One word, three syllables: Aldicom, pronounced al-di-com. It’s one of Korea’s go-to hangover relief supplements. (If you’ve never heard of it, that’s OK, because I hadn’t either until a friend introduced me to it at a soju-drenched dinner last year, and now I seldom drink without it.)

Aldicom is just one of many under-the-radar gems you can find at Korean pharmacies, sitting alongside plentiful acne ointments, scar treatments, and regenerative creams. Even better: Most of these products are modestly priced, so the only real hurdle you might run into is knowing what to buy first.

Throughout my time in Seoul, I tried countless beauty and wellness recommendations from trusted friends and family. Allow me to share my favorites with you ahead.

The Best Korean Pharmacy Finds:

Wellness:

ALDICOM A

Korea’s lively drinking culture mirrors its intense work culture, often resulting in late nights out and unrelenting early mornings—hence, the popularity of hangover supplements like Aldicom. Aldicom’s patented formula combines traditional herbs with probiotics to reduce acetaldehyde (a toxic byproduct of alcohol) in your bloodstream, while also supporting liver function and digestion so you recover faster overall. It comes in slim, sippable sachets, which you take before drinking and just before bed for maximum benefits. (Note: Some find the flavor to be a bit strong and earthy like a medicinal tea, but that fleeting bitterness is a small trade-off for feeling human again the next day IMO.)

$21.99 at Amazon

ChongKunDang LACTO‑FIT Probiotic Gold

Probiotics aren’t just a wellness trend in Korea—they’re a way of life. OK, maybe that was a tad dramatic to open with, but I want to underscore how important gut health is to us! (See: Kimchi.) Whatever gut-friendly bacteria we’re not getting from our fermented foods, we’re supplementing with powders like this one from Lacto‑Fit. Widely recognized as the bestselling probiotic supplement for years, Lacto‑Fit by ChongKunDang can be found everywhere from pharmacies and supermarkets to Olive Young, the mega beauty retailer. As the name suggests, it blends multiple Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains to support gut balance and digestion. Like Aldicom, it comes in portable sticks for on-the-go dosing; unlike Aldicom, it has a familiar grape flavor that makes probiotic intake easier and more enjoyable for the masses.

$15.50 at Amazon

Lemona Vitamin C 500mg

Lemona is to Korea what Emergen‑C is to the States: a vitamin C supplement taken to bolster your immune system. However, at 500 mg of vitamin C in that ever-convenient stick format that we love—compared with Emergen‑C’s 1,000 mg that has to be mixed into a glass of water—I’d argue Lemona is better suited for daily preventative use, while Emergen‑C is typically reserved for those SOS moments when you already feel a cold coming on. (Also, in case you’re wondering: This one tastes slightly sweet, tart, and citrusy. Honestly, it’s like candy.)

$24.65 at Amazon

Newvein

Newvein is an over-the-counter medication used to support lymphatic circulation (not a K-Pop band trying to dethrone NewJeans amid their legal drama—too soon?).

Its key ingredient is troxerutin, a plant-derived flavonoid used in products aimed at circulation and vascular health, thereby helping your body move fluid more efficiently. Though marketed for vascular support and relief from conditions like varicose veins, I first discovered Newvein last fall, when my pharmacist recommended it as a depuffing aid after a skincare treatment left me moonfaced for several days. Between the Newvein and intermittent icing of my swollen cheeks, I did notice a swifter deflation, so do with that what you will.

(Ed note: Unfortunately, Newvein doesn’t seem to be available online, but bookmark this for your future travels to Seoul, especially if your itinerary includes an appointment at a skin clinic.)

Skincare:

Acnon

Known as the “emergency acne cream,” Acnon works best on those red, inflamed pimples that are on the rise. It has two key ingredients: ibuprofen piconol to reduce redness and swelling, and isopropyl methylphenol to target the bacteria that contribute to the inflammation in the first place. The cream also includes emollients—namely glycerin monostearate and cetostearyl alcohol—to offset any dryness or irritation that’s often caused by overusing acne treatments.

$15.99 at Kore Pharm

Noscarna

Fun fact: Noscarna is manufactured by Dong-A Pharmaceutical, the same company that makes Acnon. In fact, you’ll likely see it sitting next to Acnon (and Melatoning below) on shelves, as the three are often marketed together. Since its launch in 2013, Noscarna has earned a steady reputation for reducing the appearance and texture of acne and surgical scars. Its potent gel formula combines a synergistic trio of heparin sodium, allantoin, and dexpanthenol to promote skin regeneration, while vitamins B3 and E gradually even out pigmentation over time.

$22 at L.M. Ching

MelaToning

Another standout hit from Dong-A Pharmaceutical? Melatoning, a go-to cream for brightening dark spots, melasma, and other signs of sun damage. The star ingredient here is hydroquinone, which works by inhibiting melanin production. By reducing pigment in affected areas, it prevents further darkening of them, allowing any spots to fade gradually and your overall skin tone to even out over time. In Melatoning's case, hydroquinone is strategically included at a lower dose of two percent to maximize brightening results without risking irritation. It also contains various emollients and humectants, such as glycerin, to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated.

$29.99 at Stylevana

Madecasol

If La-Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume and Aquaphor had a lovechild, it would be Madecasol. Found in medicine cabinets throughout Korea, this cream is a beloved first-aid staple and a trusted panacea for healing minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions. Formulated with centella asiatica to support skin repair and soothe any irritation, derms often recommend it for quelling flare-ups in sensitive, irritated, or reactive skin. Personally, I reach for it when I’ve hit a rough patch with retinoids, and my face needs some extra coddling.

$18.80 at Amazon

D-Panthenol

Meet my wintertime hero: D-Panthenol, aka dexpanthenol or provitamin B5 (as it’s known on the streets?) Despite the wordy name, it’s actually quite simple in its function: it helps with hydration and skin-barrier repair. Historically, D-Panthenol has been used to soothe dermatitis, eczema, and other skin conditions, and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, even in little ones. (This explains the cute panda on the packaging.)

$19.99 at K Friends USA

Dr. Reju‑All Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream

Whoever did the PR for PDRN deserves a raise because not since the heyday of hyaluronic acid have I heard so much buzz around a single ingredient. Dr. Reju-All’s bestselling cream is loaded with high-purity PDRN (at 1,200 ppm) and other barrier-bolstering heroes like panthenol and niacinamide. Together, these ingredients provide immediate hydration and soothing comfort, while offering longer-term regenerative benefits. This is particularly useful after dermatological procedures like lasers and the famed PDRN injections themselves.

$29.90 at Dr. Reju-All

EGF Active Vital Cream

A quick primer on EGFs: EGFs are naturally occurring proteins in your body that help skin cells communicate more efficiently. You can think of them as little messengers that signal to your skin, “Hey man, let’s regenerate.” When applied topically, EGFs encourage skin cells to renew more quickly, thereby speeding up the healing process and promoting stronger, healthier-looking skin. Alongside its star ingredient, this cream also includes niacinamide, centella asiatica, madecassoside, panthenol, and ceramide NP, which you may now recognize as the all-stars of K-Beauty. Because of how it's formulated, this cream is both a solid supporting character to any main actives in your existing skincare routine (e.g., retinoids, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids) and a standalone star on recovery days.

$15 at Style Korea

Parting Advice:

When in doubt, ask the pharmacist. In Korea, pharmacists are used to being more hands-on, offering advice on everything from treating a sudden breakout to choosing the right supplements when you feel that first tickle in your throat. This is quite different from the U.S., where our conversations tend to be brusque and serve a singular purpose: getting our prescriptions filled—and fast. The point is, don’t be afraid to ask specific questions, and if you get stuck, pull out this pocket guide.