Decode the Dew: 10 Korean Skincare Terms You Need to Know (A K-Beauty Glossary)
Welcome to the world of K-Beauty! It’s a place of innovative ingredients, groundbreaking routines, and skin so perfect it looks airbrushed. But if you’ve tried to read K-Beauty reviews or product descriptions, you’ve probably felt like you needed a translator.
What is Chok Chok? Are Essences and Ampoules just fancy words for serum? And why are we talking about the number seven?
Don’t worry! As a Korean, I’m here to be your official K-Beauty translator. We don’t just use these terms; we live them. Mastering this vocabulary isn’t just about sounding smart; it’s about understanding the core philosophy behind truly effective Korean skincare.
Let’s dive into the essential buzzwords that will turn you from a K-Beauty beginner into a glow expert!
1. Glass Skin (유리 피부 – Yuri Pibu)
The Vibe: The ultimate goal. What it Means: That translucent, luminous, poreless, and supremely smooth complexion that looks like a piece of polished glass. This isn’t achieved with highlighter; it’s achieved through intense, consistent hydration and gentle care. It signifies deep skin health, not just superficial shine.
2. Chok Chok (촉촉)
The Vibe: The feeling. What it Means: This describes the desirable texture of the skin. It translates roughly to “damp,” “moist,” or “dewy.” When a product sinks in perfectly and leaves your skin feeling plump and hydrated (but not sticky!), that’s chok chok. It’s a core value in K-Beauty!
3. Mulgwang (물광)
The Vibe: The look. What it Means: Literally translates to “water light.” This describes the extremely dewy, almost wet look that makes your skin appear naturally plump and light-reflective. Think of it as the effect achieved immediately after applying a fantastic, hydrating moisturizer—a beautiful, healthy sheen.
4. Double Cleansing (이중 세안 – Ijung Se-an)
The Vibe: The sacred ritual. What it Means: The foundational technique of K-Beauty: washing your face twice.
First Cleanse: Use an oil-based cleanser (balm or oil) to dissolve oil-based impurities (makeup, sebum, sunscreen).
Second Cleanse: Use a water-based cleanser (foam or gel) to remove water-based impurities (sweat, dirt, residue). This ensures your skin is impeccably clean without being stripped dry.
5. Essence
The Vibe: The heart of the routine. What it Means: Essences are lightweight, liquid formulas packed with active ingredients (like fermented yeast or botanicals). They are applied after toner and before serums. They are designed to hydrate, aid cell turnover, and prep the skin to better absorb the heavier products coming next. Don’t skip this—it’s what makes the routine effective!
6. Ampoule
The Vibe: The power shot. What it Means: Think of an Ampoule as a super-charged serum. They contain an even higher concentration of active ingredients and are typically used as intensive, booster treatments for specific issues (like intense brightening or repair) over a limited period. Use them when your skin needs an extra intervention!
7. Skin / Refiner (스킨)
The Vibe: The pH balancer. What it Means: This is the Korean term for Toner. Unlike harsh, astringent toners sometimes found in the West, Korean toners are usually hydrating and gentle. They are used immediately after cleansing to restore the skin’s ideal pH level and introduce that first vital layer of moisture.
8. Centella Asiatica / Cica
The Vibe: The ultimate healer. What it Means: A medicinal plant extract (also known as Tiger Grass) that is a superstar ingredient for calming inflammation, soothing redness, and healing damaged or irritated skin. Look for Cica creams or serums when your skin is feeling stressed, sensitized, or breaking out.
9. Snail Mucin (달팽이 점액 – Dalpaengi Jeom-aek)
The Vibe: The weird ingredient that works. What it Means: The filtered secretion from snails (yes, really!) used extensively for its healing, repairing, and intensely moisturizing properties. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein, and antioxidants, making it a favorite for rebuilding the skin barrier, fading acne scars, and fighting fine lines. Trust me on this one!
10. The 7 Skin Method
The Vibe: The hydration ritual. What it Means: A technique where you apply a thin layer of a hydrating toner (Skin) or Essence, wait for it to absorb, and then repeat the process up to seven times. This layering achieves deep, lasting hydration, plumping the skin without using heavy creams. It’s the secret to achieving true chok chok skin!
Now that you’re armed with this vocabulary, you’re officially ready to shop the K-Beauty aisles like a pro! Go forth and glow!