Achieving that coveted glass skin glow isn’t just about hydration—it also means tackling dark spots and uneven skin tone. Korean serums have become a go-to in skincare routines thanks to their potent yet gentle formulations, which address concerns like hyperpigmentation, dullness, acne marks, and discoloration.
With so many options on Lazada and Shopee, finding the right Korean serum for dark spots can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll help you narrow down the best picks and share tips on what ingredients and features to look for based on your skin type and pigmentation concerns.
Quick List - Top Korean Serums for Dark Spots
Dear, Klairs
Get Glowing Skin With 5% Pure Vitamin C Serum
COSRX
Non-Sticky Relief for Hyperpigmentation and Redness
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Table of Contents
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If you have oily or acne-prone skin, go for serums that are lightweight and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging your pores. Watery or gel-type formulas absorb quickly and won’t leave a greasy finish, making them ideal for controlling excess sebum. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, tea tree extract, or centella asiatica, which help calm inflammation and reduce breakouts while fading dark spots. Avoid thick, oily textures that may worsen acne or lead to more blemishes.
Dry skin needs a serum that not only fades dark spots but also delivers intense hydration. Look for brightening ingredients like niacinamide or arbutin combined with moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or panthenol. These ingredients work together to improve skin tone while relieving dryness and discomfort. Richer textures like ampoules or creamy serums are especially effective in sealing in moisture and keeping the skin soft and supple.
Sensitive skin calls for extra care, especially when treating dark spots. Prioritize serums designed to repair the skin barrier and soothe irritation, with calming ingredients like centella asiatica, panthenol, and madecassoside. Steer clear of fragrances and alcohol, as these can trigger redness or stinging. A gentle, well-formulated serum not only helps even out skin tone but also reinforces your skin’s natural defenses for long-term comfort and clarity.
Layering strong actives like AHA, BHA, or retinoids in the same routine can do more harm than good. Overuse may cause redness, flaking, or even damage your skin barrier. To stay on the safe side, use only one exfoliating serum at a time and pair it with calming, hydrating products. This keeps your skin balanced and lets actives work effectively—without triggering irritation, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
To get the full benefits of your serum, choose formulations that stay stable over time. Potent ingredients like vitamin C—particularly pure ascorbic acid—can lose their effectiveness when exposed to light and air. Packaging matters just as much as the formula, so opt for serums in dark glass bottles, pumps, or airtight containers. These help shield the product from oxidation, keeping it potent and effective from the first use to the last.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Best For | Non-Comedogenic | Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | Net Weight | |||||
1 | COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum | ![]() | Brightens Skin and Fades Acne Marks Fast | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Pure Ascorbic Acid | Dry Skin | 20mL | ||||
2 | Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Brightening Vitamin Drop Serum | ![]() | Get Glowing Skin With 5% Pure Vitamin C Serum | Vitamin C、Yuja Extract、Pure Ascorbic Acid | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 35mL | ||||
3 | SOMEBYMI Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum | ![]() | Quick-Absorbing Gel With a Light Feel for Sensitive Skin | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Yuja Extract | Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 50mL | ||||
4 | COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum | ![]() | Non-Sticky Relief for Hyperpigmentation and Redness | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin | Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 50mL | ||||
5 | SKINFOOD Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum | ![]() | Vegan Formula With 96% Yuja and Brightening Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Yuja Extract | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 50mL | ||||
6 | AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum | ![]() | Your Daily Fix for Dullness, Dark Spots, and Uneven Tone | Niacinamide | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 5mL | ||||
7 | Cos De BAHA Arbutin 5% + Niacinamide 5% Serum | ![]() | Infused With Hyaluronic Acid for Lasting Hydration and Comfort | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 30mL | ||||
8 | Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum | ![]() | Advanced Spot Care With Niacinamide and TXA | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 30mL | ||||
9 | Numbuzin No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum | ![]() | Daily Korean Serum to Wake Up Dull, Tired Complexion | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Pure Ascorbic Acid | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 50mL | ||||
10 | Mediheal Vitamin C Brightening Serum | ![]() | Skin-Friendly Vitamin C Formula for Radiant, Healthy Skin | Niacinamide、Vitamin C | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin | 40mL |
Many users notice a visible improvement in skin brightness, along with quicker fading of acne marks and scars. Additionally, some appreciate that the product is gentle despite its potency. However, those with sensitive skin suggest starting slowly to minimize the risk of irritation.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Pure Ascorbic Acid |
---|---|
Best For | Dry Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 20mL |
Most customers notice their complexion looking brighter and more even after consistent use, even on sensitive skin. Although some users report moderate tingling upon first application or express a wish for a more stable consistency, many people value the serum's quick absorption and non-greasy texture.
Key Ingredients | Vitamin C、Yuja Extract、Pure Ascorbic Acid |
---|---|
Best For | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 35mL |
After consistent usage, many customers say their skin feels more moisturized and appears brighter, with post-acne blemishes and dull spots visibly improved. Some reported limited benefits on sensitive skin or obstinate pimples, while others found it mild enough for daily usage.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Yuja Extract |
---|---|
Best For | Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 50mL |
Customers value this serum's noticeable ability to lighten dark spots and give their face a more radiant, balanced appearance. Numerous people have commented on how nice the non-sticky texture is for sensitive or mixed skin. Some reviewers express a desire for quicker outcomes and point out that sustained use is required to observe meaningful improvements.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin |
---|---|
Best For | Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 50mL |
With regular use, many customers remark that their skin becomes smoother and more luminous, and some say that dark spots gradually go away. Some feel that the product is a little drying and advise using it in conjunction with a moisturizer, while others point out that it can take some time and frequent use to get noticeable effects.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Yuja Extract |
---|---|
Best For | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 50mL |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide |
---|---|
Best For | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 5mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The serum's soft, non-sticky texture and rapid skin absorption are praised by many consumers for their visible skin-brightening impact. Although some people point out that regular, consistent use may be necessary for results, those with oily or sensitive skin frequently endorse it.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin |
---|---|
Best For | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Customers value that this serum absorbs fast and doesn't leave their skin feeling greasy or sticky. After regular use, many report noticeable improvements in general brightness and black spot fading. Some users with sensitive skin advise beginning with fewer treatments each week to prevent possible minor irritation initially.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Alpha Arbutin |
---|---|
Best For | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 30mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users like that it minimizes redness and post-acne blemishes and calms active outbreaks. While older dark spots or deep scars exhibited less noticeable change over time, other people saw improvements only on new imperfections.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C、Pure Ascorbic Acid |
---|---|
Best For | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 50mL |
Many users see a noticeable improvement in brightness and clarity after consistent use, with friends complimenting a clearer complexion. The serum is praised for being gentle, even for sensitive skin, though some mention the scent is strong and may not suit everyone. A few note that the product absorbs well and doesn’t leave a sticky finish, but wish the bottle were larger for the price.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide、Vitamin C |
---|---|
Best For | Oily or Acne-Prone Skin、Dry Skin、Sensitive Skin |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Free From Strong Acids and Retinoids | |
Opaque or Air-Tight Bottle | |
Net Weight | 40mL |
Re-editor: Danielle Trinidad
No. 1: COSRX|The Vitamin C 23 Serum
No. 2: Dear, Klairs|Freshly Juiced Brightening Vitamin Drop Serum
No. 3: SOMEBYMI|Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum
No. 4: COSRX|The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
No. 5: SKINFOOD|Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Serum
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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