.jpg)
Tira Loves
7 scalp saviours for hair that thrives in heat and humidity
Read Now
With our understanding of natural skin texture evolving, dealing with hyperpigmentation can be a subjective journey—you may choose to embrace any irregular patches in your skin tone, you may prefer to get to the root cause to undo any underlying skin damage. Often caused by excessive production of melanin due to UV exposure, hyperpigmentation can seem like it is here to stay. But a host of ever-evolving targeted serums, ampoules and formulas ensure that it doesn’t settle in as a long-term house guest.
.PNG)
.avif)
When COSRX launched its now-iconic snail mucin essence, the internet had a collective moment—and for good reason. First, there’s the headline ingredient: 98% snail secretion filtrate (yes, really). Then, there’s the slime-like texture that makes applying it strangely satisfying. But what really caught people off guard wasn’t the snail factor—it was how nourishing it turned out to be. Packed with skin-forward hyaluronic acid, it sinks in fast, leaving skin feeling plump, bouncy and deeply hydrated. Bonus: it’s lightweight enough for summer days and delivers that dewy, glass-skin glow without feeling sticky.
This one’s a no-brainer. This viral Cosrx essence is a staple in so many routines for a reason—it hydrates, repairs and gives your skin a soft, dewy feel. The lightweight formulation is also known to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and soothe irritation. Besides, it helps enhance skin elasticity, making it a go-to for anyone dealing with dry, damaged or acne-scarred skin. Whether you're looking to smooth out rough patches or boost overall skin health, this is a product you'll want to keep on hand in multiples.
Whether you are looking for moisture retention, plumping or nourishment, this widely loved essence can do it all—and it doesn’t choose to stop there, either. By dialling up exfoliation and cell turnover, the snail mucin in this multipurpose essence helps get the upper hand on hyperpigmentation, as well.
You may have heard of centella asiatica’s rep for hydrating and soothing extremely dry skin. But SKIN1004 also harnesses its powers as a potent source of antioxidants to rescue skin from environmental damage and hyperpigmentation caused by excessive UV exposure.
When hyperpigmentation strikes, you will want to have alpha arbutin on speed dial. Known to inhibit the production of melanin, it works on brightening uneven patches in the skin. Rice bran water lends a helping hand in this brightening serum for moisturising the skin and balancing the skin tone.
If dark spots and pigmentation were not on your bingo card for 2025, you will want to turn to this vitamin-laden serum by Klairs to show them the door. Powered by centella asiatica extract and 5% L-ascorbic acid, this serum works on reducing pigmentation and dark spots while also preventing acne breakouts to make for a win-win.
Honey serves as a frequent visitor in DIY remedies for hyperpigmentation. But if you are looking to skip the fuss and the muss, you’ll want to call on the best in the K-beauty biz. Sulwhasoo taps into the anti-inflammatory and exfoliating powers of honey to induce healing in areas affected by pigmentation—all delivered in one mess-free, peel-off mask.
Is it a cream? Is it an ampoule? Why choose when this multipurpose formula from Thank You Farmer is here to have the last word on hyperpigmentation. Fuelled by niacinamide, this dual-layer cream works on reducing dark spots and redness for skin that looks brighter than ever before.
Looking to get in on the smooth, even-toned glow that all Koreans seem to have magical access to? Innisfree is offering up a shortcut for K-drama-worthy skin with a brightening serum powered by vitamin C for reducing visible spots and ethyl ascorbic ether for an even skin tone.
Dark spots, blemishes and hyperpigmentation? The Face Shop offers up the best-kept Korean secret on a platter—or in this case, in a skincare vial—with rice fermented for 28 days. The result is a cure-all solution that promises to halt hyperpigmentation in its tracks by reducing uneven patches and brightening the skin.
Propolis
Rich in vitamins, minerals and over 300 active compounds, propolis is another Korean skincare ingredient that can be your go-to for the winter. Propolis is a resin-like substance that naturally occurs in a beehive. Just like honey, this ingredient moisturises the skin and while doing so, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties also help target and treat acne and reduce inflammation on the skin. Apart from that, it decreases the chances of any scar formation, making for an apt fit for acne-prone skin, too.
Looking to show UV-induced hyperpigmentation to the door? This propolis-fuelled ampoule from COSRX is only too happy to help. As a known agent for skin brightening, it works on dialling up the skin’s natural glow with its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The result is a fast-absorbing formula that deserves a spot in your après-toner routine.
