Why Most Korean Serums Are 30ml... And It's Not Enough
If you've ever asked yourself why so many Korean serums only come in 30ml bottles, here is the short answer. For brands, it made sense for budget ranges and lower price points. For consumers however, it doesn't make sense if you want visible results. Most active routines need at least 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. A 30ml bottle often runs out long before your skin has time to respond.
The 30ml standard in Korean serums
30ml became a default size because it helps mass market lines anchor lower RRPs and encourage quick repurchases. The trade off is that the product (and packaging) life is short. If you use a serum twice daily you can finish 30ml in about a month (or let's be real...even quicker 😅). Not only is that a massive waste of packaging, that timing is also out of step with how skin actually changes.
Results need time and consistency
Actives like retinol, niacinamide and adenosine (Korean Beauty's wrinkle care secret) work best with steady, uninterrupted use across multiple skin cycles. That is why most dermatology backed routines speak in weeks not days. The common guidance is 8 to 12 weeks before judging results. If your serum runs out in 3 to 4 weeks, you interrupt the process and your cost per result goes up.
Why premium brands choose larger bottles
Premium Korean skincare lines are more likely to offer 40 to 50ml bottles. Larger sizes not only support a full results window and lower cost per use, they also help you stay on the same texture and formula long enough to see a difference, which matters for dry, dull, dehydrated and mature skin types.
30ml vs 50ml at a glance
| Size | Typical use | Approximate duration |
|---|---|---|
| 30ml Korean serum | ~1 ml per day at 2 pumps | ~30 days |
| 50ml Korean serum | ~1 ml per day at 2 pumps | ~50 days which is 8 weeks plus |
The Jelly Ko approach
We design texture first formulas crafted by Korean cosmetic chemists. We chose 50ml bottles so you can keep using them long enough to see a change. Our range is created specifically for dry, dull, dehydrated and mature skin and each serum offers a matching refill so you can continue the routine with less waste and better value.
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