Cosmetic ingredients for skincare & haircare

The daily non-negotiable

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is the single most impactful daily step for protecting skin tone and slowing visible ageing. Reapply through the day when outdoors.

Lightweight hydration for every skin type

A humectant that holds water, used to give skin a plump, hydrated feel. Sits well under moisturiser and suits most skin types, including oily.

Oil control, pores & an even tone

A form of vitamin B3 used widely in serums and moisturisers. In cosmetics it's popular for helping balance oil, soften the look of enlarged pores, and even out dull or blotchy tone.

Brightening & antioxidant glow

An antioxidant used in serums for a brighter, more radiant look and to help with the appearance of dark spots over time. Usually used in the morning.

Barrier repair for dry & sensitive skin

Lipids that are naturally part of the skin's barrier. In moisturisers they help skin feel less dry, tight, or reactive — a mainstay for sensitive and compromised skin.

Unclogs pores, for acne-prone skin

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, so it can get into pores. Common in cleansers and spot treatments aimed at acne-prone and congested skin.

Surface exfoliation for glow & texture

Alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid gently exfoliate the surface for a smoother, brighter look. Usually used at night, a few times a week.

Soothing & calming for stressed skin

Centella asiatica, often called 'cica', is a calming botanical popular in K-beauty for looking after irritated, red, or post-blemish skin.

Supportive anti-ageing care

Short chains of amino acids used in serums and creams as a gentle, supportive step in anti-ageing routines.

Gentle brightening for dark spots

A gentler brightening ingredient used to target the look of dark spots and pigmentation over time — a milder alternative to harsher agents.

Night-time renewal & fine lines

A vitamin-A derivative used in night care for skin texture and the look of fine lines. Start low and slow; it can cause dryness or purging early on.

Strength & smoothness for hair

A protein used in haircare to smooth, strengthen, and reduce the look of frizz and damage, especially for chemically-treated or brittle hair.

Targeted care for breakouts

A botanical oil used in spot treatments and cleansers aimed at blemish-prone and oily skin.

Oil balance & soothing

Zinc (often zinc PCA) is used to help balance excess oil and soothe blemish-prone skin; also a common mineral-sunscreen filter.

DNA-derived ingredient in K-beauty serums

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) and Sodium DNA are DNA-derived ingredients, traditionally from salmon and now also from plants. Clinic injections and microneedling use different, sterile medical-grade material. A cosmetic serum or cream is not the same as an injection.

Serums for dark spots and uneven tone

Tranexamic acid is used in cosmetic serums and creams aimed at the look of dark patches. Tranexamic acid tablets are a prescription medicine with different risks — this page covers creams and serums only.