One of the first Korean ampoules I encountered left me with a burning (albeit, obvious) question: What exactly is an ampoule (and was I even pronouncing it correctly)? The product in question was Celimax’s brat green–hued formula, from which a single drop pressed onto the back of my winter-ravaged hand delivered an impressive hit of hydration. At first glance, it looked sort of like a serum, with a similar texture too; but a bit of research quickly revealed that ampoules and serums are more like cousins than identical twins. “In Korea, ampoules have been popular for a while,” beauty expert and former Allure editor-in-chief Michelle Lee tells Vogue. “Think of them like a supercharged, more concentrated serum—kind of the equivalent of a deep conditioning hair mask versus a conditioner.”
That said, Lee explains that once the Korean skin-care product began gaining global traction, the terminology became a bit murkier. “There’s no official governing body policing how brands name their products, so there are certainly ampoules on the market that are probably more akin to serums; kind of like how the line between some hydrating toners and essences are starting to blur,” she says. Pro esthetician Emma Jinn agrees, noting that terms like serums, ampoules, and boosters are often used interchangeably in beauty marketing—even when the formulas themselves differ.
Vogue’s Favorite Korean Ampoules
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum
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Rejuran Turnover Ampoule
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TIRTIR Ceramic Milk Ampoule
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CosRx Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule
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Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Ampoule
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VT Cosmetics PDRN Cica Exosome Ampoule
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Celimax Noni Energy Ampoule
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Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule
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Another point of distinction comes down to concentration. “Ampoules typically have a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to serums,” board-certified dermatologist Lauren Moy, MD tells Vogue. “Serums are often designed for daily use, ampoules are usually used as targeted treatments for specific skin concerns.” Historically, their packaging reflected that potency: as Dr. Moy explains, classic ampoules were housed in small sealed vials containing highly concentrated formulas, designed to keep the ingredients stable until the moment they were opened.
All of which means that, while browsing—or endlessly scrolling—through today’s options can feel a bit confusing, the category itself is well-worth exploring to address all your skin’s needs. Ahead, eight popular Korean ampoules—from viral favorites to expert-backed picks—that offer an easy entry point into the world of high-impact treatments.
In This Story
Best Overall: Rejuran Turnover Ampoule
- Why We Love It: You may recognize Rejuran after the brand tapped Kris Jenner as an ambassador, but it has long been a cult favorite in Korea, especially for mature skin.“This formula features has salmon derived PDRN to help boost collagen production and help strengthen skin barrier,” says Dr. Moy. “It also helps improve hydration and elasticity which helps with glow.” That said, board-certified dermatologist Jane Yoo, MD previous explained that while PDRN serums are a fast-growing cosmetic category, these formulas don’t have the same supported evidence of preventing photoaging as do retinoids or sunscreens—so instead she advises using PDRN on your non-retinoid nights.
- Key Ingredients: Adenosine, niacinamide, PDRN, raspberry leaf juice
- Texture: Viscose, gel-like texture
- Best For: Mature skin
- Size: 30 mL
