By: Maddy Sencaj
Korean skincare products are unlike any other skincare products on the market, this is all because the key ingredients in Korean skincare come directly from plants as well as other organic components making it extremely innovative and effective in creating that glass skin appearance. The popular trend of glass skin is only achieved using Korean skincare due to the ingredients in the products. Scroll down if you want to know exactly what were putting on our skin!
Key ingrediants In Korean Skincare:
1. Centella Asiatica (Cica)
Origin: Centella Asiatica is a botanical ingredient that has been around for thousands of years in Chinese medicines and cuisines. This plant is found in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia and is known as the “elixir of life” for its immense healing properties.
Purpose: This ingredient in Korean skincare is going to be the best way to bring moisture back to the skin barrier while also healing wounds and getting rid of inflammation. Cica is known to heal the skin while also regenerating healthy cells to make your skin appear more youthful and plump. This ingredient is extremely good for sensitive and dry skin types.
Products: Lotions, Toners, and Serums are the 3 best products to use with this ingredient in them because these products are the ones that stay on your face the longest throughout the day and night. You want this ingredient to last as long as possible on your skin to get as many benefits from it as possible.
2. Aloe Vera
Origin: Another botanical ingredient used for medicinal and skincare purposes, this plant originates from the Arabian Peninsula and is found in dry hot locations worldwide. Aloe Vera has been around for centuries treating peoples skin.
Purpose: Aloe contains many vitamins and enzymes, which help treat burns and fungal infections while also acting as an anti-inflammatory. Aloe has many cooling properties that aid in creating a more sculpted and radiant finish on the face, this ingredient greatly benefits oily skin types due to its water base.
Products: The two best ways to get the most benefits from this ingredient are by using Facial sprays containing Aloe in them and using raw Aloe alone to help bring down inflammation while also getting rid of any fungal acne.
3. Glycerin
Origin: Derived from plant oils, this key ingredient in Korean skincare comes directly from fatty acids located in coconuts, palm, soy, and animals. Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that is also known as the most effective humectant meaning it’s a water-absorbing ingredient that holds onto moisture to keep things dewy and refreshed.
Purpose: Glycerin, similar to Cica is also a moisturizer that helps rebuild the skin’s barrier, although glycerin is a more gentle ingredient that will help alleviate any signs of irritation or sensitivity occurring on the skin. This is a great ingredient to look for if you have sensitive or combination skin, it won’t be too moisturizing like the Cica but it will still hydrate and soften your skins texture.
Products: Cleansers and Lotions containing glycerin are two of the best kinds of products that will help you achieve a glass skin look. Finding cream cleansers as opposed to foaming cleansers is the way to go with this type of ingredient as it will be more nourishing and soft on the skin.
4. Snail Mucin
Origin: Another natural ingredient derived from live snails… As gross as this sounds this ingredient is one of the most popular in Korean skincare. Snail Mucin goes way back to ancient Greece where it was used for skincare benefits as well. Snail mucin has been around for a while and is becoming even more popular today in the glass skin trend.
Purpose: Snail mucin is used to treat skin infections as it contains hyaluronic acid and zinc to also help replenish and nourish the skins barrier. This ingredient is also considered another humectant as it draws moisture in and reduces the look of fine lines and aging by promoting collagen synthesis and elasticity.
Products: Snail mucin is mostly seen in all kinds of serums which can be put on at night to lock in moisture and minimize any potential irritation that happens throughout the day.
5. Green tea Extract
Origin: Comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and originated in China. Green tea extract has been around for many years, it was originally used to reduce the risk of some cancers. This ingredient in Korean skincare has been known specifically for its healing properties and health benefits.
Purpose: Green tea extract does a lot, and while it helps with one’s overall health, this ingredient does a lot for the skin as well. Green tea extract evens out discoloration while calming irritations, it exfoliates the skin getting rid of blackheads and pores, eliminates dead skin cells, and alleviates dark circles and puffiness. This ingredient is especially good for people who struggle with acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Products: Serums and Facial sprays are the two most popular and beneficial products that include this ingredient. Many Korean skincare brands have green tea extract serums that have been known to help diminish problem areas and brighten the skin up.
6. Ginseng
Origin: The root of Ginseng originated in Asia, where it has been used to promote overall health and wellness. This herb is incredibly popular in medicines all over the world and is even more popular today in different skincare products.
Purpose: In skincare, Ginseng helps brighten the skin as well as promote collagen production, and aid in skin regeneration and promotion of elasticity in the skin. This ingredient is becoming more and more popular in Korean skincare ingredients as it is showing incredible results when used on the skin.
Products: The products that include this natural ingredient are toners and serums, more of the lighter skincare products that are good to put on in the mornings. Helping balance the skin and give the look of plumper happier skin is exactly what these products will do with this key ingredient.
Image by Maddy Sencaj
The Takeaway:
The Key ingredients to Korean Skincare are both shocking yet intriguing as you read on to see where these ingredients came from. All skincare brand’s number one priority should be to make sure all ingredients are as safe and beneficial to us as the Korean skincare brands are. Creating happy and healthy skin should be key and after seeing all the natural ingredients included in Korean products it makes me really reconsider some of the purchases I’ve made before on skincare products. Read the ingredients before you purchase your next face wash and see what you’re really putting on your skin!