Beauty Education

Ingredient Glossary

Understand what's in your skincare. Learn about key ingredients, their benefits, and how they work for your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Found naturally in skin

Hydration

A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, holding up to 1,000x its weight in water. Suitable for all skin types, especially dehydrated skin.

Deep hydrationPlumps fine linesNon-greasy
Best for: Universal use
Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 derivative

Brightening

Vitamin B3 that reduces redness, minimizes pores, and regulates oil production. A powerhouse for uneven skin tone.

Reduces rednessMinimizes poresRegulates oil
Best for: Universal use
Retinol

Vitamin A derivative

Anti-Aging

A vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen, and reduces wrinkles. Start with low concentrations.

Reduces wrinklesFights acneSmooths texture
Best for: Advanced use
Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid

Brightening

A potent antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and protects against environmental damage. Use in the morning.

Brightens skinFades dark spotsAntioxidant protection
Best for: Universal use
Ceramides

Natural skin lipids

Barrier Repair

Lipids that make up the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against irritants. Essential for sensitive skin.

Repairs skin barrierLocks in moistureSoothes irritation
Best for: Universal use
Salicylic Acid

Willow bark extract

Exfoliation

A BHA that penetrates pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells. Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

Clears poresReduces acneExfoliates
Best for: Intermediate use
Peptides

Amino acid chains

Anti-Aging

Short chains of amino acids that signal skin to produce more collagen, improving firmness and elasticity.

Boosts collagenImproves firmnessReduces sagging
Best for: Intermediate use
Glycerin

Plant or synthetic

Hydration

A gentle humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. Found in most moisturizers and suitable for all skin types.

Hydrates skinGentleNon-irritating
Best for: Universal use
Squalane

Olive or sugarcane

Hydration

A lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural oils, providing moisture without clogging pores. Great for all skin types.

Lightweight moistureNon-comedogenicSoftens skin
Best for: Universal use
Centella Asiatica

Korean herb

Soothing

A K-beauty hero ingredient (Cica) that calms inflammation, soothes irritation, and promotes healing.

Calms inflammationPromotes healingSoothes redness
Best for: Universal use
Snail Mucin

K-beauty staple

Repair

A K-beauty favorite that hydrates, repairs, and soothes. Rich in glycoproteins and hyaluronic acid.

Repairs skinHydrates deeplySoothes acne
Best for: Intermediate use
Azelaic Acid

Grain fermentation

Brightening

A multitasking ingredient that treats acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Treats acneFades dark spotsReduces redness
Best for: Intermediate use