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Ingredient Glossary
A powerhouse guide to commonly found K-beauty Ingredients.
Alphabetical
A
| Ingredients | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Adenosine | Anti-ageing / Firming | Think of Adenosine as a wake-up call for your skin. This gentle yet effective anti-ageing ingredient helps smooth fine lines, softens wrinkles, and gives your complexion a firmer, more youthful appearance. |
| AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) | Exfoliation / Brightening | AHAs like Glycolic, Lactic and Mandelic Acid work on the skin's surface to sweep away dull, dead cells. This reveals the brighter, fresher skin underneath. The result? Fresher, smoother, glowier looking skin. |
| Allantoin | Sensitivity / Repair | A superstar soother and softener. It calms irritation, softens rough patches, and supports your skin's natural healing process. It's perfect for when your skin feels uncomfortable or stressed. |
| Aloe Vera | Hydration / Sensitivity | Your skin's emergency relief. Aloe Vera instantly soothes redness, hydrates deeply, and brings relief when your skin feels hot, tight, or sensitive. Great for sunburns or any kind of sensitivity. |
| Alpha-Arbutin | Brightening | A safe and effective dark spot fighter. It works by telling the cells that produce pigment to calm down, which helps to visibly fade discoloration and even out your skin tone for a brighter complexion. |
| Angelica Root (Dang Gui) | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | A traditional ingredient in Korean herbal skincare ("Hanbang"). It’s loaded with antioxidants that act like bodyguards for your skin, protecting its firmness and elasticity from environmental stress. |
| Arbutin | Brightening | A naturally derived alternative to Alpha-Arbutin. It helps brighten and even out skin tone by targeting unwanted dark spots. It's a gentler choice than Alpha-Arbutin and works more slowly to brighten your complexion giving you that gorgeous, even glow over time. |
| Azelaic Acid | Exfoliation / Acne | A gentle multi-tasker that's perfect for sensitive skin. This grain-derived acid provides mild exfoliation while fighting acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. It's especially great for those who can't tolerate stronger acids but still want clearer, smoother skin with reduced redness. |
B
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Bakuchiol | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Often called a natural alternative to retinol. It encourages collagen production and improves firmness, helping to reduce wrinkles and fine lines while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. |
| Bamboo Extract / Water | Hydration / Firmness | A lightweight hydrator packed with silica. It supports skin’s suppleness and helps it look soft, refreshed, and plump. |
| Beta-Glucan | Hydration / Sensitivity | A hydration hero derived from oats and mushrooms. It deeply moisturises, soothes redness, and is fantastic for repairing your skin barrier. Some say it's even more hydrating than hyaluronic acid! |
| BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy Acids) | Exfoliation / Acne | Oil-soluble acids (like salicylic acid) that dive deep into pores. They clear out excess sebum and dead cells, helping to reduce blackheads, prevent breakouts, and smooth skin texture. It's a must-have for oily or acne-prone skin. |
| Bifida Ferment Lysate | Barrier / Repair | A probiotic extract that strengthens your skin’s natural defenses. It helps calm sensitivity, repair the barrier, and makes skin more resilient. |
| Birch Sap | Hydration | A favorite in K-beauty, this tree sap is used instead of water in some formulas. It provides light, refreshing hydration while delivering amino acids and minerals to nourish the skin. |
| Black Soybean Extract | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | A powerful antioxidant shield for your skin. It helps protect against damage from pollution and the sun, which in turn helps keep your skin bright and firm. |
C
| Ingredients | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Centella Asiatica (Cica) | Sensitivity / Repair | The holy grail for calming angry skin. Also known as "Cica," this soothing botanica is amazing at reducing redness, soothing irritation, and helping damaged skin heal faster. If your skin is sensitive or breaking out, Cica is your best friend. |
| Ceramides | Hydration / Barrier | The "cement" that holds your skin cells together. Ceramides are natural fats that rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier. This keeps moisture locked in and irritants locked out, leading to plump, healthy skin that's less prone to sensitivity and dryness. |
| Chamomile / Azulene | Sensitivity / Soothing | Just like chamomile tea calms you, this ingredient calms your skin. It's a powerful anti-inflammatory that works wonders on red, irritated, or sensitive areas. |
| Chrysanthemum Extract | Brightening / Sensitivity | A traditional herbal flower that soothes sensitivity while adding a subtle brightening effect. It leaves skin feeling calm, balanced, and with a radiant glow. |
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) | Anti-Ageing / Antioxidant | An antioxidant that your body naturally produces but makes less of as you age. Applied topically, it recharges skin cells, defends against free radicals, and helps reduce fine lines over time. |
| Collagen Peptides | Hydration / Anti-Ageing | When applied to the skin, collagen delivers excellent hydration and helps the skin feel firmer and smoother. They plump the surface, giving a bouncier, more supple look. |
| Copper Peptides | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | These are like a foreman on a construction site for your skin. They signal the skin to repair and rebuild. They stimulate collagen and elastin, improving firmness and resilience while also supporting healing. |
D - G
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Eggplant Extract | Acne / Brightening | A surprising but effective ingredient for calming breakout-prone skin. It's rich in antioxidants and has properties that help soothe blemishes and inflammation. |
| EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) | Anti-Ageing / Repair | A high-tech ingredient that acts like a messenger, telling your skin cells to repair and rejuvenate. It helps to improve skin texture and firmness for a smoother appearance. |
| Fermented Extracts / Enzymes | Brightening / Exfoliation | Fermentation breaks ingredients into smaller, more potent compounds that skin can absorb easily. This process enhances brightening, smoothing, and hydrating effects. |
| Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate | Brightening / Texture | A nutrient-dense byproduct of fermented yeast (famously used in high-end essences). It's amazing for improving skin texture, minimizing the look of pores, and giving you a lit-from-within glow. |
| Ginseng | Anti-Ageing / Brightening | The ultimate revitaliser from Korean herbal medicine. Think of it as a shot of espresso for your skin— it helps brighten up a tired, dull complexion and improve circulation and elasticity. |
| Glutathione | Brightening / Antioxidant | Known as the body's "master antioxidant," it helps to brighten the skin and even out its tone by protecting it from damage that causes dark spots. It’s a key ingredient for achieving a luminous complexion. |
| Green Tea | Sensitivity / Acne / Antioxidant | A classic antioxidant powerhouse. It soothes redness, helps control oil, and protects the skin from environmental damage. It’s a versatile ingredient that’s great for almost every skin type. |
H - M
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) | Acne / Sensitivity | An incredibly popular K-beauty ingredient for a reason. It is exceptionally good at calming down red, irritated, and inflamed skin, making it perfect for sensitive or acne-prone types. |
| Honey | Hydration / Acne | A natural wonder that hydrates the skin while fighting bacteria. It’s a gentle moisturiser that can also help soothe blemishes and irritation. |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Hydration | A moisture magnet. This humectant It draws moisture into the skin to provide intense hydration, plumpness, and bounce. |
| Kojic Acid | Brightening | A gentle yet effective brightening agent derived from fermented rice (perfect for K-Beauty!). It works by inhibiting melanin production to help fade dark spots, post-acne marks, and even out skin tone. It's milder than hydroquinone but still delivers impressive results for a more radiant complexion. |
| Licorice Root Extract | Brightening / Sensitivity | A dual-action hero. It brightens the skin by fading dark spots and also has fantastic soothing properties to calm redness and irritation. |
| Lotus Extract | Hydration / Sensitivity | A beautiful flower that provides hydration and a protective dose of antioxidants. |
| Mugwort (Artemisia) | Sensitivity / Acne | A beloved herb in K-beauty, rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It eases redness, soothes irritation, and supports clearer, calmer skin — especially helpful for acne-prone or sensitive types. |
N - P
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | Brightening / Anti-Ageing / Acne | The ultimate multi-tasker. It brightens skin, minimizes pores, controls oil, strengthens the skin barrier, and calms redness. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that benefits nearly every skin type. |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Hydration / Sensitivity | A gentle hydrator and soother. It draws moisture into the skin and locks it in place, helping to relieve dryness and repair a damaged skin barrier. |
| Pearl Extract / Powder | Brightening | An ingredient for instant radiance. It's rich in minerals that help brighten the complexion and give the skin a soft, luminous glow. |
| Peptides | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | These are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin. Think of them as messengers that signal your skin to make more collagen, leading to firmer, plumper skin. |
| PDRN | Repair / Anti-Ageing | A cutting-edge extract from salmon DNA, popular in Korean aesthetics. It works to encourage repair, regeneration, and improve elasticity. |
| PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) | Exfoliation / Sensitivity | The gentlest of all chemical exfoliants. PHAs slough off dead skin cells just like AHAs, but their larger molecule size means they don't penetrate as deeply, making them perfect for sensitive skin. They also hydrate! |
| Pomegranate Extract | Anti-Ageing / Antioxidant | A potent antioxidant that helps defend your skin against environmental stressors. It helps maintain firmness and keeps skin looking youthful and refreshed. |
| Prickly Pear Extract | Hydration / Sensitivity | A desert plant that's amazing at holding onto water. It delivers intense hydration and soothes the skin with its rich supply of vitamins and antioxidants. |
| Probiotics / Prebiotics | Barrier / Sensitivity | These ingredients help balance the friendly bacteria on your skin's surface (your microbiome). A balanced microbiome means a stronger, healthier skin barrier that is less prone to irritation and redness. |
| Propolis | Acne / Sensitivity | A resin created by bees to protect their hive. On your skin, it fights bacteria, calms inflammation, and supports recovery. It's fantastic for acne-prone and sensitive skin. |
Q - S
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Resveratrol | Anti-Ageing / Antioxidant | A powerful antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. It acts as a shield, protecting your skin from environmental damage and signs of ageing. |
| Retinol / Retinoids / Retinal | Anti-Ageing / Acne | The gold standard in anti-ageing. These Vitamin A derivatives speed up your skin's cell turnover to reduce wrinkles, smooth texture, fade dark spots, and clear pores. Start slow with these, as they can be potent! |
| Rice Extract / Rice Water | Brightening / Hydration | A traditional Asian beauty secret for centuries. Rice is full of vitamins and minerals that gently brighten, soften, and hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling silky smooth. |
| Royal Jelly | Hydration / Anti-Ageing | A nutrient-rich food for queen bees. For your skin, it's deeply nourishing and hydrating, helping to support overall skin health and repair. |
| Sea Buckthorn | Brightening / Antioxidant | This small berry is a vitamin bomb, containing over 100 nutrients and a huge amount of Vitamin C and omega fatty acids. It’s an amazing antioxidant that brightens dull skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and deeply nourishes for a healthy glow. |
| Snail Mucin | Hydration / Repair | A unique K-beauty favorite for a reason! It’s packed with nutrients that deeply hydrate, repair a damaged skin barrier, smooth fine lines, and help fade acne scars. |
| Soy Isoflavones | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Rich in isoflavones and amino acids, it helps improve elasticity, brighten tone, and strengthen the barrier for healthier, firmer-looking skin. |
| Squalane | Hydration / Barrier | A lightweight, skin-friendly oil. It mimics your skin's natural sebum, so it moisturises and locks in hydration without feeling greasy or clogging pores. It’s excellent for supporting a healthy skin barrier. |
| Succinic Acid | Acne / Exfoliation | A newer, gentler ingredient for breakout-prone skin. It helps control sebum, reduce bacteria, and calm inflammation associated with blemishes. |
| Sulfur | Acne / Exfoliation | A classic spot treatment ingredient. It helps to dry out active pimples and unclog pores thanks to its antibacterial and skin-clearing properties. |
T - Z
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Tree Extract / Oil | Acne | A natural powerhouse known for its potent antimicrobial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria. It's very effective but should be used carefully, as it can lead to irritation. |
| Tranexamic Acid | Brightening | An amazing ingredient for tackling stubborn dark spots, post-acne marks, and melasma. It helps to even out skin tone by blocking the pathway that creates excess pigment. |
| Tremella (Snow Mushroom) | Hydration | A natural hydrator often compared to hyaluronic acid. Its tiny molecules hold water and create a plumping, dewy effect. |
| Vitamin C | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | An all-star antioxidant. It brightens the entire complexion, fades dark spots, helps build collagen for firmer skin, and protects from environmental damage. A must-have for a healthy glow. |
| Vitamin E | Anti-Ageing / Antioxidant | An oil-soluble antioxidant that moisturises and protects the skin. It works especially well with Vitamin C, as they boost each other's effects to keep your skin safe from environmental stressors. |
| Volcanic Ash | Acne / Oil Control | A natural purifier, often found in clay masks. It acts like a magnet to absorb excess oil and draw impurities out of your pores, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. |
| Yuja / Yuzu | Brightening | A type of citrus fruit that's bursting with Vitamin C. It's used to energize and brighten dull, tired-looking skin, giving it a fresh, radiant boost. |
Skin Type / Concern
Acne / Blemish Control
| Ingredients | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic Acid) | Exfoliation / Brightening | Help keep pores clear and smooth rough skin. |
| BHAs (Salicylic Acid, LHA) | Exfoliation / Acne | Unclogs pores and reduces blackheads. |
| Eggplant Extract | Acne / Brightening | Antioxidant-rich; calms blemish-prone skin. |
| Green Tea | Acne / Sensitivity | Controls excess oil and soothes inflammation. |
| Heartleaf | Acne / Sensitivity | Calms inflamed, acne-prone skin. |
| Mugwort | Acne / Sensitivity | Soothes irritation and helps prevent breakouts. |
| Niacinamide | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Balances oil production and calms redness. |
| Propolis | Acne / Sensitivity | Helps blemishes heal and soothes skin. |
| Retinol / Retinoids | Anti-Ageing / Acne | Supports clearer pores and reduces breakouts. |
| Succinic Acid | Acne / Exfoliation | Gently clears pores and reduces breakouts. |
| Sulfur | Acne / Exfoliation | Helps target spots and unclog pores. |
| Tea Tree Oil | Acne | Fights blemish-causing bacteria. |
| Volcanic Ash | Acne / Oil Control | Absorbs excess oil and detoxifies pores. |
Anti-Ageing
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Adenosine | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Smooths fine lines and firms skin. |
| Angelica Root (Dang Gui) | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Antioxidant; supports elasticity. |
| Bakuchiol | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Plant-based retinol alternative. |
| Black Soybean Extract | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Antioxidant; supports elasticity. |
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) | Anti-Ageing / Antioxidant | Protects skin from ageing. |
| Collagen Peptides | Hydration / Anti-Ageing | Plumps skin and supports firmness. |
| Copper Peptides | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Supports collagen and elastin production. |
| EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) | Anti-Ageing / Repair | Encourages renewal and firmer skin. |
| Ginseng (Panax) | Anti-Ageing / Brightening | Revitalises skin and supports elasticity. |
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Brightenes, reduces dullness and supports smoothness. |
| PDRN | Repair / Anti-Ageing | Repairs and improves elasticity. |
| Pomegranate Extract | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Firms and protects skin. |
| Resveratrol | Anti-Ageing / Antioxidant | Protects against environmental stress. |
| Retinol / Retinoids | Anti-Ageing / Acne | Smooths wrinkles and refines texture. |
| Soy Isoflavones | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Supports elasticity and firmness. |
| Vitamin C | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Brightening, supports collagen and protects against environmental damage. |
| Vitamin E | Anti-Ageing / Antioxidant | Protects skin from free radicals. |
Brightening
| Ingredients | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| AHAs (Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic) | Exfoliation / Brightening | Gently lifts dull, dead skin for a brighter appearance; helps keep pores clear. |
| Alpha-Arbutin | Brightening | Fades dark spots and evens skin tone. |
| Arbutin | Brightening | Lightens uneven pigmentation. |
| Black Soybean Extract | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Antioxidant; helps brighten and improve elasticity. |
| Chrysanthemum Extract | Brightening / Sensitivity | Adds radiance while calming skin. |
| Fermented Extracts / Enzymes | Brightening / Exfoliation | Boosts glow and smooths texture. |
| Ginseng (Panax) | Anti-Ageing / Brightening | Revitalises dull, tired skin and improves radiance. |
| Glutathione | Brightening / Antioxidant | Promotes a brighter, even complexion. |
| Licorice Root Extract | Brightening / Sensitivity | Helps fade spots and calm redness. |
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Brightens and reduces dullness. |
| Pearl Extract / Powder | Brightening | Adds soft glow and refines texture. |
| Rice Extract / Rice Water | Brightening / Hydration | Brightens and smooths skin. |
| Tranexamic Acid | Brightening | Reduces dark spots and uneven tone. |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid + derivatives) | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Brightens, supports collagen, and protects against environmental damage. |
| Yuja / Yuzu (Citrus Junos) | Brightening | Vitamin C-rich; brightens and energises skin. |
Firming / Elasticity
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Adenosine | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Smooths fine lines and firms skin. |
| Angelica Root (Dang Gui) | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Antioxidant; supports elasticity. |
| Bakuchiol | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Firms skin without irritation. |
| Black Soybean Extract | Brightening / Anti-Ageing | Supports elasticity. |
| Collagen Peptides | Hydration / Anti-Ageing | Improves plumpness and firmness. |
| Copper Peptides | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Stimulate collagen and elastin. |
| EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) | Anti-Ageing / Repair | Encourages firmer skin. |
| Ginseng | Anti-Ageing / Brightening | Revitalises and supports elasticity. |
| PDRN | Repair / Anti-Ageing | Improves elasticity and repair. |
| Pomegranate Extract | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Firms and supports skin resilience. |
| Soy Isoflavones | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Improves firmness and bounce. |
Hydration
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Aloe Vera | Hydration / Sensitivity | Soothes, calms, and hydrates. |
| Allantoin | Sensitivity / Repair | Comforts and softens rough patches. |
| Beta-Glucan | Hydration / Sensitivity | Deeply hydrates and comforts sensitive skin. |
| Birch Sap | Hydration | Lightweight hydration. |
| Ceramides | Hydration / Barrier | Strengthens barrier and locks in moisture. |
| Copper Peptides | Anti-Ageing / Firmness | Stimulate collagen and elastin. |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Hydration | Attracts and retains water for lasting hydration. |
| Lotus Extract | Hydration / Sensitivity | Hydrates and boosts radiance. |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Hydration / Sensitivity | Hydrates and soothes. |
| Prickly Pear Extract | Hydration / Sensitivity | Hydrates and calms skin. |
| Rice Extract / Rice Water | Brightening / Hydration | Brightens and smooths skin while hydrating. |
| Royal Jelly | Hydration / Anti-Ageing | Nourishes and supports repair. |
| Snail Mucin | Hydration / Repair | Deeply hydrates and smooths texture. |
| Squalane | Hydration / Barrier | Replenishes oils, strengthens skin barrier and calms irritation. |
| Tremella Mushroom | Hydration | Natural humectant; locks in moisture. |
Sensitivity / Redness
| Ingredient | Category | Benefits Explained |
|---|---|---|
| Aloe Vera | Hydration / Sensitivity | Soothes, calms, and hydrates. |
| Allantoin | Sensitivity / Repair | Comforts and softens skin. |
| Beta-Glucan | Hydration / Sensitivity | Deeply hydrates and reduces irritation. |
| Centella Asiatica (Cica) | Sensitivity / Repair | Soothes and supports healing. |
| Chamomile / Azulene | Sensitivity / Soothing | Calms irritation. |
| Chrysanthemum Extract | Brightening / Sensitivity | Adds glow while soothing. |
| Green Tea | Sensitivity / Acne | Calms redness and irritation. |
| Heartleaf | Acne / Sensitivity | Reduces redness and inflammation. |
| Licorice Root Extract | Brightening / Sensitivity | Calms redness and evens skin tone. |
| Lotus Extract | Hydration / Sensitivity | Hydrates and soothes. |
| Mugwort | Sensitivity / Acne | Calms sensitive skin. |
| Panthenol | Hydration / Sensitivity | Repairs and relieves dryness. |
| Propolis | Acne / Sensitivity | Soothes stressed skin. |
| Prickly Pear Extract | Hydration / Sensitivity | Hydrates and calms irritation. |
| Ceramides | Hydration / Barrier | Strengthens barrier to reduce reactivity. |
| Squalane | Hydration / Barrier | Replenishes lipids and calms irritation. |
| Snail Mucin | Hydration / Repair | Supports repair and reduces discomfort. |
