Korean skincare labels are full of ingredient names that are rarely explained. Here is what the most common ones are, in plain language.
Centella asiatica (cica)
A plant extract used widely in Korean skincare, often shortened to cica. It appears across the SKIN1004 Centella range, which builds most of its products around it.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, one of the most common actives in Korean serums. You will see it listed with a percentage, such as niacinamide 10. It appears in products from SKIN1004, Anua and COSRX.
Hyaluronic acid
A humectant, meaning it draws water. Frequently paired with other actives rather than used alone, and found in serums, mists and sunscreens.
PDRN
Short for polydeoxyribonucleotide. A more recent addition to Korean formulations, appearing in serums and creams from Medicube, Anua, Arencia and Abib.
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids. Products often name the specific complex, such as Matrixyl 10 or a six-peptide blend. Common in serums and eye care.
Retinol and retinal
Vitamin A derivatives, used in evening routines. Products state the concentration, for example retinol 0.2 or 0.1% retinal. If you are new to them, introduce slowly and use sunscreen during the day.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived ingredient that appears in serums and eye creams, often chosen by people who prefer a non-retinol option.
Ceramides
Lipids found in moisturisers and barrier creams. Concentrations are sometimes stated in ppm, such as the 147,000 ppm ceramide complex in the Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream.
Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata)
A botanical extract common in toners and cleansing oils, most associated with Anua, whose Heartleaf toner uses 77% extract.
AHA, BHA and PHA
Exfoliating acids. AHA is water-soluble, BHA is oil-soluble, and PHA has a larger molecule size. They appear together in products like exfoliating toner pads and clay masks.
Snail secretion filtrate
A long-standing Korean skincare ingredient, listed by percentage. The COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream uses 72%.
Reading a label
Ingredients are listed by concentration, highest first. A percentage in a product name refers to that specific ingredient, not the whole formula.
Shop by ingredient
Browse Korean serums and ampoules to compare by active, or see the full routine order guide. Kourienty delivers across Lebanon. Message us on WhatsApp at +961 70 37 31 38.