What to Buy at a Korean Pharmacy: 3 Skincare Picks by a Pharmacist
We asked a pharmacist in Gangnam about products popular with foreign travelers and why calcium is drawing attention as an anti-aging ingredient.
- From Popular Pharmacy Items Among Foreign Travelers to Why Calcium Is Gaining Attention
- Gangnam Square Pharmacy, Recommending Products Based on Personal Experience and Your Skin Concerns
- Visiting Gangnam Square Pharmacy: What Foreign Travelers Should Know
- Pharmacist-Recommended! 3 Skincare Products Attracting Attention Right Now
- Quick Comparison: 3 Products Discussed in This Interview
- Anti-Aging Ingredients Currently Attracting Attention at Korean Pharmacies
- What Is the Relationship Between the Skin and “Calcium”?
- Dr.Melaxin Calcium Bonding Face Cream
- What Makes Pharmacy Shopping in Korea Special?
- FAQ: Buying Skincare and OTC Products at Korean Pharmacies
Looking for skincare at a Korean pharmacy but not sure where to start? In this interview series, we talked with Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi from Gangnam Square Pharmacy, who walked us through three products foreign visitors often ask about, covering everything from pigmentation care to moisturizing and firming routines.
One tip worth keeping in mind when buying products at a Korean pharmacy: talk to the pharmacist. Mention your skin concern, your current routine, and any active ingredients you're already using, before you buy anything you are unfamiliar with. Product availability and what actually suits you can vary a lot from person to person, so always check the label and ask for professional advice.
By Jeongeun Shin, Creatrip Editorial Team
Last updated: September 16, 2026
Interview conducted: August, 2026
Editorial disclosure: This article is based on an on-site interview with Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi at Gangnam Square Pharmacy. Product availability and staff recommendations may change. Creatrip editorially reviewed this article for clarity and visitor usefulness.
From Popular Pharmacy Items Among Foreign Travelers to Why Calcium Is Gaining Attention
Interview with Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi of Gangnam Square Pharmacy
Recently, Korean pharmacies have been gaining attention as a new shopping destination among travelers interested in K-beauty.
While they were once mainly seen as places to purchase medicines for acne, scars, and similar concerns, pharmacies now offer a wide range of skincare products and dermocosmetics for more specific needs, including skin firmness, the skin barrier, and hyperpigmentation.
Foreign travelers are also increasingly choosing products while consulting pharmacists, asking questions such as, “Which ingredients are right for my skin concerns?” and “What products are especially popular at Korean pharmacies?” rather than simply looking for products trending on social media.
With this in mind, Creatrip visited Gangnam Square Pharmacy to speak with Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi about the skin concerns she is frequently consulted about by foreign customers, popular products, and recently trending anti-aging ingredients. In this interview, we take an in-depth look at why the still-unfamiliar concept of “calcium skincare” is attracting attention and how it differs from conventional anti-aging products.
Gangnam Square Pharmacy, Recommending Products Based on Personal Experience and Your Skin Concerns
“I only carry products that I have tried myself and genuinely want to recommend.”
Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi at Gangnam Square Pharmacy helps customers around Gangnam Station with a wide range of skin concerns. One of the pharmacy’s defining features is that it recommends products suited to each individual after learning about their concerns and the products they currently use.
In this interview, we focused not on products frequently seen online, but on what foreign visitors actually ask about at the pharmacy and which products they are looking for.
What skin concerns do foreign customers ask about most often?
“The most common concerns are brightening care and wrinkles. Many customers are concerned about losing skin firmness with age or their skin looking dull, and we are also often asked about anti-aging products that suit their individual needs.”
It seems that more foreign customers are looking to consult an expert about which ingredients their skin needs, rather than simply purchasing well-known products. According to Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi, the main concerns can be broadly divided into the following three categories.
- A dull complexion, dark spots, and uneven skin tone
- Wrinkles and lack of skin firmness
- Anti-aging products that suit their individual needs
Visiting Gangnam Square Pharmacy: What Foreign Travelers Should Know
Address: 101 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Yeoksam-dong, Is Tower), 1F Is Tower
Nearest station: Gangnam Station, near Exits 11 and 12
Opening hours: Daily 09:00–21:00 (hours may change on public holidays or due to store operations)
Language support: English, Chinese, and Japanese (language assistance may vary, depending on the staff on duty)
Tax refund: On-site tax-free shopping available. Ask the pharmacy about passport requirements, minimum purchase amounts, and eligible items. Please note that there is no on-site tax refund kiosk.
Before you visit: Product stock, pharmacist availability, language support, and opening hours may change. Contact the pharmacy before making a special trip.
Planning a Gangnam K-beauty shopping stop? Save Gangnam Square Pharmacy before your visit to check its latest location details, opening hours, and available visitor services.
Editor's note
Product stock and pharmacist availability may change. Check with the pharmacy before making a trip.
Pharmacist-Recommended! 3 Skincare Products Attracting Attention Right Now
1. Dr.Melaxin Calcium Bonding Face Cream
Why pharmacists recommend it
“This calcium-based cream is recommended for those who want to care for the firmness of their entire face.”
Why it stands out: This cream is positioned as a moisturising and barrier-supporting option for people interested in a calcium-focused skincare routine. It also contains familiar moisturising ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid.
If you already use retinoids, exfoliating acids, or other active ingredients, ask a pharmacist how to introduce a new cream into your routine without overcomplicating it.
2. Dong-A Pharmaceutical Melatoning Cream
Why pharmacists recommend it
“This pharmacy product is a popular choice for people concerned about pigmentation, such as melasma and dark spots.”
What to know before buying: Melatoning Cream is an OTC topical product containing hydroquinone, an ingredient used for hyperpigmentation concerns such as dark spots and freckles. It is not a general moisturiser or a one-size-fits-all skincare item.
Ask a pharmacist whether it is appropriate for your skin concern, how to use it according to the current label, and whether it can be combined with the products already in your routine. Daily sun protection is especially important when addressing uneven-looking skin tone.
Information is for general shopping guidance only and is not medical advice. Follow the current product label and pharmacist’s instructions.
3. Dr.Melaxin Eyephalt Eyebag Cream Plus
Why pharmacists recommend it
“This eye cream is so popular for improving wrinkles around the eyes that many visitors come in specifically looking for it.”
Who may be interested: Visitors looking for a product that targets puffiness and wrinkles around the eye-area may want to ask about this cream. It may be of interest for those who want to focus on specific areas of concern, such as the eye area, rather than caring for the entire face. Results and suitability vary depending on concerns such as dryness, the appearance of fine lines, or puffiness.
Instead of expecting a guaranteed result, ask the pharmacist which ingredient profile is most suitable for your eye-area concern and how to patch-test a new product.
Quick Comparison: 3 Products Discussed in This Interview
These products serve different purposes. Ask a pharmacist about your skin concern and current routine before choosing an OTC medicine or adding a new active product.
Product | Type | Recommended for | Ask the pharmacist before buying if |
Dr.Melaxin Calcium Bonding Face Cream | Cosmetic moisturiser | Dryness, barrier support, and the appearance of firmer-looking skin | You already use retinoids, acids, or multiple active products |
Dong-A Pharmaceutical Melatoning Cream | OTC topical medicine | Hyperpigmentation concerns such as dark spots or freckles | You have sensitive skin, are unsure about hydroquinone use, or need guidance on use and sun protection |
Dr.Melaxin Eyephalt Eyebag Cream | Eye-area cosmetic | Dryness, fine lines, or puffiness around the eye area | You have irritation around the eyes or use other eye treatments |
Product availability, formulation, and suitability may change. Confirm current information and instructions with the pharmacy and official product label.
Anti-Aging Ingredients Currently Attracting Attention at Korean Pharmacies
When you hear “anti-aging care,” you may think of retinol or collagen, but the options have recently expanded even further. Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi highlighted the following key ingredients.
Ingredient | What it does |
Calcium | An anti-aging ingredient gaining attention from the perspective of the skin barrier and firmness |
NMN and NAD+ | Ingredients frequently discussed in broader longevity (anti-aging) research. Their relevance and benefits in topical skincare vary by formulation, so check product-specific information rather than assuming the same effect across products |
Peptides | Ingredients made of bonded amino acids, widely used to care for skin firmness and wrinkles |
Vitamin C | A representative ingredient used for its antioxidant properties and to care for dull-looking skin and dark spots |
Retinal | A vitamin A derivative often used in skincare products for concerns such as texture and the appearance of fine lines. It may not suit every routine, especially when combined with other active ingredients. |
Among these, pharmacist Lee Seung-mi is particularly interested in “calcium.” Although it is not yet a familiar skincare ingredient, interest in it is growing as an approach that differs from conventional anti-aging ingredients. In this interview, we asked her to explain its characteristics in more detail.
What Is the Relationship Between the Skin and “Calcium”?
“Calcium is naturally present in the skin. When calcium levels are well balanced, processes such as the renewal of skin cells and the skin’s response to irritation can proceed more smoothly.”
When you hear calcium, you may think of bones or supplements, but it is also naturally present in the skin. Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi explained in simple terms that calcium is involved in the skin’s balance and the process of producing new cells. Rather than viewing it as merely a moisturizing ingredient, it is better understood as an ingredient involved in helping the skin maintain a healthy condition. As a product focusing on calcium, pharmacist Lee Seung-mi introduced the Dr.Melaxin Calcium Bonding Face Cream.
Dr.Melaxin Calcium Bonding Face Cream
“If standard firming products haven’t quite delivered the results you were hoping for, calcium-infused skincare is worth considering. While it’s a less familiar ingredient in everyday routines, it offers a fresh approach to supporting skin elasticity.”
How Is It Different from Traditional Firming Care Products?
There are many anti-aging products featuring well-known ingredients such as collagen, peptides, and retinol. Calcium Bonding Face Cream takes a slightly different approach by focusing on the relationship between calcium naturally found in the skin and the skin barrier function.
In addition to calcium, it contains moisturizing and barrier-care ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid. Its key feature is that it helps care not only for skin firmness, but also for the skin barrier and overall skin condition.
Recommended for
- Those who have already tried products containing collagen or peptides
- Those concerned about both loss of firmness and a weakened skin barrier
- Those who feel their skin is drier and less vibrant than before
- Those who want to try a new anti-aging ingredient
When is the best time to use it?
The Calcium Bonding Face Cream can be used both morning and evening, but pharmacist Lee Seung-mi particularly recommends incorporating it into your morning skincare routine. If you usually use another anti-aging product, such as retinol, at night, try using a calcium bonding product in the morning and focus on caring for your skin's firmness and barrier function.
Dr.Melaxin's recommended order of application:
Serum → Calcium Bonding Face Cream → Eye cream → Sunscreen
What Makes Pharmacy Shopping in Korea Special?
Korean pharmacies are another K-beauty shopping destination where you can discuss your skin concerns with a pharmacist and find products that suit you from a wide range of medicines and dermocosmetics.
At the end of the interview, pharmacist Lee Seung-mi highlighted professional consultations with pharmacists as one of the biggest advantages unique to Korean pharmacies. By explaining your current skin concerns and the products you are using, you can check which ingredients and products may be suitable for you together with the pharmacist.
Before you go, it helps to have a few things ready to share:
- Your current skincare products
- Any known sensitivities or allergies
- Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, where relevant
- Whether you are looking for a cosmetic product or an OTC medicine
Once the pharmacist has that context, try asking questions like these:
- "I feel like my skin is losing its firmness. Which ingredients would be good for me?"
- "I use retinol. Are there any products I can use alongside it?"
On your next trip to Korea, instead of simply buying trending products, try asking a pharmacist for advice and finding products that suit your skin. At Korean pharmacies, you can enjoy discovering products one by one that address your individual skin concerns, offering an experience that is a little different from typical K-beauty shopping.
FAQ: Buying Skincare and OTC Products at Korean Pharmacies
Q. Can tourists buy skincare products at Korean pharmacies?
A. Yes, many Korean pharmacies carry skincare and dermocosmetic products, but product availability varies by location. Ask the pharmacist what is currently in stock and whether a product is suitable for your concern.
Q. What is the difference between Korean pharmacy skincare and Olive Young products?
A. Korean pharmacies often carry dermocosmetic products and over-the-counter treatments that are commonly chosen for specific concerns, such as dryness, sensitivity, pigmentation, or moisture-barrier support. Olive Young and other beauty retailers offer a broader selection of cosmetics, including everyday skincare, makeup, and trending K-beauty products.
Q. Can I ask a Korean pharmacist for skincare advice before buying?
A. Yes. You can ask a pharmacist about your skin concern, current routine, and any active ingredients you already use before choosing a product. The depth of advice may depend on the staff on duty and how busy the pharmacy is. During our interview, Pharmacist Lee Seung-mi at Gangnam Square Pharmacy noted that visitors can ask about active ingredients and skin concerns while comparing options before deciding whether to buy.
Q. Do I need a prescription to buy Melatoning Cream in Korea?
A. Melatoning Cream is presented by Dong-A Pharmaceutical as an OTC topical product, but purchase guidance and use instructions should be confirmed with the pharmacist at the time of purchase.
Q. Does Gangnam Square Pharmacy have English-speaking staff?
A. English assistance may be available at Gangnam Square Pharmacy, depending on which staff members are on duty during your visit. If you have complex medical questions, having a translation app ready is a helpful backup.
Q. Do I need my passport for tax-free shopping at a Korean pharmacy?
A. Bring your passport if you plan to ask about tax-free shopping. Eligibility, minimum purchase amounts, and qualifying items can vary, so confirm the current policy directly with the pharmacy before paying. At Gangnam Square Pharmacy, on-site tax-free shopping is available, but there is no on-site tax refund kiosk.
Planning a K-beauty shopping stop near Gangnam Station? Save Square Pharmacy before your visit to check the latest location details, opening hours, and visitor services. If you are looking for a specific product, contact the pharmacy first to confirm current stock and language support.
If you have any questions or concerns, Creatrip provides 24/7 real-time support in English, Chinese, and Japanese for international visitors completely free of charge. Reach us anytime on WhatsApp (+82 10-8818-2915) or LINE (@creatrip). You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube to stay updated on all things Korea!
