AHA, BHA & Other Ingredients in Top-Rated Cosmetic Products

Korean beauty trends have always been a source of fascination to me. Their perception of beauty promoted trends that fueled our obsession with skin care. It's not just about achieving a certain look - it's a whole lifestyle.

One of the most captivating trends in Korean beauty is the pursuit of 'glass skin,' characterized by a smooth, glowing, and seemingly transparent complexion. But let's pause for a moment and wonder what makes these products that we use and how they contribute to addressing our problems with acne, fine lines, and wrinkles.

In this article, why don't we look into AHAs, BHAs, and other ingredients in top-rated cosmetic products?

According to a 2015 study, Korean beauty brands have become a recent discovery for 60% of consumers in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. This prompts the question: How did South Korea become one of the world's fastest-growing markets for beauty and personal care over the past few years? 

South Korea is famous for many reasons, not least of which is its global cultural influence in music, TV series, and movies. K-pop groups like BLACKPINK, dramas such as Squid Game, and internationally acclaimed films like Parasite have all played their part in putting South Korea on the global map. This wave of Korean culture has also significantly boosted the international popularity of the country's cosmetic industry. 

Korean beauty products, often called K-Beauty, have gained a massive following across Asia and the United States. This surge in popularity has propelled South Korea to become the fifth-largest cosmetics exporter worldwide.
 

In fact, in 2021, the value of the country's cosmetic exports reached an impressive $8.5 billion. With its unique blend of innovation, affordability, and cultural appeal, it's no wonder that K-Beauty continues to make waves on the global stage.

You're probably familiar with the names of ingredients of top-rated cosmetic products, especially in South Korea. But what really are they, and what do they do for the skin, hair, and body? Let's find out!

Active ingredients in skincare are the components responsible for delivering the proposed benefits. In other words, they're the ingredients that address specific skin concerns, such as acne, dryness, pigmentation, etc.

They work by targeting particular areas or functions of the skin. For example, salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) penetrates pores. It dissolves the 'glue' that holds skin cells together, thus helping to unclog pores.
 

Retinol, another active ingredient, accelerates cell turnover and stimulates collagen production.
 

Active ingredients are found in various skincare products, including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and masks. The product type will depend on the specific active ingredient and its purpose.

Planning on changing your cleanser? Try one of these:

The use of active ingredients depends mainly on the individual's skin type and concerns. For example, someone with acne-prone skin might look for products with active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. In contrast, someone concerned with aging might opt for products containing retinol or peptides.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of plant and animal-derived acids used in manifold skincare products. These include daily anti-aging products, such as serums, toners, creams, and professional peels.

How do AHAs work? These acids are water-soluble and made from sugary fruits. They work by melting the intercellular glue that holds our skin cells together to help gently exfoliate the skin. The most common types of AHAs you'll see in skincare products are glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from sour milk), malic acid (from apples), citric acid (from citrus fruits), and tartaric acid (from grapes).

Products with AHAs are great for people with dry, normal, or combination skin types. They're especially beneficial for those concerned with aging, as they can help reduce the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. They also help exfoliate dead skin cells to help give you brighter and smoother skin.

When we talk about Beta Hydroxy Acids or BHAs, these are oil-soluble chemical exfoliants that penetrate deeper into the skin and pores for a thorough cleansing. Salicylic acid is the most common and well-known BHA.

BHAs work by penetrating the oil that clogs pores and helps normalize the lining of the pore that contributes to acne. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

If you're worried about enlarged pores when putting on makeup, try these: 

Products containing BHAs are particularly beneficial for people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types. They can also help those with sensitive skin or rosacea due to their soothing properties that deeply cleanses your skin, helping you prevent acne and blackhead.

Looking for products with BHA? Check out what we got: 

Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. While not technically an ingredient, nanotechnology is used to improve the delivery of active ingredients, making the products we use more effective.

When applied to skincare, nanotechnology involves shrinking ingredients into incredibly small particles called nanoparticles, which are measured in nanometers (one nanometer is one billionth of a meter). These nanoparticles can penetrate the skin more easily than larger particles, allowing for better absorption of active ingredients.
 

Various skincare products utilize nanotechnology, including sunscreens, anti-aging creams, moisturizers, and more. Many high-end beauty brands have incorporated nanotechnology into their product lines.

There's no specific skin type that's best suited for nanotechnology-based products. It really depends on the individual product and what it's designed to do. As always, it's best to follow the usage instructions provided by the product manufacturer.

Want products that can help maintain youthfulness? We got you! 

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It's a powerful ingredient that has been recognized in the skincare industry due to its numerous benefits for the skin.

What does niacinamide do to the skin? It works by helping to restore cellular energy, repair damaged DNA, and reduce the immunosuppressive effects of sun-induced UV rays. It communicates with cells to enhance their functionality, improve immunity, stimulate collagen production, promote cell turnover, and inhibit melanin production.

Niacinamide can be found in various skincare products, including serums, creams, masks, and toners. Many brands have products specifically formulated with niacinamide. It's suitable for nearly all skin types, including oily, dry, and sensitive. It's particularly beneficial for those looking to reduce redness and blotchiness, minimize pore appearance, or treat hyperpigmentation.

Do you think products with niacinamide are what you might need? We have recommendations for you:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in our body that helps keep our skin hydrated and plump. It's a type of sugar molecule that attracts and holds onto water, which helps maintain our tissues well-lubricated.

It works by acting as a moisture magnet. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, meaning it's an excellent hydrator for our skin. When applied topically, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain its moisture balance.

HA is found in various skincare products, including serums, creams, lotions, masks, and more. It's often listed in the ingredients as Sodium Hyaluronate, a salt derived from Hyaluronic Acid.
 

In the same way, it is beneficial for all skin types. It's helpful for those with dry skin or individuals who live in dry climates, as it can help draw in and hold moisture. It can also help oily and combination skin types because it hydrates without adding oil.

Check out our products containing hyaluronic acid:

Parabens are a type of preservative that has been used in many health, beauty, and personal care products since the 1950s. They help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, thereby prolonging the shelf-life of these products.

They work by stopping the growth of microbes. They do this by disrupting their reproductive cycles. Once added to a product, they can effectively keep it free from harmful bacteria and fungus for an extended period of time.
 

Parabens are used in a wide variety of products, including makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, among others. They can typically be identified on product labels with names like methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben.

Despite their effectiveness as preservatives, parabens have been subject to controversy in recent years. Some research suggests that parabens can penetrate the skin and remain within tissue, which has led to concerns about their potential impact on human health, such as:

• Potential Health Concerns. Some studies have suggested that parabens may disrupt the body's hormones, particularly estrogen, leading to an increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.
• Skin Irritation. Parabens can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis in individuals with paraben allergies, although this is relatively rare.

It's important to note that the research around parabens is inconclusive, and the concentration of parabens used in cosmetics is generally considered safe by many regulatory bodies. But, considering the controversy around parabens, many people prefer to use paraben-free products. Those with sensitive skin or allergies may also choose to avoid them.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are the foundations of your skin and are responsible for its texture, strength, and resilience.

When applied topically, peptides act as messengers, signaling your skin to produce more collagen. They help repair skin damage, improve wrinkle depth, and increase hydration and overall skin tone and texture.

Peptides can be found in various skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and masks. In general, look for products that list peptides as one of the first few ingredients, which indicates a higher concentration in the formula.

They are beneficial for anyone who wants to improve the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, loss of firmness, and elasticity. They're suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
 

Check these cosmetic products with peptide ingredients:

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient commonly used in skincare products for its anti-aging benefits. It's considered one of the most effective ingredients for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and treating acne. 

It works by increasing the rate of cell turnover in the skin, which helps to remove dead skin cells more quickly and stimulates the production of new ones. This results in smoother, more evenly-toned skin. It also stimulates collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
 

Looking for products with collagen? Say less: 

Retinol is commonly found in anti-aging creams, serums, and prescription treatments. The concentration of retinol can vary significantly among products, so it's essential to read the product labels.

This ingredient is suitable for most skin types. But, it's particularly beneficial for those with aging skin, acne-prone skin, or uneven skin tone. However, individuals with sensitive skin may need to use it with caution. 

Knowing what's in your makeup, hair care, skincare, and other cosmetic products is crucial for a series of reasons. Do you know what key points to consider when purchasing your products? If not, then check out this list we prepared for you: 

1. Skin Health. Some ingredients can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. Certain products may cause breakouts, redness, or other discomforts if you have sensitive skin. By knowing what's in your makeup, you can avoid ingredients that don't agree with your skin.

2. Overall Health. Certain chemicals found in makeup, such as parabens and phthalates, have been linked to health concerns. While the risk from individual products may be small, cumulative exposure can potentially lead to issues over time.

3. Ethical Considerations. Many consumers want to ensure their makeup is cruelty-free, vegan, or sustainably sourced. Knowing the ingredients and the brand's practices can help you make an ethical choice that aligns with your values.

Looking for cruelty-free and 100% vegan beauty products? Here's our pick: 

4. Effectiveness. Not all makeup is created equal. Some products may contain fillers that dilute the effectiveness of active ingredients. By understanding what's in your makeup, you can choose products that will deliver the results you want.

5. Cost. High-quality ingredients often cost more than fillers and low-quality alternatives. By knowing what's in your makeup, you can decide if a product is worth the price based on its ingredient list.
 

Did you know that South Korea has the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety that regulates cosmetics, which are split into functional and regular types? Functional cosmetics, including products for skin lightening, wrinkle reduction, and sun protection, undergo pre-market approval by the Ministry. Meanwhile, the Korea Pharmaceutical Traders Association (KPTA) evaluates regular cosmetics.

Understanding the ingredients in our skincare products, such as AHAs, BHAs, and other active substances, is crucial to achieving our desired skin goals. However, each individual's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. So, it's essential to consult a skincare expert or dermatologist who can help us with the best products and ingredients for your specific needs.

Stay updated with the latest K-Beauty tips and explore a wide range of top-rated cosmetic products at The Daebak Company. Remember, the secret to radiant skin lies not just in the products you use but also in knowing what's in them.