What each ingredient does and what to watch out for, in plain language.
Adenosine
A low-dose active that's on Korea's functional-cosmetic ingredient list for fine lines.
Alpha-Arbutin
A water-soluble brightening ingredient that helps dark spots and uneven patches look less noticeable.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
A fragrance ingredient with a powdery, violet-like scent. It's on the fragrance-allergen labeling list.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A synthetic thickener that makes clear gels, even in acidic or salty formulas.
Amodimethicone
An amino silicone that clings to damaged hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
Amyl Cinnamal
A fragrance ingredient with a jasmine scent, similar to hexyl cinnamal.
Amylcinnamyl Alcohol
A cinnamyl-type fragrance alcohol that's reportedly on the allergen labeling list.
Anise Alcohol
A fragrance ingredient with a sweet anise scent. It's on the allergen labeling list.
Arbutin
A classic brightening ingredient that helps spots and skin tone look more even.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Oil pressed from argan kernels, popular in hair oils and serums.
Ascorbic Acid
The classic antioxidant form of vitamin C, but it breaks down very easily in water.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
A gentle, water-soluble form of vitamin C built to resist breaking down.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
An oat kernel extract used in comforting products for dry, itchy-feeling skin.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived ingredient used as a retinol alternative in products for fine lines.
Behentrimonium Chloride
A go-to hair conditioner ingredient that leaves a rich, smooth coating on hair.
Bentonite
A clay that swells as it soaks up water, used to absorb oil and in masks.
Benzoyl Peroxide
A strong ingredient found in acne medications (it's regulated as a drug), so it isn't used in cosmetics.
Benzyl Alcohol
Helps with preservation and has a faint sweet scent. It's also on the allergen labeling list.
Benzyl Benzoate
A fragrance fixative that helps scents last longer. It's on the allergen labeling list.
Benzyl Cinnamate
Adds a soft, balsamic base note to fragrances. It's on the allergen labeling list.
Benzyl Salicylate
Helps a soft floral scent last longer. It's on the allergen labeling list.
Betaine
A moisturizing ingredient sourced from sugar beets.
BHT
A synthetic antioxidant that keeps oils and lip products from going off.
Bisabolol
An oil-soluble soothing ingredient sourced from chamomile and other plants.
Butylene Glycol
The most common lightweight humectant and solvent in Korean skincare.
Butylparaben
An oil-friendly paraben that's used less often these days.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
A plant butter made from the nuts of the shea tree.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
A light oil used in sunscreens to dissolve solid UV filters.
Caffeine
An ingredient known for helping skin look less puffy and tired.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A light, stable base oil, often from coconut, that doesn't go rancid easily.
Confirmation and responsibility · This recipe and its check results are information to help you decide. The factory determines whether it can be made; final approval of the product, and responsibility for selling and using it, rest with you.