5 terms

Skincare glossary

Plain-English definitions of the ingredients and formats in Korean skincare, from salmon PDRN to balm sticks.

  • Balm stick

    Also known as: Multi balm, stick balm, skincare stick

    A balm stick is a solid skincare balm in a twist-up tube that you apply straight to the skin, without fingers. Korean balm sticks, often called multi balms, combine oils and waxes with skincare ingredients and are made for the eye area, lips, face and neck.

  • Hyaluronic acid

    Also known as: Sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, HA

    Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that skin makes naturally and that binds water. In skincare it draws moisture into the surface of the skin, so skin looks plumper and feels smoother straight away.

  • PDRN

    Also known as: Polydeoxyribonucleotide, sodium DNA, salmon DNA

    PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a purified fragment of DNA, usually from salmon, used in Korean skincare to help skin look and feel hydrated, smooth and bouncy. On ingredient lists it appears as sodium DNA.

  • Peptides

    Also known as: Oligopeptides, acetyl hexapeptide-8

    Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins such as collagen. In skincare they help skin look smoother and firmer over time, which is why they are common in eye creams and balms.

  • Salmon collagen

    Also known as: Hydrolyzed collagen, marine collagen

    Salmon collagen is collagen from salmon, broken down into smaller pieces (hydrolysed) so it can be used in skincare. On the skin it helps hold in moisture, so skin feels softer and looks smoother and plumper. It appears on labels as hydrolyzed collagen.