Ingredients, Decoded

PDRN

Polydeoxyribonucleotide, often called "salmon DNA"

What it isSmall fragments of DNA, usually from salmon. In Korea it is famous from in-clinic injectable treatments.

Why it's trendingK-beauty brought it from the clinic to serums, creams and lip care, and it went viral on social media.

Best forDry, dull or tired-looking skin and dry lips that want a smoother, cared-for look.

Good to knowDermatologists point out that the strong results come from injections. In creams and serums, the molecule is large, so most of the visible softness usually comes from the hydrating ingredients around it. Enjoy it as a hydrating treat, not a miracle. If you have a fish allergy, ask your doctor first.

Cica

Centella asiatica, also called tiger grass or gotu kola

What it isA plant used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine and now a K-beauty favorite.

Why it's trendingIt is the go-to "calm-down" ingredient for skin that feels irritated or stressed.

Best forSensitive, dry or red-looking, stressed skin. Gentle enough for a weakened skin barrier.

Good to knowLeave-on products (serums, creams) give it the most time to work. Reactions are rare but possible, so patch test first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor.

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids, like hexapeptide-11

What it isTiny building blocks that help skin look firmer and more elastic.

Why it's trendingA gentle way to target fine lines and loss of bounce without irritation.

Best forAll skin types, especially mature skin and first fine lines.

Good to knowPlays well with almost everything. Results come with steady daily use over weeks.

Hyaluronic acid

Also listed as sodium hyaluronate

What it isA moisture magnet that your skin already makes, holding water in the skin's surface.

Why it's trendingInstant plump, dewy hydration with a weightless feel.

Best forEvery skin type, especially dry, dehydrated and winter skin.

Good to knowApply on slightly damp skin, then seal with a cream so the moisture stays.

Vitamin C + ferulic acid

Vitamin C here comes in a stable form called ascorbyl glucoside

What it isAn antioxidant duo that brightens and helps even the look of skin tone.

Why it's trendingThe classic "glow" ingredient, and ferulic acid makes it work even better.

Best forDull, tired-looking or uneven-looking skin. Suits all skin types.

Good to knowUse it in the morning under sunscreen: the two together are a strong daytime team.

Plant-based retinol alternative

The best known is bakuchiol, from the babchi plant

What it isBotanical actives that give a retinol-style smoothing effect with a gentler feel.

Why it's trendingIn a 2019 clinical study, bakuchiol and retinol both improved the look of wrinkles and dark spots after 12 weeks, and bakuchiol caused less dryness and stinging.

Best forAll skin types, especially sensitive skin or anyone nervous about retinol.

Good to knowUse at night and wear SPF every day. Pregnant? Ask your doctor before using any retinoid-like product.

Urea

A natural moisturizing factor already found in skin

What it isA hydrator that also softens rough, thick skin.

Why it's trending"Skin-cycling" and foot-care routines made it famous for sandal-ready heels.

Best forRough heels, dry knees and elbows, dry flaky patches. At 5% it is gentle and very hydrating.

Good to knowMay tingle on cracked or broken skin. Use daily for the smoothest results.

Panthenol

Pro-vitamin B5

What it isA soothing hydrator that helps skin feel comfortable.

Best forEvery skin type, especially dry, sensitive or irritated-feeling skin.

Good to knowA quiet hero: you'll find it in our urea cream and eye patches.

Caffeine

What it isThe same wake-up molecule as in coffee, used on skin to refresh the look of the eye area.

Best forPuffy, tired-looking eyes after short nights or travel.

Good to knowEffects are temporary and feel best chilled: keep your eye patches in the fridge.

Rosemary oil

What it isAn aromatic oil massaged into the scalp before shampoo.

Why it's trendingIt went viral on TikTok as a scalp-care ritual.

Best forA fresh-feeling scalp and shinier, softer lengths. All hair types.

Good to knowAlways diluted, never pure on the scalp. Patch test first. For hair concerns, see a dermatologist.

Omega 6 & 9 oils

Like rosehip, argan, jojoba and sweet almond

What it isPlant oils rich in fatty acids that support a soft, supple skin barrier.

Why it's trendingBody-care rituals for skin that has gone through big changes, like weight loss or pregnancy.

Best forDry, stretched or stretch-mark-prone skin.

Good to knowOils help skin look and feel smoother; no oil can erase stretch marks. Sweet almond oil is a nut oil.

Collagen & 24K gold

What it isCollagen in skincare is a film-forming hydrator; gold adds a luxurious, glowy feel.

Good to knowCollagen in a jar does not replace your skin's own collagen, but it does leave skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Think of gold as the treat, not the treatment.

Ceramides

Such as ceramide NP

What it doesLipids that mirror the ones in your skin barrier. They help skin hold on to moisture so it looks smooth and feels comfortable, never tight.

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3

What it doesAn all-rounder that helps skin look more even, refined and luminous, and supports a smooth, healthy-looking texture. Plays well with almost everything.

Snail mucin

Snail secretion filtrate or snail extract

What it doesA silky, cushiony hydrator that leaves skin looking soft, supple and glowy. One of the ingredients that put K-Beauty on the map.

Propolis

A resin collected by bees

What it doesA honey-toned K-Beauty classic that gives skin a nourished, healthy-looking glow. Avoid it if you are sensitive to bee products.

Galactomyces

Galactomyces ferment filtrate

What it doesA fermented yeast filtrate, born from K-Beauty's love of fermentation, that helps skin look clearer, brighter and more radiant.

Rice

Rice extract, rice ferment or rice water

What it doesA traditional Korean beauty ritual. Rice helps skin look brighter, softer and more even, with that famous milky, luminous finish.

Green tea

Camellia sinensis leaf extract

What it doesAn antioxidant-rich botanical, beloved in Korea, that helps skin look fresh, balanced and protected from daily dullness.

Glycolic acid (AHA)

An alpha hydroxy acid

What it doesGently exfoliates for smoother, brighter-looking skin. It can increase sun sensitivity, so always wear sunscreen while you use it.

Lactic & pyruvic acid

Mild exfoliating acids

What it doesGentle acids that buff away dullness for a softer, more radiant-looking surface. Start slowly, and pair with daily SPF.

Using acids or retinol-alternatives? Wear a broad-spectrum SPF every morning.

An honest note: we don’t sell sunscreen yet. In the U.S., sunscreens are FDA-regulated over-the-counter drugs. Until then, choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ suited to your skin type.