As someone with super sensitive, acne-prone skin, I’ve found that American products often don’t do it for me. Many hydrating serums formulated here in the states often leave me underwhelmed — especially during winter when my skin gets dehydrated more easily. That’s why I turned to Korean skincare. I’ve found that Korean brands are superior because many of them formulate for extremely sensitive skin and, most importantly, for folks with a damaged skin barrier (the culprit behind most skin issues, actually). As a result, many Korean formulas focus on deep hydration and repair mechanisms to heal the skin at its deeper layers. If you find winter to be a tough season because you struggle even more with dryness, dehydration or even breakouts, then you’ll love what’s to come. Below, I’ve rounded up the best hydrating Korean serums for winter that keep skin calm and full of extra moisture. The best part? They’re also extremely affordable. For all my top picks, keep scrolling.This snail mucin essenceThis cult-loved Cosrx serum is powered by 96% snail mucin, an ingredient known to help hydrate, nourish, plump, and repair the skin. This version is oil-free for anyone who's acne-prone, but the brand also makes its Snail Radiance Dual Essence ($16) which is a little more rich for those with drier skin types. Both are also great at repairing a damaged skin barrier.Promising review: "10/10 Recommend. Super moisturizing especially when combined with the COSRX snail mucin cream. Has a thinner consistency so can run a little but stays for a long time on skin. Makes my skin really soft and smooth with an added glow as well. Bottle is a decent size and is pretty durable." — HayleeThis rice water- and ceramide-rich serumThis serum is a personal favorite of mine for hydration during the winter because it features ingredients like redness-calming beta glucan, honey extract, seven types of rice extract, and arbutin to brighten dark spots. It has an elastic-type of consistency that feels really rich when you apply it, but it sinks into the skin beautifully and keeps my skin hydrated all day long.Promising review: "Earlier this year, I had to start using benzoyl peroxide to get my acne under control, which made my oily skin red, irritated, and flaky. I needed something super hydrating and soothing to counteract it, landed on this serum, and I'm so glad I did. It's thick but not sticky, super hydrating, and calmed my skin right down. I'm using it 2x daily along with a peptide serum, very happy with the results. This has earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine." — Ulta customerThis hydrating peptide serumThis brand is a little pricier than most other Korean brands, but is a hybrid formula that consists of a mix of peptides and vitamin B7 to boost collagen production in while boosting hydration deep within the skin. While it is lightweight, don't let that fool you, the hydration it offers is still next level and gives you that "glass skin" look.Promising review: "This serum has such a soothing scent, I love it. I try to use this serum as the first step of skincare since it is NOT sticky and it feels like it preps my skin so well for any additional skincare afterwards including cream, suncream, makeup, etc. It is not heavy at all.Even though it can be layered, I never really need to do that since it's moisturizing enough after just one layer of it. Best serum for any season! It feels light yet powerful and goes a long way. I would buy it again." — Amazon customerThis hydrating essence-tonerMa:nyo's essence and toner in one provides immediate and long-lasting hydration with its patented ingredient Panthetoin. This is a unique combination of panthenol and ectoin, two powerhouse hydrators that help the skin retain moisture. Additionally, ceramides help protect and repair the skin barrier while keeping dry winter winds from wreaking havoc.Promising review: "This toner is a must during the winter. It [has] a gel like texture and helps lock in the moisture. Not much of a smell so it's nice for sensitive skin and it also doesn't leave my face greasy. The bottle is a good size too." — NoraThis noni-rich ampoule that gives reviewers a "natural glow"This Celimax formula contains a whopping 71.77% of nutrient-rich noni extract to refresh and hydrate the skin. Rosemary oil in the formula also helps calm irritation and redness and adenosine helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Promising review: "I've been using the Celimax Noni Ampoule for a couple of weeks, and my skin has improved dramatically. It feels softer, hydrated, and has a natural glow that I haven’t achieved with other products. I love that it’s lightweight, non-sticky, and absorbs quickly. I also notice that my dry areas feel much calmer. Definitely a must-have in my skincare routine." — CamilaThis probiotic-rich ampouleThis intensive ampoule was made for dry winter skin. It has a rich texture, but is still lightweight enough to be noncomedogenic. It contains fermented centella and ceramides to dramatically improve skin's hydration levels, firmness and overall radiance.Promising review: "I've been using the Madagascar Probio‑Cica Intensive Ampoule and it has quickly become my go‑to skincare essential. My skin used to be reactive and easily irritated, but this ampoule helped calm everything down while strengthening my barrier. The texture is silky and absorbs fast, leaving my face hydrated without heaviness or stickiness. I appreciate that it's fragrance‑free, which makes it gentle enough for daily use. After consistent application, my complexion looks smoother, redness has faded, and my skin feels healthier overall. Even when I get the occasional breakout, they're less intense than before. The packaging feels premium, and the dropper makes it easy to apply." — Ulta customerThis propolis-rich glow serumBeauty of Joseon remains a fan-favorite Korean beauty brand for its incredible formulas at such an affordable price. The brand's Glow serum is another favorite of mine because it's packed with 60% propolis (which is extremely hydrating) and 2% niacinamide to help lighten hyperpigmentation. It also contains a light exfoliant so it's perfect for acne-prone skin types. I don't use it every single day, but even so, I see great results. My skin has a nice glow to it after applying it, even during winter.Promising review: "I have been using this for over a year. My skin is sensitive and I have rosacea, but also dry at times. This hydrates, smoothes, and improves the look of my skin one hundred times. It is lightweight and extremely effective. I love it so much." — Amazon customerThis hydrating PDRN-enriched serumRejuran was the first brand to bring popular regenerative skincare ingredient PDRN to the masses. This original formula contains 7% PDRN and intense skin hydration with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids — perfect for winter skin.Promising review: "Rejuran is awesome. I now have most of their products and use them twice daily. I have noticed an increase in hydration and “plumpness” in my skin! I used to use Dermalogica (and still love that brand) but gave this a try after I did a laser facial with a Rejuran ampoule. Highly recommend!!!" — Amazon customer This Jericho rose and bifida serumBarrier support and a hydration boost in one, this serum from Abib is perfect for anyone with sensitive, dry or dehydrated skin. Rose of Jericho is the star ingredient which protects against environmental aggressors and deeply hydrates the skin. Bifida ferment also helps repair damaged skin while soothing and comforting it.Promising review: "This serum changed my skin for the best! I have dry skin and suffer with hormonal acne that tends to scar. The serum texture is not too thick and it doesn't leave your skin sticky. But it is amazingly hydrating and the scent is minimal. This has become my holy grail serum." — Azhane WilliamsThis hydrating and exfoliating essenceThis viral exfoliating essence from Mixsoon contains fermented bean, barley, pomegranate and Korean pear to gently smooth skin texture while providing a hefty dose of hydration. It's also naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and E.Promising review: "I absolutely love this essence because it’s extremely gentle and hydrating on the skin along with giving your skin a little bit of an exfoliation as well! It definitely smooths your skin texture and brightens your skin complexion and not to mention that it absorbs quickly without leaving you feeling sticky. It’s perfect to use in your everyday skin care routine or as a gentle exfoliation a few times a week. This is a definitely a skin care staple that i’ll keep repurchasing again and again!" — Tracy GreeneClose Trending In ShoppingMore In Shopping