The 10 BEST Korean Skin Brightening Serums To Make Your Face And Wallet Happy

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I have always been a huge fan of glass skin, even before I discovered the skincare business. Gradually, I came face-to-face with the Korean world of skincare secrets. 

Honestly, guys, it changed my life. I achieved the glass skin I had always dreamed of. However, what is life without problems, huh? 

When I discovered the ingredients and the various types of Korean skin brightening serums, face masks, and moisturizers, the biggest issue was the price.   

The skin care products of famous Korean brands became too costly for me, which made me think, ‘How do I achieve glass skin at a lower price?’

Therefore, I began my research to find brands that sell skincare products with the same Korean ingredients at a more reasonable price.   

Why Do You Need Korean Skin Brightening Serums? 

Before I answer this question that many of you have asked me, I want to address one primary point about Korean skincare: It is undeniably the best in the skincare business.  

When it comes to Skincare, the Koreans really know what they are doing. One of the biggest reasons why I am a huge fan is that it is cruelty-free and chemical-free.  

What does this mean? Well, it means that these products are safe to use and suitable for all skin types.  

Now, let’s talk about the Korean skin brightening serums. Unlike all other brightening serums, Korean skin brightening serums contain a lot of hydrating agents. 

These include peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Snail mucin. They also include ingredients such as:  

• Vitamin C for reducing hyperpigmentation 
• Niacinamide for even skin tone 
• Alpha Arbutin for the reduction of dark spots 
• Kojic Acid for skin lightening  

Will Korean Skin Brightening Serums Work Their Wonders On Indian Skin And Climate?

Korean skin brightening serums can benefit Indian skin, but it’s essential to select the right products tailored to individual needs.  

Korean skincare focuses on hydration and gentle ingredients. This is why the ingredients used in the products are  

• Hydrating 
• Calming 

Indian skin will surely benefit from these ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Ginseng Root Extracts, Cica, Vitamin C, etc.  

These ingredients will help them remove issues such as  

• Pigmentation 
• Sensitivity 
• Sun exposure 

However, keeping in mind the hot and humid climate of Indian, it is important to note that some changes must be made.  

For example, the Korean skincare routine requires layering skin care products, which will cause clogging of the pores and residual acne. 

Therefore, Indians must select their choice of Korean skincare products wisely, and keep the steps to a minimum.   

Best Korean Skin Brightening Serums That Won’t Hurt Your Budget 

These are the products that I have tried and tested for you all. I have carefully checked all the ingredients and analyzed the results closely.  

Check out the detailed review of these affordable Korean skin brightening serums:  

1. Skin Harmony Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Ideal Skin Type: Sensitive Skin 

Ingredients: Snail Secretion, Betain Anhydrous, D-Pentahnol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid. 

Of course, I had to start with a Snail Mucin product. This essence contains 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate, which deeply hydrates and refreshes dry, dull skin.  

The combination of Snail Mucin and Hyaluronic Acid helps retain moisture, making your skin feel full and soft without being oily.  

Niacinamide and Snail Mucin work together to improve skin texture and elasticity. This hydrating essence also boosts collagen production. 

What do you get? This serum helps to firm the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles and gives you a more youthful and radiant complexion. 

What I Liked About Skin Harmony Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence? 

These are the things I really liked about the Skin Harmony Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence: 

• The list of ingredients, all these put together, makes this repairing essence a true hydrating skin brightening serum 
• They have used 96% Snail Mucin, along with Glycerin and Hyaluronic acid, which also makes it a strong barrier essence, but with a lighter texture. 
• The light texture will prevent clogging your pores while providing the much-needed barrier repair and protection.
• You can use this essence on its own, without using a moisturizer, if you have sensitive and oily skin.  

However, if you have dry skin, you might need a light moisturizer afterwards.   

What I Hated About Skin Harmony Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence? 

Uh oh! Nothing and nobody’s perfect, so here are a few things I hated about this repairing essence: 

• This skin brightening serum might not adhere to everyone’s skin, as it leaves some residue. The blendability is a problem 
• It is not vegan

2. Re’Equil Daily Brightening Serum

Skin Type: All skin types 

Ingredients: Aqua, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin 

This product contains 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which is the most stable and effective type of Vitamin C.  

It helps protect your skin from sun damage and pollution while boosting collagen production.  

When you use it regularly, it will lessen your melanin production, reducing dark spots and pigmentation.  

What I Liked About Re’Equil Daily Brightening Serum? 

These are the points that I liked about the Re’Equil Daily Brightening Serum: 

• With the combination of Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and sodium hyaluronate, it penetrates your skin to visibly brighten your complexion.  
• Its water-based formula absorbs easily into your skin without leaving any greasy residue or shine.  
• It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, safety-tested, and suitable for all skin types. 

What I Hated About The Re’equil Daily Brightening Serum? 

These are the points about this brightening serum that didn’t sit right with me: 

• It has a milky texture that tends to leave a whitecast, which I did not like at all. 
• Although this serum has Hyaluronic Acid in it, it is not very hydrating.   

3. Quench 96% Snail Mucin Collagen Boost Serum 

Skin Type: All skin types

Ingredients: Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Betaine, Allantoin, Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract. 

Another review, another Snail Mucin Serum. Well, this one’s my favorite, to say the least.  

This serum is effective, delivering impressive results in just one week. You will appreciate its hydrating properties that last up to 72 hours.  

Specially formulated for Indian skin, it is suitable for sensitive skin. You’ll notice its smooth, lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.  

I think it is one of those Korean skin brightening serums that gives your skin a glow and is worth the money.  

What I Liked About The Quench 96% Snail Mucin Collagen Boost Serum? 

These are the points that I really liked about this series:  

• The ingredient list? A solid 10/10. It has Ginseng root extract as well as centella extract, which are famous Korean calming and hydrating agents.  
• The texture is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and works wonders overnight. 
• A 72-hour hydration? At first, I thought it was a facade. Oh, how beautifully I was proven wrong!  

What I Hated About The Quench 96% Snail Mucin Collagen Boost Serum? 

These are the points that I didn’t like about this serum:  

• It is too good to be true!  

4. Auravedic Kumkumadi Oil 

Skin Type: All skin types 

Ingredients: Kesar, Lal Chandan,  AgnimanthaLac, Manjistha, Daruhaldi, Ushira, Padmaka, Neel Kamal, Vat Vriksha, Pakar, Kamal Kesar, Bael, Ficus Lacor, Shyonaka, Gambhari, Patala, Shalaparni, Prishanaparni, Gokshura, Brihati, Kantakari, Sesame Oil, Yashtimadhu, Mahua, Pattanga, Goat Milk  

The ingredient list might be a little long and confusing for you. It doesn’t have any Korean ingredients in it.  

However, I recommend using this because the results are similar to using a Korean skin brightening serum.  

You’ll find that this product is power-packed with 26 exotic herbs and potent natural oils, all carefully chosen to enhance your skin’s natural radiance.  

The Kumkumadi Tailam is an ancient formula that combines traditional wisdom with modern technology, ensuring you receive maximum benefits and efficacy.  

It is also dermatologically approved. This illuminating face oil has been specially tested in certified labs to suit all skin types and ages.  

What I Liked About Auravedic Kumkumadi Oil? 

These are the points that I really liked about this series:  

• Kumkumadi Tailam features a unique formula that facilitates the rapid delivery of beneficial ingredients into the skin. You can see results right away. 
• It is a great product with a very reasonable cost. 
• When you use it regularly, your skin will have a smooth texture and a youthful glow.   

What I Hated About Auravedic Kumkumadi Oil? 

These are the points that I hated about this face oil: 

• Face oils are not suitable for every single climate. Even though the oil is lightweight, it still can feel sticky in this humid weather.  

5. Pilgrim Korean 2% Alpha Arbutin & 3% Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum 

Skin Type: All skin types 

Ingredients: Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C, Blueberry extracts, Red Vine extracts, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid 

Discover a potent serum that will help you reclaim your complexion. Alpha Arbutin works to fade hyperpigmentation. 

At the same time, Vitamin C combats free radicals that cause damage, along with the added benefits of blueberry extracts. 

Your skin receives essential nutrients that help prevent aging. Use this serum for unrivaled daily brightness and radiance! 

What I Liked About Pilgrim Korean 2% Alpha Arbutin & 3% Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum? 

These are the points that I really liked about this series:  

• This product brightens skin discolorations and improves skin tone for a glowing, even look.  
• Vitamin C boosts radiance and helps prevent early signs of aging. It also protects against environmental damage.  
• This helps keep your skin looking youthful by fighting free radicals and sun damage.  
• These ingredients work together for a bright and radiant complexion. It has been tested by dermatologists. 

What I Hated About The Pilgrim Korean 2% Alpha Arbutin & 3% Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum? 

These are the points that I hated about this serum: 

• The presence of both active ingredients, Salycilic and glycolic acid, can sometimes be harsh to skin, so it’s a no for me.  

6. Glowrico Glow Elxir Face Serum

Skin Type: All skin types 

Ingredients: Green Tea leaf extract, Niacinamide, Licorice Root extract, Alpha Arbutin 

This serum contains high-quality Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which helps reduce acne scars, blemishes, and dark spots. With regular use, you can achieve a more even skin tone in just 2 weeks. 

It’s ideal for people with oily skin and noticeable pores. The serum helps balance oil production and shrink pore size. 

Niacinamide fights breakouts and strengthens your skin barrier. It also protects against damage from the sun, pollution, and allergens, promoting healthier skin. 

What I Liked About The Glowrico Glow Elxir Face Serum? 

These are the points that I really liked about this series:  

•  It lessens redness or inflammation, giving your skin a matte and non-greasy finish all day long. 
• Glowrico supports clean beauty. This serum is fragrance-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and essential oil-free.  
• The formula is pH-balanced, non-comedogenic, and oil-free, making it safe for daily use on all skin types without causing irritation. 

What I Hated About The Glowrico Glow Elixir Face Serum? 

These are the points that I hated about this serum: 

• It can be a little more hydrating.  
• It tends to leave a slight residue.  

7. Minskinn Korean Brightening Face Serum

Skin Type: All skin types 

Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C, White Tea Extract 

If you’re in search of the best vitamin C serum, the Minskinn Brightening Face Serum offers a unique blend that enhances your skin’s radiance. 

Additionally, this serum fights signs of aging and improves overall texture for a flawless finish.  

Specially formulated for oily skin, this serum is ideal for you if you’re looking for a glowing complexion, as it balances oil production while delivering essential nutrients.  

Enriched with Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin, the Minskinn Brightening Face Serum contains powerful ingredients that help reduce dark spots and pigmentation.

Furthermore, it even beats uneven skin tone, leaving your skin looking brighter and more even-toned. 

What I Liked About The Minskinn Korean Brightening Face Serum? 

These are the points that I really liked about this series:  

• Our skin brightening serum for women helps reduce dark spots and improve skin texture, giving you a natural glow.  
• This Vitamin C serum works for all skin types—oily, dry, or combination—keeping your complexion healthy.  
• The Minskinn Brightening Face Serum is a top skincare choice that addresses different skin issues.  
• It combines Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin to effectively fade dark spots, correct pigmentation, and even out skin tone for a brighter look.  

What I Hated About The Minskinn Korean Brightening Face Serum? 

These are the points that I hated about this serum: 

• This serum is more of a hydrating serum than a brightening serum. 

8. Pure Origin Korean Vitamin C Bright Boosting Face Serum

Skin Type: All skin types 

Ingredients: Yuzu lemon extracts, Vitamin C 

The Pure Origin Korean Vitamin C Bright Boosting Serum gives your skin a brightening recharge and targets dark spots at their root.  

With 20x Vitamin C, it offers a highly concentrated and super-efficient formula that penetrates deep into your skin to fade dark spots.  

By using the serum before your cream, you can maximize the brightening and hydrating benefits. 

All these features make it an essential part of your routine for achieving spotless, glowing, and even-toned skin. 

What I Liked About The Pure Origin Korean Vitamin C Bright Boosting Serum? 

These are the points that I liked about this serum: 

• This product has 20 times the amount of Vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that helps reduce dark spots. Yuzu Lemon works deep in your skin to brighten it effectively.  
• The Vitamin C in Yuzu Lemon increases collagen production, which helps to even out your skin tone and gives you a natural glow.  
• Its quick-absorbing formula hydrates without causing any stickiness. 

What I Hated About The Pure Origin Korean Vitamin C Bright Boosting Serum?

These are the points that I hated about this serum: 

• There is no hydrating agents used, and it shows. It makes your skin dry and causes flaking.  

9. Deconstruct Brightening Serum with 10% Niacinamide Serum with 0.3% Alpha Arbutin 

Skin Type: All skin types

Ingredients: Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Licorice Root Extract 

Niacinamide and alpha arbutin work well together to improve skin texture, even out skin tone, and reduce hyperpigmentation and tanning.  

This face brightening serum combines both ingredients to enhance their effectiveness, resulting in more noticeable brightening effects. It’s an ideal serum for achieving glowing skin. 

What I Liked About Deconstruct Brightening Serum with 10% Niacinamide Serum with 0.3% Alpha Arbutin? 

These are the points I really liked about this serum: 

• This brightening serum is safe for all skin types: oily, normal, dry, and sensitive. It works for both men and women.  

● You can use it up to twice a day on damp skin, as a day serum or night serum. If you have oily skin, use a cleanser before applying the serum and follow it with a moisturizer.  

This facial serum is free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and cruelty. 

What I Hated About Deconstruct Brightening Serum with 10% Niacinamide Serum with 0.3% Alpha Arbutin? 

These are the points that I hated about this serum: 

• Not much to hate. However, even though this serum is hydrating, make sure to use moisturizer if you have dry skin.  

Can You Really Get Glass Skin?  

Well, if you want me to answer this in a simple yes/no answer, I will say it’s 100% yes. However, there are more layers to it.  

Moreover, when you want to achieve the Korean glass skin, of course, skincare plays a huge role in it. At least these Korean skin brightening serums do! 

Jokes apart, just skincare won’t suffice. A proper diet, daily water intake, and a consistent sleep schedule are essential. Oh, and saying no to toxic people!   

Furthermore, remember that achieving good skin is a journey. It takes time, patience, and consistency.  

However, it is definitely possible, so keep at it!  

Are Korean Skin Brightening Serums Truly Worth It? 

I have experimented a lot with all the Korean skin brightening serums to write this article, and honestly, my experience was not quite bad. 

Moreover, I have a combination of skin with an oily T-zone. Therefore, what worked for my skin might not work for you.

Though the essence of Korean skincare is, as I mentioned before, that it is suitable for all skin types.   

Overall, I would say that Korean skin brightening serums should be a must-have in your daily skincare routine.  

Please share your experience with these in the comments below. And for more such skincare reviews, keep an eye out!