Ask The Glow Insider is your go-to series for honest, expert-backed answers to the beauty questions everyone’s curious about—but doesn’t always know where to ask. Whether it’s decoding the latest skincare trend, figuring out what ingredients actually work, or uncovering underrated beauty tips, this category tackles both common and quirky queries with clarity and warmth.
Think of it as your trusted friend in the beauty world—one who’s done all the research so you don’t have to. If you’ve ever typed a question into Google at 2 a.m. about your skin, this is the place for you.
If you’re anything like me, your skincare shelf is a colourful jungle of bottles and jars with pastel packaging, dewy promises, and—let’s be real—a whole lot of Hangul. While Korean beauty products are beloved worldwide for their innovation, effectiveness, and cute aesthetics, trying to decipher the labels can feel like decoding an ancient scroll—especially if you don’t speak a word of Korean.
But don’t worry! You don’t need to be fluent in Korean to figure out what you’re putting on your face. With a little guidance, you can shop confidently and safely. Yes, even if the label is entirely in Hangul! Here’s how to read a K-beauty skincare product label, understand what’s inside, and decode what really matters for your skin.
Why K-Beauty Labels Matter
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why it’s so important to understand these labels:
- Ingredient transparency: Knowing what’s in your skincare helps you avoid irritants or allergens.
- Product function: Not all essences are created equal—some are hydrating, while others are exfoliating.
- Proper use: You don’t want to mistakenly apply a wash-off mask as an overnight cream.
Reading a K-beauty label correctly empowers you to make better decisions for your skin.
Step 1: Identify Key Sections of the Label
Most Korean skincare labels follow a similar layout—even if everything is written in Hangul. Here’s what you’ll usually find:
- Brand Name: This is typically in English or romanised Hangul. Brands like COSRX, Laneige, and Innisfree make this part easy.
- Product Name: Often a mix of Korean and English. For example, you might see ?? ?? ?? (Sebum Controlling Toner).
- Function/Claims: These are the benefits the product offers—hydrating, brightening, anti-wrinkle, etc. These keywords often appear in English or are easily translatable with a translation app.
- Usage Instructions: These are often fully in Korean. Look for the word ???? (sayong bangbeop), which means “how to use.”
- Ingredient List: Usually starts with the word ??? (jeonseongbun). This section is crucial and can often be looked up or translated.
- Manufacturer Info: Includes the name, address, and sometimes phone number. Look for ??? (jejosa) or ??? (country of manufacture).
- Expiration or PAO (Period After Opening): Look for ???? (expiry date) or an open jar icon (which indicates how long the product is good for after opening).
Step 2: Use Translation Apps (The Smart Way)
Translation apps are your BFFs.
- Google Translate has a photo scanning function—just hover your camera over the label and it’ll translate in real time. Other reliable apps include:
- Papago – Often more accurate with Korean-to-English translations than Google Translate. Naver Dictionary – A favourite in Korea for accurate definitions.
Tip: Korean grammar is different from English, so translations might sound choppy. Focus on keywords, not full sentences.
Step 3: Decode the Ingredient List (???)
Korean brands are required to list all ingredients, and usually in descending order of concentration. Even if the list is in Hangul, the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names are often used—meaning “niacinamide,” “glycerin,” and “hyaluronic acid” will appear in English or be easy to spot.
Here’s a cheat sheet of common K-beauty ingredients:
| Korean Name | INCI/English Name | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| ???????? | Niacinamide | Brightens, evens tone |
| ????? | Centella Asiatica Extract | Soothes, anti-inflammatory |
| ???? | Glycerin | Hydrates, humectant |
| ???? | Adenosine | Anti-wrinkle, skin-restoring |
| ????? | Hyaluronic Acid | Deep hydration |
| ????? | Green Tea Extract | Antioxidant, calming |
If you have sensitive skin, look out for the following:
- ?? (Fragrance) – May cause irritation.
- ??? (Alcohol) – Can be drying or sensitising in high amounts.
- ??? (Purified Water) – Often the first ingredient, harmless.
To be extra cautious, copy the entire ??? section and run it through CosDNAu.com or Skincarisma. These databases break down each ingredient by function and potential irritants.
Step 4: Look for Certification Seals
Korean products often come with official seals that indicate safety, efficacy, or special functions. Common ones include:
- ??? ??? (Functional Cosmetics): Indicates claims for whitening, wrinkle-care, or sun protection are approved by the KFDA (Korea Food & Drug Administration).
- EWG Verified: Some brands display their ingredient safety via EWG’s Skin Deep database.
- Dermatologist Tested (??? ??? ??): Indicates it’s been tested for skin safety, although not a guarantee for all skin types.
Step 5: Understand the Expiry Information
Korean beauty products will typically include:
- ???? – Manufacturing date
- ???? – Expiry date
- ?? ? ?? ?? – Period after opening (e.g., 6M or 12M)
You’ll also often see the open jar icon with a number and “M” (months). If you see 12M, that means use within 12 months after opening.
Pro tip: Don’t confuse the manufacturing date with the expiry date! If the product just says ??, it’s the date it was made—not when it expires.
Bonus: Common Label Terms You’ll See Often
Here’s a quick glossary of common Hangul terms that appear on K-beauty labels:
| Korean Term | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ?? | subun | Moisture |
| ?? | jinjeong | Calming/Soothing |
| ?? | tanryeok | Firming/Elasticity |
| ?? | mibak | Whitening/Brightening |
| ???? | jurum gaeseon | Wrinkle Improvement |
| ??? | teureobeul | Trouble (acne-prone skin) |
| ?? | jisung | Oily skin |
| ?? | geonseong | Dry skin |
| ??? | bokhapseong | Combination skin |
Final Thoughts: Trust the Brand (But Do Your Homework)
If you’re shopping online or at a K-beauty store and can’t read the full label, your best bet is to:
- Stick to reputable brands – COSRX, Klairs, Dr. Jart+, Beauty of Joseon, and I’m From are known for transparency and ingredient safety.
- Read reviews – Reddit’s r/AsianBeauty or blogs like The Glow Insider (?) often translate and break down full ingredient lists.
- Patch test new products – Even if a product looks gentle, your skin might react differently.
TL;DR – How to Read a K-Beauty Label Without Speaking Korean
- Look for the ??? section to find the ingredient list.
- Use translation apps (Papago > Google Translate).
- Learn key Hangul skincare terms.
- Check for certification seals for safety and efficacy.
- Use databases like CosDNA to evaluate ingredients.
- Stick to trusted brands and read community reviews.
Ready to Shop Smarter?
Next time you grab that pretty glass ampoule or creamy balm cleanser, don’t let the Hangul intimidate you. Armed with these tips, you can shop confidently, decode labels like a pro, and make sure your skincare routine is just as smart as it is glow-inducing.
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