Want Really Glowy Skin? You Need to Try These K-Beauty Ingredients
Sarah Tarca is a beauty journalist, writer and co-founder of Australia’s first dedicated beauty newsletter, gloss etc. Her skills involve applying lipstick without a mirror, bullying people to wear sunscreen and procrastinating washing her hair. She loves her kids, skincare and potatoes in equal measure — almost as much as she loves SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Almost. Find her on socials @tarca
By now it should be clear to, well, the entire world, that K-Beauty brands know good skin.
For the better part of this decade they’ve been leading the charge with innovation, routines and products (read about beauty-editor approved faves here) and our skin has reaped the benefits.
The secret sauce is of course the ingredients they use in their products.
From unique traditional Chinese Medicine botanicals, to herbs and exotic mushrooms to the now-infamous snail mucin, these are what sets K-Beauty apart from the rest of the world.
So, in the name of glass-like, hydrated, glowing skin let's get to know the A-team a little better shall we?
Snail Mucin.
The lowdown: Probably the most well-known of all K-Beauty ingredients, not so long ago the thought of putting snail anything on our faces might have made us squeamish.
Now, we can’t get enough of snail mucin benefits (see also one billion views on the TikTok hashtag). So what is it?
Well, exactly what it says on the box. Snail mucin is the excretion (mucus) from snail glands that they use for lubrication, hydration and adhesion.
How it works in skincare: It contains proteins that help promote collagen and elastin production, as well as glycolic acid (which you know is great for exfoliation and improving texture), plus allantoin which can moisturise, hydrate and even have potential anti-inflammatory properties (great for scarring etc).
The COSRX snail mucin is one of the most iconic K-Beauty products (and one of our best-sellers).
Find it in: COSRX Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence
Ginseng.
The lowdown: First it was in our teas (not to mention energy drinks), but thanks to K-beauty it has started to creep into our skincare too.
Ginseng is a traditional herbal root that is the most popular ingredient in Traditional Asian medicine.
Ginseng benefits? Known for its potent antioxidant properties, it also contains a bunch of vitamins and minerals, which combined with its antioxidants can help with cellular damage.
How it works in skincare: In skincare it’s been used for literally hundreds of years to boost blood flow to the skin which helps amp up collagen production, which of course leads to firmer skin.
The antioxidant content will help fight free radicals to prevent accelerated ageing and it also has energising properties (think: coffee for your skin) so it can help brighten and combat dullness.
Not enough? It can also inhibit melanin and has natural anti-inflammatory properties that are great for things like redness and puffiness. The only thing it can’t do is hula hoop — though it probably could if it tried.
Centella Asiatica.
The lowdown: Also known as Cica, this plant extract is common in both Traditional Chinese and Ayuvedic medicine and is famed for its healing properties.
Cute fact: Tigers in India are known to roll around in it to heal their wounds — and because of this it’s also called Tiger’s grass.
How it works in skincare: It soothes inflammation and accelerates wound healing as well as calming irritated or sensitised skin and reinforcing the skin barrier. Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties it’s also good for reducing redness (so great for acne-prone skin) and it’s well known for its low-irritation levels.
Find it in: INNISFREE Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule 30ml
Tremella Mushroom.
The lowdown: Also known as Snow Mushroom or Silver Ear Mushroom, this white flower-like mushroom has been used in Asian medicine and Chinese foods for years (and then some).
How it works in skincare: It acts as a hydration powerhouse, drawing in and holding onto water (much like hyaluronic acid) for hydration, plumpness and dewiness. But there’s one key difference that makes it an even greater challenger to HA: it has a low molecular weight so is more easily absorbed through the skin.
It also has vitamins A,C and D and has skin strengthening properties too.
Find it in: MAAEMO Hydra Glow Serum
Never tried K-Beauty and want to know where to start? Watch the YouTube video below:
Mugwort.
The lowdown: Yes, it does sound like it belongs in Harry Potter, and yes it is almost as magic too.
This aromatic herb/weed (real name: Artemisia Princeps) has been used in Korean medicine for centuries for its healing, anti-fungal, antibacterial and skin strengthening properties which makes it a key player for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
How it works in skincare: Often found in cleansing oils because of its gentle purifying effects, it detoxifies the skin and soothes irritation so is great for calming, reducing skin sensitivity and is great for dry skin.
It’s also been proven to decrease inflammation and kill bacteria, which is why it can be great for angry breakouts.
Find it in: I'm From Mugwort Mask 110g
Rice Water.
The lowdown: TikTok is going mad for this ingredient, and the promise of the instant glass skin it gives, and this is one TikTok trend that we can actually get behind — because there’s proof!
Now, take a guess what it is? Yep, it’s just what you think: the starchy water left over after rice is washed or boiled.
How it works in skincare: Often found in toners (you all know K-Beauty is big on step two) it’s high in vitamins and antioxidants that can help brighten the skin, as well as clarify, help with uneven texture and tone and hydrate. It also has calming properties too.
Find it in: BEAUTY OF JOSEON Dynasty Cream
Finally...
The beauty of these ingredients is that they’ve been used and tested in Korean beauty rituals throughout history, but now modern science is also beginning to validate their benefits for the skin.
And the big winner is your face, because now there’s a bunch more ingredients that are routine-worthy, so you’re one step closer to that glass-skin glow.
Keen to read more on some of the best K-beauty products? Check out these articles:
