Ampoules are a big part of the Korean skincare routine. If you aren’t using one on your face, this is why you should be.
If you aren’t familiar with the Korean skincare routine, you need to be. It has steadily been gaining more and more attention in Western countries. Now, Western brands are adding Korean products to their skincare lines. (Hello, sheet masks.) If you are new to the Korean skincare routine, it can be a bit overwhelming, given that it has approximately ten steps and a million different products that you probably haven’t come across at the drugstore before. We’ve discussed modeling masks and face essences, and now it is time to get the lowdown on ampoules. We spoke with Alicia Yoon, the founder of popular Korean beauty site Peach & Lily, about ampoules and why we should be putting them on our faces.
(Related: What Is a Face Essence?)
You might be familiar with the term “ampoule” from liquid hair treatments that come in individual-use bottles or pods. However, that has doesn’t relate to the Korean skincare product. When it comes to your face, an ampoule is simply a supercharged serum. Alicia explains that ampoules address skin concerns with a highly concentrated formulation and small doses of product.
Ampoules contain active ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. Alicia says, “Many ampoules also include a medley of antioxidant-rich botanical ingredients to help nourish the skin and fight free radicals. The ingredients depend on what the ampoule is targeted to treat and can come in as many ingredients as serums.” They can be used as a timed treatment or as part of a regular routine.
Ampoules generally come in similar pipet bottles as serums, so it is easy to assume they are the same thing if you don’t read the labels. However, you can also come across ampoule sheet masks.
(Related: Forget Sheet Masks, Korean Modeling Masks Are the Next Big Obsession)
You’re probably wondering why you need an ampoule if you are already using a serum, but they aren’t the same thing. Because of their higher concentration of active ingredients, ampoules are more powerful than serums. Alicia states that there are two ways to use an ampoule: You can use them as part of your everyday routine or as a timed treatment.
However, it is less common to have an ampoule as part of your everyday routine. Because ampoules are potent products, Alicia notes that you should always be following the instructions on the package.
She explains, “Ampoule application time can range from a definite period of time to indefinitely, but keep in mind that consistency is important. To see the results you’re after, be sure to be consistent with the application.”
In terms of product order, your ampoule should be applied after you cleanse and tone, following your essence. This way, your skin is adequately hydrated first, which will allow the ampoule to absorb better. As for how much you should use, Alicia, says, “A little goes a long way’ is a key phrase here.” Apply a few drops to your hands, then pat the product onto your face.
If you’re looking to try an ampoule, you can find them stocked at Peach & Lily, plus other Korean beauty sites like Sokoglam. You can also find some at Urban Outfitters. Alicia’s pick, Night Repair Seruming Ampoule, Mizon, is actually one more for daily use than a timed treatment.
She says, “It helps to hydrate and brighten skin resulting in a dewy, plump, and very radiant look. This is used in the PM, and you dab it in before your moisturizer and after cleansing, toning, and applying essence, and you wake up with more radiance and looking quite well-rested.” Anything that can make us look like we had a good night’s sleep is definitely worth adding to your bathroom cupboard.
(Photos: Mizon)
