Korean beauty products are all the rage these days. It seems that there’s always a new “it” product being introduced every day but is then met by scathing reviews or overshadowed by the next “it” K-skincare product.
Due to the overcrowded and oversaturated K-beauty market, it could be difficult for typical people to read through all the marketing gimmicks and promises of many brands. Lucky for you, below are the most popular and well-loved ingredients in Korean beauty products that really work.
When this ingredient was first introduced in the market, the reactions were mixed because really, snail goo for your face? Fast forward to today, plenty of people now hail it as the Holy Grail or hero in their skincare routine.
Studies have shown that snail mucin, which is basically secretion from snails, can help reduce sun damage that results in premature aging. It can minimize the look of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and fines lines, as well as boost cell turnover to prevent acne scarring and blemishes.
One beloved snail product in the Philippines is from COSRX. The brand’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence boasts of 96% snail mucin, meaning that you’ll get a huge dose of it with every use.
Red Ginseng
Korean red ginseng has been used in Asia for centuries now due to its medicinal properties. These days, it’s one of the reigning K-beauty skincare ingredients used for revitalizing the skin and preventing premature aging, among many others.
Many studies have shown that red ginseng has anti-inflammatory and hydrating effects, resulting in fewer wrinkles, brighter eye area and less puffiness. It also has antioxidant properties for repairing weakened and damaged skin and improving its resilience.
Galactomyces
Basically, galactomyces is a kind of fermented yeast full of enzymes, amino acids and vitamins. Its fermentation process effectively breaks down its crucial components in order that they can penetrate more deeply into the skin. This can protect your skin against UV and free radical damage.
A recent study published in the Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology found that using galactomyces ferment filtrate could help minimize sebum, reduce acne, make the skin more radiant and refine the pores.
Rice
This is one of those classic skincare ingredients used and touted in Asian cultures to be an anti-aging powerhouse. Rice contains antioxidants, amino acids and minerals that help tighten pores for smoother skin, even out the skin tone, hydrate and moisturize the skin, as well as boost collagen production to address wrinkles and fine lines and improve elasticity.
Green Tea
You eat it, drink it, and you can also apply it on your face because this ingredient has so many powerful benefits and properties. When used topically, it can help regulate oil due to its astringent properties, safeguard against sun and free radical damage, and address hormonal imbalances because it contains catechins.
What it all comes down to is that knowing how your skin can benefit from certain ingredients is key to making more informed decisions when it comes to skincare. Remember that when deciding on which popular K-beauty ingredients to try.
