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Dr Monica Jacob on everything you need to know about getting and removing dermal fillers
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Being new to anything—whether it’s cooking, a sport or skincare—means researching obsessively, reading reviews and asking your group chat, hoping someone else has already figured it out. That’s especially true when it comes to Korean skincare. If your FYP is even mildly skincare-curious, chances are you’ve seen at least a few videos raving about Korean ingredients and why your routine absolutely needs them.
There’s a ton of content out there explaining what these ingredients are. But if you’re still unsure about how to use them—or whether they’re even right for you—you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve left a few comments that sound like—‘How do I use this ingredient?”, “Will this suit sensitive skin?”, “Is this beginner-friendly?” or “Where can I find this?”
So, we asked Dr Monica Jacob—our go-to aesthetic physician and Expert Panellist—for a beginner-friendly breakdown of the most-loved Korean skincare ingredients. While you might raise an eyebrow at ingredients like snail mucin or mugwort (we get it), we’re here to tell you why they’ve earned their place on your bathroom shelf.
This one is Pinterest’s number one skincare obsession for a reason. The COSRX essence is packed with 96% snail mucin to repair and hydrate your skin. If your barrier is stressed or your glow is MIA, this will be your low-effort, high-reward beauty buy. Everyone who tries it ends up on the snail train.
Mugwort
If that sounds like something out of Harry Potter, it might as well be—owing to its magical powers. A potent winter skincare ingredient, mugwort is that all-rounder you need to include in your skincare routine. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work on all skin types and the calming herb hydrates, soothes and nourishes dry and irritated skin. Besides, it improves your skin’s barrier function. It helps reduce inflammation and irritation, while also stimulating collagen production.
Sunscreen can be heavy and greasy, especially when you’re dealing with summer heat. That’s where Beauty of Joseon’s matte sun stick comes in. This broad-spectrum formulation is your skin shield, but with a twist. Infused with calming mugwort and nourishing camelia, it hydrates and soothes your skin while providing sun protection. The matte finish is a game-changer—it leaves no greasy residue, making it ideal for those with oily skin or anyone looking to prevent shine. Besides, the stick format makes it easy to apply on the go without any mess, whether you’re in a meeting or on lunch break. Keep it in your tote bag—it won't budge your makeup, either.
This sunscreen redefines sun protection with its lightweight, non-greasy formula that blends seamlessly into the skin. Enriched with rice extract and probiotics, it hydrates, nourishes, and brightens, making it more than just a sunscreen. With no white cast, it’s ideal for all skin tones and a dream under makeup.
Pro tip: Use a two-finger length for optimal coverage and reapply every two hours for maximum protection when outdoors.
Korean sunscreens have long had the game figured out: lightweight textures, skin-loving ingredients and absolutely zero white cast. Beauty of Joseon’s cult-favourite sunscreen checks every single box—and then some. If you’ve been on Instagram anytime recently, chances are you’ve seen your favourite skinfluencer casually slathering it on mid-routine. It’s become a go-to for a reason: packed with niacinamide, it keeps sebum and moisture levels in check, so you’re never greasy, just glowy. It’s also infused with rice bran and a fermented grain complex that gives it that creamy, hydrating feel without weighing you down. Pro tip: apply at least 15 minutes before heading out the door to let it do its thing.
Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen isn’t just about protection—it hydrates, too. Packed with rice and probiotics, it helps nourish your skin while keeping it safe from the UV rays. It’s a smooth, lightweight formula that will quickly become your everyday go-to. So restock in bulk to keep your skin covered all year round.
Sun protection is recommended from the age of six months onwards—so you really have no excuse for skipping SPF in your getting-ready routine in the AM. Clinical studies have proven that consistent usage of sunscreen can slow down signs of ageing and the easiest way to hop on the train is with a lightweight, non-greasy formula like this probiotic-enhanced cream by Beauty of Joseon.
The beauty of Korean skincare lies in its lightweight, innovative and potent formulas. It’s like they instinctively know how to tackle everything from dryness and pigmentation to acne and barrier repair. If you’re considering adding K-beauty to your routine, getting familiar with its power-packed ingredients is the best place to start. To help you navigate better, we asked Dr Jacob to share six gentle-but-effective Korean ingredients worth knowing.
Dr Jacob recommends this for dry or mature skin. “Snail mucin hydrates, soothes and repairs the skin barrier. It also promotes collagen production and scar healing,” she says. Newer versions with peptides offer enhanced hydration and collagen-boosting benefits.
One of K-beauty’s most underrated ingredients, mugwort is ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. “It helps maintain a healthy skin barrier with its soothing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” Dr Jacob explains. Basically, if your skin’s feeling overwhelmed, this is your calm-down button.
Your everyday grain just got an upgrade. A staple in Korean skincare, rice extract is best known for its brightening properties. “Rice extract brightens and helps even out skin tone,” says Dr Jacob. Think deep hydration, nourishment and a gentle way to fade dullness, hyperpigmentation and irritation.
Who said green tea is just for sipping? “Green tea extract soothes irritation and reduces redness,” notes Dr Jacob. It also protects against environmental damage, making it ideal for sensitive or oily skin. Rich in antioxidants, it helps defend against signs of ageing and can regulate excess sebum without stripping the skin.
“Cica calms inflammation and promotes healing,” shares Dr Jacob. It’s perfect for redness, sensitivity and acne-prone skin. Often used in post-procedure care, it strengthens the skin barrier and supports faster recovery from irritation or flare-ups.
A traditional favourite, ginseng root water is “packed with antioxidants. It also improves circulation and enhances glow,” says Dr Jacob. It helps to brighten and boost collagen production. With consistent use, it can help revitalise tired-looking skin and improve elasticity over time.
What makes Korean skincare so different—and so effective? We took the question to Dr Jacob, who broke it down for us: “Korean ingredients focus on hydration and barrier health. They use humectants, emollients and occlusives to keep skin plump and protected.” She adds, “These ingredients are effective, so well-hydrated skin becomes more resilient, balanced and less prone to irritation or breakouts.”
That’s not all. “Korean skincare features natural, plant-based ingredients—usually herbs, teas and fermented extracts—often inspired by traditional remedies.” Think of it as science meets nature. Dr Jacob also points out, “The formulas are gentle, low in pH and less likely to cause irritation.”
And perhaps the best part? “Korean ingredients are innovative and unique, targeting multiple skin concerns in one step without compromising results,” she says. Did someone say multitasking, skin-loving and seriously smart?
Don’t get swept up in the 10-step routines doing the rounds on Instagram. Sure, they work for some—but if you’re just starting out, less is more. Focus on simple, intentional steps that don’t overwhelm your skin. Doing too much too soon can quickly lead to irritation—or worse, a shelf full of products your skin isn’t ready for.
Dr Jacob recommends beginning with five essential steps:
Cleanse: “Use a gentle cleanser or double cleanse only if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen.”
Tone: “Use a hydrating toner to balance your skin’s pH levels.”
Treat: “Incorporate a serum that targets your main concern.”
Moisturise: “Choose a lightweight or rich moisturiser depending on your skin type.”
Protect: “Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.”
That’s it. If your skin needs some extra attention, you can add a gentle exfoliator or a mask two to three times a week. However, before you start filling your cart with products that are going viral, keep this in mind: “Avoid using too many actives like retinol, AHAs or BHAs together—they can cause irritation. Understand your skin type and concern, and choose accordingly,” says Dr Jacob.
She recommends easing into them, “Start with lower concentrations every two to three days before increasing frequency.” Keep things slow and steady. “Opt for multi-functional products and focus on hydration and barrier care,” she adds. And when it’s time to switch things up? “Don’t overhaul your routine—replace products one at a time or layer them in gradually.”
Starting your Korean skincare journey and breaking out unexpectedly? It might not be a breakout—it could be purging, which means your products are working.
Dr Jacob explains, “Purging happens in areas already prone to breakouts, while new breakouts in unfamiliar areas usually indicate irritation.” If blemishes are showing up where you’ve had them before, it’s likely purging. “It typically clears within four to six weeks and is caused by actives that increase cell turnover,” she adds.
To make the process easier, introduce actives just once or twice a week and keep your routine simple with calming ingredients like centella, ceramides and aloe vera. Avoid over-exfoliating, which can worsen purging and damage your skin barrier. “Pair actives like BHAs with hydrating ingredients for balance,” says Dr Jacob. And always wear SPF—actives can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Trust the process—your skin’s just adjusting.
Starting something new—especially in skincare—works best when you begin with a clear, open mind. No fear, no fluff. It helps to know what’s real and what’s just hype. So we asked Dr Jacob to break down a few common myths and subtle red flags when it comes to Korean skincare.
Natural is always better: “While natural Korean ingredients can be beneficial, they aren’t always safer or more effective than synthetic ones. For example, essential oils aren’t suitable for sensitive skin.”
More steps equal better skin: “Korean skincare promotes multi-step routines, but using too many products can overwhelm the skin and trigger irritation or breakouts—especially if ingredients clash.”
SPF in your cushion compact isn’t enough: “The amount you apply from SPF-infused cushions is often too little for full protection. Always apply sunscreen underneath your makeup.”
Be wary of unfamiliar ingredients: “Some products use exotic ingredients that don’t yet have enough research to back their long-term effectiveness.”
The beauty of Korean skincare lies in its lightweight, innovative and potent formulas. It’s like they instinctively know how to tackle everything from dryness and pigmentation to acne and barrier repair. If you’re considering adding K-beauty to your routine, getting familiar with its power-packed ingredients is the best place to start. To help you navigate better, we asked Dr Jacob to share six gentle-but-effective Korean ingredients worth knowing.
Dr Jacob recommends this for dry or mature skin. “Snail mucin hydrates, soothes and repairs the skin barrier. It also promotes collagen production and scar healing,” she says. Newer versions with peptides offer enhanced hydration and collagen-boosting benefits.
One of K-beauty’s most underrated ingredients, mugwort is ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. “It helps maintain a healthy skin barrier with its soothing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” Dr Jacob explains. Basically, if your skin’s feeling overwhelmed, this is your calm-down button.
Your everyday grain just got an upgrade. A staple in Korean skincare, rice extract is best known for its brightening properties. “Rice extract brightens and helps even out skin tone,” says Dr Jacob. Think deep hydration, nourishment and a gentle way to fade dullness, hyperpigmentation and irritation.
Who said green tea is just for sipping? “Green tea extract soothes irritation and reduces redness,” notes Dr Jacob. It also protects against environmental damage, making it ideal for sensitive or oily skin. Rich in antioxidants, it helps defend against signs of ageing and can regulate excess sebum without stripping the skin.
“Cica calms inflammation and promotes healing,” shares Dr Jacob. It’s perfect for redness, sensitivity and acne-prone skin. Often used in post-procedure care, it strengthens the skin barrier and supports faster recovery from irritation or flare-ups.
A traditional favourite, ginseng root water is “packed with antioxidants. It also improves circulation and enhances glow,” says Dr Jacob. It helps to brighten and boost collagen production. With consistent use, it can help revitalise tired-looking skin and improve elasticity over time.
What makes Korean skincare so different—and so effective? We took the question to Dr Jacob, who broke it down for us: “Korean ingredients focus on hydration and barrier health. They use humectants, emollients and occlusives to keep skin plump and protected.” She adds, “These ingredients are effective, so well-hydrated skin becomes more resilient, balanced and less prone to irritation or breakouts.”
That’s not all. “Korean skincare features natural, plant-based ingredients—usually herbs, teas and fermented extracts—often inspired by traditional remedies.” Think of it as science meets nature. Dr Jacob also points out, “The formulas are gentle, low in pH and less likely to cause irritation.”
And perhaps the best part? “Korean ingredients are innovative and unique, targeting multiple skin concerns in one step without compromising results,” she says. Did someone say multitasking, skin-loving and seriously smart?
Don’t get swept up in the 10-step routines doing the rounds on Instagram. Sure, they work for some—but if you’re just starting out, less is more. Focus on simple, intentional steps that don’t overwhelm your skin. Doing too much too soon can quickly lead to irritation—or worse, a shelf full of products your skin isn’t ready for.
Dr Jacob recommends beginning with five essential steps:
Cleanse: “Use a gentle cleanser or double cleanse only if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen.”
Tone: “Use a hydrating toner to balance your skin’s pH levels.”
Treat: “Incorporate a serum that targets your main concern.”
Moisturise: “Choose a lightweight or rich moisturiser depending on your skin type.”
Protect: “Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.”
That’s it. If your skin needs some extra attention, you can add a gentle exfoliator or a mask two to three times a week. However, before you start filling your cart with products that are going viral, keep this in mind: “Avoid using too many actives like retinol, AHAs or BHAs together—they can cause irritation. Understand your skin type and concern, and choose accordingly,” says Dr Jacob.
She recommends easing into them, “Start with lower concentrations every two to three days before increasing frequency.” Keep things slow and steady. “Opt for multi-functional products and focus on hydration and barrier care,” she adds. And when it’s time to switch things up? “Don’t overhaul your routine—replace products one at a time or layer them in gradually.”
Starting your Korean skincare journey and breaking out unexpectedly? It might not be a breakout—it could be purging, which means your products are working.
Dr Jacob explains, “Purging happens in areas already prone to breakouts, while new breakouts in unfamiliar areas usually indicate irritation.” If blemishes are showing up where you’ve had them before, it’s likely purging. “It typically clears within four to six weeks and is caused by actives that increase cell turnover,” she adds.
To make the process easier, introduce actives just once or twice a week and keep your routine simple with calming ingredients like centella, ceramides and aloe vera. Avoid over-exfoliating, which can worsen purging and damage your skin barrier. “Pair actives like BHAs with hydrating ingredients for balance,” says Dr Jacob. And always wear SPF—actives can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Trust the process—your skin’s just adjusting.
Starting something new—especially in skincare—works best when you begin with a clear, open mind. No fear, no fluff. It helps to know what’s real and what’s just hype. So we asked Dr Jacob to break down a few common myths and subtle red flags when it comes to Korean skincare.
Natural is always better: “While natural Korean ingredients can be beneficial, they aren’t always safer or more effective than synthetic ones. For example, essential oils aren’t suitable for sensitive skin.”
More steps equal better skin: “Korean skincare promotes multi-step routines, but using too many products can overwhelm the skin and trigger irritation or breakouts—especially if ingredients clash.”
SPF in your cushion compact isn’t enough: “The amount you apply from SPF-infused cushions is often too little for full protection. Always apply sunscreen underneath your makeup.”
Be wary of unfamiliar ingredients: “Some products use exotic ingredients that don’t yet have enough research to back their long-term effectiveness.”
The beauty of Korean skincare lies in its lightweight, innovative and potent formulas. It’s like they instinctively know how to tackle everything from dryness and pigmentation to acne and barrier repair. If you’re considering adding K-beauty to your routine, getting familiar with its power-packed ingredients is the best place to start. To help you navigate better, we asked Dr Jacob to share six gentle-but-effective Korean ingredients worth knowing.
Dr Jacob recommends this for dry or mature skin. “Snail mucin hydrates, soothes and repairs the skin barrier. It also promotes collagen production and scar healing,” she says. Newer versions with peptides offer enhanced hydration and collagen-boosting benefits.
One of K-beauty’s most underrated ingredients, mugwort is ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. “It helps maintain a healthy skin barrier with its soothing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” Dr Jacob explains. Basically, if your skin’s feeling overwhelmed, this is your calm-down button.
Your everyday grain just got an upgrade. A staple in Korean skincare, rice extract is best known for its brightening properties. “Rice extract brightens and helps even out skin tone,” says Dr Jacob. Think deep hydration, nourishment and a gentle way to fade dullness, hyperpigmentation and irritation.
Who said green tea is just for sipping? “Green tea extract soothes irritation and reduces redness,” notes Dr Jacob. It also protects against environmental damage, making it ideal for sensitive or oily skin. Rich in antioxidants, it helps defend against signs of ageing and can regulate excess sebum without stripping the skin.
“Cica calms inflammation and promotes healing,” shares Dr Jacob. It’s perfect for redness, sensitivity and acne-prone skin. Often used in post-procedure care, it strengthens the skin barrier and supports faster recovery from irritation or flare-ups.
A traditional favourite, ginseng root water is “packed with antioxidants. It also improves circulation and enhances glow,” says Dr Jacob. It helps to brighten and boost collagen production. With consistent use, it can help revitalise tired-looking skin and improve elasticity over time.
What makes Korean skincare so different—and so effective? We took the question to Dr Jacob, who broke it down for us: “Korean ingredients focus on hydration and barrier health. They use humectants, emollients and occlusives to keep skin plump and protected.” She adds, “These ingredients are effective, so well-hydrated skin becomes more resilient, balanced and less prone to irritation or breakouts.”
That’s not all. “Korean skincare features natural, plant-based ingredients—usually herbs, teas and fermented extracts—often inspired by traditional remedies.” Think of it as science meets nature. Dr Jacob also points out, “The formulas are gentle, low in pH and less likely to cause irritation.”
And perhaps the best part? “Korean ingredients are innovative and unique, targeting multiple skin concerns in one step without compromising results,” she says. Did someone say multitasking, skin-loving and seriously smart?
Don’t get swept up in the 10-step routines doing the rounds on Instagram. Sure, they work for some—but if you’re just starting out, less is more. Focus on simple, intentional steps that don’t overwhelm your skin. Doing too much too soon can quickly lead to irritation—or worse, a shelf full of products your skin isn’t ready for.
Dr Jacob recommends beginning with five essential steps:
Cleanse: “Use a gentle cleanser or double cleanse only if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen.”
Tone: “Use a hydrating toner to balance your skin’s pH levels.”
Treat: “Incorporate a serum that targets your main concern.”
Moisturise: “Choose a lightweight or rich moisturiser depending on your skin type.”
Protect: “Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.”
That’s it. If your skin needs some extra attention, you can add a gentle exfoliator or a mask two to three times a week. However, before you start filling your cart with products that are going viral, keep this in mind: “Avoid using too many actives like retinol, AHAs or BHAs together—they can cause irritation. Understand your skin type and concern, and choose accordingly,” says Dr Jacob.
She recommends easing into them, “Start with lower concentrations every two to three days before increasing frequency.” Keep things slow and steady. “Opt for multi-functional products and focus on hydration and barrier care,” she adds. And when it’s time to switch things up? “Don’t overhaul your routine—replace products one at a time or layer them in gradually.”
Starting your Korean skincare journey and breaking out unexpectedly? It might not be a breakout—it could be purging, which means your products are working.
Dr Jacob explains, “Purging happens in areas already prone to breakouts, while new breakouts in unfamiliar areas usually indicate irritation.” If blemishes are showing up where you’ve had them before, it’s likely purging. “It typically clears within four to six weeks and is caused by actives that increase cell turnover,” she adds.
To make the process easier, introduce actives just once or twice a week and keep your routine simple with calming ingredients like centella, ceramides and aloe vera. Avoid over-exfoliating, which can worsen purging and damage your skin barrier. “Pair actives like BHAs with hydrating ingredients for balance,” says Dr Jacob. And always wear SPF—actives can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Trust the process—your skin’s just adjusting.
Starting something new—especially in skincare—works best when you begin with a clear, open mind. No fear, no fluff. It helps to know what’s real and what’s just hype. So we asked Dr Jacob to break down a few common myths and subtle red flags when it comes to Korean skincare.
Natural is always better: “While natural Korean ingredients can be beneficial, they aren’t always safer or more effective than synthetic ones. For example, essential oils aren’t suitable for sensitive skin.”
More steps equal better skin: “Korean skincare promotes multi-step routines, but using too many products can overwhelm the skin and trigger irritation or breakouts—especially if ingredients clash.”
SPF in your cushion compact isn’t enough: “The amount you apply from SPF-infused cushions is often too little for full protection. Always apply sunscreen underneath your makeup.”
Be wary of unfamiliar ingredients: “Some products use exotic ingredients that don’t yet have enough research to back their long-term effectiveness.”
