Glossaire des ingrédients

Adenosine is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that plays a key role in cellular energy transfer and signaling. In skincare, it is a proven anti-wrinkle ingredient that stimulates collagen production, smooths fine lines, and promotes wound healing. It is gentle, non-irritating, and widely used in Korean skincare formulations.

Aloe vera is one of the oldest and most widely used soothing ingredients in skincare, containing over 75 active compounds including vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids. It deeply hydrates without heaviness, calms sunburns and irritation, and accelerates the healing of minor wounds and blemishes. Its lightweight gel texture makes it suitable for every skin type.

Arbutin is a naturally derived brightening agent found in bearberry, mulberry, and cranberry plants. It works by slowly releasing hydroquinone to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, making it effective at fading dark spots and evening skin tone without the harsh side effects of pure hydroquinone.

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that targets both acne and hyperpigmentation simultaneously. It inhibits tyrosinase to fade dark spots, kills acne-causing bacteria, and gently exfoliates without the irritation of stronger acids. It is one of the few active ingredients considered safe during pregnancy.

Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antimicrobial treatment that kills the P. acnes bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne. It works by introducing oxygen into pores, creating an environment where bacteria cannot survive. Available in concentrations from 2.5% to 10%, lower strengths are often just as effective with less irritation.

Centella asiatica (also known as cica or tiger grass) is a medicinal herb prized for its powerful calming and healing properties. Its active compounds -- madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid -- reduce inflammation, promote collagen synthesis, and accelerate wound healing, making it ideal for sensitive, irritated, or post-procedure skin.

Ceramides are lipids naturally found in the skin that make up over 50% of the skin barrier. Topically applied ceramides restore and reinforce this protective layer, locking in moisture and shielding against environmental aggressors. They are essential for anyone with a compromised barrier, eczema, or chronic dryness.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with the smallest molecular size, allowing it to penetrate deeply and exfoliate effectively. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath while promoting collagen production for long-term anti-aging benefits.

Green tea extract is rich in polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It neutralizes free radicals, soothes inflammation, and has been shown to help protect against UV-induced skin damage. Its calming properties make it excellent for reactive and redness-prone skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin. It plumps and hydrates at multiple skin layers, reducing the appearance of fine lines while keeping skin bouncy and supple.

Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, making it less penetrating and better suited for sensitive or dry skin. Beyond exfoliation, it has natural humectant properties that draw moisture into the skin, providing a hydrating exfoliation experience that brightens and smooths without excessive irritation.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has been used in traditional Korean medicine for centuries and has become a hero ingredient in K-beauty for sensitive skin. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it calms redness and irritation, fights free radical damage, and helps maintain the skin's moisture balance. It is especially effective for soothing eczema, rosacea, and reactive skin conditions.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a versatile water-soluble vitamin that regulates sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, and strengthens the skin barrier. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation and reduce redness, making it one of the most universally beneficial skincare ingredients available.

Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a deeply hydrating and soothing ingredient that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin. It attracts and retains moisture, accelerates the skin's natural healing process, and strengthens the barrier function. It is exceptionally well-tolerated by all skin types, making it a staple in products designed for sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. When applied topically, they signal the skin to ramp up collagen production, resulting in firmer, plumper skin with fewer visible wrinkles. They are gentle enough for sensitive skin and work best with consistent, long-term use.

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees to protect their hives, packed with flavonoids, amino acids, and vitamins with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In skincare, it accelerates wound healing, calms irritated skin, and helps prevent acne breakouts while delivering deep nourishment without clogging pores.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients. It accelerates cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles over time. Because of its potency, it should be introduced gradually and always paired with sunscreen during the day.

Rice extract (rice bran, rice ferment filtrate) has been a staple in Asian beauty rituals for centuries, famously credited for the flawless skin of Japanese geisha. It is rich in ferulic acid, phytic acid, and vitamins B and E, which brighten skin, even out discoloration, and provide antioxidant protection while gently moisturizing.

Salicylic acid (BHA) is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cell buildup. It is the go-to chemical exfoliant for acne-prone and oily skin types, reducing blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammation without over-stripping the skin surface.

Snail mucin (snail secretion filtrate) is a powerhouse ingredient rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid naturally produced by snails. It deeply hydrates, accelerates skin repair, and helps fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation while soothing irritated or damaged skin.

Squalane is a stable, hydrogenated form of squalene -- a lipid naturally produced by human skin. It is an exceptionally lightweight oil that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for all skin types including oily skin. It reinforces the moisture barrier and pairs beautifully with active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C to buffer potential irritation.

Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant with potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show it is effective at reducing acne lesions comparable to benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects. It should always be used diluted and is best suited for spot treatments on oily and acne-prone skin.

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic amino acid derivative originally used to treat heavy bleeding that has become a standout ingredient for treating stubborn hyperpigmentation and melasma. It works by interrupting the melanin production pathway at multiple points, making it more effective than many single-target brighteners. It is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage from UV exposure and pollution. It brightens dull skin, fades hyperpigmentation, and supports collagen synthesis for firmer, more radiant skin. Best used in the morning under sunscreen for maximum photoprotective benefits.

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in skin health, regulating oil production, reducing inflammation, and supporting wound healing. In skincare, zinc PCA and zinc oxide are commonly used forms -- zinc PCA controls sebum and fights acne while zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum sun protection. It is especially beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin seeking mattifying and calming effects.