Skincare Ingredient Glossary | What Each Active Does

Calms

Centella & Cica

Centella asiatica, Korea's "tiger grass", and its purified compounds madecassoside and asiaticoside calm irritation, support wound-healing pathways and help a stressed barrier recover. It is the backbone of K-derma for reactive skin.

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Repairs

Ceramides

Ceramides make up about half of the lipids that hold the skin barrier together. Topical ceramides, especially combined with cholesterol and fatty acids, restore that "mortar" so skin holds water and reacts less.

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Soothes

Panthenol (B5)

Panthenol, pro-vitamin B5, is a humectant and soothing agent that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, helping it stay hydrated and recover faster from irritation.

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Purifies

Heartleaf & Mugwort

Two of Korea's favourite calming botanicals. Heartleaf (houttuynia cordata) soothes and purifies; mugwort (artemisia) is a classic anti-redness, anti-irritation extract.

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Balances

Probiotics & Ferments

Postbiotics, probiotic lysates and ferments support a balanced skin microbiome, one of the newest frontiers in calming reactive skin.

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Strengthens

Niacinamide

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is the multi-tasker of skincare: it strengthens the barrier, refines the look of pores, balances oil and helps fade uneven tone, typically well tolerated at 2–5%.

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Hydrates

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid binds water in the skin. Multi-molecular-weight formulas hydrate at the surface and deeper in the outer layers for plumper, smoother-looking skin.

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Regenerates

PDRN & Salmon DNA

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is the regenerative ingredient behind in-clinic "Rejuran"-style skin boosters. Topical formulas support the look of repair, elasticity and recovery.

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Skin Boosters : Révélez une peau éclatante grâce à la technologie des exosomes

Boosts

Exosomes & NAD+

Découvrez le pouvoir transformateur des skin boosters conçus pour sublimer votre routine de soins. Notre sélection rigoureuse propose des sérums aux exosomes de pointe et des ampoules au PDRN avancées, élaborés avec soin pour...

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Firms

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers, signalling skin to support collagen and firmness. They are gentle enough for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinoids.

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Renews

Retinal, Retinol & Bakuchiol

Vitamin A derivatives are the most researched anti-ageing actives. Retinal works faster than retinol; bakuchiol is a plant-based option for sensitive or pregnant skin.

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Brightens

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens, helps fade dark spots and boosts the protection of your morning SPF. Derivatives are gentler for sensitive skin than pure L-ascorbic acid.

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De-reddens

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid calms visible redness, refines bumps and fades post-inflammatory marks. It is a favourite for rosacea-prone and acne-prone skin that cannot tolerate strong acids.

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Fades spots

Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid interrupts the pathways that drive stubborn pigmentation, making it a gentle choice for melasma-prone skin and dark spots, including after treatments.

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Refines

AHA, BHA & PHA

Chemical exfoliants dissolve dead cells (AHA, PHA) or clear inside pores (BHA). We favour lower-strength and PHA formats that are kinder to sensitive skin.

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Restores

Snail Mucin

Snail secretion filtrate delivers hydration, glycoproteins and soothing compounds that support a smooth, recovered-looking complexion.

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Not sure?

Calm & Repair

Correct & Renew

Hydrate & Regenerate

The Lab, explained

K-Derma

Dermocosmetics

Clinic-Inspired K-Beauty

Derm & medical-grade