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K-Beauty has been taking over the beauty industry for the last 10 years. There are several reasons for its success, but the crucial factors have been quality, affordability and innovation. In this post, we’ll focus on innovation, as K-Beauty products use a lot of ingredients not typically found in the western world.
Here’s a short guide to the most common ingredients found in K-Beauty products and why they’re so useful for your skin.
Coptis Root Extract
Also known as the Chinese goldthread, Coptis root is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce inflammation of the skin and ease redness. Inflammation of the skin can lead to hyperpigmentation, collagen breakdown and reactive skin. Coptis root serves as a defence against all three, keeping skin calm, cool and irritation-free.
Hyaluronic Acid
There has been a big buzz around hyaluronic acid for a long time in the beauty industry. This acid’s ability to naturally draw moisture up to the surface of the skin has proved incredibly useful for creating supple and hydrated skin. The super-hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid have made it extremely popular among those with dry and eczema-prone skin.
Beyond the hydrating factor, it’s also been found to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, which is why it’s now a key ingredient in most new anti-ageing products on the market. Don’t be scared off by the word “acid”, as not all acids are harmful or drying for the skin. This acid is a powerful humectant that will help your body fight off the natural effects of ageing skin.
Liquorice Root
The use of liquorice root, or “sweet root”, goes back centuries, but only recently has it become a popular ingredient in skincare products. Its popularity has mostly come from its ability to help fight off acne, which is a prevalent skin issue in South Korea and all around the world.
Liquorice root is also effective at protecting the skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can cause hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots. It’s also easy on sensitive skin, making it a useful ingredient for sun creams or moisturisers.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, has a fascinating history in folk medicine, and legend has it that tigers roll around in this plant to help heal their wounds. The scientific world has recently become very interested in this plant, and what they have found so far is promising.
It appears that centella asiatica is useful for dealing with small wounds, burns and scratches, as well as serving as an anti-inflammatory agent for eczema. Researchers also found that it could promote fibroblast proliferation and increase the synthesis of collagen, leading to firmer and more supple skin.
Fermented Rice Water
Women in South Korea have been using fermented rice water for centuries to improve their skin. Its ability to naturally fight against large, oily pores can help with acne, blackheads and excess sebum production. It has become hugely popular in skincare all over the world as a result.
Those using fermented rice water will also note that it deep cleans the pores without affecting or aggravating acne and other skin conditions. It’s also known to help prevent wrinkles and saggy skin. Finally, rice water helps protect the skin from sun damage.
Birch Juice
Birch juice comes from the birch tree and is also known as “birch sap.” In some cultures, they drink the birch sap, which is a superfood in its own right, containing amino acids and antioxidants.
All this makes for one powerful skincare ingredient that deeply nourishes the skin and reduces inflammation and redness all while hydrating in the process. Birch juice is hugely popular among those with very sensitive skin, as it calms the skin and helps fight irritation.