Our 5 Favorite Korean Skincare Ingredients

If you haven’t already joined the K-beauty bandwagon, you might want to get on it now, because it’s no passing fad. Korean skincare has surged as a global phenomenon, focusing on fostering the best version of one’s own natural beauty, while endorsing it as a daily self-care ritual.

And while the 10-step Korean skincare routine may seem daunting, it’s worth noting that their ingredients are simplistic, yet effective, and are mostly derived from botanicals used in ancient Korean medicine, or hanbang.

Today, we’re going to take a look at our 10 favorite skincare ingredients—ingredients we love so much, that we incorporated them into our own products!

1.Hyaluronic Acid

If you’re already a skincare junkie, hyaluronic acid’s an elementary ingredient, but that certainly doesn’t detract from its benefits! Hyaluronic acid is, above all, a super-hydrator, and works to keep water in the skin to give it a plumper, more youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid is alsp great for keeping the skin elastic and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Bamboo Extract

Bamboo extract has been used in South Korea for centuries, and it’s been found that this plant actually contains around 70% silica. And this is wonderful news for our skin, because silica’s a natural mineral known for its role in storing moisture and building collagen. Bamboo is also packed with antioxidants and essential amino acids.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is derived from the fleshy insides of aloe plants, and is especially known as a soothing plant for burns and sunburns, but it’s also a highly hydrating plant that can help bring down inflammation.



4. Ginseng

Filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, ginseng works as both a shield for your skin and as a complexion booster, as it helps rid the skin of free radicals caused by the sun, and helps encourage healthy skin cell turnover.

5. Oryza Sativa

Oryza Sativa refers to rice bran, or the outer layer of the rice kernel, and its extract can be used to condition and soften cracked, dry skin. Rice bran extract is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, which make it a high nutritiois ingredient for nourishing your skin.



6. Green Tea

Green tea is often touted as a “superfood,” but it’s nutritious for your skin, as well! Green tea is an excellent source of anti-aging antioxidants and polyphenols, and it also contains tannins, which bind with amino acids in the skin to help balance oiliness and clarify clogged pores.


7. Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica, also known as “pennywort”, “cica,” or “gotu kola,” is a perennial herb known for its use in ancient Chinese and Korean medicine. In modern skincare, it’s praised for its wealth of amino acids, and it’s become widely used for healing the natural skin barrier, reducing redness, and restoring hydration.



8. Plant-Derived Squalane

Squalane is found naturally occurring in our skin, and while it’s been previously harvested from shark livers, ethical brands choose squalane derived from plant-based ingredients like olives, wheat germ, and rice bran. Squalane is a powerful antioxidant, which allows it to help soften the skin and fight damage brought on by pollution and sun damage. And those with sensitive skin don’t need to worry about squalane clogging their pores, as it’s non comedogenic and easily absorbs into the skin.

9. Calendula

Calendula officinalis, also known as “calendula” or “marigold,” packs a ton of antioxidants and flavonoids, but it’s also a gentle ingredient that may contain soothing properties, making it suitable for those with eczema.

10. Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide

We know how much damage the sun can do on our skin; that’s why using sun protection is crucial. But we also want to make sure that our SPF is safe for our oceans and reefs. This is where titanium dioxide and zinc oxide come in! These two minerals tend to be the active ingredients in physical sunscreens, as they protect our skin from the sun without causing irritation. These are also key in mineral foundations, which are far more gentle on the skin than traditional foundations.