Once relegated to if-you-know-you-know status, Korean skincare is now firmly on the global main stage.
“K-beauty reached a major milestone last year, exceeding US$10 billion in exports for the first time,” says Lucie Shin, Chief Industry Analyst at Trendier.AI. It’s clear that the ingredients coming out of Seoul today are the ones we’ll all be seeing on shelves tomorrow.
Daily Vanity spoke with Shin, who was also the keynote speaker for the APAC Beauty Industry Trend Forum at Beauty Expo Taipei 2025, to learn more about the ingredients poised to define the next wave of Korean skincare.
From acne-calming classics with a high-tech twist to cutting-edge age-defying formulas, these are the eight ingredients to know and the products to slather on.
Acne-care Ingredients
Acne may not be the flashiest skincare topic, but it remains one of the most persistent and universally relatable concerns around the globe.
According to Shin, data pulled from major beauty platforms across the U.S., Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea shows that acne consistently ranks among the top five skin concerns worldwide. On Shopee Singapore, acne tops the list of concerns.
“People want clear skin, so no blemishes or acne scars,” Shin adds. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only treat active breakouts but also repair and reinforce the skin barrier, calm inflammation, and fade post-acne marks.
It’s all part of the bigger shift toward skin barrier health – a movement that has catapulted search terms like “barrier,” “soothing,” “acne scars,” “dark spots,” and “oily skin” to the top of trend lists.
From next-gen centella extracts to brightening exfoliants that are sensitive-skin safe, the following ingredients are redefining what it means to treat acne gently but effectively.
1. TECA™
Centella asiatica is no stranger to K-beauty lovers, but its purified form, TECA™ (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica), is quickly emerging as a hero ingredient in its own right.
With over 95% purity and a potent blend of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside, TECA™ goes beyond basic soothing. It reduces inflammation, speeds up skin regeneration, and even supports fibroblast repair (the cells responsible for collagen production).
Products to Try:
- make p:rem Inteca™ Soothing Cream (S$21): A refreshing vegan cream that calms irritated skin on contact. It absorbs quickly and leaves zero residue behind.
- BRINGGREEN Zinc-Teca Blemish Serum (S$28.75): A targeted serum powered by zinc and TECA™ to visibly calm redness and reduce breakout frequency.
- Torriden Balanceful Cica Calming Serum (S$17): This watery serum includes T-TECA, allantoin, and multiple types of hyaluronic acid for hydration and elasticity support.
2. Azelaic Acid
Gentle, effective, and multitasking, azelaic acid is gaining renewed attention in Korean skincare, especially among those looking for acne solutions that don’t involve harsh exfoliants.
Naturally derived from grains like barley and rye, it’s beloved for its ability to fight acne-causing bacteria, fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and calm redness. Rosacea sufferers, take note.
Products to Try:
- Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum (S$30.24): Formulated with panthenol, aloe juice, and centella extract to hydrate and calm, while azelaic acid targets breakouts and pigmentation.
- NINELESS A-Control 10% Azelaic Acid Serum (S$18.76): A gentle yet effective formula with azelaic acid, niacinamide, and snail mucin that soothes while brightening.
- Cos De BAHA AZ Azelaic Acid 10 Serum (S$20.25): Infused with organic aloe and witch hazel, this serum offers pore-clearing benefits without stripping the skin.
Related read: Everything You Need to Know About Azelaic Acid, the Secret Weapon Against Acne, Redness, and Pigmentation
3. Madecassoside
With a 156% year-over-year increase in reviews at Olive Young, madecassoside is another centella-derived compound getting a lot of buzz.
This antioxidant-rich ingredient is especially helpful for anyone dealing with dry, stressed, or sensitive skin. It hydrates, soothes, and fortifies the moisture barrier, making it a go-to for skin under environmental stress.
Products to Try:
- Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Repair Serum (S$28): Loved for its ability to fade post-acne marks and improve skin tone, while calming ongoing irritation.
- A’PIEU Madecassoside Cream 2X (S$16.47): A deeply hydrating cream packed with cica water, niacinamide, and lemongrass oil for anti-bacterial and balancing benefits.
Slow Ageing Ingredients
Anti-ageing isn’t just for those over 40.
In Korea, younger consumers are driving the demand for age-preventive skincare, and they’re looking for more than just hydration. Think elasticity support, pore refining, and long-term barrier health – all packaged in innovative, ingredient-forward formulations.
“People in their 20s and 30s are emerging as key consumers in the anti-ageing market, reflected [by] growing interest in early innovation, early prevention as well,” says Shin. It’s not about reversing time – it’s about staying ahead of it.
The motivations differ by age: “Customer reviews reveal two key patterns,” Shin continues. “People in their 20s are seeking preventive care to maintain youthful skin. Meanwhile, those in their 30s are responding to visible changes with products that address their evolving skin needs.”
At the same time, we’re seeing a surge in topical skin boosters – think high-tech actives that were once only found in dermatologists’ offices. With ingredients like PDRN, spicules (MTS – Microneedle Therapy System), and exosomes making their way into potions, Korean skincare is redefining what non-invasive skin rejuvenation can look like.
If your routine includes even one step dedicated to firming, smoothing, or glow-boosting, these are the ingredients worth adding to cart.
4. PDRN
If you’ve heard of the viral “salmon-sperm facial,” you already know PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide).
Originally used in medical wound healing, this DNA-derived ingredient is now a Korean skincare favourite thanks to its ability to boost collagen, reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and refine skin texture.
No longer limited to injectable treatments, topical PDRN is making waves in over-the-counter skincare – with 203% year-over-year increase in the number of SKUs at Olive Young and 157% on Naver Shopping, this ingredient is becoming a staple for smoother, firmer skin at home.
Products to Try:
- Bioheal Boh ProBioDerm Collagen Remodeling Booster Shot Program (S$77.52): A high-impact ampoule that improves texture, tone, and radiance after just one use.
- easydew Skin Booster Hyaluron Glow Shot Ampoule (S$65.28): Delivers a potent mix of DW-EGF, PDRN, gold, and hyaluronic acid for lifted, luminous skin.
- Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum (S$56.68): This lightweight, watery serum combines PDRN with hyaluronic acid capsules to deliver lasting hydration and boost skin radiance. Clinically shown to improve deep skin hydration by 24.64% after just one use.
- CNP Laboratory Derma+ Answer Active Boost PDRN 1:1 Ampule (S$22): A potent ampoule featuring PDRN and CNP’s proprietary Expecial Solution in a 1:1 ratio to firm, hydrate, and brighten. It’s clinically proven to reduce skin age by seven years in four weeks.
Related read: Everything You Need to Know About PDRN and Why Celebs Like Kim Kardashian Swear by It!
5. Spicule
K-beauty’s fascination with spicules – tiny needle-like structures derived from marine sponges or plants – is growing fast, with a 283% year-over-year increase in SKUs on Qoo10. Products labeled as MTS (Microneedle Therapy System) grew by 163% on the same platform too.
Known as “liquid microneedling,” spicules help deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin without breaking its surface. The result: better absorption, improved texture, and a tingling sensation that confirms it’s working.
“Consumers are increasingly turning to topical treatments they can use at home – options that are easier and less painful than clinical procedures,” explains Shin. “Spicules mimic the effects of microneedling, enhancing ingredient penetration and acting as an effective skin booster.”
It’s a clear sign that today’s consumers are leaning into non-invasive, high-performance formulas that deliver results – no actual needles required.
Products to Try:
- VT Reedle Shot 100 (S$44): A popular formula that combines spicules with soothing cica and propolis to calm while firming and hydrating the skin.
- Isntree Onion Newpair Booster Shot 2000 (S$19.50): This lotion-like formula uses needle-shaped particles and red onion extract to refine texture and support elasticity.
6. Exosomes
We first forecasted exosomes as a rising ingredient back in 2023, and now, the prediction is coming to fruition.
With a 239% spike in interest on Naver Shopping and 374% on Qoo10, exosomes are officially the next frontier in anti-ageing skincare.
These microscopic vesicles help skin cells “talk” to each other, delivering proteins, lipids, and growth factors that stimulate regeneration. Already popular in professional treatments, exosomes are now making their way into at-home serums and creams that promise firmer, healthier, more radiant skin.
Products to Try:
- medicube One Day Exosome Shot Pore Ampoule 7500 (S$26.19): A lightweight serum infused with 7,500ppm of exosomes, plus panthenol and adenosine to refine pores and enhance elasticity.
- NEOGEN Dermalogy High R Exosome Cream (S$32.40): A skin-firming moisturiser featuring cica-derived exosomes, resveratrol, and Voluform for smooth, even-toned skin.
7. NMN
The ingredient that longevity enthusiasts and biohackers swear by is now entering your skincare lineup.
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) works by replenishing declining levels of NAD+, a coenzyme vital to cellular energy production and repair.
While it’s still gaining traction in Korea, Shin notes that NMN has already garnered attention at recent beauty shows in Japan, where brands spotlighted it as a next-generation anti-ageing solution.
“Both NMN and NAD play key roles in cellular energy metabolism. As NAD levels decline with age, replenishing them supports energy, production, DNA repair, and antioxidant activity, helping to improve visible signs of ageing,” says Shin.
Product to Try:
- Numbuzin No. 9 NMN Bio Lifting Essence (S$33.97): Targets sagging skin and dullness while delivering deep hydration.
8. NAD+
Often mentioned in the same breath as NMN, NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is an essential coenzyme that every cell in your body needs.
In skincare, it’s a multitasker that supports DNA repair, boosts barrier function, and amps up cellular regeneration – a.k.a. everything your skin needs to stay youthful. As K-beauty continues to intersect with wellness science, NAD+ is one to watch.
Product to Try:
- The Whoo Bichup Ultimate Recovery Youth Serum (S$200): With both NMN and NAD+ technologies, this serum is a high-performance pick for visible firming and repair.
K-beauty’s evolution shows no signs of slowing, and these next-gen ingredients prove why. Whether you’re treating breakouts, targeting dark spots, or investing in future-proof skin, there’s a Korean skincare innovation ready to take your routine to the next level.
