In this post I’ll share the 20 best Korean skincare for acne scars.
Picking the right active ingredients for the appearance of acne scars can be overwhelming – allow me to guide you!
From glycolic and lactic acid to beta hydroxy acids and retinoids, we will conquer acne scarring in 2025 together.
Table of Contents
- Why do acne scars take long to heal?
- Best Korean sunscreen for acne scars
- Best Korean exfoliants for acne scars and skin renewal
- Best Korean brightening products for acne scars
- Best Korean retinol for hyperpigmentation
- Best Korean barrier serums to help acne scars heal
- Non-skincare tips for how to fix hyperpigmentation
- Final thoughts on acne scar skincare and atrophic scars
- This was the 20 best Korean skincare for acne scars.
Why do acne scars take long to heal?
Before you dive into a new routine of Korean skin care products, let’s break down why they don’t just disappear overnight.
There are three main scar types that we deal with often:
- Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Those are the annoying dark spots that linger after an initial breakout. They aren’t true scars but a concentration of melanin production that can take months to fade.
- Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE): Red or pink marks that appear after inflammation, normally caused by damaged blood vessels.
- Atrophic Scars (Indentations): These are depressed scars caused by collagen loss during the natural healing process.
So, why do acne scars last so long?
- Inflammation slows healing. The more aggressive or long-lasting the breakout, the more damage it does.
- Sun exposure makes PIH a lot worse, ensuring it takes longer than usual to heal.
- Collagen loss is hard to reverse naturally without a push from ingredients like retinoids or peptides.
The takeaway? PIH and PIE will fade on their own eventually (if you’re patient enough).
However, atrophic scars need a more targeted, proactive approach.
Best Korean sunscreen for acne scars
Without SPF protection, your chosen acne scar treatment will have a hard time working.
I recommend thinking of sunscreen as an acne scar treatment in and of itself.
This is because hyperpigmentation from acne breakouts will only last longer and be more stubborn, if it has sun exposure without protection.
The best Korean skincare for acne scars don’t just target the scars – they prevent them forming too.
1. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Mineral Sunscreen
Haruharu is a staple Korean brand and they make two really great sunscreens for acne prone skin.
This first one, Black Rice Mineral Sunscreen, uses mostly mineral filters, which are great on sensitive skin.
The only downside is that there will be a small white cast on deeper skin tones.
2. Haruharu Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
The most popular sunscreen from Haruharu, though, the chemical sunscreen – Airyfit daily sunscreen.
This one is much less likely to leave a white cast on your skin, because it does not contain mineral filters.
Sometimes the best Korean skincare for acne scars means finding products that don’t cause breakouts in the first place!
So many acne prone people love this sunscreen, and I can see why.
3. Skin1004 Hyalu Cica Sun Serum
You’ve probably seen Skin1004 allover TikTok and Instagram, but it is actually worth the hype.
The Skin1004 Hyalu Cica sun serum has a light, airy-like texture that feels weightless on your skin and absorbs easily.
It also doesn’t leave a white cast, making it suitable for darker skin tones.
This one is particularly great for oily skin types.
4. Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
The Purito Daily Soft Touch was my go-to sunscreen for a while, in the end I decided I wanted something a bit more hydrating.
It is great for those with oily skin types, as it’s not too hydrating, but my skin is dry.
The finish is dewy at first, but quickly sinks in and because more of a natural finish.
Best Korean exfoliants for acne scars and skin renewal
Your skin is constantly regenerating, but when dead skin cells build up they can slow the healing process and make scars look more prominent.
Exfoliation is definitely important if you have scars as a result of acne, but you want to make sure not to overdo it – more on that later.
1. HaruHaru Wonder Centella 3% PHA Exfoliating Serum
I love the HaruHaru Wonder PHA serum because quite simply – I love PHA!
Polyhydroxy acid is one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids around, so most people tolerate it well.
This serum helped me gently exfoliate, clear my pore debris, and fade my acne scars over time.
I also love that it contains centella for soothing, and minimal ingredients overall.
2. The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA
Generally I prefer serums, but Korean toners can also work well for acne scars.
The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner is a mild exfoliation toner packed with AHA and salicylic acid to help brighten, refine, and clear clogged pores.
I would use this 1-2x a week, not every day. Some people can tolerate this, but not everyone.
3. By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water
For those of you with sensitive skin and can’t handle exfoliating products, the By Wishtrend Mandelic Prep Water is a mandelic acid toner that’s super gentle overall.
As with most exfoliating toners, it has AHA to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin tone, but it also has some other great ingredients.
I really love the addition of licorice root extract, known to soothe and fade acne marks.
This should soothe skin inflammation and control the active breakouts a little better.
4. Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence
Isntree’s Chestnut AHA 8% is a higher-than-average AHA exfoliating toner that should be used as a treatment.
This is the kind of product that you might notice a glow with from the very next day!
It also have some aloe vera, panthenol and madecassoside for soothing irritations and hydrating.
I recommend using this once a week, for example, to boost your routine results.
Best Korean brightening products for acne scars
Alongside some exfoliation (not too much, remember!) you will want to add something in for brightening skin.
These will improve an uneven skin tone and give the appearance of healthy skin.
Below are some products that aren’t exfoliants, so they can be used more frequently (think once daily).
1. NINELESS A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum
The NINELESS A-Control is an azelaic acid and niacinamide-based serum designed to fade dark spots, even skin tone and enhance skin radiance.
Not everyone gets on with niacinamide, but personally I love it!
Niacinamide and azelaic acid is a great combo to fade post-acne marks and rebuild your skin barrier, since azelaic acid is very mild on the whole.
Azelaic acid also inhibits the formation of new hyperpigmentation, as an added bonus.
2. The Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin
I just know you’ve all seen this trending for Korean skincare products on TikTok.
Apparently Beauty of Joseon is not actually very popular in Korea, but I still think it is a good brand.
On paper, the Beauty of Joseon Glow deep serum has everything going for it.
It’s gentle and lightweight, has rice water and arbutin to fade dark marks, and layers well with other products.
On the whole, this is good for mild to moderate acne, but not quite right for deep hyperpigmentation, for example.
3. Cos De BAHA AZ Azelaic Acid 10 Serum
Another great azelaic acid serum is the Cos de BAHA AZ 10 serum.
Generally speaking I think Cos De BAHA have a really effective range of Korean skincare products for each skin concern.
Especially if you have hormonal acne, I think azelaic acid serums are some of the best Korean skincare products for this.
This is because azelaic acid is anti inflammatory, and hormonal acne tends to be quite inflamed.
This and the NINELESS are also ideal for sensitive skin types that still want to see significant improvements.
4. TIRTIR SOS Serum
When it comes to fading hyperpigmentation and acne scars, you want to include some products you can regularly use without irritation.
I think TirTir’s SOS Serum is such a good all rounder for this purpose.
Not only is it very soothing, with centella, licorice root and glycerin, but it also gently brightens and evens skin tone.
This is an ideal choice for daily use that is unlikely to cause irritation.
Best Korean retinol for hyperpigmentation
There are a few types of retinoids: retinol, retinaldehyde and prescription retinoids to name the key categories.
Retinoids are fantastic as acne treatments as well as the scarring left behind.
They work by speeding up skin cell turnover, purging pimples and re-surfacing the face – such a great way to get radiant skin.
1. Scinic Cicanoid Retinal Cream
Retinoids are the gold standard for tackling acne, fine lines, and uneven skin texture, and Scinic provide a great option.
The Scinic Cicanoid Retinal has a potent blend of retinal, retinol, bakuchiol, and ceramides helps resurface, repair, and restore your skin.
Retinal can be beginner-friendly, you just want to start slowly if you’re new to retinoids.
Try starting at 1-2x per week to avoid irritation.
2. Ksecret 1988 Retinal Liposome Serum
If you want a slightly more beginner-friendly retinal serum that tackles acne scars and uneven skin tones, the Ksecret 1988 Retinal Liposome Serum is a good option.
With 2% encapsulated retinal liposome, this serum delivers stabilized retinal deep into the skin, promoting collagen production and speeding up skin renewal.
It also includes niacinamide, helping fade hyperpigmentation, regulate oil production, and strengthen the skin barrier.
3. COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream
Another safe entry point for beginners into the world of vitamin A skincare is the COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream.
This has has one of the lowest retinol concentrations available.
This low-strength, slow-release retinol formula is a gentle intro while delivering skin-balancing and firming benefits over time.
This formula is refreshingly lightweight, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing.
Because it’s weaker, you will likely experience less irritation from this than a retinal, for example.
However, it will take longer to see results. Generally speaking, weaker retinoids = slower results, less irritation. It’s all a trade off!
4. Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum
Meditherapy have recently launched this Retinal Skin Booster Serum.
On the whole I think it looks very promising for acne-prone skin.
Like the Ksecret, this also contains retinal liposome and centella, designed to offset the potential skin irritation.
I think this would work well for dry skin types.
Best Korean barrier serums to help acne scars heal
When you’re focusing on fading acne scars, you need to balance powerful ingredients with barrier support to keep your skin strong and able to heal.
That’s where barrier-repairing serums come in: full of soothing ingredients to make skin glow.
1. COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule
I love this simple barrier-repairing serum for basically anyone with any skin type.
The COSRX Hydrium Soothing Ampoule is perfect for soothing acne scars back to health, dryness, or seasonal irritation.
My only gripe with Korean beauty products is that they often have a LOT of ingredients, but not this one.
It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free but without tonnes of random ingredients, so you’re a lot less likely to break out from it.
2. Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Unscented Serum
If your skin has been through it—whether from over-exfoliating, purging, or just everyday irritations—the Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Serum might be exactly what you need.
With plenty of centella asiatica extract, it can calm redness literally overnight for some people.
Alongside cica there’s also niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol, and peptides.
A perfect cocktail for if you’re dealing with sensitivity, redness and/or a compromised skin barrier.
3. Mixsoon Peptide Cica Hyalshot
Mixsoon make some of the most popular products in a Korean skincare routine – such as the bean essence you’ve probably seen on TikTok.
The Mixsoon peptide Cica Hyalshot is a new one from the brand, and it looks very promising.
It has ingredients that can make a huge difference for acne scars: cica, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and peptides.
4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-CICA Intensive Ampoule
The Skin1004 Madagascar line is a brilliant one for barrier repair and acne scarring.
Another serum with centella asiatica, it also contains probiotics for the skin in the form of fermented ingredients.
This would be a great choice for anyone with dry skin, looking for something that feels richer than a watery serum.
Non-skincare tips for how to fix hyperpigmentation
Topical treatments are very important to fix hyperpigmentation, but here are some non-product tips to add to your treatment plan:
- LED light therapy mask: Red light for collagen production, blue light for breakout prevention! The results are not fast, but I notice it definitely helps in the long term by preventing new breakouts AND evening out skin tone. I’ve tried some of the best LED face masks, and my favourite is Qure.
- Microneedling: Tiny needles sound terrifying, but they stimulate collagen and smooth out indentations over time. Make sure you only do this on marks, not active acne.
- A whole foods diet: Sounds cliche but diet has a massive impact on skin health. Vitamin C, zinc, and collagen support skin healing from the inside out.
- Exercise: Getting the blood pumping around your body can help with faster skin healing and a more radiant complexion.
- Fragrance: The best Korean skincare for acne scars should be fragrance free. It’s better to avoid fragranced skincare when you have hyperpigmentation, because fragrance can cause irritation at random times and trigger the pigment process.
Final thoughts on acne scar skincare and atrophic scars
Improving acne scaring certainly takes patience, the right ingredients, and consistency.
If you have atrophic scars, you will likely need some in clinic laser treatments – topicals can only help so much.
All in all, I hope this post on some of the Korean skincare for acne scars was genuinely helpful.
Sometimes it can seem impossible, but you can see a lot of progress without the need for invasive procedures or acne treatment clinics.
