With its innovative, nature-inspired formulas, Korean Beauty (or K-Beauty) is becoming increasingly popular in Quebec and around the world. Its fundamental principle is prevention over correction, which it does through a progressive routine and the use of natural ingredients.
Discover the benefits and key ingredients of K-Beauty and learn how to incorporate these Korean beauty treatments into your daily routine!
What is Korean skincare and why is it so popular?
Korean beauty products have attracted a lot of attention in recent years because they are so different from other skincare treatments. They focus on balancing the skin barrier over the long term, through the use of gentle, progressive, high-performance formulas.
Here are a few things that set Korean skincare apart:
- Natural, effective ingredients inspired by ancestral Korean traditions and enriched by modern science
- Multi-step routines that can be adjusted for different skin types
- A focus on deep hydration to prevent skin problems rather than correcting them
- Constant innovation, with formulas that incorporate the latest advances in dermocosmetics
- The promise of “glass skin,” which is radiant and smooth with a healthy glow
- Its adaptability to the Canadian climate, through the use of different product textures designed to adjust to seasonal variations
- Excellent value for money, with prices to suit all budgets
- Textures that are innovative, sensorial, and pleasant to apply, transforming your skincare routine into an enjoyable ritual
- Visible, gradual results that promote consistency to reveal natural, long-lasting beauty.
What skin problems can K-Beauty help treat?
Korean skincare products use active ingredients known for their soothing, regenerative, and protective properties to respect the skin’s natural barrier while targeting different specific needs, such as:
- Sensitive skin or skin that’s prone to redness
- Acne-prone skin
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Dull complexions lacking in radiance
- Spots and hyperpigmentation
- Signs of aging such as fine lines or loss of firmness
- Skin irritation and mild eczema.
The all-star natural ingredients of Korean skincare
To meet different skincare needs, K-Beauty focuses on ingredients that are derived from nature and validated by research. The formulas use ingredients that have been fermented to amplify their natural properties, and are designed with a specific purpose in mind (e.g., to soothe, moisturize, protect, or illuminate the skin).
Let’s take a look at some of K-Beauty’s key ingredients.
Green tea
Rich in antioxidant polyphenols, particularly catechins, green tea is one of the stars of Korean skincare. With its purifying and protective qualities, it reduces inflammation, limits excess sebum, and protects the skin against free radicals. It’s a great choice for skin that is oily, sensitive, or prone to imperfections.
When incorporated into a cream, serum, or homemade mask, green tea has a detoxifying effect that restores radiance and freshness to the complexion.
Ginseng
Ginseng, which has been used in Korean cosmetics for hundreds of years, is prized for its ability to revitalize the skin. Rich in antioxidants, it stimulates blood circulation, restores radiance, and improves skin elasticity.
When used on mature, dull, or tired skin, ginseng helps slow signs of aging, boost firmness, and give the skin a healthy glow.
Snail mucin
Snail mucin, one of K-Beauty’s most iconic components, is a concentrate of powerful active ingredients such as glycolic acid, peptides, elastin, and allantoin. It’s especially good for dry, damaged skin, and skin marked by fine lines or acne scars.
Thanks to its regenerative and intensely moisturizing properties, snail mucin promotes healing, stimulates collagen production, and improves skin texture, making it an excellent choice for visible, long-lasting results!
Aloe vera
This well-known soothing ingredient contains a naturally high concentration of vitamins (A, C, and E), minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. Suitable for sensitive, dry, or irritated skin, it delivers intense moisturization while reducing redness and discomfort.
A common ingredient in after-sun lotions, aloe vera is also used widely in Korean skincare for its ability to provide instant relief for your skin.
Rice and fermented rice yeast
Rice and fermented rice yeast are two of the most prized ingredients in traditional Korean skincare. Rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids, they target spots and dull, uneven skin.
The fermentation process boosts the natural lightening properties of rice, helping to brighten the complexion, even out skin tone, and visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots—just what you need for a clear, radiant complexion!
Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica, a well-known medicinal plant, contains powerful active agents such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid. It’s especially beneficial for sensitive, acne-prone, and eczema-prone skin, which it gently soothes and repairs.
Known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, centella asiatica protects the skin barrier while promoting tissue regeneration. These benefits make it an essential ingredient in modern Korean beauty formulas.
What order should Korean skincare products be applied in?
K-Beauty routines are based on a precise order to maximize the products’ effectiveness on the skin. These rituals combine innovative formulas and products with a variety of textures, applied in a strategic sequence.
Your Korean beauty routine can have as many as 10 steps, or you can opt for something simpler, depending on your needs and how much time you have to dedicate to skincare each day.
Morning routine
The morning routine focuses on preparing and protecting the skin to face the day. Each step is designed to awaken radiance and protect the skin from external aggressors.
- Apply a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities that have accumulated overnight
- Use a toning lotion to rebalance your skin’s pH and prepare it for subsequent treatments
- Add an essence to deeply moisturize the skin and optimize product absorption
- Apply a light serum to target a specific need (e.g., to hydrate, sooth, or boost the radiance of your skin)
- Apply a moisturizing cream to nourish and protect your skin all day long
- Finish with some form of sun protection, which is essential for preventing pigmentation spots.
For a flawless finish, add a light K-Beauty-inspired foundation to even out your skin tone.
Evening routine
The evening routine focuses on regeneration and deep cleansing. It helps the skin repair itself during sleep and maximizes the effects of the products applied.
- Use a make-up remover or cleansing oil to dissolve make-up and impurities
- Use a mild foaming cleanser for a more thorough cleaning and to remove any residue that remains
- Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate your skin with an exfoliant to remove dead cells
- Apply a toning lotion to refresh the skin and prepare it for the next steps
- Use an essence to boost hydration and improve skin texture
- Add a serum or an ampoule (an even more concentrated version) to target a specific problem
- From time to time, use a fabric mask for extra hydration or soothing
- Apply an eye contour cream to moisturize the fragile area around your eyes
- Finish off your routine with a moisturizer or night cream to nourish your skin while you sleep
Can I use two serums at the same time?
Yes, it’s possible to use two serums in the same routine. It’s important to apply them in the right order, however, starting with the lighter serum (often a moisturizer), followed by the more concentrated one. Introduce the two serums gradually and note how your skin reacts to each product. Depending on your skin type, you may find it beneficial to layer multiple serums to amplify the results.
K-Beauty: more than just a trend
K-Beauty isn’t a passing a fad. It’s a comprehensive and sustainable approach to skincare that focuses on prevention, balance, and the skin’s natural radiance. Inspired by time-honoured traditions and driven by constant innovation, it holds particular appeal due to its gentle yet effective nature and its ability to be adapted to the needs of each individual.
Not sure which Korean skincare products are right for you? Our dermocosmetics specialists are here to support you and help you build a skincare routine that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for hydration, comfort, radiance, or a little bit of everything, our professionals are happy to provide you with personalized product recommendations and advice on how to make K-Beauty a part of your daily routine!
More articles that might interest you
Steps to get the most out of your skincare routine
Hair care and make-up: refresh your beauty routine