Natural kbeauty: the return of raw ingredients in Korea

In a world increasingly aware of the impact of consumption on health and the environment, kbeauty is also following an important turning point: the return to raw and natural ingredients . While technological innovation remains a pillar of Korean cosmetics, many brands today promote short, gentle formulas rooted in botanical tradition.

Dive into a trend that combines efficiency, transparency and respect for the skin.

A response to a quest for simplicity

Faced with an industry where labels are often long and difficult to read, Korean—and international—consumers are now demanding more clarity. This expectation has given rise to a more minimalist and natural approach to Korean skincare . Out with complex and sometimes irritating compositions: in with skincare formulated around a key ingredient .

This kbeauty trend joins the skinimalism movement, where the skin is respected in its natural state, without over-layering or excessive treatment. The return to natural is therefore as much a question of efficiency as of philosophy: taking care of your skin without unnecessary artifice.

Raw ingredients at the heart of kbeauty

🌿 Centella Asiatica

Used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, this plant is now a staple of soothing routines. Known for its anti-inflammatory, healing, and hydrating properties, it's a staple of brands like Skin1004 , which offers it in a minimalist range.

🍯 Propolis

A treasure of the hive, propolis is a raw ingredient highly prized for its antibacterial and restorative properties. It is particularly present in regenerating treatments, such as ampoules or creams for tired or blemished skin.

🌾 Rice bran

Rice is an ancient ingredient in Asian cosmetics. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it brightens, nourishes, and softens the skin. Beauty of Joseon's Dynasty Cream , for example, showcases this ingredient in a creamy yet natural formula.

🍃 Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)

Heartleaf is an increasingly popular plant with anti-inflammatory and purifying properties. It is widely used in skin care for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The Anua brand has made it its signature ingredient, particularly with its Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner .

🌱 Green tea and other botanical extracts

Ingredients like green tea, mugwort, chamomile, and black ginseng are also back in the spotlight. Less processed and gentler on the skin, they are at the heart of the Korean "clean" trend.

Fewer ingredients, more effectiveness?

One of the arguments advocated by natural kbeauty advocates is simple: balanced skin doesn't need layers upon layers of products. Short formulas, concentrated around one or two key ingredients, allow the skin to absorb them better, without overloading.

This philosophy is similar to that of brands like I'm From , which build their ranges around a single ingredient (mugwort, honey, ginseng, etc.). The goal: to let each ingredient express its full potential without interference.

Korean brands that focus on naturalness

Several kbeauty brands have taken this path, promoting raw ingredients , transparency and traceability:

• Beauty of Joseon : tradition, ingredients of natural origin such as rice, ginseng, honey or sloe.
• Anua : minimalist formulas based on Heartleaf, fragrance-free, colorant-free.
• I'm From : focus on pure, traceable and locally sourced extracts.
• Round Lab : treatments inspired by Korean nature (mountain water, pine, soy).
• Torriden : a gentle approach, focused on hydration and tolerance.

Why is this return to basics so appealing?

There are several reasons for this underlying trend:

1. Better skin tolerance
   Sensitive or redness-prone skin often tolerates simple, natural skincare better.
2. Transparency expected by consumers
   Faced with distrust of certain chemical formulations, users want to understand what they are applying to their skin.
3. The influence of social networks
   Clean routines and easily identifiable ingredients appeal to influencers and consumers looking for authenticity.
4. An ecological awareness
   Skincare products made with raw ingredients are often associated with a more environmentally friendly approach (less processing, less unnecessary packaging).

How to integrate these raw ingredients into your kbeauty routine?

There's no need to overhaul your entire bathroom. You can start by incorporating one or two products formulated around a raw ingredient into your routine:

• A soothing toner with Heartleaf (ex: Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner – Anua)
• A restorative propolis ampoule (e.g.: Propolis Light Ampoule – Cosrx)
• A rice bran moisturizer (e.g. Dynasty Cream – Beauty of Joseon)

Combine these treatments with a gentle cleanser and good sun protection to maximize their benefits.

A more conscious approach to beauty

This return of raw ingredients in Korea is part of a more responsible vision of beauty. It's not just about turning to natural products as a fashion statement, but about learning to listen to your skin, respect its rhythm, and choose gentle, effective, and sustainable skincare products.

By focusing on natural kbeauty , you invest in a routine more aligned with your needs, without compromising on results.

Towards a more authentic kbeauty

The rise of natural, raw-ingredient skincare reflects a profound shift in kbeauty . More than just a trend, it's a new way of thinking about beauty: more transparent, more authentic, and kinder to your skin.

👉 To discover these products and receive personalized advice, visit our website beautylau.fr . You'll find a selection of Korean skincare products made with raw ingredients, as well as a skincare quiz to help you create your ideal routine.