Klog writer Ben Neiley is spending his summer in Seoul, South Korea. Lucky for us, he’s sharing all of his best K-beauty discoveries. Last week, he filled us in on the most popular sheet masks of the season, and here he’s detailing all the buzzy skin care ingredients to know about before they go mainstream.
We all know the Korean beauty industry is one of the fastest moving in the world – new ingredients and formulas emerge here faster than just about anywhere else. Of course you can always find products that contain long-standing favorites like propolis, tea tree, and hyaluronic acid on shelves. But with every season also comes a slew of new, exciting ingredients too.
This summer, I’ve been on the ground in Seoul and watching just which ingredients are topping everyone’s lists. Read on for the top three. From acne to dryness to sun damage, there’s a trending ingredient for every skin concern!
Heartleaf
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It’s been just in the last few months that I’ve seen this ingredient, commonly referred to as houttuynia cordata, popping up everywhere; masks, serums, essences – you name it. And it’s really no surprise, especially since it’s the summer. Heartleaf or eoseongcho, is anti-inflammatory so it helps with breakouts, summer redness, or irritation. Plus, it’s also anti-bacterial, and specifically works to protect against some of the most common acne-causing bacterias. On top of preventing acne, it also helps to regulate oil production and keep skin from getting congested and oily.
Find it in the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Essence.
Artemesia / Mugwort
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Mugwort, a common herb from within the artemisia family, has been picking up a lot of steam over the last year. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries for a variety of purposes, especially skin care. This summer, I’ve been seeing it in everything. It’s the star ingredient in mega popular essences from brands like Missha, I’m From, and Vely Vely, and just about every brand has released a sheet mask with some variation of artemisia.
It helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, contributing to the overall strength of your skin barrier. Plus, its’ antioxidant properties help to ease signs of aging and prevent sun damage. And, as if all that weren’t enough, it’s also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal to help keep your skin clear of any new breakouts. Long story short, it’s a golden ingredient for just about any skin concern, and given how many new products are hitting the market that star this ingredient, it won’t be too hard to find.
Find it in the I’m From Mugwort Cream.
Tea Tree Water
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More and more brands have been searching for alternatives to using water in skin care since it doesn’t have many skin benefits. One newly popular one is tea tree water. While tea tree has been a popular ingredient for ages, this form of it is becoming more and more prevalent. Given tea tree’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, it’s a perfect ingredient to cool, refresh, and clarify the skin in the midst of the summer heat.
Find it in the Benton Tea Tree Serum.
