About this tool
This cosmetic ingredient dictionary explains the names you see on a skincare label in plain words.
It covers 182 ingredients in 13 groups: moisturizers, soothing and barrier ingredients, MFDS functional whitening and anti-wrinkle ingredients, UV filters, exfoliants, oils, cleansers, preservatives, fragrance allergens, base ingredients and colorants.
Reading a label: ingredients are listed in descending order of content, but those under 1% may appear in any order, so the position of an ingredient is only a rough guide.
Functional cosmetics (whitening, anti-wrinkle, UV protection) are products that were reviewed or reported to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and the ingredient name alone does not make a product functional.
Korea designates 25 fragrance allergens that must be named on the label when they exceed set amounts, even if the product also lists parfum.
Because skin reacts differently, a patch test on the inner arm for a day is a sensible habit with any new product.
You can pair this dictionary with the skincare routine tracker to record what you use each morning and night.
Type a name or the English INCI name in the search box, tap a group chip, or press random to learn one at a time. ⓘ This is general information and reactions differ by skin.
If you have a skin problem, please consult an expert. Reference only. Based on MFDS notices, as of November 2026.
How to use
- Type an ingredient name from the label, in Korean or English (INCI), into the search box.
- Tap a group chip such as moisturizing or UV filters to see only that group.
- Read the short description and the group note, then press Copy to save a card.
- Try new products on a small area first, and ask an expert if you have a skin concern.