What Is K-Beauty?

K-Beauty stands for Korean Beauty a global skincare and cosmetics movement from South Korea that has been trending globally since the early 2000s. The aim is to achieve 'glass skin' that appears hydrated, dewy and translucent by deeply moisturising, layering products and improving skin-barrier health. K-Beauty excels in producing competively priced holistic products that are formulated using gentle natural ingredients- including many excellent herbal extracts that faithfully honour the herbal heritage of South Korea.

What Is The K-Beauty Ethos?

The philosophy behind this movement is holistic and really resonates with my own, K-Beauty includes the following principles-

• Prioritising long-term skin health over 'quick fixes'

• Preventative skin care

• Protection and restoration of skin barrier health

• Gentle and natural formulations

• Emphasises the importance of daily skincare ritual

• Personalised skincare

• Honours traditional Korean herbal medicine- Hanbang

What Is Hanbang?

Hanbang is traditional Korean herbal medicine that is holistic and focuses on restoring energy and balance in the body. Qi is central to the philosophy of this ancient system and this is brought into balance by using herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, dietary therapy and mind-body practices such as meditation, qigong and martial arts.

Hanyak refers specifically to the herbal component of Hanbang.

Herbal Tourism is booming in South korea as part of a wider 'wellness' trend, travellers can visit the Seoul Yangnyeong Market and Medicinal Herb Museum in Seoul. Cosmetic tourism is also growing significantly in South Korea and it is a great destination to access high tech herbal-based cosmetic treatments.

At the base of the Jirisan Mountain, a rich habitat for medicinal plants, there is Donguibogam Village an important herbal hub in South Korea and Pochean Herb Island which is a very intriguing 'herb-themed park'!

Key Herbs In K-Beauty Products

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A Meyer)

Ginseng root is highly valued in Asian medicine and is a key herb in TCM and Hanyak being used since ancient times as an adaptogen. The rejuvenating action of Ginseng root on bodily systems extends to the largest organ- the skin and that is why Ginseng is a key cosmetic ingredient in Korean skincare.

Skin Benefits of Ginseng

• Anti-photoaging - Ginseng has been found to protect skin from sun-damage

• Anti-wrinkle - Ginseng can help suppress wrinkle formation

• Antioxidant

• Anti-inflammatory

• Reduces hyperpigmentation

• Preserves collagen

• Regenerates skin

• Anti-dermatitis

• Anti-scar formation

• Wound healing

Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Ginseng

Beauty Of Joseon Revive Eye Serum- Ginseng & Retinol

Beauty Of Joseon Revive Firming Moisturizer

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream

I'm from Ginseng Serum

Erborian - Ginseng, Yuza, Red Pepper, Bamboo Super Serum

Gotu kola (Centella aisatica)

Centella asiatica is known by the common name Gotu kola or Indian Pennywort and is an important medicinal herb in traditional Asian medical systems including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This perennial plant is grown in South Korea with many K-Beauty companies harvesting their own as it is a popular skincare ingredient often referred to as 'Cica'.

Skincare Benefits Of Centella

Centella contains a highly antioxidant phytochemical Madecassoside which is the active found in many K-Beauty formulations and has the following skin benefits-

• Soothing

• Antioxidant

• Moisturising

• Humectant

• Cleansing

• Skin conditioning

• Smoothing

• Tonic

• Improves skin barrier

• Hydrating for compromised skin

• Anti-inflammatory

• Calms redness

• Collagen stimulator

Top Skincare Products Containing Centella

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 100ml

PURITO Centella Unscented Serum

Mugwort (Artemisia princeps)

The member of the Artemisia family mainly used in K-Beauty is Korean or Japanese Mugwort but Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) is often used as a fermented extract.

Mugwort is an important herb in most ancient herbal traditions with magical associations, it is found growing in many parts of the world. It is a valuable herb used to treat several conditions including menstrual disorders, anxiety, digestive issues, pain and inflammation.

Many studies have shown Mugwort's ability to improve skin and it has the following actions-

• Soothing

• Anti-inflammatory

• Barrier repair

• Calming

• Anti-acne

• Anti-aging

• Moisturising

• Reduces redness

• Reduces itching

• Balancing

Mugwort suits sensitive/reactive skin and is indicated for acne-prone and dry/mature skins

Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Mugwort

I'm from Mugwort Cream

I’m From Mugwort Essence

I'm from Mugwort Mask

Liquorice (Glycyrhizza glabra)

Liquorice is familiar to us all and a staple of all herbal traditions with many beneficial actions including adaptogenic support, gut health, digestive issues, hormonal support and respiratory health. It has a soothing, demulcent action on bodily tissues and as a root extract is nourishing and strenghtening.

This wonderful root is a popular cosmetic extract for many formulators and has the following skin benefits-

• Brightens dark spots

• Fades post-acne scars

• Soothes inflammation

• Fades melasma

Liquorice is an excellent choice for those wishing to reduce steroid creams as it mimics the action of hydrocortisone.

Products containing Liquorice root extract would suit any skins but are particularly indicated for those with rosacea and general sensitivity.

Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Liquorice

I'm from Licorice Calming Cream

Propolis

Not strictly speaking a herb, but an amazing product of nature nonetheless. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees, often referred to a 'bee glue', they use it to repair and seal their hives, giving protection to the colony against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The incredible antimicrobial properties of Propolis have been harnessed in herbal medicine to create effective products to treat sore throats and respiratory infections in the form of lozenges and sprays. Propolis is used widely in oral care and skincare.

A key feature of K-Beauty products, Propolis has the following skin benefits-

• Anti-acne

• Wound healing

• Regenerative

• Humectant

• Anti-aging

Propolis is an excellent skin helper, it can soothe sensitive skin, heal any blemishes, combat acne and support skin barrier health.

As we have several hives at Wild Hollow, I have begun formulating with Propolis extract and have so far produced a cream developed for my partner's discoid eczema which has been very difficult to treat. It's early days but so far so good, although a potent mix with a high amount of propolis, he hasn't had any sensitivity to it and it appears to be healing. Watch this space....

Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Propolis

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Ampoule 83% Propolis Extract

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Cream 65% Propolis Extract

Join me for an incredible herbal experience .....

Natural skincare is a passion of mine and I find the beauty rituals and philosophies of other countries and cultures fascinating. I love learning about exotic plants from around the world and their cosmetic applications. I find the approach in many countries to be more in step with using what nature provides, producing chemical-free, handmade or artisanal crafted formulations.

If you too are curious about the relationship between people, their self-care and beauty rituals and the plants they have available to them you will love the 'Roots & Remedies' Tour below. A large part of the experience will involve exploring Morocco's traditional distillation practices see Transformative Travel- Distilling the Essence of Place where women distill precious flowers and herb material to create beautiful floral waters and essential oils which are used in skin and beauty care.

You will have the opportunity to create products using locally sourced ingredients and enjoy a traditional hammam where natural cosmetic creations are used to relax and purify. A truely unique sensual immersion into the self-care rituals and beauty secrets of Morocco.

Roots & Remedies - An Immersive Herbal Tour - Morocco 2027

16 April 2027 at 09:00 – 19 April 2027 at 21:00

Register Here

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