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Korean Hero Ingredients
ingredient spotlight,  routine

Korean Hero Ingredients

uniquely Korean

Korean skincare is synonymous with some amazing ingredients such as snail mucin, propolis and ginseng. Many are steeped in medicinal history that dates back to ancient times, their efficacy proven over centuries. Let’s take a look at some of the heroes that are currently trending.
 

propolis

Propolis Extract is a combination of beeswax, enzymes and tree sap used by bees to seal, disinfect and waterproof their hive. It’s additionally excellent for the skin, implemented to heal wounds for centuries. Rich in flavonoids, propolis displays powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It works to regenerate and moisturize, achieving smooth, supple and hydrated skin. It also assists to balance facial oils so is a good treatment for acne.

It’s used in a wide range of skincare products from sleeping packs such as the Cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask (87%) to serums like the iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum (70%). Both boast a huge hit of the ingredient to deliver abundant hydration plus effective soothing, balancing and softening effects.
 
Skincare containing Propolis
 

ginseng

Ginseng is another superstar of the Korean skincare world with proven healing capabilities. Potent antioxidants accelerate cell regeneration and boost skin firming collagen to fight the signs of ageing. It also improves blood circulation which in turn results in a brighter complexion.

Focusing on ginseng, I’m From has released both a serum and mask to really highlight the benefits of this ingredient. The ginseng serum employs almost 8% of the extract to improve elasticity and restore a more youthful and radiant look. Six year old ginseng extract is included in the wash off mask for a more concentrated rejuvenating outcome.
 
Skincare containing Ginseng
 

snail mucin

The first thing that pops into most people’s minds when they consider Korean skincare is snail mucin! This is basically the slimy fluid secreted by snails which surprisingly has incredibly hydrating and anti-ageing effects to really improve skin water content as well as ease scarring and wrinkles. From a textural perspective, products high in snail mucin generally exhibit a unique stretchy consistency.

Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Essence is a cult favourite, packed with 90% snail secretion filtrate to deeply nourish, hydrate and improve skin tone. Coupling 70% snail secretion filtrate with bee venom in their Snail Bee Ultimate Serum, Benton delivers a multi-tasking product to improve skin tone and wrinkles. Much loved, the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence contains an impressive 96% snail mucin as the name suggests, for intense hydration and repair.
 
Skincare containing Snail Mucin
 

centella asiatica

A rich source of amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids and phytochemicals, Centella Asiatica (cica) offers a wealth of skin benefits. Cica is the queen of soothing ingredients. It’s a superstar acne treatment as it displays strong anti-inflammatory behaviour that can speed up the healing process, reduce acne blemishes and prevent scarring. Additionally, it’s a competent anti-ageing ingredient which helps to improve elasticity and the synthesis of collagen while also serving as an antioxidant to protect against free radicals.

Centella Asicatica is often present in creams and spot treatments although it appears in all types of soothing skincare including masks. The iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Sleeping Mask features cica alongside propolis to help establish a sense of calm and to soothe troubled skin in an overnight treatment. Boosting elasticity and nourishing the skin, the Heimish Black Tea Mask Pack uses cica to achieve a healthy and glowing complexion.
 
Skincare containing Cica
 

green tea

A potent antioxidant Green Tea helps neutralise free radicals, reduce inflammation, clear cell damage and repair wrinkles. It protects against UV radiation, environmental stressors and also promotes skin firmness and elasticity.

With their most iconic product, the Green Tea Seed Serum, Innisfree provides a vehicle to clear, dewy skin that is well hydrated and strengthened. A more recent addition, the Benton Deep Green Tea Toner uses the ingredient similarly while also including cica for soothing, sebum control and hydration. Real green tea leaves are embedded in the Neogen Green Tea Stick Cleanser to achieve gentle exfoliation in a product designed to achieve a low pH clean that safeguards the skin barrier.
 
Skincare containing Green Tea
 

rosewater

Rosewater is simply water scented or distilled with essential oil from the Rose plant. It exhibits soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for sensitive skin or that suffering acne, redness or irritation. It seems to be the flavour of the month, popping up everywhere.

Heimish has a whole line of products whose star ingredient is rosewater.
With a huge 88% rosewater content, the Bulgarian Rosewater Mist Serum provides refreshing moisture throughout the day while also feeding skin with vitamins and vital nutrients.

Similarly, the brand’s Bulgarian Rosewater Hydrogel Eye Patch offers immediate relief for tired eyes, intensely hydrating sensitive skin to reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.
 
Skincare containing Rosewater
 

the summary

Skincare trends certainly come and go, but these ingredients are staples in Korean circles. With proven applications and medicinal history, their longevity is never in doubt. Korean skincare is available at April & Ko.
 
Korean Hero Ingredients
 


 

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