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 an aromatic amide with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Niacinamide is commonly used to improve the appearance of skin texture and tone. It is also commonly used to help with moisture retention in the skin.
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 by providing moisturizing benefits. It is also used to enhance the texture of products.
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 and to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
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 potential moisturizing 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 hydrate and moisturize the skin. It is also used for its potential to improve skin texture 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 hydration.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to provide hydration and moisture to the skin. It is also used to improve skin texture and elasticity.
Panthenol
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is an alcohol with the following structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to moisturize and hydrate the skin. 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 commonly used to help with skin hydration.
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 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 promote a more even skin tone. It is also used for its potential to support skin renewal processes.
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: Propolis extract is 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 filtrate obtained from 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 linked by β(1→3) and β(1→6) bonds.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to provide hydration and improve the skin's 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 and calming effects on the skin. It is also used for its antioxidant properties.
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 for its potential cleansing properties. It is also commonly used to help improve the appearance of skin.
Ceramide NP
Official definition (MFDS): This ingredient is a synthetic N-acylated sphingolipid that combines phytosphingosine with saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in a D-erythro structure.
How it is used in skincare: Commonly used to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is also used to improve skin texture and hydration.
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.