Korean Skincare Star Ingredients & Their Functions (1)

Korean beauty products are mostly formulated with all-natural ingredients, making them safe and gentle enough for daily use on even the most sensitive skin. Here is a round up of some of the most popular (and highly effective) ingredients we love to put on our face! 

Snail Mucin

Undoubtedly one of the most popular ingredients in Korean skincare products. Snail mucin refers to the trail of "slime" left behind by snails as they crawl around. This substance protects and repairs their soft and fragile bodies. 

♦ Evens out skin tone and texture

♦ Gives hydration

♦ Helps skin look more dewy and supple

♦ Increases skin elasticity

♦ Reduces acne scars

Hyaluronic Acid

A substance that our bodies naturally produce (the largest amount is found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes). Its main function is to retain water and moisture levels, in turn keeping your tissues well lubricated. As we age, our body's hyaluronic acid may decrease. 

♦ Helps skin retain moisture and give hydration to dry skin

♦ Gives skin a more plump and radiant look

♦ Anti-aging benefits; diminishes fine lines and wrinkles 

Niacinamide

An active, water-soluble form of vitamin B3. It works with the natural substances in our skin to help improve a variety of skin issues. Your digestive system, nervous system and brain function are dependant on Niacinamide. 

♦ Brightens the complexion

♦ Reduces hyperpigmentation

♦ Reduces wrinkles and improve elasticity

♦ Soothes inflammation

♦ Strengthens and repairs skin barrier

Vitamin C 

A much-adored skincare ingredient in the beauty community. We've always known it to have numerous benefits to our immune system. It can also do wonders to our skin. It usually comes in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA), with the amount varying from 10-20% in a product.  

♦ Brightens and smoothens your skin

♦ Protects against free radical damage caused by the environment

♦ Boosts collagen production

♦ Reduces hyperpigmentation

♦ Fights signs of aging

♦ Encourages healthy cell turnover and regeneration to fade scars  

Honey

A tasty natural sweetener; great for mixing in with your tea, drizzling over toast, topping over yogurt, or just eating it straight from the jar. It can also have numerous benefits for your skin. It has been hailed as a skincare ingredient since Ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra mixed honey and milk to make face masks. 

♦ Has natural anti-septic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties

♦ Deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin

♦ Enzymes work as a gentle exfoliator to improve complexion

♦ Nourishes damaged skin and fades scars

♦ Reduces redness and swelling of pimples

Propolis 

The resin-like substance made by bees to fill in honeycomb crevices for protection. They create it by combining tree sap and beeswax, which beekeepers then harvest by scraping it from the hive boxes. 

♦ Has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral properties to fight against bacteria

♦ Reduces acne and breakouts

♦ Moisturizes skin without clogging pores

♦ Protects from free radicals 

♦ Smoothens and softens skin

*Check out Part 2 for more of our favourite ingredients!