K-Beauty Terms You Need to Know: The Ultimate Glossary for Beginners and Beauty Enthusiasts
Stella's Meta Description: Discover the ultimate glossary of K-beauty terms you need to know. From ampoules to glass skin, learn the meaning of essential Korean beauty vocabulary to understand products, trends, and skincare routines better.
Introduction: Why You Need a K-Beauty Glossary
K-beauty has taken the world by storm. From Seoul’s skincare clinics to global drugstore shelves, Korean beauty products are now an essential part of the skincare conversation. But with this popularity comes a challenge: K-beauty is filled with unique terms, product names, and skincare philosophies that can feel overwhelming for beginners.If you’ve ever wondered “What exactly is an ampoule?”, “What does glass skin mean?”, or “Why do Koreans talk about ‘chok chok’?”, you’re not alone. K-beauty has developed its own language, shaped by innovation, tradition, and cultural beauty ideals.
This comprehensive glossary breaks down the most important K-beauty terms you need to know. Whether you’re a skincare beginner, a K-beauty shopper, or a content creator writing about Korean cosmetics, this guide will help you navigate the terminology with confidence.
Essential K-Beauty Product Categories
# Ampoule (앰플)An ampoule is a super-concentrated serum packed with active ingredients. Think of it as a booster for your skin when it needs extra help—hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. Ampoules are usually used for a short period, like a treatment.
# Essence (에센스)
One of the most iconic K-beauty inventions, essence is a lightweight liquid applied after toner. It hydrates the skin, improves absorption of following products, and enhances overall radiance.
# Emulsion (에멀전)
An emulsion is a lightweight moisturizer with a lotion-like texture. It’s often used before a heavier cream to provide hydration without greasiness.
# Sleeping Pack (슬리핑팩)
Also called a sleeping mask, this is an overnight treatment applied as the last step of your nighttime routine. It locks in moisture and provides intensive care while you sleep.
Example: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask.
Also called a sleeping mask, this is an overnight treatment applied as the last step of your nighttime routine. It locks in moisture and provides intensive care while you sleep.
Example: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask.
# Sheet Mask (시트 마스크)
Perhaps the most famous K-beauty product. These single-use cotton or hydrogel masks are soaked in essence or serum and deliver a spa-like treatment at home.
Example: Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask.
# Cleansing Oil (클렌징 오일)
A key part of the double cleansing method, cleansing oil removes makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. It’s followed by a water-based cleanser.
Example: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm.
# Toner (토너)
Unlike harsh Western-style toners, K-beauty toners focus on hydration and balancing skin’s pH. They prep the skin for better absorption of essences and serums.
# Double Cleansing (이중 세안)
The foundation of K-beauty skincare: cleansing first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a water-based cleanser. This ensures thorough removal of impurities without stripping the skin.
A popular technique where toner (sometimes referred to as “skin” in Korea) is applied in 7 light layers for maximum hydration and glow.
# Slugging (슬러깅)
A K-beauty-inspired trend where a thick layer of occlusive product (often petroleum jelly or thick cream) is applied as the last step at night to lock in moisture.
A K-beauty-inspired trend where a thick layer of occlusive product (often petroleum jelly or thick cream) is applied as the last step at night to lock in moisture.
# Layering (레이어링)
The philosophy of applying skincare in multiple thin layers rather than one thick application. This improves absorption and avoids irritation.
The philosophy of applying skincare in multiple thin layers rather than one thick application. This improves absorption and avoids irritation.
# Patting (두드리기)
Instead of rubbing products into the skin, Koreans often pat them in gently. This technique helps absorption and avoids tugging on the skin.
K-Beauty Trend and Look Terms
Instead of rubbing products into the skin, Koreans often pat them in gently. This technique helps absorption and avoids tugging on the skin.
K-Beauty Trend and Look Terms
# Glass Skin (유리 피부)
The ultimate K-beauty goal: skin so clear, smooth, and luminous that it looks like glass. Achieved through deep hydration, exfoliation, and diligent skincare.
The ultimate K-beauty goal: skin so clear, smooth, and luminous that it looks like glass. Achieved through deep hydration, exfoliation, and diligent skincare.
# Honey Skin (꿀피부)
A dewy, radiant, plump skin look, similar to how honey glistens. It emphasizes health and hydration rather than a matte finish.
A dewy, radiant, plump skin look, similar to how honey glistens. It emphasizes health and hydration rather than a matte finish.
# Chok Chok (촉촉)
A Korean onomatopoeia describing skin that is moist, bouncy, and hydrated. Often used in K-beauty product marketing.
A Korean onomatopoeia describing skin that is moist, bouncy, and hydrated. Often used in K-beauty product marketing.
# Gradient Lips (그라데이션 립)
A makeup style where the lip color is concentrated in the center and fades outwards, creating a soft, natural look.
A makeup style where the lip color is concentrated in the center and fades outwards, creating a soft, natural look.
# Puppy Eyeliner (강아지 눈 라인)
A softer alternative to cat-eye eyeliner. Instead of flicking upwards, eyeliner is drawn slightly downward at the outer corners, giving a gentle, youthful look.
A softer alternative to cat-eye eyeliner. Instead of flicking upwards, eyeliner is drawn slightly downward at the outer corners, giving a gentle, youthful look.
# Aegyo-sal (애교살)
Refers to the small, puffy area under the eyes (not dark circles). In Korea, this is seen as cute and youthful. Some people even use makeup or fillers to emphasize it.
Unique K-Beauty Ingredient Terms
Refers to the small, puffy area under the eyes (not dark circles). In Korea, this is seen as cute and youthful. Some people even use makeup or fillers to emphasize it.
Unique K-Beauty Ingredient Terms
# Snail Mucin (달팽이 점액 필트레이트)
A beloved K-beauty ingredient extracted from snail secretion. Known for repairing, hydrating, and soothing skin.
A beloved K-beauty ingredient extracted from snail secretion. Known for repairing, hydrating, and soothing skin.
# Centella Asiatica (시카 / 병풀)
Also known as “cica” in K-beauty. A soothing plant extract used to calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.
Also known as “cica” in K-beauty. A soothing plant extract used to calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.
# Propolis (프로폴리스)
A resin-like substance produced by bees. In skincare, it’s used for soothing, hydrating, and antibacterial benefits.
A resin-like substance produced by bees. In skincare, it’s used for soothing, hydrating, and antibacterial benefits.
# Ginseng (인삼)
A traditional Korean herbal ingredient. Ginseng is valued for its anti-aging, brightening, and energizing properties.
A traditional Korean herbal ingredient. Ginseng is valued for its anti-aging, brightening, and energizing properties.
# Pearl Extract (진주 추출물)
Used in many brightening products, pearl extract adds radiance and helps even out skin tone.
K-Beauty Shopping and Label Terms
Used in many brightening products, pearl extract adds radiance and helps even out skin tone.
K-Beauty Shopping and Label Terms
# All-in-One Cream (올인원 크림)
A multitasking moisturizer that combines several steps (toner, essence, emulsion, cream) into one product for convenience.
A multitasking moisturizer that combines several steps (toner, essence, emulsion, cream) into one product for convenience.
# Whitening (미백)
In K-beauty, “whitening” refers not to bleaching but to brightening the skin tone, reducing dullness, and fading dark spots.
In K-beauty, “whitening” refers not to bleaching but to brightening the skin tone, reducing dullness, and fading dark spots.
# Tone-Up Cream (톤업 크림)
A cream that instantly brightens the skin tone, often used as a makeup base.
A cream that instantly brightens the skin tone, often used as a makeup base.
# Functional Cosmetics (기능성 화장품)
In Korea, certain cosmetics are certified as “functional” if they are proven to provide benefits like anti-wrinkle, whitening, or sun protection.
In Korea, certain cosmetics are certified as “functional” if they are proven to provide benefits like anti-wrinkle, whitening, or sun protection.
# SPF / PA Ratings (자외선 차단 지수)
K-beauty sunscreens use SPF (for UVB protection) and PA+ ratings (for UVA protection). The more “+” signs, the higher the UVA protection.
Cultural and Conceptual K-Beauty Terms
K-beauty sunscreens use SPF (for UVB protection) and PA+ ratings (for UVA protection). The more “+” signs, the higher the UVA protection.
Cultural and Conceptual K-Beauty Terms
# Hanbang (한방)
Refers to traditional Korean herbal medicine. Hanbang cosmetics use herbal extracts like ginseng, licorice root, and angelica for skincare benefits.
Refers to traditional Korean herbal medicine. Hanbang cosmetics use herbal extracts like ginseng, licorice root, and angelica for skincare benefits.
# Skin Barrier (피부 장벽)
A common K-beauty focus: protecting the outermost layer of the skin to prevent irritation, dryness, and sensitivity.
A common K-beauty focus: protecting the outermost layer of the skin to prevent irritation, dryness, and sensitivity.
# Inner Beauty (이너뷰티)
The philosophy that true beauty comes from within. In Korea, this also refers to beauty supplements like collagen drinks or probiotics that support skin health.
The philosophy that true beauty comes from within. In Korea, this also refers to beauty supplements like collagen drinks or probiotics that support skin health.
# First Treatment Essence (퍼스트 트리트먼트 에센스)
A special type of essence applied immediately after cleansing. It preps the skin and boosts absorption of the following steps.
A special type of essence applied immediately after cleansing. It preps the skin and boosts absorption of the following steps.
Conclusion: Mastering the Language of K-Beauty
Understanding these K-beauty terms isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary—it’s about embracing a holistic approach to beauty. Korean skincare and makeup are deeply rooted in culture, innovation, and a respect for skin health. By familiarizing yourself with this glossary, you’ll not only shop smarter but also gain insight into why K-beauty has become such a global phenomenon.Whether you’re layering your essence with the 7-skin method, chasing the glow of glass skin, or experimenting with herbal hanbang products, knowing the language of K-beauty will help you enjoy the journey even more.
Bookmark this glossary and refer back whenever you come across a new K-beauty product. The world of Korean beauty is always evolving—new terms, ingredients, and routines keep appearing, so staying updated is part of the fun!
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