Calms redness and fades marks without the harshness of stronger acids.

Azelaic acid reduces inflammation, evens out tone and helps fade post acne marks. It's gentle enough for sensitive or acne prone skin that can't tolerate stronger actives.

Safe for daily use and a good first active if you're new to actives. Pairs easily with the rest of a routine.

A calming herb borrowed straight from traditional wound healing remedies.

Centella (also called cica) contains madecassoside and asiaticoside, which calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier. It's one of the most researched calming ingredients in Korean skincare.

Great for sensitive or reactive skin, and especially useful after using stronger actives like retinol or acids.

Keeps moisture in and irritants out.

Ceramides are lipids naturally found in skin that hold skin cells together, a bit like mortar between bricks. When levels drop, skin gets dry, flaky and more reactive.

Replenishing them restores the barrier and locks in hydration. Especially helpful in dry weather or after using strong actives.

Keeps skin looking plump and supported.

Collagen is a protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Natural production slows with age, and while topical collagen can't fully replace it, it draws in moisture and gives skin a smoother, plumper look.

Sits on the surface and works well layered under moisturiser for extra hydration.

A go to for irritated, stressed out skin.

Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) is packed with quercetin and other antioxidants known for calming inflammation and fighting acne causing bacteria.

Great for oily or acne prone skin that still needs soothing. Helps balance breakouts and redness at the same time.

Keeps skin hydrated and plump.

HA holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture into the skin for that dewy, glass skin look.

Works for every skin type, oily included. Best applied on damp skin and sealed in with moisturiser.

Evens tone, calms skin and controls oil.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) reduces excess oil, minimises the look of pores, fades dark spots and strengthens the skin barrier.

Gentle enough for daily use and pairs well with almost anything else in a routine. A great first active for beginners.

Known for its regenerating reputation.

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is derived from salmon DNA and is well studied for skin repair. Injectable PDRN has strong clinical backing, but in skincare the molecule is too large to sink in deeply, so topical PDRN works mainly as a hydrating, soothing ingredient rather than a true regenerator.

Still a lovely addition for calming and plumping the skin, especially in patch or mask form.

Tell skin to keep producing collagen.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal skin cells to make more collagen and repair themselves, helping with firmness and fine lines over time.

Results build gradually with consistent use. Works especially well around the eyes and other thin skin areas.

Loaded with antioxidants and antibacterial benefits.

Propolis is made by bees to protect their hive. It's rich in antioxidants and compounds that calm inflammation and fight bacteria, helping soothe and protect skin from daily stress.

Adds a natural glow and softness, and works well alongside niacinamide for brightening.

For smoother, firmer, more even skin.

Retinol and retinal are forms of vitamin A that speed up cell turnover, boost collagen and fade pigmentation and fine lines over time. Retinal converts to active vitamin A faster than retinol, so it can work quicker but may also be more potent.

Start slow, a few nights a week, always wear sunscreen the next day, and pair with a good moisturiser to avoid irritation.

Repairs, hydrates and adds serious glow.

Snail secretion filtrate is packed with hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins and antioxidants, known for repairing damaged skin, calming irritation and boosting hydration.

Leaves skin dewy and smooth without feeling sticky. A favourite for anyone chasing that glass skin finish.

Fades dark spots and fights daily damage.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens dull skin, fades pigmentation and dark spots, and protects against damage from sun and pollution.

Best used in the morning under sunscreen for extra protection. Look for a stable formula so it doesn't oxidise and lose potency.