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. 

 

ACNE PATCHES: A safe way to conceal and protect blemishes while also providing topical care overnight and throughout the day. 

AMPOULES: Potent serums that contain minimal ingredients for maximum benefits. Use these targeted solutions right before creams or add a drop and mix them up. 

AHA: 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.

BHA: 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.

CLEANSER: 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. 

CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS: 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.

DOUBLE CLEANSING: 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: 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: Lightweight and highly concentrated products that provide additional hydrating, brightening, and repairing benefits prior to your moisturizing step. 

EYE MASK: Concentrated masks that help brighten, strengthen, and protect your delicate under eye area from potential aging factors. 

EYE CREAMS: 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. 

EWG VERIFIED: A trademark visible on certain products that confirms its formulation is free from EWG chemicals of concern and meets their strict health standards. 

OIL CLEANSERS: 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. 

PHYSICAL EXFOLIANTS: 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.

SUN CREAMS: 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. 

SPOT CREAMS: Topical acne treatments that help soothe, protect, and heal blemishes to help minimize long term scarring. 

TONERS: 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. 

VEGAN CERTIFIED: A globally recognized trademark that signifies that a product does not contain meat, fish, fowl, animal by-products, eggs or egg products, milk or milk products, honey or honey bee products, insects or products from insects such as silk or dyes, or sugar filtered with bone char or be processed with any animal products or by-products.