Our K-beauty glossary offers quick explanations on a variety of K-beauty terms you may come across as you shop on Cupidrop. So, whether you knew or experienced, be sure to check-in with our glossary to clear up any confusion and go back to building your routine asap.
A safe way to conceal and protect blemishes while also providing topical care overnight and throughout the day.
AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acids. AHA hydrates the skin, improves skin texture, and evens out skin tone. AHA also improves signs of aging by decreasing skin degradation and stimulating collagen production.
Potent serums that contain minimal ingredients for maximum benefits. Use these targeted solutions right before creams or add a drop and mix them up.
Artemisia is a type of plant that is used in skincare for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known as mugwort, and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its medicinal properties. Artemisia extract is often used in skincare products as it can help to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and provide anti-aging benefits. It is also known for its ability to improve skin texture and tone, and can be particularly helpful for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
A moisturizer that has a thicker texture than cream. It is typically formulated with a high concentration of oils, butters, and waxes, which work together to provide intense hydration and nourishment to the skin.
BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acids. BHA targets pores and combats acne thanks to its oil-soluble properties. BHA also exfoliates the skin and has a variety of skin-calming properties that soothes sensitive skin..
Bifida Ferment Lysate is a type of probiotic obtained by the fermentation of Bifida. Studies have found that it helps prevent skin damage from exposure to UV light, hydrate the skin, and strengthen the skin's immune system of the participants. The ingredient had also helped soothe inflammation and reduce dry skin.
Bakuhiol comes from the seeds and leaves of the "Babchi" plant and is the popular retinol alternative that stimulates celluar turnover and collagen production without skin irritating.
Chemical exfoliators, like AHA and BHA, are often featured in liquid solutions as they dissolve the cellular "glue" holding dead skin cells and healthy skin together. These exfoliators do not cause any abrasions but they can increase sensitivity.
Also commonly known as gotu kola or tiger grass, is an antioxidant-rich moisturizer for sensitive skin. The word “cica” is a shortening of Centella asiatica, an herb native to some parts of Asia and Africa. It has gained popularity in skincare thanks to its soothing and healing properties. Often found in K-beauty products, cica has been touted as a miracle ingredient that’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive and reactive skin types.
The first and most important step of any skincare routine. Cleansers wash away any pollution, dirt, grime, sebum, and makeup lingering on your skin. They clean, clarify, and prep your skin for the routine to come.
Cleansing balms are creamy, rich cleansers that remove dirt and impurities. Cleansing balms are effective at breaking down makeup and dirt because of the natural oils in their formulas.
Cleansing oils are a type of oil-based face wash that simultaneously cleanse the skin and remove makeup. They’re usually formulated with several different kinds of lightweight oils, and they emulsify, or lather, when combined with water.
A common and essential part of any K-beauty routine. Double cleansing involves the use of an oil/balm cleanser first to help remove any dirt and makeup. Then, you follow up with a foam cleanser to gently cleanse and prep your skin.
Exfoliants are one of the best ways to achieve radiantly soft skin as they help remove dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of the skin. Physical and chemical exfoliants are two of its most commonly found in K-beauty.
Essences are lightweight, watery liquid that has a slightly thicker consistency than toner. It is quickly absorbed into the skin and leaves behind a soft, velvety finish.
Concentrated masks that help brighten, strengthen, and protect your delicate under eye area from potential aging factors.
A targeted moisturizer formulated with skin-safe ingredients that targets specific under-eye area issues such as dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. Should be used prior to your last step.
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Galactomyces is a type of yeast, a byproduct of the sake fermentation process. The effects of galactomyces were first discovered by sake brewers, who noticed that their hands stayed young even though the rest of their bodies aged. Galactomyces was supposedly the secret ingredient behind their younger, smoother, brighter hands.
Ginseng helps boost the circulation of the blood vessels in the skin which in turn makes the skin firmer reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Its energizing factors assists in brightening and revitalizing the complexion.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that’s naturally found in your body. It is the main component of what gives your skin structure, and is responsible for that plump and hydrated look. It can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water and functions as a humectant and holds water molecules onto the surface of your skin to keep it nice and hydrated.
Houttuynia Cordata aka Heartleaf, Fish Mint, Fish Leaf, Fish Wort, Chameleon Plant - has been found to exhibit antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its repairing and soothing properties, Houttuynia Cordata has the ability to add brightness to your skin. It’s one of the best ingredients for all skin types but especially for dry and sensitive skin as it has the power to moisturize, soothe, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lotion is a lightweight, water-based product that has a thin, runny consistency. It is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving behind a refreshing and cooling sensation.
Mugwort (Artemisia) is a weed that is commonly used in Asian herbal medicine. Its powers have been known for centuries, and it is even said that mugwort was behind the creation of the first Korean dynasty. It is a healing herb. Mugwort serves as an antibacterial and antifungal. Both of which are excellent skin-protective properties.
Niacinamide reduces inflammation , which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Minimizes pore appearance. Keeping skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time. Regulates oil
Oil/balm-based cleansers that help breakup makeup, pollution, sebum, and dirt while providing additional epidermal benefits. The first step in a double cleansing routine.
PHAs, including gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose, are chemical exfoliants that hydrate skin and help reduce the signs of aging. They're less irritating and less likely to cause sun sensitivity than other chemical exfoliants.
Polyphenols are a group of about 4,000 antioxidants. You'll find them naturally in wine, chocolate, fruits like grapes and pomegranates, vegetables, and green tea! It can help repair and rejuvenate and protect your skin from cancer and other forms of sun damage.
Physical exfoliators rely on micro-abrasions to remove dead skin cells and impurities. Exfoliating scrubs are best worked up to unless your skin has prior experience with them as they can cause increased sensitivity.
A waxy substance formed by the combination of tree sap and beeswax that bees use to create their nests. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory that contains amino acids, phenolic acids, phenolic acid esters, flavonoids, cinnamic acid, terpenoids, and caffeic acid. It's totally safe for use in your everyday skincare routine. It provides moisture for those with dry skin, and is even recommended to those with oily skin.
Retinal and retinol are both forms of vitamin A known as retinoids, which are commonly used in skincare products to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. They work by increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the skin.
Retinol is a milder form of retinoid that is converted into retinaldehyde and then into retinoic acid in the skin. Because of this conversion process, it works more slowly to deliver its benefits. Retinol is available over-the-counter and is a common ingredient in many anti-aging skincare products.
Retinal is a more potent form of retinoid than retinol and works faster to deliver its benefits. It is one step closer to retinoic acid in the conversion process, which allows it to be more effective in smaller concentrations. However, it may also be more irritating to the skin than retinol.
Both retinal and retinol are powerful skincare ingredients and can provide significant benefits when used correctly. However, they can also cause skin irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, so it is important to follow usage instructions carefully and start with a low concentration to allow the skin to acclimate. It is also important to use sunscreen when using retinoids, as they can increase sun sensitivity.
Rich in Vitamin E and B, minerals, oyzanol and pitera, rice has plenty of skin-loving components. It’s an effective ingredient for all skin types. One of the key components in rice is a substance called оуzаnоl, which helps the skin to renew its pigment. The Vitamin E content in rice also nourishes the skin, keeping it soft.
Skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin cells (the stratum corneum) plus the lipid matrix (composed of ceramides, cholesterols and fatty acids) that holds those cells together. You can think of the skin barrier like a brick wall. It is responsible for maintaining skin hydration, softness and firmness.
Snail Mucin, aka Snail Secretion Filtrate, contains Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, and Antioxidants—all good nutrients for hydrating the skin, preventing aging, improving wrinkles, and increasing collagen production.
Topical acne treatments that help soothe, protect, and heal blemishes to help minimize long term scarring.
Another word for sunscreen! Sun cream is often used in K-beauty to refer to a product that nourishes and protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays thanks to its SPF rating.
A vital step in your routine. Toners prepares your skin for the rest of your routine while providing central elements that target your specific skincare concerns.
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