The Ingredient Atlas
Six ingredients that
define Korean skincare.
What each ingredient is, why Korea loves it and where to find it — general cosmetic information, explained without the hype.
PDRN
Polydeoxyribonucleotide · INCI: Sodium DNA
PDRN is made of DNA fragments, most often purified from salmon. In cosmetic formulas it is used as a skin-conditioning ingredient, helping skin feel hydrated, smooth and supple. On an ingredient list you will often see it written as Sodium DNA.
- Why Korea loves it
- PDRN first became famous in Korean dermatology clinics, in professional “skin booster” treatments. Serums brought it into everyday routines — though a topical product works at the surface and is not the same as an in-clinic procedure.
- Pairs well with
- Peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- In our edit
- PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Collagen
Collagen & hydrolyzed collagen · INCI: Hydrolyzed Collagen, Soluble Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in skin. In skincare, collagen molecules work at the surface: they attract and hold water and form a light film, so skin feels smoother and looks plumper. Topical collagen does not replace the collagen your skin makes.
- Why Korea loves it
- Collagen creams and bouncy, cushiony textures are a long-running Korean favourite, often paired with elastin and niacinamide.
- Pairs well with
- Elastin, niacinamide, peptides
- In our edit
- Triple Collagen Cream, Collagen Glow Booster Serum
Peptides
Short-chain amino acids · INCI: e.g. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Different peptides play different roles in cosmetics, from conditioning to supporting the look of firmer skin, which is why formulas often combine several in a “complex”.
- Why Korea loves it
- Korean brands often combine several peptides in a single lightweight serum, layering them with PDRN, niacinamide or collagen.
- Pairs well with
- PDRN, niacinamide, ceramides
- In our edit
- PDRN Pink Peptide Serum
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 · INCI: Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and one of the most widely studied skincare ingredients. It helps improve the look of uneven tone, supports the skin’s barrier, and layers well with almost everything.
- Why Korea loves it
- In Korea, niacinamide is a staple of brightening-focused formulas and appears in toners, serums and creams alike.
- Pairs well with
- Collagen, peptides, centella
- In our edit
- Triple Collagen Cream
Centella
Centella asiatica · cica · INCI: Centella Asiatica Extract
Centella asiatica, also called gotu kola or cica, is a leafy plant used in soothing, comfort-focused skincare. Its best-known compounds include madecassoside and asiaticoside.
- Why Korea loves it
- Few ingredients are as closely tied to K-beauty as cica, a signature of Korean skincare for skin that needs a little extra comfort.
- Pairs well with
- Panthenol, ceramides, niacinamide
- In our edit
- In curation for an upcoming edit
Rice
Rice water, ferment & bran · INCI: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Rice Ferment Filtrate
Rice appears in skincare as rice water, rice ferment and rice bran extracts, prized for leaving skin feeling soft and looking luminous. Fermented forms are a hallmark of Korean formulation.
- Why Korea loves it
- Washing the face with rice water is a long-standing tradition in Korea; today it lives on in toners, essences and cleansers.
- Pairs well with
- Niacinamide, ceramides, ferments
- In our edit
- In curation for an upcoming edit
The Ingredient Atlas provides general information about cosmetic ingredients. It is not medical advice and does not describe the effects of any specific product. Check product labels and consult a professional for skin concerns.