Viral Korean Pharmacy Skincare Review

06 Mar Viral Korean Pharmacy Skincare Review

Olive Young and Daiso Korea may be must visits for beauty and skincare fans flocking to Korea, but an unassuming beauty destination is now on the radar of skincare aficionados: the local pharmacy.

Did you know that some of the best skincare gems are hiding in South Korean pharmacies (약국, yakguk)? This is the new beauty destination for skincare aficionados for their affordable and exclusive skincare only found at local pharmacies. I went to 2 Korean pharmacies in Seoul to research on the most popular over the counter skincare from South Korean pharmacies to learn about Korean pharmacy must buys-save this for your next trip to Korea. Also, don’t forget to check out my curated list of best beauty stores in Seoul in Seoul, Korea: Ultimate Beauty Shopping Guide- legwork and research have been done for you!

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October 2025: I recently visited Seoul and made a trip to 2 pharmacies to learn more about trending and popular Korean pharmacy cosmetics to share with you!

WHY BUY SKINCARE FROM SOUTH KOREA PHARMACIES? 

Pharmacies in South Korea are THE place to visit if you want to purchase over the counter medications and cream with the guidance of a pharmacist. These include creams for treating acne, dark spots, scar healing and rejuvenation; which are also more affordable than similar items by popular K-beauty beauty.

Here’s a list of popular Korean pharmacy products, with my take on the active ingredients in these products.

Acnon cream 

Acnon cream 

Acnon Cream is one of the most popular OTC acne treatments from South Korean pharmacies that has gone viral on TikTok. It contains ibuprofen piconol and isopropyl methylphenol. Ibuprofen piconol reduces inflammation and isopropyl methylphenol has anti-bacterial effects. Skincare enthusiasts may recognise these ingredients in another popular Japanese over the counter cream, Lion PAiR acne cream.

Related blogposts:

5 Skincare Ingredients for Acne & Acne Prone Skin

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Acne and Diet: Foods to Avoid for Less Pimples

Alternatives to Acnon Cream: Lion Pair Acne Cream W (similar ingredients), Benzac (contains benzoyl peroxide), Differin Gel (contains Adapalene).

Doctor’s take on Acnon cream: Acnon cream may be used for reducing redness in inflammatory types of acne; but it does not completely address the key factors contributing to the pathogenesis such as excessive sebum production. Acnon cream may not be useful for comedonal acne (i.e. blackheads and whiteheads); which are best treated with exfoliating acids and retinoids. For more severe types of inflammatory acne, medications and in-clinic treatments such as lasers and chemical peels are options.

Related blogposts:

Acne: Types, Causes, Treatments 

The Truth About Chemical Peels

How Does Retinol Work? Retinol Explained Simply

Aclean gel and Clearteen Acne Solution 

Aclean gel and Clearteen Acne Solution 

Both Aclean Gel and Clearteen Acne Solution contain 2% salicylic acid, an oil-soluble exfoliating acid that penetrates pores. You’ll find salicylic acid in facial cleansers, serums and moisturisers for acne and oily skin types.

Alternatives to Aclean Gel and Clearteen Acne Solution- these products also contain salicylic acid: Kiehl’s Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated: Anti-Acne Serum, Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Related blogposts:

A Complete Guide to Chemical Exfoliation and Acids in Skincare

Review of Face Exfoliating Acids in Skincare

The Truth About Chemical Peels

Update October 2025: Aclean also has recently launched a body spray cotaining 2% salicylic acid for body acne. More about body acne in The Complete Guide to Back Acne & Treatments.

Doctor’s take Aclean Gel and Clearteen Acne Solution : Better for treating clogged pores. Can be used as a spot treatment or all over areas that are acne prone or congested. If you find this insufficient, chemical peels in the clinic are more effective.

Noscarna Gel

Noscarna Gel

Noscarna Gel is a silicone containing gel that is designed to improve the appearance of scars, including keloids and surgical scars. Silicone gels and plasters have been shown to improve scar size and colour by hydrating and occluding the wound as well reducing scar tissue formation. Noscarna gel also contains heparin sodium, allantoin, and dexpanthenol. These ingredients reduce inflammation, hydrate and improve wound healing.

Alternatives to Noscarna gel- these gels also contain silicone for scar healing: Dermatix® Ultra, Hiruscar Silicone Pro

Doctor’s take on Noscarna: Start scar gels early to reduce risks of scar hypertrophy; and improve scar appearance. If intended for surgical scars, please check with your doctor regarding suitability to begin the scar gel. Keeping the scar moist and occluded early seems to improve scarring outcomes. For hypertrophic scars and keloids, intralesional steroid injections can reduce the size of the scar.

Melatoning cream

Melatoning cream

Melatoning cream is a topical treatment for lightening hyperpigmentation. The active ingredient in melatonin is 2% hydroquinone, which lightens dark spots by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme that forms melanin.

Hydroquinone is a controversial lightning agent, and it can cause side effects such as irritation and ochronosis, a condition where the skin turns bluish-gray. Some countries including the European Union and Japan, have banned hydroquinone in OTC skincare due to safety concerns. In Singapore, hydroquinone is only available through a doctor’s prescription, and typically used for short-term treatment under medical supervision.

No Melatoning cream alternatives from me- Hydroquinone is only available through a doctor’s prescription in Singapore for use under medical supervision. Instead, sharing a guide to lightening dark spots with skincare in How to Lighten Pigmentation and Dark Spots with Skin Care.

Doctor’s take on Melatoning cream: There are other active ingredients that are evidence based for lightening hyperpigmentation including melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, such as retinoids and vitamin C. If these dark spots persist, consider in-clinic treatments like lasers and chemical peels to improve your results. Learn about other active ingredients that are evidenced for lightening hyperpigmentation in How to Lighten Pigmentation and Dark Spots with Skin Care.

Rejuall and Rejuvenex PDRN creams

PDRN creams

Perhaps the most well-known of OTC products from South Korean pharmacies has to PDRN creams, especially the Rejuran range and Rejuvenex cream. This topical skincare contains salmon DNA fragments, polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), which are used in aesthetic dermatology and plastic surgery to enhance wound healing and skin repair. I’ve shared my review of the Rejuvenex PDRN cream in this reel, thanks to my friend Alison who got this after searching 20 pharmacies in Seoul!

Related blogpost: 
Review: Rejuran Sunscreen

Rejuvenex and Rejuran skincare range are produced by PharmaResearch in South Korea, the same company that produces one of Asia’s most well known injectable salmon PDRN products called PDRN Skinboosters. PDRN Skinboosters injections are immensely popular in South Korea and Singapore; and Hollywood celebrities like Kim Kardashian have admitted to having salmon PDRN injected into their skin for rejuvenation purposes.

Managed to get hold of Rejuvenex and Rejuall creams from Korea, thanks to my patients’ efforts :) Will review both PDRN creams from Korea- stay tuned for the blogpost! 

Update May 2025:

Hot on the heels of Rejuvenx comes Rejuall cream, another PDRN cream that is only available exclusively at pharmacies in Korea. My review of both creams; and a breakdown of their differences in formulation and texture in Rejuall VS Rejuvenex PDRN Creams Review.

Update Octoboer 2025 from Korea: Rejuall has changed the packaging of its PDRN cream. This is the new look.

Whether applying topical salmon DNA to the skin yields the same benefits of injecting PDRN into the skin is questionable. As I’ve explained in Salmon Sperm Facials and PDRN Skincare , the evidence for PDRN benefits comes mostly from studies where salmon PDRN were injected at precise depths into the skin to reduce fine lines, hydrate the skin and reduce acne scars and pore size. The large molecular weight of PDRN is a barrier to skin absorption; but this has not dimmed the popularity of Rejuvenex and Rejuall creams on TikTok.

Alternatives to Rejuvenex cream which contain salmon PDRN: Rejuran Concentrate, Genabelle Vita Toning Ampoule

Related blogposts:

PDRN Skinboosters: What You Should Know Before Getting It

Doctor’s take on Rejuvenex cream: Applying PDRN to the skin is not the same as having PDRN injected into the dermis. Although I do not see any harm to applying PDRN to the skin; it may have moisturising and plumping effects. However, I am doubtful that topical PDRN can mimic the outcomes of PDRN injected into the skin… I don’t think you’ll see reduced pore sizes or improved acne scars.

Madecassol ointment 

Madecassol ointment 

Madecassol ointment contains 2% Centella Asiatica extract. Centella Asiastica is better known as cica, another popular Asian remedy for wound healing and sensitivity. This ingredient has been discussed in Cica in Skincare: Centella Asiatica Explained. Madecassol ointment may be useful in treating wounds including after procedures such as lasers. It is also popularly used to soothe redness, dryness and other signs of skin sensitivity.

Alternatives to Madecassol Ointment- these products also contain Centella Asiastica: L-R: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, Dr.Jart+ Cicapair™ So Soothing Treatment, Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream.

Doctor’s take on Madecassol ointment: Although centella asiatica may help with skin sensitivity and wound healing- but always check in with your doctor if you’re attending to use this after a medical procedures. Other calming and skin barrier repair ingredients have been explained in How to Repair Your Skin Barrier.

Easyef Saesal EGF Ointment

Easyef Saesal EGF Ointment

Easyef Saesal EGF Ointment is another recovery ointment recommended for post laser recovery, wounds such as burns and scars. The ointment contains a recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh‑EGF). In humans, epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a naturally occurring protein that facilitates cell growth and differentiation in wound healing.

Alternatives to Easyef Saesal EGF Ointment= L-R: Lion SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, The Ordinary GF 15% Solution, Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

Doctor’s take:
EGF skincare may aid skin repair and longevity based on in-vitro studies. However, evidence for EGF skincare in clinical trials are very limited; and long term safety data is still unclear. Always check in with your doctor if you’re intending to use Easyef Saesal EGF Ointment after a medical procedure.

Itchnon cream

Update oct 2025:

Itchnon cream

Itchnon cream is advertised as a steroid-free cream for itching due to dry skin. It contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that reduces itch signaling. Itchnon also contains tocopherol acetate, heparinoids and allantoin. These ingredients have skin soothing, moisturising and anti-inflammatory effects.

Doctor’s take on Itchnon cream:
Overall, the ingredients in Itchnon pair soothing barrier support with short-term itch relief. Although Itchnon improves symptoms of dryness and itch, Itchnon does not treat the causes of these symptoms e.g. eczema or allergies. Itchnon may be better paired as an adjunct to medical treatment of these conditions.

Spicules skincare

Spicules skincare

Another find that is popular in Korean pharmacies is spicule skincare, especially skincare from the VT cosmetics range. “Spicules” are microscopic needle-like structures sourced from marine sponges (silica) or made synthetically. VT’s “Reedle Shot” line uses their branded “reedles” or sponge, to mechanically exfoliate the skin to smoothen and brighten the skin. You can find the entire range of VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot in Korean pharmacies and the latest release is the Reedle Shot Lip Plumper. I’ve discussed the science of spicule skincare in Micro-Spicule Skincare: Microneedling in a Bottle?
Doctor’s take:
As I’ve explained in Micro-Spicule Skincare: Microneedling in a Bottle?, spicule skincare like VT Reedle Shot and Lip Plumpers damage the skin barrier, resulting in redness, irritation and dryness. To brighten and smoothen skin, my recommendation would be controlled chemical exfoliation or with chemical peels. To plump lips, consider lip products with a mix of humectants, emollients and occlusives to moisturise and protect them.

Related blogposts:

The Truth about Chemical Peels 

Lip Care: Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Lips
Lipcerin: 3rd Generation Lipcare from K-beauty

Lip Fillers Explained

 

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Seoul Pharmacy Recommendations
Pharmacies in Seoul are plentiful, and I visited pharmacies in Hongdae based on recommendations: Hongdae Hongik Pharmacy and Ready Young pharmacy. Both were tourist friendly, tax refunds were immediate and most pharmacists on duty spoke English and were very helpful with information- absolutely straightforward shopping experience. Both pharmacies were well stocked, and had ready stock of all the trending “Korean pharmacy must buys”; and prices were similar.

In October 2025, I went to Seoul, Korea and sussed out lots of K-beauty trends and best places to shop! The pharmacies I visited in Seoul were Hongdae Hongik pharmacy and Ready Young Pharmacy, also in Hongdae.

The only differences were in Ready Young pharmacy’s bigger shop space, which made for a spacious shopping experience. Ready Young pharmacy had a wider selection of brands and PDRN skincare than Hongdae Hongik pharmacy. However, Hongdae Hongik pharmacy is easier to get to- just round the corner from exit 8 of Hongik University subway station. Ready Young pharmacy is a slightly longer walk from exit 9 of Hongik University subway station.

Don’t miss my latest shopping guide to Seoul in Seoul, Korea: Ultimate Beauty Shopping Guide

Conclusion on Pharmacy Skincare in South Korea

The active ingredients for many of these products can be found in many other skincare products. PDRN, cica and exfoliating acids aren’t pharmacy exclusive ingredients that you have to seek out for… so if you can’t get your hands on these viral products, don’t fret. You should be able to obtain similar items from your local pharmacy- at least in Singapore. Have you tried any of these pharmacy exclusive skincare from South Korea? Let me know in the comments if there’s a product I should review!