Editorial research review
An optional ampoule for a hydration-focused routine. Aloe leaf water, sodium hyaluronate and betaine give more context for the formula than its artichoke name alone.
Ampoules
Typically used at routine step 5.
An ampoule is the most concentrated step in a Korean routine — typically a smaller bottle, a higher active load and a shorter intended course than a daily serum. Because the concentration is higher, this is the step where introduction discipline matters most: one new ampoule at a time, a fortnight before judging it, and a pause if stinging or flaking appears. Used sensibly it is the most efficient place to spend money in a routine.
Products
Editorial research review
SKIN1004
Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule
A 30 mL cosmetic ampoule with azelaic acid, two other azelaic-derived ingredients and panthenol on the maker’s list. Compare the exact formula with any active serum you already use.
30ml
Editorial research review
haruharu wonder
Black Rice Botanical 2GF Wonderful Ampoule
A 30 mL ampoule with pentylene glycol, propanediol and glycerin high on the list. The maker declares Rice sh-Oligopeptide-1 and Rice sh-Polypeptide-1. An ingredient name alone cannot establish an effect on skin firmness.
30ml
Editorial research review
SKIN1004
Centella Teca Ampoule
An optional ampoule step with a centella complex, polyglutamic acid and peptides alongside Sodium DNA. Compare the whole formula with any hydrating serum you already use. The brand listing supplies the ingredient evidence.
50ml
Editorial research review
A brightening-focused ampoule that combines sh-Oligopeptide-1 with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, a vitamin C derivative, alpha-arbutin and glutathione. Those supporting ingredients are the more established reason to consider it for the look of dark marks. Evidence for EGF in a retail serum remains limited.
30ml
Editorial research review
A very light centella-focused ampoule for simple hydration and a calmer-looking complexion. It is easy to layer but may be too minimal for users who need richer barrier lipids or an occlusive moisturiser.
Editorial research review
A 100 mL ampoule with niacinamide, tranexamic acid and a vitamin C derivative on the maker’s list. Its formula differs from SKIN1004’s plain centella ampoule and adds a separate leave-on active step.
Editorial research review
VT COSMETICS
PDRN Cica Exosome Ampoule
A milky plant-PDRN ampoule with a rich emollient base, centella-derived ingredients, ceramides, panthenol and peptides. It suits dry or dull-feeling skin seeking a moisturising glow, but may feel heavy on very oily skin.
Editorial research review
VT COSMETICS
PDRN Glow Ampoule Mist
An ultra-fine, plant-PDRN ampoule mist combining a light oil phase with niacinamide, ceramides, panthenol and humectants. It is convenient for adding dew before or after makeup but does not replace sunscreen.
Editorial research review
A 30 mL ampoule whose manufacturer lists retinol, retinal and hydrolysed sponge in the same formula. Check the exact pack instructions and cautions before introducing it alongside other active products.
How the ampoules we hold compare
Texture, size and “best for” come from our product research. Notable ingredients are matched by exact name in each verified ingredient list: presence only, which says nothing about concentration or effect. “No Parfum listed” means the list declares no added fragrance; plant extracts and waters can still carry a scent.
| Product | Texture | Size | Notable listed ingredients | Fragrance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXIS-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule | Lightweight ampoule, as described by AXIS-Y. | 30ml | Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| SKIN1004 Azelaic Acid 10 Ampoule | Not recorded | 30ml | Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| haruharu wonder Black Rice Botanical 2GF Wonderful Ampoule | Leave-on facial ampoule. | 30ml | Hyaluronic acid, Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| SKIN1004 Centella Teca Ampoule | Not recorded | 50ml | Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, PDRN (sodium DNA), Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| Easydew DW-EGF Melatoning Oneday Ampoule Serum (EGF 5x) | Ampoule serum. | 30ml | Ingredient list not yet verified | Ingredient list not yet verified | Uneven-looking tone and dark marks, used alongside daily sunscreen. |
| SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule | Thin, watery ampoule. | 55ml | Ingredient list not yet verified | Ingredient list not yet verified | Minimalist soothing and lightweight hydration |
| SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule | Not recorded | 100ml | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
| VT COSMETICS PDRN Cica Exosome Ampoule | Milky, emollient ampoule. | 30ml | Ceramides, Squalane, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA), Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Advanced ingredient users seeking hydration and firm-looking skin |
| VT COSMETICS PDRN Glow Ampoule Mist | Ultra-fine creamy ampoule mist. | 100ml | Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane, Panthenol, PDRN (sodium DNA) | No Parfum listed | Portable hydration and refreshing dry-feeling skin |
| SKIN1004 Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule | Not recorded | 30ml | Hyaluronic acid, Squalane, Panthenol, Centella / madecassoside | No Parfum listed | Not recorded |
How we research ampoules
We currently track 10 published products here. Every entry is compiled from manufacturer ingredient disclosures, published cosmetic science literature and UK retailer listings. We do not run clinical trials, and we do not publish a product until its formulation details have been checked against a source we can cite.
- Formulation: INCI lists, key actives, fragrance and alcohol status where the brand discloses them.
- Evidence: what the published research suggests for the key ingredients, and what it does not establish.
- UK availability: retailer listings and prices, with the date each was last checked. Where a price is not recent enough to quote, we say “check latest price” instead of guessing.
Results from cosmetic products are formulation-dependent and vary between people. Read our review methodology, browse the ingredient explainers or compare options in the comparison tool.
Choosing ampoules
- Introduce one ampoule at a time so a reaction can be attributed correctly.
- Do not stack multiple strong actives in the same session while you are still assessing tolerance.
- A smaller bottle is not automatically poor value — compare cost per millilitre, not per unit.
For a full step-by-step order for your skin type, see the routine guides. To narrow by skin type and concern, use the product finder, or browse every step on the product types index. Scoring is explained in our review methodology.