Ampoules are taking the K-Beauty world by storm. A staple in Korean skincare, they’re ultra-concentrated Korean serums, packed with powerful active ingredients to target concerns like dehydration, inflammation, dullness, redness, and hyperpigmentation. If you’re serious about achieving glass skin, ampoules belong in your Korean skincare routine.
Whether you’re new to ampoules or looking for the perfect match for your skin, we’ve rounded up the best ampoules from top Korean skincare brands below.
Which Ampoule is Best for Your Face?
When choosing the best Korean skincare products for your skin, focus on your skin’s specific needs—not just what’s trending on TikTok. A well-chosen ampoule can be transformative, helping to repair, hydrate, or brighten your complexion.
Once you’ve identified your skin type—whether it’s dry, oily, sensitive, mature, or acne-prone—you’ll easily be able to find the best ampoule for your face, below.
Our Favourite Types of Ampoules
From hydrating hyaluronic acid ampoules to brightening vitamin C ampoules and skin-renewing retinol ampoules, there’s an ampoule for every concern. Here are our top picks for glowing skin.
AXIS-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule
Best for: Sensitive and dry skin
Ampoule type: Soothing
AXIS-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule: This barrier-boosting ampoule is packed with artichoke and centella asiatica to repair and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It calms redness, dryness, and sensitivity, leaving skin soothed and resilient. Antioxidant-rich hawkweed extract also helps to combat irritation. You’ll be left with silky smooth skin after using this.
Pair with: AXIS-Y Mugwort Pore Clarifying Wash Off Pack
Formulated with 61% mugwort, this mask clears pores, soothes breakouts, and gently exfoliates without irritating sensitive skin.
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, and dry skin
Ampoule type: Hydrating
COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule: This deeply hydrating ampoule blends vitamin B5 (panthenol) with centella asiatica to repair and calm irritated skin. Its lightweight formula sinks in instantly, delivering intense hydration without heaviness.
Pair with: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
Formulated with 92% snail mucin, this cream deeply hydrates, plumps, and strengthens the skin barrier with a non-greasy finish.
By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Calming Ampoule
Best for: Sensitive and acne-prone skin
Ampoule type: Anti-inflammatory
By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Calming Ampoule: A soothing powerhouse, this ampoule is enriched with 15% propolis and houttuynia cordata extract, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for calming acne, reducing redness, and improving skin’s overall clarity.
Pair with: By Wishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash
The ultimate pre-ampoule prep, this powder-to-foam Korean cleanser harnesses the power of green tea, papain enzyme, and coconut-derived surfactants to purify, soothe, and refresh the skin. It gently melts away blackheads, dead skin cells, and impurities, leaving the complexion calm, smooth, and perfectly prepped for your ampoule. The addition of baking soda helps to deep-clean pores without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier, making it a gentle but effective choice for all skin types.
I’m From Beet Energy Ampoule
Best for: Dry skin
Ampoule type: Hydrating
I’m From Beet Energy Ampoule: With 81.5% red beet extract, this ampoule deeply hydrates, smooths texture, and revives dull skin. Micro-squalane capsules provide an extra boost of nourishment and radiance without stickiness.
Pair with: I’m From Rice Sunscreen
This mineral-based Korean sunscreen delivers high-level protection against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50+ PA++++, shielding the skin from sun damage while keeping it hydrated and comfortable. Infused with 41% amino acid-rich goami rice extract, this lightweight sunscreen nourishes, brightens, and smooths the skin, helping to even out tone and improve texture over time.
NACIFIC UYU Cream Ampoule
Best for: Dry skin
Ampoule type: Hydrating
NACIFIC UYU Cream Ampoule: A barrier-boosting, moisture-locking ampoule, enriched with Ceramide-5 Complex and milk extracts to soothe, soften, and brighten the skin. Vitamin B12 adds radiance, making it a go-to for dull, dehydrated skin.
Pair with: NACIFIC Fresh Herb Origin Toner
This hydrating Korean toner replenishes moisture with niacinamide and calendula extract, refining skin texture and balancing oil levels. Use after you’ve cleansed and before you apply your chosen ampoule.
Dr. Jart+ Brightamin Brightening Serum Ampoule
Best for: Hyperpigmentation, acne-prone, and mature skin
Ampoule type: Brightening
Dr. Jart+ Brightamin Brightening Serum Ampoule: Packed with 99% pure vitamin C and niacinamide, this brightening powerhouse evens skin tone, fades dark spots, and reduces fine lines. The innovative Stellight™ capsule system ensures maximum potency. It’s a must-have if you want to get rid of hyperpigmentation.
Pair with: Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
This colour-correcting cream transforms from green to beige, soothing redness while forming a protective shield against pollution.
ANUA Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule
Best for: Acne-prone and sensitive skin
Ampoule type: Anti-inflammatory
ANUA Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule: Powered by heartleaf extract, this ampoule calms breakouts, relieves redness, and defends against irritation. A blend of hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and betaine delivers a serious hydration boost.
Pair with: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
This anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory cleansing oil clears blackheads, dissolves makeup, and purifies pores. It’s one of the best Korean cleansing oils around, read our full review of this ANUA cleanser, for all the details.
haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Botanical 2GF Wonderful Ampoule
Best for: Dry, mature, and sensitive skin
Ampoule type: Hydrating
haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Botanical 2GF Wonderful Ampoule: Formulated with plant-derived EGF, this ampoule boosts elasticity and smooths fine lines. Fermented black rice provides antioxidant protection, while hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica keep skin soft and plump.
Pair with: haruharu wonder Black Rice Facial Oil
This lightweight oil blends jojoba, sunflower, and lavender oils to nourish and protect the skin.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Best for: Dry, acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin
Ampoule type: Anti-inflammatory
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule: This soothing ampoule is a game-changer for irritated, tired, or acne-prone skin. Powered by pure Madagascan centella asiatica, it deeply hydrates, calms inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier. It also helps balance sebum levels, reducing breakouts, dry patches, and sensitivity while working to prevent early signs of ageing. Expect plumper, softer, and more resilient skin with continued use.
Pair with: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
This nourishing cream combines fermented centella, ceramide NP, and probiotics to restore moisture, soothe irritation, and reinforce the skin barrier. Infused with bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, it helps de-puff, firm, and smooth fine lines, making it perfect for sensitive and mature skin.
TirTir Ceramic Milk Ampoule
Best for: Dry, sensitive, and mature skin
Ampoule type: Hydrating
TirTir Ceramic Milk Ampoule: This deeply nourishing ampoule delivers an instant glass-skin effect, smoothing the complexion and boosting radiance with a high-quality nutrient complex. Powered by squalane and rice bran extract, it provides long-lasting hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and defends against free radicals to keep skin looking plump and youthful. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula ensures deep penetration without clogging pores, helping to enhance the absorption of your next skincare steps.
Pair with: TirTir Ceramic Cream
Lock in hydration with this rich yet non-greasy moisturiser, formulated with polyaromatic acid and shea butter to deeply soften and smooth the skin. Enriched with traditional Korean botanicals like centella asiatica, witch hazel, and green tea, this cream helps to soothe irritation, refine texture, and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. Ideal for sealing in moisture and boosting elasticity, this duo makes the perfect pairing for a radiant, well-nourished complexion.
Whatever your skin’s needs, there’s a Korean ampoule to match. Explore the range today and upgrade your skincare game.
