily intense if both ingredients are new to you. Start with one product, use it according to the packaging and build up gradually. If irritation occurs, reduce the frequency or stop using the product.