The Korean Skincare Ingredients You Should Know (And Which Ones to Try)

Korean skincare has taken New Zealand and the world by storm — and for good reason. Known for innovation, gentle formulations, and glow-inducing results, K-beauty products are packed with ingredients that go beyond the basics. But if you’re just starting your Korean skincare journey (or looking to level up), knowing what’s in your products is just as important as knowing how to use them.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most iconic Korean skincare ingredients, what they actually do, and which ones are worth adding to your routine.

1. Centella Asiatica (a.k.a. Cica)

What it does: Calms irritation, reduces redness, and supports skin healing.

Centella is a go-to for sensitive or compromised skin. It’s especially effective for soothing after sun exposure or calming breakouts.

Try it in: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule or Anua Heartleaf Soothing Toner.

2. Snail Mucin

What it does: Deeply hydrates, repairs the skin barrier, fades acne scars.

Don’t let the name put you off — snail mucin is a powerhouse. It’s lightweight, non-sticky, and packed with peptides and growth factors.

Try it in: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence or Torriden Dive-In Serum.

3. Niacinamide

What it does: Brightens skin, fades dark spots, reduces oil production.

Popular across both K-beauty and Western skincare, niacinamide is a multitasker that helps improve overall tone and texture.

Try it in: Anua Peach 70% Niacin Serum or Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum.

4. Propolis

What it does: Nourishes, protects, and adds glow to dry or dull skin.

Derived from bees, propolis is rich in antioxidants and has natural antibacterial properties — great for boosting the skin’s resilience.

Try it in: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis and Niacinamide 30ml

5. Hyaluronic Acid

What it does: Hydrates and plumps the skin by attracting moisture.

Korean formulations often use multiple sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules for deep and surface-level hydration.

Try it in: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Anti-Wrinkle Serum

6. Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)

What it does: Soothes inflammation, balances oil, and helps with acne-prone skin.

Heartleaf is becoming one of the trendiest K-beauty ingredients for calming troubled skin without over-drying.

Try it in: Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner or Numbuzin No.1 Clear Toner Pad.

7. Rice Extract

What it does: Brightens skin, boosts moisture, and improves texture.

A traditional K-beauty favourite that gently exfoliates while keeping skin soft and luminous.

Try it in: I'm From – Rice Cream Moisturiser 50g

8. PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)

What it does: Boosts skin regeneration, improves elasticity, and reduces fine lines.

Originally developed for wound healing, PDRN is a powerful regenerative ingredient that promotes collagen production and skin repair. It's gaining popularity in Korean skincare for its anti-aging and revitalising effects.

Try it in: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum 30ml

9. Retinol

What it does: Speeds up cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and helps clear acne.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and a gold-standard anti-aging ingredient. Korean formulations often pair it with soothing ingredients to reduce irritation and make it more beginner-friendly.

Try it in: COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream 20ml

10. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

What it does: Brightens dull skin, evens tone, and boosts collagen production.

Korean vitamin C serums are often paired with soothing or hydrating ingredients to increase stability and reduce irritation.

Try it in: medicube AGE-R Vita C Pro Ampoule

11. Tranexamic Acid (TXA)

What it does: Fades hyperpigmentation, evens skin tone, and reduces redness.

TXA is a rising star in Korean skincare, especially for melasma or post-acne marks. It works well alongside niacinamide and other brightening ingredients.

Try it in: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum

Ready to Explore?

If you’re new to Korean skincare, start by choosing one or two ingredients based on your skin goals. The beauty of K-beauty is that it’s all about layering, listening to your skin, and creating a ritual that works for you.

Explore our full range of Korean skincare at kissandmakeup.co.nz — with fast NZ shipping and options for every skin type.

Great skincare shouldn't cost the earth.