Korean beauty is all the rage and here to stay. Everyone is using (and loving) skincare from South Korea. K-beauty is deeply rooted in traditional medicine with science to back it up. On top of that, it's usually more affordable than western counterparts.
Here's a brief overview of Korean beauty:
- What is K-beauty?
- The history of K-beauty
- Most popular Korean ingredients
K-Beauty
Korean beauty products have a focus on health and natural ingredients. These products are specially created to nourish and hydrate your skin.
The coolest part? Many popular products use ingredients native to Asia. Many of these ingredients are also used in cooking and traditional medicine. The ingredients aren’t all hype either - research backs up many of their skincare benefits.
History
K-beauty goes way back to the 9th century. During this time, people created skincare and makeup out of plants.
Ground Mung beans were used for cleansing. Safflower oil made for a great moisturizer and gave the skin a nice shine. There were facial treatments too: Korean women used apricot and peach oils to remove dark spots. For haircare lovers: castor oil was also used to moisturize hair during this period.
As you can see, Korea has a long history of skincare. At the core of Korean skincare is the idea of prevention. This philosophy refers to caring for your skin starting at a young age.
Many skincare formulas are passed down through generations. Though Korean skincare has evolved over the centuries, traditional ingredients are still used.
Popular K-Beauty Ingredients
Ready to learn more about popular Korean skincare ingredients?
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Ginseng
Ginseng is a root herb. It helps increase skin hydration, even out texture and tone, and improve wrinkles.
Snail Mucin
This is AKA as snail secretion.This ingredient repairs the skin barrier, helping the skin stay hydrated. It also contains ingredients that tell the skin to create more collagen.
Mugwort Extract
This flowering plant has strong antioxidant properties and helps soothe irritation.
Fermented Rice Water
Rice ferment is skin-conditioning and contains anti-aging components. Have you heard the tale of sake brewers with youthful hands?
Licorice root
Not just a yummy treat, but it is also skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
Bamboo extract
Panda food! This ingredient helps with skin soothing and wound healing.
Propolis
This ingredient helps fight acne due to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Centella Asiatica
Works with skin to create more collagen and hyaluronic acid - leading to supple and hydrated skin!
Birch juice
This sap hydrates and protects your skin. It also contains some superstar ingredients such as Vitamin C!
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