Beauty

7 Best Korean Vitamin C Serums For Brighter, Fairer Skin!

Learn the benefits of vitamin C serums for the skin and why you should go for Korean skincare brands that treat acne scars, hyperpigmentation & oily skin.


Lead Editor · 3 Oct 2019, 8:39pm

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7 Best Korean Vitamin C Serums For Brighter, Fairer Skin!

Vitamin C is definitely your best friend if your goal is to achieve clear, glowing skin, especially if you’re dealing with inflammation, pigmentation and dark spots. Hailing from the beauty mecca that championed the “glass skin” trend, Korean vitamin C serums are a great way to incorporate some brightening goodness into your beauty routine. 

Scroll through this list of Korean vitamin C serums that will set you on the path to dewy, luminous skin!

What are the benefits of using vitamin C serums?

Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient that will contribute to brighter, firmer and healthier-looking skin. This multi-tasking antioxidant helps protect skin cells from free radicals and prevent sun damage, which contributes to fading hyperpigmentation and post-acne scars. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the skin’s natural collagen production.

How do I use vitamin C serums?

It’s recommended to use Vitamin C serums daily, either during your morning or night routine. These serums fall under the ‘actives’ category of skincare and is recommended to be applied after pH-balancing toners, but before hydrating or oil-based products including hydrating toners and essences. 

Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you may need to avoid using other active skincare ingredients such as AHA, BHA and retinols in the same routine. You should also wear sunscreen in order to fully reap the benefits of vitamin C serums.

Best overall Korean vitamin C serum 1 of 7
Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Partnership with Dear, Klairs
From RM73.55
See price at Lazada Malaysia
Also at Shopee Malaysia
Cruelty-free
Vegan friendly
Oxidises fast (especially due to transparent bottle)
3 more points
Stable vitamin C formula
Suitable for sensitive skin
Suitable for all ages

With a gentle formulation that is suitable for those who are trying out vitamin C serums for the first time, this deserves its reputation as one of the bestsellers in Korea. It contains 5% vitamin C and is suitable even for sensitive skin types. The serum works best as a brightening serum to maintain a clear and even skin tone. 

Best affordable Korean vitamin C serum 2 of 7
It’s Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector
Partnership with
From RM32
See price at Lazada Malaysia
Lightweight
absorbs quickly
3 more points
brightens skin
lightens spots
hydrating

This affordable serum combines the benefits of vitamin C and green tea to give you brighter and healthier-looking skin. Although its thick texture makes it more for those with dry to combination skin types, it has fast-drying, absorbing power so it won’t leave a sticky residue. The serum is best recommended for maintaining a bright complexion.

Best for acne scars 3 of 7
By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C21.5 Advanced Serum
Partnership with By Wishtrend
From RM78
See price at Lazada Malaysia
Free of paraben, sulfate, alcohol and silicone
Fragrance-free
Unreliable packaging to protect the serum
2 more points
Non-sticky
Brightens skin well

Known for its potent formulation that features 21.5% vitamin C, this serum is ideal for those who want to tackle more stubborn skin tone concerns, including scars and dark spots. It is lightweight and suitable for most skin types. However, its higher concentration of vitamin C might not be suitable for those who are new to vitamin C serums or have highly reactive skin.

Best for hyperpigmentation 4 of 7
Etude House Vita C-Talk Serum
Partnership with
From RM84
See price at Shopee Malaysia

A suitable daily serum for those looking to improve their overall skin tone, this product has a multi-vitamin concoction to include derivatives from vitamin C, vitamin B3 and vitamin B5. The formula not only provides clearer and brighter skin, but it also has hydrating benefits.

Best for acne prone skin 5 of 7
Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum
Partnership with
From RM70
See price at Althea Malaysia

Formulated to be less-irritating, this serum has 70% green tangerine extract along with other botanical ingredients to deliver brightening effects without irritating blemished or stressed skin. It has a transparent gel-like formula that does not feel heavy on the skin, and helps with dealing with acne and blemishes as well.

Best for oily skin 6 of 7
Laneige Clear C Advanced Effector_Ex
Partnership with Laneige
From RM173
See price at Althea Malaysia

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this lightweight vitamin water-based product absorbs quickly to give your skin a brightening boost. It is made from a variety of botanical extracts including acerola cherry and acai berries, which have strong anti-oxidising and skin-clarifying benefits.

Best for sensitive skin 7 of 7
Iunik Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum 50ml
Partnership with
From RM38.50
See price at Hermo Malaysia

Made with a combination of propolis and vitamin C, this hydrating serum is meant to soothe and brighten the skin, especially for those with dull and dry skin. It also features other skin-loving ingredients such as centella asiatica, rose water and fruit extracts that will help nourish the skin from within.

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