Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, centella… Decoding the star ingredients of K-beauty
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, centella… Decoding the star ingredients of K-beauty
Are you a K-beauty fan or do you want to better understand what you're applying to your skin? 💆♀️ This article is for you!
Korean skincare is brimming with ingredients that sometimes have complex names, but are incredibly effective at transforming your skin. From hydrating active ingredients to soothing extracts, Korean cosmetics rely on smart, natural, and innovative formulas.
Discover below the 7 key ingredients of K-beauty, their benefits, and how to easily incorporate them into your skincare routine. 🌟
💧 1. Hyaluronic Acid – Hydration par excellence
Hyaluronic acid is a must-have hydrating ingredient, capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In K-beauty, it's used in serums, toners, and creams to plump skin, smooth fine lines , and prevent dehydration .
Who is it for? All skin types! Especially dry, dull, or dehydrated skin.
It is found in: moisturizing serums, sheet masks, light lotions.
Buy products with Hyaluronic Acid here
✨ Tip: Apply it to skin that is still slightly damp for maximum effect!
🌿 2. Centella Asiatica – The favorite soothing ingredient for sensitive skin
Centella Asiatica is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in Asia. It is renowned for its healing, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.
In K-beauty, it's the star of skincare for sensitive, irritated, or redness-prone skin. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier and calm inflammation related to acne. 🍃
Who is it for? Sensitive, reactive skin, prone to acne or rosacea.
It is found in: toners, creams, serums, soothing masks.
Skin1004 with Centella Asiatica
3. Niacinamide – The K-beauty multitasker
Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) is one of the most popular active ingredients in Korean skincare. And for good reason: it evens out skin tone, regulates sebum, refines skin texture , reduces dark spots, and strengthens the skin barrier .
It is a gentle yet very effective ingredient, which can be used daily .
Who is it for? Oily, combination, acne-prone, or radiance-seeking skin.
It is found in: serums, toners, lightening creams.
Anua Niacinamide Serum at Coree Beauty
💡 Tip: Start with a concentration of 2 to 5% if you have sensitive skin.
🍃 4. Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) – The natural anti-inflammatory
Widely used in recent Korean skincare products, Heartleaf is known for its purifying, soothing, and antibacterial properties . It's a favorite ingredient for blemish-prone or irritated skin.
It helps reduce pimples, calm redness and keep skin clear without drying it out.
Who is it for? Combination to oily, acne-prone, reactive skin.
It is found in: toners, masks, calming serums.
K-beauty mask collection to try!
💠 5. Propolis – The gold of bees
Propolis is a natural resin produced by bees. In K-beauty, it's used to soothe, moisturize, and boost skin radiance . It's also mildly antiseptic, making it ideal for acne-prone or dull skin.
Who is it for? Tired, dull, or acne-prone skin.
It is found in: ampoules, creams, masks, restorative lotions.
🍯 Bonus: It gives a glowy effect without making the skin oily!
🧴 6. Madecassoside – The skin repairer
Derived from centella asiatica, madecassoside is an ultra-soothing active ingredient that helps reduce inflammation and repair damaged skin .
It is often present in post-acne care, healing creams or products intended for stressed skin.
Who is it for? Sensitized skin, post-dermatologic treatment, with scars.
It is found in: creams, repair balms, specific serums.
💎 7. Ceramides – The cement of your skin
Ceramides are lipids naturally present in the skin, essential for maintaining a strong and well-hydrated skin barrier.
In K-beauty treatments, they are used to strengthen the skin's defenses, prevent dehydration and calm redness or tightness.
Who is it for? Dry, dehydrated, sensitive or mature skin.
They are found in: rich creams, sleeping masks, nourishing lotions.
🧪 How to integrate these ingredients into your routine?
No need to use everything at once 😄! The ideal is to choose 2 to 3 complementary active ingredients depending on your skin type and your goals:
- ❤️ Sensitive skin : Centella Asiatica + Madecassoside + Panthenol
- 💧 Dry skin : Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides + Propolis
- 🌿 Oily/acne-prone skin : Niacinamide + Heartleaf + Centella
You can also alternate morning/evening treatments, or depending on the needs of the moment (season, stress, imperfections, etc.).
Where can I find treatments containing these ingredients?
At Coree Beauty , we select the best K-beauty products containing these powerful yet gentle active ingredients. 🔍
You can :
- 👀 Browse our collections by skin type
- 📲 Write to us on Instagram for a personalized routine
- 📧 Or contact us directly via the website chat
We only offer vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested products, with maximum transparency on the composition.
🌟 In summary
K-beauty focuses on innovative ingredients that are both gentle and powerful. Whether you're looking for hydration, radiance, soothing, or an anti-blemish solution, you're sure to find an active ingredient that's right for your skin.
Understanding what you're applying is the first step to taking effective care of yourself. 💛
So, what will be your star ingredient of the moment? 😊
📬 Stay informed!
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