From ampoules to king swabs to whitening oils, deciphering the world of Korean beauty can be daunting at first. So we created this glossary of terms to help you navigate K-beauty like a pro. To make things even easier (and a bit more fun!) we’re translating our K-beauty glossary into little videos! Up first — cleansing. Check them out HERE! More to come very soon.
Before you start, we recommend reading Why Korean Beauty and the Korean Beauty Routine.
Ampoule
An Ampoule is a skin treatment. Ampoules contain a high concentration of active ingredients and are usually packaged in small bottles with droppers. If layering treatments, ampoules are generally used after essences but before serums. A good rule of thumb for layering is to go from lightest to heaviest.
BB Cream
A BB Cream stands for blemish balm or beauty balm. BB Creams provide light coverage along with other skin benefits. They also typically contain SPF although should not be used in place of regular sun protection.
CC Cream
CC Cream stands for color correction cream. CC Creams are very similar to BB Creams that along with coverage, they also provide other skin benefits and SPF. The difference between a BB and CC Cream depends more on the product than the name.
Cleansing Balm
A Cleansing Balm is a cleanser that comes in a semi-solid balm form. They can also be called sherbert cleansers. Cleansing balms are used as the first step in the evening routine to remove makeup and sunscreen. They are put on dry skin and then emulsify (turn milky) when they come in contact with water.
Cleansing Oil
Similar to a Cleansing Balm, Cleansing Oils are another first cleanser used to melt away oil-based impurities, like makeup and sebum.
Cleansing Waters
Also known as beauty water or micellar water, Cleansing Waters are multi-purpose waters that gently remove makeup and impurities. Some can also be used as toners and/or exfoliators. With some cleansing waters, rinsing is optional.
Ampoule
An Ampoule is a skin treatment. Ampoules contain a high concentration of active ingredients and are usually packaged in small bottles with droppers. If layering treatments, ampoules are generally used after essences but before serums. A good rule of thumb for layering is to go from lightest to heaviest.
BB Cream
A BB Cream stands for blemish balm or beauty balm. BB Creams provide light coverage along with other skin benefits. They also typically contain SPF although should not be used in place of regular sun protection.
CC Cream
CC Cream stands for color correction cream. CC Creams are very similar to BB Creams that along with coverage, they also provide other skin benefits and SPF. The difference between a BB and CC Cream depends more on the product than the name.
Cleansing Balm
A Cleansing Balm is a cleanser that comes in a semi-solid balm form. They can also be called sherbert cleansers. Cleansing balms are used as the first step in the evening routine to remove makeup and sunscreen. They are put on dry skin and then emulsify (turn milky) when they come in contact with water.
Cleansing Oil
Similar to a Cleansing Balm, Cleansing Oils are another first cleanser used to melt away oil-based impurities, like makeup and sebum.
Cleansing Waters
Also known as beauty water or micellar water, Cleansing Waters are multi-purpose waters that gently remove makeup and impurities. Some can also be used as toners and/or exfoliators. With some cleansing waters, rinsing is optional..
Want to learn more about K-beauty? Check out our Oholly Blog and our YouTube Channel. If you have any questions, we’re only an email away at hello@ohlolly.com.