Provide your skin with intense hydration with the best Korean hyaluronic acid serum. Read on to find the hyaluronic acid serum from top Korean brands that suits your skin type!
Hello water babies — I thought that was most appropriate considering you’re looking for the best way to hydrate your skin with a Korean hyaluronic acid serum.
Top Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Quick Summary
Best Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Best for | Notable Ingredients |
Cos De BAHA Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum | For All Skin Types (Including Sensitive Skin) | Purified Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol |
Mizon Original Sum Skin Eneronic Hyaluronic Acid 100 | All Skin Types — works especially well with Dry Skin | Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide, Tropolone, Raspberry Extracts |
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hyaluronic Acid 100% Serum | All Skin Types | Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate |
Elizavecca Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic acid Serum | Oily Skin | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Arginine, Adenosine, Allatoin |
TIAM Hyaluronic Water Plumping Serum | Dry, Dehydrated and Damaged Skin | Hyaluronic Acid Complex (HA-6), Lotus Extract, Panthenol |
In this article, we’ll demystify everything about this ingredient, go through a range of products, understand how they work and answer some of the most asked questions about picking hyaluronic acid as a skincare ingredient.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Let’s get one thing out in the open: Hyaluronic acid is already produced by our bodies, but as you start ageing, its levels start to decline in our skin, thus leading to drier, duller skin.
No wonder you need a replenisher – and hyaluronic acid serums are just right for the job. In simple words, hyaluronic acid does the task of boosting firmness in the skin, slowing down future fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’re looking for immediate results, you’ll find those too: Wake up with a dewy texture and glowing skin every day.
Hyaluronic acid in reality is one of the only few skincare ingredients that aren’t too good to be true. It isn’t a wonder molecule, but it does everything it claims.
You must’ve heard this a lot —
Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin. But do you know how that works?
There have been bold claims about how hyaluronic acid can hold about 1000 times the weight in water, and well, it is true. Hyaluronic acid is formulated and used to take care of your epidermis — the outer layer of your skin. The acid can work in two ways, either it attracts water molecules from the environment around you or from the dermis, which is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis.
But a lot of other factors go into consideration — the humidity around you, pH, osmotic gradient etc.
Top Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum 2023
Benefits of hyaluronic acid serum
Hyaluronic acid’s water-loving ability paves way for numerous benefits that can completely change the way your skin looks in the long run. Here are some of them —
- This agent seeps into the skin and accelerates the process of healing wounds in the skin, also aids the process of growth of new skin. If perhaps, your skin is already healthy, it aids more in the maintenance of the epidermis, which ultimately deals with new cell growth.
- Hyaluronic acid phenomenally heals wounds with its anti-inflammatory properties. Its lighter molecular weight actually helps the immune response, thus healing wounds thoroughly. And you know serums are a highly concentrated form of skincare ingredients. So you can imagine now what a few drops of Korean hyaluronic acid serum can do to your face.
- There have been proven studies that prove that a good hyaluronic acid serum helps the appearance of visible wrinkles, fine lines by improving the skin’s elasticity.
How to choose the best Korean hyaluronic acid serum?
In my reviews below, I think I have done justice by explaining what each star ingredient does for your face. I personally have a combination skin type, leaning towards dry. So make sure to pick one that works out best for you.
Our team skincare experts at Best Korean Products reviewed these Korean hyaluronic acid serums based on their hydration power, moisture protection and post-applying comfort on the skin.
I’d urge you to take extensive notes of your skin, do a patch test if you must and decide what is the best Korean hyaluronic acid serum for your skin.
Eradicating Confusion on hyaluronic acids
Not all hyaluronic acids are called the same. It is possible that you’ll come across the name hyaluronan or sodium hyaluronate or even potassium hyaluronate — they’re all from the same family.
If your humectant serum has no additional occlusives or emollients, make sure to complete your skincare routine with ingredients that have occlusive properties. Ensuring that means minimizing the possibilities of water loss from your skin.
You see, hyaluronic acid is a humectant.
Humectants are only responsible for drawing water to the skin and keeping those water molecules bound. It is a good occlusive that helps you fill in the dry areas and create a film on top of the skin that prevents water loss. Adding something with squalene or mineral oil in your skincare routine should do the trick.
Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum – Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Serum
As someone who has tried and reviewed a number of Korean hyaluronic acid serums, I must say that this is the only serum that has 98% natural ingredients and 72% organic ingredients. The natural ingredients in this serum wanted me to purchase it and try to find if it was effective as the rest of the serums.
To my surprise, it really did serve its purpose. The Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum claimed to provide visible results within 3 weeks of use but I began to see visible results after just 2 weeks.
The hyaluronic acid deeply moisturized my skin making it appear soft and plump, in fact, I loved to pinch my cheeks often because they were so soft after using this serum.
And not to mention the stubborn acne scars I’ve had for years disappeared gradually as I continued using this serum. I stopped wearing makeup to cover my blemishes after using this serum because it even-toned my overall complexion.
The ingredients in this serum such as Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and d-Alpha Tocopheryl are what contributed to the perfectly smooth and brightening skin. It’s also a beneficial serum for those who have mature skin because the Vitamin C reduces your wrinkles and fine lines in no time.
It has an amazing, citrusy aroma that just keeps your skin refreshed. The texture is almost like water and absorbs quickly to your skin and deeply hydrates it. The only downside of this serum is the packaging because the dropper doesn’t close properly but performance-wise, this is one of the best Korean hyaluronic acid serums out there.
Pros:
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
- Deeply hydrates the skin
- Brightens the skin
- Reduces aging signs
- Visible results within 2 weeks
Cons:
- Expensive
Cos De BAHA Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum for All Skin Types
I love how simple and uncomplicated this serum was. All it contained was Purified Water, Hyaluronic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, which meant I didn not have to worry about any reaction or irritation that could have appeared on my face.
The inclusion of 1,2-Hexanediol in this duo formula just felt like an additional layer of much needed hydration to my skin. All the dryness and flakiness that seemed to persist was noticeably reduced within just a week’s use.
If your skin is oily, you might experience some discomfort in terms of feeling the stickiness of the surface of your skin because of its thick consistency.
Additionally, the serum claims to bring the pH level of the skin to a 6.5. My skin did start to feel as if it was reaching a smooth ‘normal’.
I purchased the 50 ml glass , and it lasted me about 3 months. For as long as it lasted me, I did not have any complaints. You can also find a larger bottle with a pump style nozzle.
Because of its consistency, I’d say I only use this serum in my PM routine. The film feels comforting, and it remains true to its job and feels supremely hydrating and plumping. All in all, I think this justifies why this serum made it to the list of best Korean hyaluronic acid serums.
Pros:
- Contains skin beneficial ingredients
- Deeply hydrates the skin
- Visible results after 1st week of use
- Balances out the skin PH level
- Keeps skin plump and soft
Cons:
- Not suitable for oily skin
- Has a thick consistency
- Related: Top Korean Serum for Oily Skin
- Related: Best Korean Vitamin C Serum
- Related: Top Korean Serum for Acne prone Skin
Mizon Original Sum Skin Eneronic Hyaluronic Acid 100
Best Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry Skin
Can I just start by saying, how cute is the little blue glass bottle? If I’m being completely honest, I may have let the cuteness affect the buying decision. But it’s not all good. The swivel around the cap is plastic which gets stuck sometimes, causing me to drop the bottle. Luckily it didn’t break.
Let’s talk about the ingredients. I have been going on about Hyaluronic acid and its form — Sodium Hyaluronate. While this serum claims to be hydrating, I think it’s kind of lacking.
The ceramides in the serum are like fat molecules that help retain the pre existing moisture, which the serum fairly does.
Tropolone is simply an antibacterial preservative to keep your skin from reacting, whereas the raspberry extracts in the serum act as antioxidants the help your skin further itself away from being prone to damage.
What adds to the bargain is the texture of the serum. It’s light on the skin and has a silky feeling to it. Your skin can feel slightly sticky right after you apply it, but soon after it dries, the stickiness also disappears.
From my experience, I’d call this Korean hyaluronic acid serum more preventative than any action to heal the existing problem.
Maybe it is slow working — because I only purchased a 30ml bottle and I didn’t see much effects in terms of it affecting the hydration of my skin, but it did start to feel smoother and moisturized.
Additionally, I did not have any breakouts the entire time I used this hyaluronic acid serum.
During the course of the use of this serum, my skin felt moisturized, but I didn’t get the hydration I wanted, neither did it feel absolutely comfortable to wear during the day.
For this price, you can get the Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hyaluronic Acid 100% Serum for 5 times the quantity and it’s far more lovely.
Pros:
- Light consistency
- Attractive packaging
- Makes skin feel silky
- Absorbs quickly on the skin
Cons:
- Not very hydrating
- Takes longer to show results
Elizavecca Milky Piggy Hyaluronic Acid 100% Serum
Best Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum for All Skin Types
I began raving about this even before I started reviewing it, so here goes —
Technically, this serum has the exact same ingredients as the Cos De BAHA Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, but I find it far more effective and even economic.
The consistency is kind of runny and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, unlike the Cos De Baha serum. This means that it will work well for people with all skin types. It successfully did a good job of eliminating any dry patches I had on my skin.
The simplicity of the product makes it targeted towards your skin. Don’t let the piggy in the name scare you away.
I used it at night, and when I woke up, I was pleasantly surprised with a soft, plump feeling on my skin right after the first use!
Honestly, I’m a bit iffy about ordering large glass bottles, but this came intact and ready for me to use. The heavy frosted glass bottle looks great but can be a bit frustrating if you’re thinking about travelling.
I’d recommend pouring some from this pour-over bottle into a dropper style bottle if you have one.
I’d give full marks for everything. Hydration power, ability to moisturize and post-applying feeling. In fact, it is one of the favourite Korean skincare products and definitely one of the best Korean hyaluronic acid serums I have had on my shelves in the years of reviewing that I have done.
Pros:
- Light watery consistency
- Suitable for all skin types
- Extremely hydrating
- Quick absorbing
- Moisturizes skin deeply
- Makes skin soft and smooth
Cons:
- Packaging isn’t user and travel friendly
- Quite expensive
Elizavecca Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic acid Serum
Best Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Oily Skin
I clearly liked the Elizavecca Hyaluronic 100 so much so that I bought another one simply to try it out, even though it doesn’t typically suit my skin type. Because who doesn’t want hydration and more control.
Ah, this serum is packed with goodness. Even though it claims it’s best for oily skin, it suited my skin just fine. Look at the ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Arginine, Adenosine, Allatoin.
Make sure to cleanse your skin before using this, because the niacinamide will act on your pores to make their appearance smaller.
I did feel the Allatoin work on my skin as it seeped through and promoted the healing process, moisturized skin and probably rejuvenated my cells from within as it joined hands with our star ingredient hyaluronic acid.
The adenosine acts as an anti-wrinkle agent that helps smoothen out the skin and restore the soothing comfortable feeling. I did feel the serum work its way in to do just that, so I can vouch for it. Arginine on the other hand acts as an antioxidant that helps prevent any breakouts.
I won’t lie, I dropped this bottle twice, but the glass bottle is sturdy enough, phew. The dropper just exudes ease and convenience in comparison to the one we saw above. When I smeared a few drops on the back of my palm, it didn’t feel runny or thick, it was somewhere in between, like coagulated water.
For oily skin, this is the holy grail, because it doesn’t leave an ounce of stickiness on the skin and is quick drying. For drier skins, you’ll experience dry patches wading away.
I experienced the hydration and moisturizing effect that it claims. I did feel comfortable enough to layer products on this when I wore it in the day.
Elizavecca Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic acid serum
Pros:
- Contains skin beneficial ingredients
- Deeply hydrates and moisturizes the skin
- Rejuvenates skin cells
- Reduces wrinkles and dry patches
- Prevents breakouts
- Good-quality packaging
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only for oily skin
TIAM Hyaluronic Water Plumping Serum
Best Korean Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Damaged Skin
The minimalist in me was really piqued by the packaging, but what’s more impressive, is the combination of ingredients jam-packed in this 40 ml bottle. In my experience, this is a special formulation for those who have dry and damaged skin that is practically dehydrated.
The main claim of this Korean hyaluronic acid serum is to ‘quench the thirst’ of the skin. At the end of the month of my use of this serum, I can satisfactorily say that my thirst has been quenched.
In fact, my skin felt supple and bouncy too. A major contribution to that is from the Hyaluronic Acid Complex (HA-6) present in the formulation.
This combination provides a packed experience to the skin. Right from it receiving intense doses of hydration to maintaining it throughout the day on every layer of the skin. The moisture is locked in from one of the complexes and works to enhance the freshness in your look!
At the end of my month with this serum, I felt the lotus extract working its magic and enhancing the elasticity of my skin. Panthenol, on the other hand, worked to enhance my skin’s barrier and kept it feeling soothing.
I was looking for a brightening serum that can fade stubborn blemishes and marks I have been carrying for so long, this product is honestly a life saviour.
The White Seed Brightening Serum by The Face Sh