Ampoule

What is an ampoule?

The name comes from the small glass ampoules once used to hold high-strength actives. Today an ampoule usually comes in a dropper bottle – it is a particularly concentrated serum that often puts one key ingredient centre stage, such as centella asiatica, PDRN or vitamin C. In Korean skincare it is used in a targeted way: as an intensive treatment during stressful periods, when the seasons change or whenever the skin needs an extra boost.

Ampoule, serum or essence?

• Essence – light and mainly hydrating, preps the skin.
• Serum – more concentrated, for a specific concern.
• Ampoule – usually even more concentrated than a serum and often focused on one ingredient.

The lines are blurred and the terms are not protected: some brands call a serum an “ampoule” and vice versa. What matters is the ingredients – not the name.

Which ampoule suits my skin?

• Redness and sensitive skin: ampoules with centella asiatica or panthenol soothe – see Centella & cica skincare
• Dehydration: hyaluronic acid or beta-glucan plump up the skin
• Dull complexion and dark spots: vitamin C and niacinamide boost radiance
• First fine lines and loss of elasticity: peptides, PDRN or retinal support firmer skin
• Oily skin and large pores: light ampoules with niacinamide or centella, see Oil & pores

How to use an ampoule

1. Cleanse your face, then apply toner and – if you like – an essence.
2. Spread two to three drops of ampoule over your face and gently pat it in.
3. Finish with a moisturiser – it keeps the actives on the skin.
4. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen, especially when using ampoules with vitamin C or retinal.

As an intensive treatment, use an ampoule daily for a few weeks – many mild ampoules are also suitable for continuous use. It’s better to combine one or two ampoules in a targeted way than to apply lots of actives at once – in particular, don’t layer ampoules with retinal or acids on the same evening.

Popular Korean ampoules

• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule – the bestseller with centella extract from Madagascar for calm, balanced skin
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule – with fermented centella for a stronger skin barrier
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule – for oily skin and large pores, with pink salt
• celimax Noni Ampoule – with over 70% noni extract for hydration and glow
• REJURAN Healer Dual Effect Ampoule – with a PDRN complex for elasticity and an even complexion

You’ll find all ampoules and concentrated serums in our Korean ampoules collection.