Natural skincare is a big conversation. Surely I’m not the only one who has been desperate for natural remedies, frantically mixing kitchen concoctions in the hope of saving my fraught skin. While that approach didn’t ultimately work out for me (no surprises there), what did work was thorough research on which ingredients Mother Nature offers to get that sought after glow. Below is a non-comprehensive list of nine natural ingredients in Korean beauty that have been studied by experts & fans alike with known results.
Propolis
Bees produce propolis resin to protect and seal their hives. It’s rich in flavonoids (an antioxidant) and is known to be antibacterial & anti-inflammatory, which means it’s great for your skin’s barrier too. Propolis soothes and treats pre-existing blemishes, and fortifies the barrier against future irritation or infection. We, for one, are drawn to propolis like bees to a honeypot. ;)
Who is it for? While propolis is great for all skin types, it’s particularly helpful for dry skin that needs a little extra love with maintaining the skin’s moisture levels and aging skin that needs a boost of skin strength.
Where can I find it?
PureHeal’s Propolis Softening Toner
Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
Dr. Ceuracle Royal Vita Propolis 33 Ampoule
Cosrx Full Fit Propolis Light Cream
Vitamin C
It’s no secret that vitamin C has a glorious reputation for fighting colds & bringing sunshine on the cloudiest of days (shout out to lemon water and fresh squeezed orange juice). The same can be said for its skin benefits. Not only is vitamin C a powerful antioxidant for fighting off free radicals and protecting the complexion, but it’s also known for brightening and smoothing dark or rough patches. Sunshine skin? Say no more!
Where can I find it?
Toun28 Propolis + Vitamin C, B3, B5, B6 Serum
Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum Set
Dr. Ceuracle Pure VC Mellight Ampoule
Chamomile
One of the more popular ingredients in self-care is the beloved chamomile. Known for its healing properties, it contains apigenin and alpha-bisabolol which help with cell turnover and speed up the healing process. It also blocks the release of inflammatory chemicals within the body and decreases the release of histamine, so it works wonders as a calming and soothing ingredient. Pairs well with a hot cup of tea.
Who is it for? All skin types can benefit from chamomile, but skin types that are prone to inflammation or breakouts will respond particularly well. It’s soothing for even the most sensitive skin types!
Where can I find it?
Urang Blue Power Ampoule
Toun28 Trouble Care for Sensitive Skin
Urang Brightening Blue Oil Serum
Urang Glow Oil Serum
Black Rice
Known as the “forbidden rice” or “emperor’s rice”, black rice has always been a highly sought after ingredient. It contains the highest antioxidant and protein levels of any other rice, which make it a powerful ingredient in strengthening the skin’s barrier against free radicals caused by UV radiation and pollution. Its key compound, anthocyanin, is known for its strong anti-inflammatory benefits (and is the compound that gives the rice its deep purple hue!).
Who is it for? Dull, tired, or hyperpigmented skin will respond particularly well to the barrier-boosting properties of black rice. However, all skin types, from dry to oily, will soak up this “forbidden” gem!
Where can I find it?
HaruHaru WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
HaruHaru WONDER Black Rice Facial Oil
HaruHaru WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Anti-wrinkle Serum
HaruHaru WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream
White Truffle
There’s no denying the incredible anti-aging benefits of white truffle. It’s full of fatty acids that protect and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier (think: balanced, hydrated skin) and is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that brighten dark spots and calm irritation. An extra side of white truffle to go, please (although we promise you won’t smell like it)!
Who is it for? Truffle is a pretty easy ingredient to incorporate into your skincare routine, as it’s great on even sensitive skin types. While it is most beneficial in reducing signs of aging, it can be helpful for everyone as both a preventative and/or treating ingredient!
Where can I find it? The entire d’Alba line!
Tea Tree
The famed tea tree lives up to its hype. Tea tree leaf originates from Australia, and is known as the “ultimate acne fighting champion” in the skincare world. It contains strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent and calm breakouts and comes in a variety of forms -- from tea tree leaf water, to tea tree essence, to tea tree essential oil (in order from least to most potent).
Who is it for? Because it works to both balance and soothe the skin, both dry and oily types benefit from tea tree. It even helps sensitive skin to reduce irritation or itchiness. Be sure to pick the form best suited to your skin, as this powerful ingredient can be irritating if used with too much potency.
Where can I find it?
Dr. Ceuracle Tea Tree Purifine 80 Cream
Dr. Ceuracle Tea Tree Purifine 95 Essence
iUnik Tea Tree Relief Serum
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the Rosa canina rose bush. It’s a deeply hydrating and absorptive ingredient due to its many fatty acids. It contains phenols, which are anti-viral, antibacterial, and antifungal. It also encourages cell turnover and regeneration to keep the skin plump and smooth. On top of all that, rosehip oil is rich in vitamins A & C (which we’ve discussed the benefits of above). Stop and smell the roses indeed!
Who is it for? Rosehip oil is great for all skin types. It particularly helps dull or dry skin to rejuvenate and maintain a glowing, balanced skin barrier.
Where can I find it?
Huxley Moroccan Garener Body Oil
Urang Vitamin Oil Serum
Toun28 Face Bar S01 Rosehip Oil + Jojoba Oil
Coconut Oil
The jar doesn’t lie: Coconut oil really is great for both kitchen and skincare use. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have antimicrobial benefits to fight off infection or irritation. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can calm and balance the skin, protecting it from free radicals and acne. And, perhaps most notably, coconut oil is incredibly hydrating, locking moisture into the skin barrier for long-lasting nourishment. It’s great for the hair and body, too!
Who is it for? Generally, coconut oil works for most skin types. However, oily skin may want to avoid it (or use it in smaller amounts). It pairs well with tea tree as an acne-fighting duo, and holds its own as a moisturizing ingredient for even the driest skin types.
Aromatica Natural Coconut Cleansing Oil
Heimish All Clean Balm
Heimish All Clean White Clay Foam
Cosrx Hydrium Moisture Power Enriched Cream
Ceramide
We see this word all over skincare, but what are they really? Ceramides are a type of fatty acid (lipids) that occur naturally in skin cells. Still, sometimes the skin needs an extra boost, so incorporating ceramides into your routine can be incredibly helpful for your skin’s barrier health. Ceramides lock moisture in, protecting the skin from environmental stress to prevent irritation or dryness. Ceramides also help reduce signs of aging, since they aid in elasticity and can lessen the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.
Who is it for? This is a naturally occurring ingredient in the skin, so truly everyone can benefit from incorporating ceramides into their routine. Dry or irritated skin may notice the biggest benefit, as ceramides are known for their moisture-boosting properties.
Where can I find it?
Urang Rose Ceramide Cream
Kosmetic Immunity Ceramide Protective Cream
ma:nyo Bifida Biome Concentrate Cream
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid
The beauty of natural ingredients is that they are generally highly beneficial for all skin types (when used correctly). I, for one, still geek out that ingredients from the earth can yield such glowing results for the skin. Knowing what goes into your products, and why, is a great step in understanding what your skin needs and responds to. Starting with natural ingredients is a safe way to begin that process.
Skincare is a lifelong journey, and this, of course, is an non-extensive list, but we here at Ohlolly are here to help you sort through all the information to find what works for you! As always, contact us with any questions, at hello@ohlolly.com.
