Why bother exploring a new world when you could stick to your favourite retinol and hyaluronic acid? And in the case of snail extract, yuzu or rice, isn't it just a clever ploy by the sellers to get our attention?
Take your skin on a little tour around Korea and show it that ingredients other than hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can help with hydration, radiance or wrinkles. These are the top active ingredients in Korean skin care that are totally worth it!
Why bother exploring a new world when you could stick to your favourite retinol and hyaluronic acid? And in the case of snail extract, yuzu or rice, isn't it just a clever ploy by the sellers to get our attention?
"Many of these ingredients have proven positive effects on your skin – hydrating, regenerating or anti-inflammatory," explains Dr. Leyla Aliyeva, founder of Skinlab cosmetic studio, adding: "The advantage of Korean skincare also lies in combining modern technologies with traditional formulas." So, keep face creams and serums with proven ingredients in your bathroom, but make sure to give the following K-beauty ingredients a chance!
You must have noticed the hype around snail extract products. Is it worth putting a little snail slime on yourself? “This ingredient is known for its hydrating and antioxidant properties and for eliminating redness on sensitive skin,“ says the expert and explains why: "It contains substances such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and ferulic acid, and various peptides which promote collagen and elastin production." That sounds promising, but we're thinking the same thing you are - aren't snails suffering because of our beautiful skin? "Slime is obtained from the snails in a gentle way, usually during their natural movement under controlled conditions," Leyla Aliyeva reassures.
Rice water for skin, hair and weight loss is a viral hit on TikTok, but in reality it's nothing new, and women in Asia have been benefiting from its effects for centuries. At least we know that it's a proven ingredient that works.
Doctor Leyla Aliyeva confirms this too: "Rice water and rice extract are characteristic for their hydrating and soothing effects thanks to which skin keeps its healthy and fresh appearance. They contain large amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which not only have a regenerating effect on your skin, but also protect it from the harmful effects of the environment - I mean especially UV radiation." And what's the best? This ingredient suits almost any skin type, even sensitive skin. Good to see you, glass skin!
How can you make sense of all the new ingredients and which one is the right one for you? Choose according to your skin type. Our online guide will help you determine it, and will recommend the right (not only) K-beauty products .
Bamboo is fast - it can grow rapidly (almost a metre a day!) and also improve the appearance of your skin quickly. It is rich in silicon which is fundamental for skin firmness and elasticity, and promotes collagen production (which is something we definitely want). Apart from this, bamboo extract is a strong antioxidant which protects skin from free radicals. Now we understand why it is in so many face masks and serums!
Want to know the absolute favourite of our expert? Here it is: "If I were to pinpoint just one active ingredient in Korean skincare, it would be bakuchiol," says doctor Leyla Aliyeva. Maybe you've already heard about it as a "competitor" of retinol as it is able to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and quality and fight the first signs of ageing. It has more aces up its sleeve though. "Unlike retinol which often irritates skin, bakuchiol does not cause any irritation and is suitable even for sensitive skin," explains the expert. Welcome to the beauty shelf, our new anti-ageing hero!
It sounds a bit like an ingredient in a magic potion - and it is, at least if you want to "mix" an effective cocktail to soothe irritated skin. Whether it is caused by sunlight or pollution, Artemisia can fight it with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. All this gives the impression that this ingredient has great potential in combating acne (although this still needs to be confirmed by other studies)
Do you have the feeling that yuzu fruit is suddenly everywhere? In lemonades and cocktails, sweets, perfumes… And also in skin care. In this area, it has earned its stripes thanks to the high content of vitamin C (it contains 3 times more than lemon), a valued anti-ageing ingredient. It also promotes collagen production, contributes to skin radiance, and helps even out skin tone. Would you like a bonus? The fragrance of yuzu influences our mood positively and reduces stress, so surrounding yourself with this juicy fruit is really worth it.
If it can rejuvenate us and shower our skin with a wave of hydration and soothing, we're in! Will you also give exotic beauty products a chance?