If you are a beauty enthusiast, then Korean beauty needs no introduction. You were there when the 10-step Korean skincare regime was popular, and you’ve seen bizarre beauty ingredients popped up within the industry. From snail mucin, bee venom to donkey milk, Korean beauty has it all.
As with most cultural phenomena, K-beauty is constantly evolving – what was popular last year may not enjoy the same traction this year. As such, we’ll give you the lowdown on some of the K-beauty trends that have been gaining popularity the past few months.
1. Centella Asiatica
Presenting this year’s buzz word: Centella Asiatica, otherwise known as Cica. This ingredient has been touted by beauty experts for its healing and soothing properties, which makes it the best ingredient for those with sensitive skin. It’s jam-packed with goodness, including fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins A, B and C. This ingredient works to reduce inflammation, improve hydration, stimulate collagen production and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Everyday stresses, compounded by the pandemic, has an adverse impact on our skin, and there’s nothing better than Cica to soothe and calm our angry skin down.
2. Carrot Seed Oil
Despite having been in K-beauty for over a decade, the demand for carrot seed oil has only started to pick up – and about time too! This ingredient is an absolute gem for those who wish to keep the effects of ageing at bay. Combining vitamin A, C and E, carrot seed oils helps smooth fine lines, improve scars and repair skin trauma. It is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal – the perfect recipe for those who wish to brighten their skin.
3. Microbiome-friendly Skin Care
If there is a trend that is worth hyping, it’s skincare that is backed by science. A fascinating find from skincare research involves trillions of microorganisms that are apparently living on our skin. This flourishing microbiome is what makes your skin barrier healthy, and by extension, your skin glow. There has been a lot of research to determine what products help improve the skin’s flora, and most of these include pre, pro and postbiotic. You’ll want to also keep a lookout for lipids, vitamins and even bacteria such as ammonia-oxidising bacteria.
4. Clean Beauty
With the increase in science-backed skincare formula, it naturally gives way to clean beauty. This trend features products that are free of artificial ingredients, chemical additives and fragrance. These products are replacing harsh chemicals with plant-based ingredients that are not only gentle on the skin, but also bear positive results.
This trend also brought about a rise in vegan brands, which had been arguably inaccessible till now.
5. Flexible Minimalism
A few years ago, the 10-step Korean skincare regime had taken over the beauty world and beauty enthusiasts rushed to keep stock of all the products needed. However, instead of a 10-step beauty regime, we are back to using fewer products and steps.
Flexible minimalism is a trend that focuses on using clean and simple product lines, allowing customisation of your routine. In addition, single and minimal ingredients also offer a higher concentration of the hero component, which helps your skin to reap its benefits at its maximum.
Korean beauty has evolved throughout the years, and these trends are simply just the tip of the iceberg! If you wish to stay on top of the latest Korean beauty trends, or hunt for the best Korean cosmetic products, you may want to brush up on your Korean language skills! Equipping yourself with Korean language skills will allow you to pick up beauty news without having to rely on translated sources! If you’re looking to enrol in a Korean language course, don’t hesitate to give us a call!