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.
Hydration
16 ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid
A humectant also produced naturally by the skin, available in several molecular weights to hydrate at different levels at the same time.
Lactic Acid
An AHA traditionally derived from milk, with a larger molecule than glycolic acid, offering gentler exfoliation while also hydrating.
Aloe Vera
The gel of a succulent plant used on skin for thousands of years and valued today for fast, lightweight hydration and a documented soothing effect.
Arginine
An amino acid that supports the skin's natural regulation of moisture and pH, working quietly in the background of many hydrating 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.
Betaine
An osmolyte originally derived from sugar beet that supports water balance in skin cells during stress without adding oiliness or stickiness.
Honey Extract
A natural humectant with mild antibacterial activity and a documented history in wound care, strongest in raw or Manuka forms.
Salmon Roe Extract
A marine-derived extract containing peptides, lipids and conditioning compounds for hydration and improved skin comfort.
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
A ferment filtrate rich in amino acids, minerals and hydrating compounds that improve skin softness and radiance.
Shea Butter
A fatty-acid-rich butter pressed from the nuts of the African shea tree, valued for deep softening in creams and balms.
Collagen
Hydrolyzed collagen that forms a hydrating film, smooths the surface and gives dehydration lines an immediate plumped appearance.
Mushroom Extract Complex
A category of mushroom extracts such as Chaga, Reishi and Sparassis Crispa, valued for polysaccharide-based hydration and antioxidant activity.
Snail Mucin
A secretion filtrate rich in glycoproteins and hydrating compounds that smooths texture and supports the barrier.
Panthenol
Provitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes and supports recovery of the skin barrier.
Squalane
A stable, mostly plant-derived form of squalene, the lipid the skin naturally produces to keep its surface soft and supple.
Trehalose
A humectant sugar that retains moisture and supports skin comfort in drying conditions.
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.