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Korean skincare for acne: Why fewer active ingredients often achieve more

Welcome to Happy & Pretty – we're so glad you're here. Acne is often treated with maximum potency. Strong peels, high-dose acids, and aggressive anti-acne products are supposed to deliver clea...

Hibiscus

Hibiscus extract is a plant extract rich in antioxidants derived from the roselle plant's flowers, which protects the skin from free radicals and provides a natural glow. INCI Name Hibiscus Sabd...

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia Oil) - Soothing Active Ingredient Lavender oil is a soothing essential ingredient in K-Beauty, especially valued for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties ...

Glutathion

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant and tripeptide that is valued in K-Beauty for its brightening and skin-protecting properties. INCI name Glutathione category Br...

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a versatile active ingredient from the vitamin B3 family, which is valued in Korean skincare for its brightening, skin-soothing and pore-refining properties. Quick Facts ...

Willow Bark

Willow bark is a natural ingredient in K-Beauty, rich in salicin and considered a gentle alternative to salicylic acid – ideal for blemish-prone skin and clogged pores. Quick Facts INCI Name: Sal...

Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)

Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) - Asia's Gentle Anti-Inflammatory Wonder Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata, 어성초 추출물) is a traditional Asian medicinal plant extract that gently regenerates sensitive and...

Beta-glucan

Beta-glucan is a natural polysaccharide active ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier and is particularly valued in Korean skincare for its moisturizing and soothing properties. INC...

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil) is a moisturizing vegetable oil that strengthens the skin barrier and is suitable for all skin types. Quick Facts INCI name Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil...

Green tea

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) - K-Beauty Active Ingredients Lexicon Green tea (녹차) is a powerful antioxidant from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant that protects the skin fr...

Rosewater

Rose water (Rosa Damascena Flower Water) is a soothing floral water obtained through steam distillation of Damask roses, valued for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Quick Facts: R...

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid and a highly potent humectant that can bind up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. INCI Name Sodium Hyaluronate Kor...

Quercetin

Quercetin is a powerful flavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, used in K-Beauty to soothe sensitive skin and protect against environmental damage. INCI Name Querceti...

Panthenol

Panthenol is the precursor of vitamin B5 and one of the most proven moisturizing and soothing ingredients in Korean cosmetics. Quick Facts Details INCI name Panthenol ...

Kojic acid

Kojic Acid (코직산) - Ingredient DictionaryKojic acid is a natural skin-lightening active ingredient derived from fermented rice grains, which reduces hyperpigmentation and promotes an even skin tone....

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a versatile plant oil derived from the seeds of the jojoba shrub, and its skin-like structure and intense moisturizing properties have made it one of the most valuable ingredients in ...

Tangerine / Mandarin

Tangerine Extract (Citrus Reticulata Fruit Extract) is a vitamin C-rich plant extract from tangerines that brightens the skin, provides antioxidants, and ensures a radiant complexion. INCI Name ...

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol (바쿠치올) is a natural, plant-based alternative to retinol, derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, offering similar anti-aging effects without the typical side effects of retinol. ...

Peptides

Peptides in K-Beauty: The Ultimate Active Ingredient Guide Peptides (펩타이드) are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules to stimulate collagen production and provide firmer, mo...

Saccharomyces

Saccharomyces is a fermented yeast extract found in K-Beauty products that provides intense skin brightening and improves skin texture for a radiant, even complexion. Quick Facts INCI Name: Sacch...

ginseng

Ginseng in K-Beauty: The king of anti-aging ingredients Ginseng (인삼) is one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients in Korean skincare, which stimulates skin regeneration and effectively com...

Dimethicone

Dimethicone - The silicone-based protection expert for K-Beauty Dimethicone is a synthetic silicone polymer that acts as a versatile texture improver and protective film former in K-beauty care,...

Tea tree oil

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil)Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, valued for its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properti...

Centella Asiatica

Centella Asiatica – The ultimate calming ingredient of K-Beauty Centella Asiatica (센텔라 아시아티카) is a traditional medicinal ingredient from Asian medicine, considered one of the most effective ingr...

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera (알로에 베라) is a soothing and moisturizing plant extract that relieves skin irritations and promotes natural regeneration. Quick Facts Details INCI name Aloe Barbadensis...

Retinal (Retinaldehyde)

Retinal (Retinaldehyde) - The Gentle Vitamin A for Sensitive Skin Retinal (Retinaldehyde, 레티날) is the gentlest form of Vitamin A in skincare, requiring only a single conversion step to biologicall...

Secret of radiant eyes with Korean cosmetics for eye care

The secret of radiant eyes with Korean cosmetics for eye care In the fast-paced world of skincare, the delicate eye area is often overlooked. However, with the right products and routines, you c...

Grape seed oil

Grapeseed oil is a rich, cold-pressed vegetable oil derived from grape seeds, which provides intensive skin care and protection from environmental damage with its antioxidants and essential fatty a...

Shea butter

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) – The Ultimate K-Beauty MoisturizerShea butter is a rich, natural active ingredient derived from the fruit of the African shea tree. Its deep moisturizing ...

Polyglutamic acid

Polyglutamic acid is a water-binding biopolymer derived from fermented soybeans, capable of holding up to 5,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most potent moisturizers in K-Beauty....

Licorice root

Licorice root extract is a versatile K-Beauty ingredient valued for its gentle brightening properties and anti-inflammatory effects, especially for sensitive skin and skin prone to hyperpigmentatio...

Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid that acts as a powerful building block for a healthy skin barrier and protects the skin from moisture loss. Quick Facts Details INCI Name Linolei...

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous antioxidant, valued in K-Beauty for its cell-protecting and energy-boosting properties. Quick Facts INCI Name: Ubiquinone Category: Anti-Ag...

Glycerine

GlycerinGlycerin (글리세린) is a powerful humectant that binds moisture from the environment and provides the skin with intensive hydration. INCI Name Glycerin Category Moisture For Skin Types All...

Retinol

Retinol – The anti-aging champion of Korean skincare Retinol (레티놀) is a vitamin A derivative that is considered one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients in modern skincare, reducing visi...

Trehalose

Trehalose is a natural disaccharide with exceptional moisturizing and skin-protective properties, valued in K-Beauty for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier and ensure long-lasting hydration...

Glycolic acid

Glycolic Acid - All About the AHA Active Ingredient in K-Beauty Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and is considered one of the most effective chemical peels in Korean skincare...

Ceramide or Hyaluronic Acid

Ceramides or Hyaluronic Acid - Which Active Ingredient Does Your Skin Need? Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are among the most frequently used active ingredients in skincare – yet they work complete...

Collagen

Collagen (콜라겐) in the K-Beauty Actives WikiCollagen is the most important structural protein in our skin and is used in Korean cosmetics as hydrolyzed collagen to improve skin elasticity and counte...

Ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is a powerful plant-based antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and is particularly effective against skin aging and hyperpigmentation when combined with Vitamin C. Quick Facts I...

Propolis

Propolis in K-Beauty: The natural skin protection from the beehive Propolis Extract (프로폴리스) is a resinous, antibacterial bee product that is highly valued in Korean skincare as a highly effectiv...

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract) - The Powerful Antioxidant from Nature Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract is a highly effective botanical extract from the leaves of the rosemary pl...

Ceramide NP

Ceramide NP is a synthetically produced lipid that strengthens the natural skin barrier and provides intense hydration. INCI Name Ceramide NP Category Skin Barrier Suitable for All skin type...

Argan oil

Argan oil is a high-quality vegetable oil from Morocco, which, due to its unique fatty acid composition and high vitamin E content, possesses particularly regenerating and moisturizing properties....

Turmeric

Turmeric (강황) is a powerful botanical ingredient in Korean skincare, valued for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties, helping to achieve a more radiant, even complexion. Quick Facts D...

Rosehip oil

Rosehip Oil (Rosa Canina Fruit Oil) is a regenerating plant oil that improves skin structure and reduces signs of aging due to its high content of vitamin C and essential fatty acids. Quick Facts...