Skincare Glossary

A

• IngredientAdenosineAdenosine is a building block the body makes itself and is officially recognised in Korea as an anti-wrinkle active. It supports collagen production, is very well tolerated and is found in many Korean creams.Read more →
• IngredientAHAAHA stands for alpha hydroxy acids, also known as fruit acids. They loosen dead skin cells from the surface, leaving a smoother, brighter complexion and less visible dark spots.Read more →
• IngredientAlpha ArbutinAlpha arbutin is a brightening active for dark spots and post-acne marks. It slows down tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces melanin, and is considered gentler than many other brighteners.Read more →
• Product typeAmpouleAn ampoule is a highly concentrated serum that often focuses on one key ingredient. In Korean skincare it is used to target a specific skin concern or as an intensive treatment.Read more →
• IngredientAzelaic AcidAzelaic acid is a gentle all-rounder against blemishes, redness and dark spots. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and evens out skin tone – and it is also well suited to sensitive skin.Read more →

B

• IngredientBakuchiolBakuchiol is a plant compound from the seeds of the babchi plant. It is considered a gentle retinol alternative: it smooths fine lines and refines skin texture without the typical irritation of retinol.Read more →
• IngredientBHABHA stands for beta hydroxy acid – in skincare almost always salicylic acid. It is oil-soluble, penetrates deep into pores and dissolves sebum and dead skin cells there. Ideal against blackheads, spots and enlarged pores.Read more →
• TermBlackheadsBlackheads are pores clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Open blackheads look dark because the sebum oxidises in the air. Salicylic acid, double cleansing and patience help most.Read more →

C

• IngredientCentella AsiaticaCentella Asiatica, known in Korea as “cica”, is a medicinal plant from Asia. In skincare it calms red, irritated skin, supports regeneration and strengthens the skin barrier – ideal for sensitive and blemish-prone skin.Read more →
• IngredientCeramidesCeramides are the skin’s own lipids that sit between skin cells like mortar. They keep the skin barrier intact, prevent moisture loss and protect against irritation – especially important for dry and sensitive skin.Read more →
• Product typeCleansing BalmA cleansing balm is a solid oil-based cleanser that melts as you massage it in, dissolving make-up, sunscreen and sebum. It is the first step of Korean double cleansing.Read more →
• IngredientCollagenCollagen is the skin’s most important structural protein and provides firmness and elasticity. In skincare it binds moisture, smooths the surface and makes skin look instantly plumper.Read more →

D

• RoutineDouble CleansingDouble cleansing is Korea’s two-step face cleanse: first a cleansing oil or balm dissolves make-up, sunscreen and sebum, then a gentle water-based cleanser removes what’s left.Read more →

E

• IngredientEctoinEctoin is a protective molecule made by bacteria that live in extremely salty environments. In skincare it binds moisture, calms stressed skin and protects it from environmental stressors.Read more →
• Product typeEssenceAn essence is a lightweight, watery treatment applied after toner. It delivers hydration and active ingredients and preps the skin for serum and cream – a cornerstone of the Korean routine.Read more →
• IngredientExosomesExosomes are tiny vesicles that cells use to exchange messenger substances. In cosmetics they usually come from plants or fermentation and are meant to support regeneration and skin texture – but the research is still in its early days.Read more →

G

• IngredientGinsengGinseng is one of the most important plants in Korean tradition. In skincare, its ginsenosides provide antioxidant protection, support skin renewal and bring new freshness to tired skin.Read more →
• TermGlass SkinGlass skin is a Korean beauty ideal: skin so smooth, clear and hydrated that it shines like glass. There’s no shortcut – it comes from a consistent routine of gentle cleansing, lots of hydration and sun protection.Read more →
• IngredientGlutathioneGlutathione is an antioxidant made by the body from three amino acids. In skincare it is used to brighten the complexion and fade dark spots – in Korea it is one of the big glow ingredients.Read more →
• IngredientGreen TeaGreen tea is rich in antioxidant polyphenols such as EGCG. It protects the skin from environmental stress, soothes redness and can help balance oil production – a classic of Korean skincare, especially for oily and blemish-prone skin.Read more →

H

• IngredientHyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is the body’s own moisture reservoir and can bind large amounts of water. In skincare it plumps the skin from within, smooths fine dehydration lines and leaves a plump, fresh skin feel.Read more →

K

• RoutineKorean Skincare RoutineThe Korean skincare routine cares for your skin in several light layers – from double cleansing to sunscreen. The aim is well-hydrated, healthy skin with a natural glow.Read more →

L

• IngredientLactic AcidLactic acid is a gentle AHA. It loosens dead skin cells, smooths skin texture and hydrates at the same time – ideal for beginners and dry skin.Read more →
• Product typeLash SerumA lash serum cares for your lashes and lash line with ingredients such as peptides, biotin and panthenol. Used regularly, lashes look stronger, fuller and less brittle after a few weeks.Read more →

M

• Product typeMoisturiserA moisturiser locks moisture into the skin, strengthens the skin barrier and completes your routine. Depending on your skin type, a light gel cream or a richer cream works best.Read more →
• IngredientMugwortMugwort (ssuk in Korean) is a traditional Korean medicinal plant. In skincare it soothes irritated, red skin and helps with blemishes – much like Centella Asiatica.Read more →

N

• IngredientNAD+NAD+ is a coenzyme every skin cell needs for energy and repair. Its levels fall with age. Korean anti-ageing skincare often pairs NAD+ with peptides, PDRN or retinol.Read more →
• IngredientNiacinamideNiacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and one of the most versatile skincare ingredients. It refines pores, regulates sebum, fades dark spots and strengthens the skin barrier – while being very well tolerated.Read more →

P

• IngredientPanthenolPanthenol is the precursor of vitamin B5. It hydrates, calms irritated skin and supports the regeneration of the skin barrier – a gentle all-rounder for every skin type.Read more →
• IngredientPDRNPDRN stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide – short DNA fragments, usually from salmon or plants. Originally from Korean aesthetic clinics, this ingredient supports skin regeneration and delivers hydration, elasticity and glow.Read more →
• IngredientPeptidesPeptides are short chains of amino acids – the building blocks of proteins such as collagen and elastin. In skincare they act as messengers that support the skin’s own renewal, for smoother, firmer and plumper-looking skin.Read more →
• Product typePimple PatchPimple patches are small hydrocolloid stickers for individual spots. They absorb fluid, protect the spot from bacteria and from picking – overnight, the spot often looks noticeably flatter.Read more →
• IngredientPropolisPropolis is a resinous material bees use to seal their hive. In skincare it is soothing, antioxidant and antibacterial – great for glow and blemish-prone skin, but not for anyone allergic to bee products.Read more →

R

• IngredientRetinalRetinal (retinaldehyde) is the faster, stronger sister of retinol. It is just one step away from active retinoic acid, which makes it particularly effective against wrinkles, dark spots and blemishes.Read more →
• IngredientRetinolRetinol is a form of vitamin A and one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients. It speeds up cell renewal and softens wrinkles, dark spots and blemishes – but it needs to be introduced slowly.Read more →

S

• Product typeSerumA serum is a lightweight product with a high concentration of active ingredients. In the Korean routine it follows toner and essence and targets specific concerns such as dark spots, wrinkles or blemishes.Read more →
• IngredientSnail MucinSnail mucin is one of the best-known K-beauty ingredients. The filtered secretion hydrates, supports regeneration and leaves skin soft and smooth with a healthy glow.Read more →
• IngredientSqualaneSqualane is a lightweight, skin-identical oil that prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin supple. It is very stable, well tolerated and suits almost every skin type.Read more →
• Product typeSunscreenSunscreen protects your skin from UV rays and is the single most important anti-ageing step. Korean sunscreens are lightweight, leave hardly any white cast and feel like a skincare cream.Read more →

T

• IngredientTea Tree OilTea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is one of the best-known plant-based ingredients for spots and blemishes – in the right dose and never undiluted.Read more →
• Product typeTonerA toner is a watery product applied after cleansing. In a Korean routine, its main job is to hydrate and prepare the skin for essence, serum and moisturiser.Read more →
• IngredientTranexamic AcidTranexamic acid (TXA) is an active ingredient for dark spots, melasma and post-acne marks. It slows down the signals that trigger pigment production, is generally well tolerated and is often paired with niacinamide in Korea.Read more →

U

• IngredientUreaUrea is one of the skin’s natural moisturising factors. At low concentrations it binds moisture, at higher ones it loosens rough, hardened skin – ideal for dry, flaky skin.Read more →

V

• IngredientVitamin CVitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, fades dark spots and supports collagen production. The result: a radiant, even complexion.Read more →