I’ve got through three bottles of this Korean retinol serum

To boost the benefits without increasing sensitivity, it’s paired with bakuchiol, a popular retinol alternative that’s known to be much less irritating. Plus, the fragrance-free formula contains additional moisturising and soothing ingredients like ceramides, sunflower seed oil, and rice extracts. While it’s hydrating, it still feels lightweight and sinks in fast, with a texture that feels like a cross between a milky essence and a true serum. It’s my personal favourite “beginner” retinol option, and still has a visible effect on my skin texture with consistent use.

5. Best Korean Retinol Serum for Pores: Some by Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Seeing retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol together on one label would normally give me pause, but I promise, Some by Mi’s Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is still designed to stay balanced and gentle. It’s also great for targeting skin texture and pores.

“This is a well-balanced serum designed for sensitive or retinol-naive skin,” says Dr Park. “It features 0.1% retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol – a clinically studied botanical alternative – to support collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve texture with minimal irritation.” She notes the inclusion of panthenol and beta-glucan to provide barrier support and reduce inflammation, “making it ideal for sensitive skin.” She also gives points for the “lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers well under moisturiser” and “noticeable smoothing and brightening effects.”

Cho is also a fan of the “multifunctional blend” of ingredients. “The addition of peptides and panthenol made it feel like a treatment and a barrier-repair serum in one,” she says. “It’s great for combination, acne-prone, and oily skin types.” Additional notes from my personal testing are the easy-to-use dropper, fast absorption, and visible smoothing effects on my neck and forehead.

6. Best Korean Retinol Moisturiser: O Hui Reverse Activator Retinol Wrinkle Cream

Our list of best Korean retinols doesn’t stop at serums; consider adding a retinol moisturiser like the O Hui Reverse Activator Retinol Wrinkle Cream to your K-beauty routine as well. Hwang Wonuk, MD, a cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul, is a fan of this “more intense retinol formulation, best suited for mature skin or those dealing with deeper wrinkles and loss of elasticity.” Along with retinol, he likes the inclusion of niacinamide to brighten and support your skin barrier, peptides to promote collagen production and skin firmness, and adenosine to help smooth the appearance of fine lines. “It’s ideal for anyone concerned with visible signs of ageing, especially deeper wrinkles and sagging skin,” he says.

Because the texture is on the thicker side, Dr Hwang recommends this retinol cream for dry to normal skin types. “While it’s rich and effective, it may feel a bit heavy for oily or acne-prone skin types,” he says. “Personally, I find that the texture is luxurious and nourishing, making it a good option for nighttime routines during colder seasons.” Compared with some of the other Korean retinol picks on our list, this night cream has a stronger concentration of 0.3%, so start slow if your skin tends to be reactive, or if you haven’t tried retinol before. “Those with sensitive skin should start slowly, two to three times a week,” says D Hwang.

7. Best Korean Retinal: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

Everyone raves about Beauty of Joseon’s TikTok-viral Korean sunscreen, but in my opinion, the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum deserves just as much love. Dermatologists often recommend using a specially formulated retinol for your undereyes, since some retinol serums and moisturisers can be too harsh for this more delicate area. This particular formula uses retinal, a form of vitamin A proven to work faster and more effectively than retinol. Although it’s potent, the concentration is mild enough that it’s unlikely to cause irritation.

“This is a gentle retinal formulation that works well for the sensitive undereye skin,” says Dr. Hwang. “I often recommend this to younger patients in their late 20s to 30s as a preventative anti-ageing option.” Along with retinal, the formula is packed with other eye-targeted ingredients. “Ginseng extract revitalises dull undereyes, niacinamide helps brighten dark circles, and ceramides reinforce the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss,” he says. He also likes the lightweight texture that “absorbs quickly without irritation” and the “brightening and firming effect.” I’ve gone through multiple tubes of this formula, which I swear by, not just for undereyes, but also for making my smile lines and neck lines look less prominent.

8. Best Korean Retinol Toner Pads: Innisfree Daily Gentle Retinol Salicylic Toner Pads

Retinol and salicylic acid are two ingredients I typically don’t combine, since too much of either one can dry my skin out or trigger irritation. But paired up in Innisfree’s Daily Gentle Retinol Salicylic Toner Pads, they manage to clarify my pores and smooth texture without any problems. I like to swipe one all over my face before going in with my evening serums and moisturisers, or apply them like five-minute mini masks. They’re packed with soothing ingredients like green tea, allantoin, and cica, which ensure they feel refreshing and cooling on my face. I’ll typically massage them over my nose a few times, where I’ve noticed they help clear up clogged pores and blackheads with consistent use. They’re gentle enough to use daily, or you can add them to your routine a few nights a week for a quick and easy smoothing treatment.

9. Best Korean Retinol Eye Cream: Glow Apple Retinol Eye Cream

Glow remains one of my favourite brands for K-beauty products that are so aesthetically pleasing, I want to have them out on display at all times. This retinol eye cream took me by surprise the first time I tried it, with a dense, balm-like texture that reminded me of barrier creams. Since retinol skin care should remain in your evening skin care routine, the thicker consistency actually makes it perfect for locking in moisture while I sleep. Just give it a second to sink in, and it won’t leave any greasy or uncomfortable residue behind. And just like our other retinol eye cream pick, it’s great for spot-treating lines on your neck, mid-face, and forehead. I like to dab a little over my neck wrinkles in place of moisturiser.

“This gentle eye cream is designed with retinol esters, making it suitable for regular use even on delicate undereye skin,” says Dr. Hwang. “It’s also formulated with apple extract for antioxidants and hydration, shea butter to deeply moisturise and soften the undereye area, and caffeine to reduce puffiness and temporarily tighten skin.” I also spotted peptides, a popular eye cream ingredient for firming, in the ingredients list. “It’s a great all-around product for tired or ageing eyes,” says Dr Hwang. “I often recommend this to patients with mild concerns like fine lines or dark circles. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for evening use, and results are typically visible after three or four weeks of consistent application.”

Your Korean retinol questions, answered:

Which Korean retinol serums are recommended for sensitive skin?

All of the Korean retinol serums on our list are gentle enough for sensitive skin. “Korean formulations frequently use microencapsulation or liposomal delivery systems to gradually release retinol into the skin, enhancing efficacy while minimising irritation,” says Eunice Park, MD, a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician and K-beauty mogul, says certain ingredient pairings also buffer the intensity of retinol. “K-beauty brands do this by also pairing retinols with soothing ingredients such as panthenol to minimize irritation while still delivering results,” she explains.

If you’re looking for an especially gentle formula, our top Korean skin care products from this list are the fragrance-free Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, which contains a very low 0.08% dose of retinol, and Glow’s Apple Retinol Eye Cream, which features a moisturising formula made for the delicate skin around your eyes.

Can Korean retinol serums help with acne?

Yes — just like any other retinol, Korean retinol serums can also target acne, from active breakouts to clogged pores to dark marks left from healed breakouts. They do this by speeding up skin cell turnover and reducing oil production. If you’re looking for a brightening formula to fade hyper-pigmenation, we love Prmr’s Youth Radiance Vitatinol Serum. Some by Mi’s Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum and Innisfree’s Daily Gentle Retinol Salicylic Toner Pads are also great for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Meet our experts:

• Hwang Wonuk, MD, cosmetic physician at Cheongdam LeBelle Dermatologic Clinic in Seoul
• Y. Claire Chang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
• David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of Lightsaver skin care brand
• Eunice Park, MD, dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Airem aesthetic spa in New York City, Long Island, and Bridgehampton
• Charlotte Cho, licensed esthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer