Why K-Beauty Is A Celebration Of South Korean Herbal Heritage
- victoria ward
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
What Is K-Beauty?
K-Beauty stands for Korean Beauty a global skincare and cosmetics movement from South Korea that has been trending globally since the early 2000s. The aim is to achieve 'glass skin' that appears hydrated, dewy and translucent by deeply moisturising, layering products and improving skin-barrier health. K-Beauty excels in producing competively priced holistic products that are formulated using gentle natural ingredients- including many excellent herbal extracts that faithfully honour the herbal heritage of South Korea.
What Is The K-Beauty Ethos?
The philosophy behind this movement is holistic and really resonates with my own, K-Beauty includes the following principles-
Prioritising long-term skin health over 'quick fixes'
Preventative skin care
Protection and restoration of skin barrier health
Gentle and natural formulations
Emphasises the importance of daily skincare ritual
Personalised skincare
Honours traditional Korean herbal medicine- Hanbang
What Is Hanbang?
Hanbang is traditional Korean herbal medicine that is holistic and focuses on restoring energy and balance in the body. Qi is central to the philosophy of this ancient system and this is brought into balance by using herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, dietary therapy and mind-body practices such as meditation, qigong and martial arts.
Hanyak refers specifically to the herbal component of Hanbang.
Herbal Tourism is booming in South korea as part of a wider 'wellness' trend, travellers can visit the Seoul Yangnyeong Market and Medicinal Herb Museum in Seoul.
At the base of the Jirisan Mountain, a rich habitat for medicinal plants, there is Donguibogam Village an important herbal hub in South Korea and Pochean Herb Island which is a very intriguing 'herb-themed park'!
Key Herbs In K-Beauty Products
Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A Meyer)
Ginseng root is highly valued in Asian medicine and is a key herb in TCM and Hanyak being used since ancient times as an adaptogen. The rejuvenating action of Ginseng root on bodily systems extends to the largest organ- the skin and that is why Ginseng is a key cosmetic ingredient in Korean skincare.
Skin Benefits of Ginseng
Anti-photoaging - Ginseng has been found to protect skin from sun-damage
Anti-wrinkle - Ginseng can help suppress wrinkle formation
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces hyperpigmentation
Preserves collagen
Regenerates skin
Anti-dermatitis
Anti-scar formation
Wound healing
Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Ginseng
Gotu kola (Centella aisatica)
Centella asiatica is known by the common name Gotu kola or Indian Pennywort and is an important medicinal herb in traditional Asian medical systems including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
This perennial plant is grown in South Korea with many K-Beauty companies harvesting their own as it is a popular skincare ingredient often referred to as 'Cica'.
Skincare Benefits Of Centella
Centella contains a highly antioxidant phytochemical Madecassoside which is the active found in many K-Beauty formulations and has the following skin benefits-
Soothing
Antioxidant
Moisturising
Humectant
Cleansing
Skin conditioning
Smoothing
Tonic
Improves skin barrier
Hydrating for compromised skin
Anti-inflammatory
Calms redness
Collagen stimulator
Top Skincare Products Containing Centella
Mugwort (Artemisia princeps)
The member of the Artemisia family mainly used in K-Beauty is Korean or Japanese Mugwort but Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) is often used as a fermented extract.
Mugwort is an important herb in most ancient herbal traditions with magical associations, it is found growing in many parts of the world. It is a valuable herb used to treat several conditions including menstrual disorders, anxiety, digestive issues, pain and inflammation.
Many studies have shown Mugwort's ability to improve skin and it has the following actions-
Soothing
Anti-inflammatory
Barrier repair
Calming
Anti-acne
Anti-aging
Moisturising
Reduces redness
Reduces itching
Balancing
Mugwort suits sensitive/reactive skin and is indicated for acne-prone and dry/mature skins
Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Mugwort
Liquorice (Glycyrhizza glabra)
Liquorice is familiar to us all and a staple of all herbal traditions with many beneficial actions including adaptogenic support, gut health, digestive issues, hormonal support and respiratory health. It has a soothing, demulcent action on bodily tissues and as a root extract is nourishing and strenghtening.
This wonderful root is a popular cosmetic extract for many formulators and has the following skin benefits-
Brightens dark spots
Fades post-acne scars
Soothes inflammation
Fades melasma
Liquorice is an excellent choice for those wishing to reduce steroid creams as it mimics the action of hydrocortisone.
Products containing Liquorice root extract would suit any skins but are particularly indicated for those with rosacea and general sensitivity.
Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Liquorice
Propolis
Not strictly speaking a herb, but an amazing product of nature nonetheless. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees, often referred to a 'bee glue', they use it to repair and seal their hives, giving protection to the colony against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
The incredible antimicrobial properties of Propolis have been harnessed in herbal medicine to create effective products to treat sore throats and respiratory infections in the form of lozenges and sprays. Propolis is used widely in oral care and skincare.
A key feature of K-Beauty products, Propolis has the following skin benefits-
Anti-acne
Wound healing
Regenerative
Humectant
Anti-aging
Propolis is an excellent skin helper, it can soothe sensitive skin, heal any blemishes, combat acne and support skin barrier health.
As we have several hives at Wild Hollow, I have begun formulating with Propolis extract and have so far produced a cream developed for my partner's discoid eczema which has been very difficult to treat. It's early days but so far so good, although a potent mix with a high amount of propolis, he hasn't had any sensitivity to it and it appears to be healing. Watch this space....
Top Korean Skincare Products Containing Propolis
Natural skincare is a passion of mine and I find the beauty rituals and philosophies of other countries and cultures fascinating. I love learning about exotic plants from around the world and their cosmetic applications. I find the approach in many countries to be more in step with using what nature provides, producing chemical-free, handmade or artisanal crafted formulations.
If you too are curious about the relationship between people, their self-care and beauty rituals and the plants they have available to them you will love the 'Roots & Remedies' Tour below. A large part of the experience will involve exploring Morocco's traditional distillation practices see Transformative Travel- Distilling the Essence of Place where women distill precious flowers and herb material to create beautiful floral waters and essential oils which are used in skin and beauty care.
You will have the opportunity to create products using locally sourced ingredients and enjoy a traditional hammam where natural cosmetic creations are used to relax and purify. A truely unique sensual immersion into the self-care rituals and beauty secrets of Morocco.
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