Ingredient Encyclopedia
Korean Skincare Ingredients, Explained
Every Korean skincare routine at Allùre Shop rests on a short list of active ingredients that keep coming back for a reason. Here we explain what each one is: how it works, which skin type it suits, what it pairs with, and which Korean skincare products in our catalog contain it. Read about it before choosing your next serum.
Why this page exists
"Glass skin" is a visible, well-defined skin finish
The Korean beauty term "glass skin" describes an even, well-hydrated surface that reflects light evenly instead of scattering it across dry patches, enlarged pores, or uneven tone. This look comes from a well-supported skin barrier: ingredients that help retain water, calm visible irritation, and support the skin's natural lipid layer over weeks of consistent use, not from a single one-time application.
Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica, and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate are four active ingredients that contribute strongly to this look and form the basis of this encyclopedia. Each section below explains what the ingredient is, how it works, and which products in our catalog contain it, so you can build a routine around function rather than marketing language.
Barrier support
11 ingredients
Allantoin
A gentle soothing and skin-renewing ingredient tolerated by almost everyone and found in many Korean skincare formulas.
Beta-Glucan
A polysaccharide usually derived from oats or yeast that soothes irritation and supports the skin barrier without the stickiness of heavier humectants.
Centella Asiatica
A botanical extract rich in madecassoside and triterpenes, used to calm redness and support the skin barrier.
Ceramides
Lipids that physically hold the skin barrier together. Replenishing them is one of the most scientifically supported ways to restore a compromised barrier.
Purslane Extract
An extract from an omega-3-rich succulent, increasingly used in Korean skincare as a soothing, barrier-supporting alternative to Centella.
Mineral SPF Filters
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, inorganic filters that protect skin by absorbing, reflecting and scattering UV radiation.
Shea Butter
A fatty-acid-rich butter pressed from the nuts of the African shea tree, valued for deep softening in creams and balms.
Niacinamide
A water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens the barrier, evens the appearance of tone and regulates oil, making it one of the most universally useful staples in Korean skincare.
Panthenol
Provitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes and supports recovery of the skin barrier.
Peptides
Short chains of amino acids designed to signal specific cellular behaviors, such as collagen production, repair and firmness, rather than simply hydrating or acting as antioxidants.
Squalane
A stable, mostly plant-derived form of squalene, the lipid the skin naturally produces to keep its surface soft and supple.
Ready to choose products by active ingredient?
Browse our full catalog of Korean skincare products, or start with our K-beauty guide to build your routine.