In the skincare world, few have been able to push the envelope on innovation as successfully as K-beauty has. And, while certain ingredients might merit a double-take at first—from wine-infused lipsticks to silkworm balls for cleansing—you’ll find that they are ingenious in harnessing nature’s finest gifts to create high powered skincare. Ahead, we round up some unusual K-beauty skincare ingredients for you to add to your routine.
1. Eggshell
Minimised pores served sunny side up! While egg whites have long been used in DIY hair care recipes, K-beauty products infused with crushed eggshell powder have been trending in recent times. The result? The eggshells offer relief by soothing redness, calming inflamed skin, and even brightening the visage.
2. Bee venom
If honey has a spot in your DIY skincare fixes, consider expanding your scope and adding bee venom to the mix. Multiple Korean skincare products are enhanced with bee venom. Packed with enzymes, peptides and amino acids, bee venom works on triggering the skin’s natural defences by making it think it has been stung. This results in higher blood circulation and boosted collagen production that leaves your skin radiant and glowing.
3. Bamboo water
An age-old staple in Asian skincare for soothing irritated skin, the world of K-beauty is leveraging bamboo water’s nourishing properties in its toners, essences and other hydrating essentials. With its high silica profile, bamboo water hydrates the skin deeply, triggering collagen production for smooth, supple skin.
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4. Rice water
With rice being a staple in Asian diets, it should come as little surprise that Korean skincare has found a way to harness its properties for skincare benefits. The starch present in rice water serves as an effective agent for soothing irritated skin and sunburns. Furthermore, it can also be used as a toner that cleanses open pores and regulates the skin's sebum production.
5. Ginseng
A household staple in Korea, there are few things that this highly favoured herb cannot solve—from curing common colds to serving as a handy addition to an anti-ageing skincare routine. For the latter, it has a rich profile of antioxidants that can dial up collagen synthesis for taut, firmer skin.
6. Tiger grass
Known commonly as Centella Asiatica in skincare circles, this plant also goes by the moniker of tiger grass—derived from the fact that tigers roll in the leaves of this plant to treat any abrasions to the skin. For humans, this plant has a host of benefits to offer: soothing acne, taming inflammation, and maintaining the moisture balance of the skin.
7. Snail mucin
Looking to reverse sun damage and make blemishes a thing of the past? Your quest can end with snail mucin, a potent source of glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that works as an effective exfoliant for peeling back dead skin cells and uncovering the skin’s natural glow. Korean brands love snail mucin, and COSRX has reached viral popularity with to their extensive use of the ingredient.
Cover Image : Instagram/@haley0n
