Ingredient Lab
Ingredient Lab
We think you deserve to know what is in your skincare, down to the INCI name. This is a plain-language reference to the key ingredients across our catalogue. K Element Lab is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with the brands named below; any percentages are the manufacturers' own on-pack figures. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Snail Secretion Filtrate SNAIL SECRETION FILTRATE
One of K-beauty's most-studied ingredients. It is rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid and naturally occurring glycolic acid. With consistent use, skin often looks smoother and more even and feels more supple. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is 96.3% this single ingredient.
Centella Asiatica Extract CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT
A staple of traditional Asian botanical practice and a cornerstone of sensitive-skin K-beauty formulas. Skin tends to look calmer and more balanced when Centella (Cica) is used consistently. SKIN1004's ampoule uses Madagascar-sourced Centella.
Heartleaf Extract HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT
Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) has been used in East Asian herbal tradition for centuries and is valued in skincare for its polyphenol content. Anua's Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner delivers it at an unusually high concentration. Skin often looks less congested and feels refreshed after use.
Niacinamide NIACINAMIDE
Water-soluble vitamin B3 and one of the best-documented ingredients in cosmetic science. Consistent use is associated with skin that looks more even in tone and smoother in texture. It layers well with most other ingredients and suits all skin types, including sensitive.
Salicylic Acid & Betaine Salicylate SALICYLIC ACID / BETAINE SALICYLATE
A beta-hydroxy acid that works at the surface of the skin to visibly refine the look of pores and support a cleaner-looking complexion. It is oil-soluble, so it can reach into pores that water-soluble acids cannot. Formulas that use a gentler salicylate derivative such as betaine salicylate, at a low pH, can exfoliate with less of the sting associated with stronger acids.
Rice Bran Extract & Grain Ferment ORYZA SATIVA BRAN EXTRACT
Drawing on traditional Korean rice-water rituals, rice bran extract is associated with a brighter, more luminous-looking complexion. Paired with grain ferment, skin tends to look dewy and feel comfortable.
Hydrocolloid Patches
Not a botanical, but worth understanding. A hydrocolloid patch sits over a blemish and creates a covered, humid pocket that absorbs surface fluid. It can make a spot look flatter and less noticeable and stops you touching it. Patches marketed for wound care or as acne treatments can be regulated as medical devices; we only consider cosmetic “spot cover” style patches.
Product descriptions and ingredient notes are for information only and are not medical or dermatological advice. Individual results vary. Review the full INCI list and patch test before first use; stop use if irritation occurs.