Korean pharmacies are not just for medicine, they are also packed with dermatologist-approved skincare gems that often fly under the radar. From post-acne healing to skin regeneration and brightening, these products are loved by locals for a reason.
Here are six powerful pharmacy finds to look out for on your next trip to South Korea.
💧 1. Rejuvenex Cream (리쥬비넥스 크림)
Key Ingredient: PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide – salmon DNA extract)
Use for: Skin regeneration, anti-aging, post-procedure recovery
Rejuvenex Cream is a professional-grade recovery cream enriched with PDRN, a trending ingredient in Korean dermatology. It helps regenerate skin at a cellular level — ideal for laser aftercare, acne scars, fine lines, and sensitive skin.
✨ Why people love it: It is often used in clinics after microneedling or laser, and it is now available over-the-counter.
🧼 2. Aclean Gel (아클린 겔)
Key Ingredient: Clindamycin phosphate
Use for: Treating inflamed acne
Aclean Gel is a topical antibiotic gel prescribed in Korean pharmacies for moderate to severe acne, especially for pustules or red, painful breakouts. It targets acne-causing bacteria directly and is often used with other treatments.
⚠️ Note: Use under pharmacy or dermatologist guidance, as it is medicated.
🌿 3. Acnon Cream (아크논 크림)
Key Ingredient: Herbal extracts + mild anti-acne actives
Use for: Daily acne care and prevention
Unlike Aclean, Acnon Cream is a gentler, non-prescription option that helps control oil, calm redness, and prevent breakouts. Great for sensitive skin or teens, it can be used on its own or as a follow-up treatment.
🌱 Why people love it: Lightweight, calming, and does not dry out the skin like harsher acne meds.
🪄 4. Noscarna Gel (노스카나 겔)
Key Ingredient: Allium cepa (onion extract), heparin, allantoin
Use for: Scar fading, post-acne marks, minor burns
Noscarna Gel is Korea’s answer to Mederma. This gel fades scars and pigmentation, especially fresh acne marks and surgical scars. It helps soften scar tissue and improve texture over time.
🌿 5. Madecassol Cream (마데카솔)
Key Ingredient: Centella Asiatica
Use for: Wound healing, burns, irritated or broken skin
A Korean household staple! Originally used for cuts and burns, Madecassol has been embraced by skincare lovers for its skin-soothing and barrier-repairing properties. Think of it as a rescue cream for angry skin.
🧴 Use it on: Over-exfoliated skin, acne spots, or after sunburn.
🌙 6. Melatoning Cream (멜라토닝 크림)
Key Ingredient: Niacinamide, Arbutin, Licorice root extract
Use for: Brightening dull skin, fading pigmentation
Melatoning Cream is a brightening moisturizer (not to be confused with melatonin!) that helps reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. It works gradually and gently, perfect for daily use.
☀️ Tip: Pair with SPF during the day, as brightening products can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
🛍 Final Thoughts
If you are into clinical-grade skincare without the luxury price tag, these Korean pharmacy staples deliver real results. They are ideal for acne-prone skin, post-treatment recovery, or just calming and repairing a compromised skin barrier.
