Top 10 Korean Pharmacy Skincare Products Popular with Foreign Tourists

1. Rejuall All-in-One Regeneration Cream (Dr. Rejuall) – An OTC gel-cream packed with PDRN (salmon DNA) along with collagen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol for skin repair . Priced around 35,000–40,000 KRW (≈ $25–$30 for 20g), it’s renowned for post-procedure care – many Korean pharmacists recommend Rejuall after laser treatments or facials to soothe, hydrate, and speed up recovery . Its lightweight formula absorbs easily, delivering deep hydration while promoting regeneration, so much so that Korean pharmacies often suggest it as a one-step healing solution for sensitive or acne-scarred skin  . Foreign visitors love Rejuall for its high-efficacy ingredients at a reasonable price, and it has earned a viral reputation on social media for giving “glass skin” post-recovery benefits .
2. Rejuvenex PDRN Repair Cream (PharmaResearch) – Perhaps the most famous pharmacy-only cream in Korea’s recent skincare boom, Rejuvenex contains polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) from salmon DNA to aid skin healing and rejuvenation . A 10g tube is about 40,000 KRW (≈ $30), reflecting its potency and exclusivity. It’s so popular among tourists that pharmacies have reported periodic sell-outs due to its reputed scar-fading and anti-aging effects . Originally developed by a biotech company known for PDRN injections, this cream is sought after for post-treatment recovery (like after microneedling or laser) and general rejuvenation. Foreign shoppers often grab Rejuvenex because it’s hard to find elsewhere, and its proven wound-healing ingredients give a trustworthy, clinic-grade touch to a skincare routine  .
3. Acnon Cream (Dong-A Pharmaceutical) – A viral Korean acne remedy, Acnon is an OTC cream for inflamed pimples, nicknamed the “emergency pimple cream” by locals . It contains ibuprofen piconol (a topical anti-inflammatory) and isopropyl methylphenol (antibacterial) to reduce redness and fight acne-causing bacteria . Costing only 8,000–10,000 KRW (≈ $6–$8 for a 15g tube), it’s a staple for Korean teens to spot-treat angry breakouts overnight – many report that a swollen, red pimple calms by morning after dabbing this on . Its popularity exploded on TikTok and Instagram  , and now tourists seek out Acnon for its fast relief of pus-filled acne and its K-beauty cachet. (Do note it contains a retinoid, so it’s not for use during pregnancy and best used short-term.) 
4. Clearteen 2% Liquid (Handok Inc.) – A potent salicylic acid toner for acne-prone skin, famous for “clearing” breakouts fast. Active ingredient: 2% salicylic acid (BHA), which is about four times stronger than typical acne products . Price is roughly 13,000–16,000 KRW (≈ $10–$12 for 30ml). Clearteen’s exfoliating formula penetrates pores to dissolve oil and dead cells, making it excellent for blackheads, whiteheads, and surface pimples  . Tourists often buy this after seeing Korean influencers rave that it works almost overnight on impending breakouts – the quick-absorbing, toner-like liquid reportedly calms redness and shrinks pimples by the next day . Its lightweight, cooling feel is perfect for hot, humid weather, and it’s become a K-pharmacy must-have for oily/acne-prone skin due to its efficacy and affordable price.
5. Noscarna Gel (Dong-A Pharmaceutical) – The go-to scar treatment gel in Korean pharmacies. Noscarna is a silicone-based gel with heparin sodium, allantoin, and dexpanthenol as key ingredients . At about 12,000–15,000 KRW (≈ $9–$12 for a 30g tube), it’s used to fade and soften scars – from acne marks to surgical or keloid scars. Koreans are diligent about scar prevention, and Noscarna is applied as soon as a wound heals to flatten raised scars and reduce redness  . Foreign visitors buy Noscarna because it’s known to be highly effective yet much cheaper than import scar gels, and it’s an SNS-acclaimed item for post-acne care. Its combination of skin-repair actives hydrates and accelerates healing, making it a pharmacy bestseller (sales of Noscarna have surged thanks to viral word-of-mouth on social media) . For anyone dealing with scars, this Korean scar gel has become a top recommendation.
6. MelaToning Cream (Dong-A Pharmaceutical) – A hyperpigmentation hero that tourists flock to for dark spots and melasma. MelaToning is a triple-combination cream with 2% hydroquinone, tretinoin, and dexamethasone  – a formula dermatologists often prescribe for stubborn pigmentation. In Korea it’s available OTC for around 15,000–18,000 KRW (≈ $12–$14 for 30g). This cream is beloved by locals (especially those in their 30s–40s) for effectively fading freckles, sunspots, and acne PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), typically used as a nighttime spot treatment . Why tourists love it: Hydroquinone creams are hard to get in many countries (some places ban OTC hydroquinone) , so visitors see MelaToning as a rare find for brightening skin. It’s often bought after summer vacations – apply it consistently at night and pair with sunscreen by day, and users report seeing spots gradually lighten in a few weeks  . Its reputation for proven ingredients and fast results (at a bargain price) has made it a top-selling “souvenir” skincare item.
7. D-Panthenol Cream (Provitamin B5) – A hidden gem for dry or sensitive skin, D-Panthenol cream is an unassuming tube that Koreans use to strengthen the skin barrier. Key ingredient: dexpanthenol (vitamin B5), a humectant and skin-soothing agent . Usually priced around 8,000–12,000 KRW (≈ $6–$10 for a 50g tube), this pharmacy staple is applied to dry patches, irritation, or after dermatologic procedures to aid recovery. It essentially provides “skincare groundwork” – calming inflammation, supporting collagen production, and repairing the moisture barrier . Many foreign travelers pick up Panthenol cream because it’s considered a K-beauty secret for achieving dewy, resilient skin. It’s great value for money – comparable barrier creams in the West cost much more – and the cute packaging (often with a panda on Korean versions) is a bonus. For those with eczema, redness, or seasonal dryness, this pharmacy moisturizer is a trusty go-to .
8. Madecassol Ointment (Centella Asiatica 1%–2%) – A legendary Korean wound-healing ointment that’s found new life as a beauty remedy. Madecassol contains titrated extract of Centella asiatica (“cica”), known for its soothing and skin-repairing properties . In Korea it comes OTC as an ointment or powder (around 5,000–8,000 KRW, ≈ $4–$7 for a small tube or bottle). Traditionally used for cuts and burns, it’s now famously used to calm post-acne redness, hydrate dry flaky skin, and even as post-laser care to speed up healing . Recently, a new Madecassol powder (with double the centella extract) caused a rush at pharmacies, as people mix it into moisturizer to boost scar fading . Foreign tourists are often surprised that this unassuming beige ointment is a cult favorite – but its proven efficacy over decades (45+ years on the market) and budget-friendly price make it a must-buy. It’s often hailed as the Korean version of “Cica-care”, beating pricey scar creams for a fraction of the cost .
9. EGF Active Vital Cream (Hanmi Pro-Calm) – A pharmacy-exclusive regenerative cream that has recently taken Korea by storm. Its star ingredient is EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) at high concentration (10 ppm), which helps stimulate cell renewal and wound healing for rejuvenated skin. Priced around 20,000–30,000 KRW (≈ $15–$25 for 20ml), this cream is often recommended after intense skin treatments – think laser procedures, chemical peels, or cosmetic surgery – to speed up recovery and reduce irritation . The popularity of Hanmi’s EGF cream is astounding: in just a few months, over 270,000 units sold across 11,000 pharmacies, with many stores needing constant restock . Tourists are drawn to it thanks to glowing online reviews of plumper, calmer skin after use, and the allure of a biotech-backed formula. It’s a great value-for-money dupe for expensive “growth factor” serums, giving visitors a chance to try advanced K-beauty science in an affordable jar. (Dermatologists note that while topical EGF can aid repair , one should always patch-test and use as directed, especially on post-procedure skin.)
10. Easyef “Saesal” EGF Ointment (Daewoong Pharmaceutical) – A classic post-treatment recovery ointment beloved in Korean clinics. Easyef (meaning “new skin”) contains rh-EGF (recombinant human Epidermal Growth Factor), a protein that accelerates cell growth and tissue repair . Often dispensed after laser skin resurfacing, burns, or dermal injuries, it creates a protective, moist layer that fosters healing. A small 5g tube costs around 15,000–20,000 KRW (≈ $12–$16), and it’s worth every won for those in need of speedy recovery. Pharmacists frequently recommend Easyef for laser patients or anyone with slow-healing wounds, as studies show EGF helps regenerate skin more rapidly . Foreign visitors who undergo treatments in Korea often add this to their haul, and even those who don’t have procedures buy it as a “just in case” skin fix for cuts or acne scars. While long-term use of EGF products is still being studied, Easyef’s track record in hospitals gives it a trusted reputation – making it a unique K-pharmacy find for tourists seeking effective scar and recovery care  .

Each of these products has earned its spot on Korea’s top-ten list thanks to proven ingredients, affordability, and buzz from both locals and foreigners. From acne cures to scar gels and rejuvenating DNA creams, Korean pharmacies (약국) are becoming a must-visit beauty destination where tourists can snag high-performance skincare that’s often unavailable back home  . K-beauty fans worldwide are discovering that some of the best skincare secrets are tucked away in Seoul’s pharmacies – and these ten are the standout favorites to check out on your next trip.

Sources: The above information is compiled from Korean pharmacy product guides, dermatology expert reviews, and news reports   , including insights from Dr. Rachel Ho’s viral Korean pharmacy skincare review  , official tourism and K-beauty platforms  , and Korean media coverage on the surge of foreign tourists shopping in pharmacies  . All prices are approximate. Enjoy your K-pharmacy beauty haul!