What are ampoules? Everything you should know about the viral Korean beauty treatment

NBC News

15-07-2025

Whether it's sunscreens, sheet masks or serums, Korean beauty has a firm grip on the skin care scene (and for good reason). But one element of K-beauty you may not be as familiar with are ampoules, which are small, highly concentrated doses of skin care ingredients. So, what exactly are ampoules and, most importantly, do you need to be using them?
To answer these questions and more, I spoke to Dr. Jane Yoo, a dual board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, about everything you need to know, including the best products and tips for choosing ampoules of your own.
What is an ampoule?
Ampoules have high doses of active ingredients to address specific skin care concerns, including redness, dryness, textured skin and fine lines, says Yoo. Traditionally, ampoules refer to small, sealed vials that contain skin care treatments and even medications within the medical industry, but nowadays it's much more common for ampoules to come in bottles with squeezable dropper tops, she says.
The formulas usually center on one active ingredient like vitamin C, propolis or retinol, or hydrating ingredients like polynucleotides and polydeoxyribonucleotides. 'Sometimes they're described as supercharged serums as they contain higher concentrations of actives than standard serums, and are intended for short-term, targeted use,' says Yoo.
How I picked the best ampoules
When rounding up the best ampoules to shop, I considered options across a range of active ingredients to make sure that, no matter what concern you're looking to address, you can find a potential answer on this list. Here's more on how I chose the ampoules below:
Ingredients: Since ampoules usually focus on a specific active, I chose options that center a single ingredient. Although they may have other ingredients (especially to help balance or hydrate the skin), each ampoule has a star ingredient that's most potent.
The best ampoules in 2025
Below, I gathered the best ampoules recommended by Yoo, along with top-rated options from skin care brands we've previously covered and tested.
When Round Lab initially sent me this to try, I was new to the world of ampoules, and it ended up being a great introduction. The ampoule's main ingredient, pine tree leaf extract, has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin, according to the brand. It also has plant-based peptides to help produce more collagen, which improves the skin's elasticity and firmness. Altogether, this results in firmer, smoother skin with less breakouts and sensitivity.
I brought this ampoule along with me on a trip to Brazil, and it helped soothe my skin after long days in the harsh sun. It also prevented my skin from getting overly dry or spawning any new pimples, which is usually what happens to me after spending hours swimming in the salty waters of the beach.
This ampoule set comes recommended by Yoo because it can treat fine lines. It also removes dead skin cells, which helps the formula to penetrate more deeply into the skin, she says. Its primary ingredients, epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) and keratinase, are both derived from green tea, which has antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental stressors like air and chemical pollutants, says Yoo.
Best for dry skin
If you're looking to strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and add hydration, Yoo suggests these ampoules from Ohui. They have a ceramide complex that seals in moisture and hydrates your skin, says Yoo. It also has glycerin and panthenol, which work together to help your skin retain water, plus aloe juice to soothe irritation and redness, according to Ohui. These ingredients also work to soften skin and smooth texture, making it a great choice to improve your overall complexion.
This ampoule is 'a powerhouse of antioxidants,' says Yoo. It has 6% pure vitamin C, which helps brighten your skin's complexion, plus ferulic acid, vitamin E and panthenol to soothe and protect your skin from external stressors like air pollution, according to the brand. The serum is great for addressing dark spots, scarring and dullness, and you should start to see effects less than three days after you start using it, according to Physiogel.
This ampoule's main ingredient is centella asiatica extract, which gently soothes and hydrates your skin, and helps reduce the production of oil and sebum, according to the brand. The ampoule, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 7,500 reviews on Amazon, has a lightweight, fluid texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it a great option to layer with other products, according to the brand. It's also noncomedogenic, so it won't clog or disrupt your pores.
Best for fine lines
This ampoule has ginseng, which is an all-around restorative treatment that moisturizes and firms the skin, according to the brand. The ginseng actives help strengthen the skin and ginseng peptides help increase your skin's elasticity and firmness, while ginseng berry extract reduces the look of fine lines. It has a 4.6-star average rating from 66 reviews on Sulwhasoo.
Best for daily use
This ampoule helps to heal stressed skin by reducing redness and treating texture, according to the brand. Its star ingredient is black bee propolis extract, which has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, according to Cosrx. The serum also has hyaluronic acid and panthenol to hydrate your skin to keep it moisturized and dewy throughout the day. It's free from fragrances, parabens and sulfates, and it has a 4.5-star average rating from over 3,600 reviews on Amazon.
How to shop for ampoules
Below are Yoo's tips for what to consider when shopping for ampoules, including formula type, skin care concerns and how to apply them.
Formula and ingredients
Yoo suggests keeping an eye out for a strong concentration of a main ingredient. While the concentrations differ between products, some can go as high as 50% for a single ingredient, which usually yields quick results if you use them properly, says Yoo. They should also have simple formulas that have a short ingredient list and minimal additives, like colorants, preservatives or fragrance, to help prevent irritation.
Skin concerns
As with any skin care treatment, your purchase should be tailored to addressing your specific skin issues, like breakouts, dullness and dryness. If you have sensitive skin and are looking to try ampoules with stronger ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinol, choose a formula that has calming ingredients like ceramides or centella to help offset any irritation, says Yoo.
Here are some ingredients to consider based on skin concerns and skin type:
Sensitive, irritated skin: Look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and centella asiatica.
Dry, dehydrated skin: Look for hydrators like ceramides, glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
Dull skin or skin with hyperpigmentation: Consider brightening actives like niacinamide, vitamin C and plant extracts.
Instructions
Ampoules should come with clear instructions on how and when to use them. Be sure to choose an ampoule that plays well with other products in your skin care routine, she says.
Here are some examples of ingredient pairings to avoid that may result in irritation:
Vitamin C and retinol
Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Retinol and benzoyl peroxide
Retinol and salicylic acid
Frequently asked questions
When should you use ampoules?
Ampoules are like a booster shot for your skin, so you should use them during periods of skin stress or flare-ups, says Yoo. 'It's a booster step in your routine, not an everyday essential,' she says. 'It can be helpful when your regular products aren't doing enough and you need something more intensive.' She recommends cycling them into your routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, especially at night. However, while some ampoules are gentle enough to use daily, many are also strong formulas that are meant for short-term use, so be sure to check the label for best usage instructions, says Yoo.
What's the difference between a serum and an ampoule?
The difference between ampoules and serums are in their concentration, and which you should use depends on your skin goals, according to Yoo. Ampoules have a higher concentration of actives and often focus on one key ingredient, while serums are better for daily maintenance and usually combine multiple ingredients.
'Ampoules are more like short-term treatments,' she says. Ampoules also tend to work faster than serums, but Yoo warns they can be more intense for sensitive skin.
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Why trust NBC Select?
I am an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, and more, including stories on the best hyaluronic acid products and sunscreens for dark skin tones. For this story, I spoke to a board-certified dermatologist about everything you need to know about ampoules, including product recommendations and advice on how to shop for your own.