Korean Skincare Ingredients: An Official Reference
Every ingredient below is referenced against the official cosmetic ingredient database published by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). The definitions are faithful translations of the MFDS source text — not marketing copy. We list the INCI name, Korean name and CAS number so you can verify each one yourself.
Niacinamide
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a heterocyclic aromatic amide with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Niacinamide is commonly used to improve skin texture and enhance the skin's barrier function. It is also used for its moisturizing properties.
Adenosine
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a heterocyclic organic compound with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to improve the appearance of skin texture. It is also used for its moisturizing properties.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from the aerial parts of Centella asiatica.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to soothe and calm the skin. It is also used for its moisturizing properties.
Madecassoside
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is an organic compound with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to soothe and calm the skin. It is also used for its antioxidant properties.
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a substance obtained by filtering the mucus of one or more species of snails.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to moisturize the skin and improve its texture. It is also commonly used to enhance skin elasticity and promote a smoother appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a natural mucopolysaccharide obtained from the combination of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and glucuronic acid.
How it is used in skincare: Hyaluronic Acid is commonly used to retain moisture in the skin. It is also commonly used to improve skin texture and elasticity.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to retain moisture in the skin. It is often included in formulations for its hydrating properties.
Panthenol
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is an alcohol with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to moisturize the skin and improve its barrier function. It is also used for its soothing properties.
Allantoin
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a heterocyclic organic compound with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to soothe and protect the skin. It is also used to help moisturize and improve the skin's texture.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is an organic compound with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to brighten the skin and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. It is also commonly used to provide antioxidant protection.
Retinol
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is an organic compound with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to improve the appearance of skin texture and tone. It is also used for its potential to promote skin cell turnover.
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract)
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree (green tea), Camellia Sinensis.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to provide antioxidant properties. It is also used for its soothing and calming effects on the skin.
Propolis Extract
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from propolis wax.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to moisturize and soothe the skin. It is also used for its antioxidant properties.
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a product obtained by filtering the fermentation of a growth medium by the microorganism Galactomyces candidus.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to improve skin texture and hydration. It is also used for its potential to enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Beta-Glucan
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units with β(1→3) and β(1→6) linkages.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to improve skin hydration and enhance skin barrier function. It is also used for its soothing properties.
Mugwort (Artemisia) Extract
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from the aerial parts of Artemisia Princeps.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to provide soothing properties to the skin. It is also used for its antioxidant benefits.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Leaf Oil
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is an oil obtained by distilling the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia).
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to provide a refreshing sensation and to help with the overall cleanliness of the skin. It is also commonly used for its potential to help control excess oil.
Ceramide NP
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a synthetic N-acylated sphingolipid that has a D-erythro structure with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids bound to phytosphingosine.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to improve skin barrier function. It is also used to help retain moisture in the skin.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is an aromatic acid with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Salicylic Acid is commonly used to exfoliate the skin and help unclog pores. It is also commonly used to reduce the appearance of blemishes and improve skin texture.
Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) Extract
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from Houttuynia cordata.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to provide soothing properties. It is also used for its antioxidant benefits.
Rice (Oryza Sativa) Extract
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from the seeds of the rice plant Oryza sativa.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to moisturize and nourish the skin. It is also used for its antioxidant properties.
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a hydrolysate of animal and fish collagen obtained through acid, enzyme, or other hydrolysis methods.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is also used for its moisturizing properties.
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) Root Extract
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from the root of ginseng (Panax ginseng).
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to improve skin hydration and provide antioxidant benefits. It is also commonly used to enhance skin texture and promote a more radiant appearance.
Licorice Root Extract
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is extracted from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice).
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to brighten the skin and improve skin tone. It is also used for its soothing properties.
Glycerin
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is primarily a polyhydric alcohol with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Glycerin is commonly used to attract moisture to the skin, helping to maintain hydration. It is also used for its emollient properties, providing a smooth and soft feel to the skin.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a racemic mixture of alpha-tocopherol and delta-tocopherol.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to provide antioxidant properties. It is also used to stabilize formulations and improve skin feel.
Source: Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) cosmetic raw ingredient information, Public Data Portal (data.go.kr). Ingredient definitions are official; skincare-use notes describe commonly established cosmetic functions and are not medical advice.