Korean beauty is a $13 billion business that has beauty and skin care lovers buzzing. So why is K-beauty so popular?
The products are often an effective, innovative way to get glowing, hydrated, smoother skin. They’re also unique, both in terms of their sometimes wild-sounding, natural ingredients — snail slime, anyone? — and their Instagram-worthy packaging.
Here are three popular K-beauty ingredients worth trying.
Snail slime. It may sound off-putting, but snail slime (or mucin) is highly moisturizing, leaving skin soft and supple. Try Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream ($17, amazon.com) or Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule ($19, amazon.com). Not up for using a cream that contains snail slime? Try one with hyaluronic acid instead, which will deliver similar benefits.
Bee venom. Kate Middleton is reportedly a fan of skin care products with bee venom. The ingredient is said to boost blood flow, resulting in plumped-up, smoother skin. Try Miss Spa Bee Venom Plumping Mask ($16, ulta.com) or Rodial Bee Venom Night Gel ($165, amazon.com). (Word of caution: Make sure you do not have an allergy to bees before trying.)
Matcha. It’s not just for hot tea. The superfood — made from ground green-tea leaves — has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants, which fight free radicals that can damage skin, and has an anti-inflammatory effect to soothe skin. Try Peach and Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream ($43, ulta.com).
– Video produced by Kat Vasquez.
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Olivia Martin celebrates the art of living well in her lifestyle articles. She explores topics ranging from travel and fashion to home decor and culinary delights, offering inspiration for readers seeking a balanced and enjoyable lifestyle.