KOREAN SKIN CARE A - Z

*List subject to grow and change

Ampoule: A skin treatment containing a high concentration of active ingredients, usually used after essences but before serums.

BB Cream: Stands for blemish balm or beauty balm, providing light coverage and other skin benefits, often with SPF.

Cica: Centella asiatica extract, known for its' soothing and healing properties, ideal for calming redness and inflammation in sensitive or irritated skin.

Cleansing Balm: A cleanser in semi-solid balm form used as the first step in the evening routine to remove makeup and sunscreen.

Cleansing Oil: Similar to a cleansing balm, used to melt away oil-based impurities like makeup and sebum.

Cleansing Water: Multi-purpose water gently removes makeup and impurities, sometimes used as toners or exfoliators.

CC Cream: Stands for color correction cream, similar to BB Creams but with added color correction properties.

Centella Asiatica: A plant extract commonly used in K-beauty products for its soothing and healing properties, ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Dewy Skin: Also called glowy skin, looks deeply hydrated and glossy compared to matte skin.

Double Cleansing: First step in the evening routine involving an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.

Emulsion: A light moisturizer with a lotion-like texture, adds another layer of hydration.

Essence: A light skin treatment used after cleansing and toning, often providing hydration and other skin benefits.

Essence Toner: A hybrid product combining the benefits of both toner and essence, providing hydration and nourishment to the skin.

Exfoliator: Removes uneven and old dead skin cells on the skin's surface, can be physical or chemical.

Fermented Ingredients: Skincare ingredients that have undergone fermentation, enhancing their efficacy and promoting better absorption into the skin.

Ferulic Acid: An antioxidant commonly found in K-beauty products that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and signs of aging.

Galactomyces: A type of yeast extract often used in K-beauty products for its brightening and anti-aging properties, promoting a more radiant complexion.

Hyaluronic Acid: A hydrating ingredient that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to plump and moisturize dry or dehydrated skin.

Hydrogel Mask: A type of sheet mask made of hydrogel material, known for its ability to adhere closely to the skin and deliver intensive hydration.

King Swab: Exfoliators presoaked with exfoliating ingredients like AHA or BHA, used after cleansing.

Low pH Cleansers: Maintains skin's slightly acidic pH balance, typically around 5.5.

Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that helps to brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and regulate sebum production.

Oil: Highly-concentrated skin treatment applied directly to the skin or mixed with a moisturizer

PA:  Indicates sun protection from UVA rays, with ratings ranging from PA+ to PA++++.

Peeling: Exfoliating, using products like peeling gels or peeling pads.

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid): A gentle exfoliating acid that helps to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture without causing irritation, suitable for sensitive skin types.

Propolis: A resinous substance collected by bees and used in skincare for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Sebum: Natural oil produced by the skin, excess of which can lead to oily skin and acne.

Serum: Supercharged essence targeting specific skin concerns like age spots or blemishes.

Sheet Mask: Single-use face treatment soaked in rich essences for hydration.

Snail Mucin: A secretion produced by snails that is rich in nutrients and known for its hydrating, soothing, and repairing properties in skincare products.

SPF: Sun protection factor indicating protection from UVB rays.

Sun Cream: Sunscreen.

Tencel Sheet Mask: Sheet masks made from Tencel fabric, known for its eco-friendly and biodegradable properties, offering a comfortable and breathable fit.

Toner: Applied after cleansing to balance skin's pH levels and prep skin for following treatments.

UVA: Long wave ultraviolet A rays penetrate deep into the skin causing premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots.

UVB: Short wave ultraviolet B rays burn the skin's superficial layers, causing sunburn and skin cancer.

Water-Based Cleanser: Second step in double cleansing, used to remove any remaining residue after oil-based cleansers.

Watery Essence: Lightweight, gel-like moisturizers or serums that provide intense hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin