Ingredients
K-beauty Ingredients — The Complete Glossary
K-beauty is known for innovative ingredients rooted in decades of dermatological science and natural extracts. Here you'll find explanations of the key ingredients you'll come across in GlowSkinHouse products.
A — E
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)
A water-soluble acid that exfoliates the skin's surface. The most common are lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid. Suitable for dry and normal skin. Used in the evening, followed by SPF in the morning.
Arbutin
A natural brightening agent derived from bearberry. It inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme responsible for melanin production. Gentle and safe for sensitive skin, effective for dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
Salicylic acid is the only BHA used in cosmetics. Oil-soluble — it penetrates deep into pores and cleans them from within. Ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory effects help calm active breakouts.
Centella Asiatica (Cica / Madecassoside)
An Asian herb long known in Ayurveda. One of the most important soothing active ingredients in K-beauty. Madecassoside (the active compound) speeds up healing, reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier. Suitable even for the most sensitive skin.
Ceramides
Lipids that naturally make up the skin barrier (50% of skin lipids are ceramides). When the barrier is damaged (stress, over-cleansing, UV), skin becomes dry, red, and vulnerable. Cosmetic ceramides help restore this barrier.
G — L
Glutathione
A powerful antioxidant naturally found in the body. In cosmetics, known for its brightening effect and inhibition of melanogenesis. Often combined with vitamin C for an enhanced effect.
Hyaluronic Acid
A natural substance found in the skin and joints. A single molecule can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Used in cosmetics for intensive hydration. Available in different molecular sizes — smaller ones penetrate deeper, larger ones stay on the surface.
N — R
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
One of the most versatile active ingredients in K-beauty. It works on multiple levels at once: tightens pores, reduces sebum, brightens hyperpigmentation, strengthens the barrier, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin. When applied to skin, they stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen. Key for anti-aging care without the irritation retinol can cause.
Snail Mucin
Secretion from the African land snail Achatina Fulica. Contains glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and amino acids. Repairs skin, reduces acne scarring, hydrates, and soothes redness. One of K-beauty's signature ingredients.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Support the skin microbiome — the community of beneficial bacteria that protects the skin. When the microbiome is balanced, skin is more resistant to acne, redness, and dryness. Especially suitable for sensitive skin.
R — V
Retinol and Retinal
Vitamin A derivatives are the gold standard for anti-aging. They speed up cell renewal, stimulate collagen, and reduce wrinkles, pores, and hyperpigmentation. Retinal is 10x more effective than retinol but requires careful introduction. Start at 0.1% and increase gradually.
Tranexamic Acid
A medication that has become a hit in cosmetics for skin brightening. It blocks melanogenesis differently than niacinamide and vitamin C — which makes combining them especially effective for dark spots and hormonal pigmentation.
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
The best antioxidant for skin. Brightens complexion, protects against UV damage (alongside SPF), boosts collagen, and reduces hyperpigmentation. Unstable in formulations — look for stable derivatives such as ascorbyl glucoside, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid.