The 5 Buzziest New Korean Skin Care Ingredients

Chang and Sarah Lee, co-founders and co-CEOs of Glow Recipe, consider natural enzymes to be an innovative ingredient on the rise. Enzymes are naturally derived alternatives to chemical exfoliants that they predict we'll see in all kinds of formats.

"We have already seen an increase in products that incorporate natural AHAs over chemical ones, and enzymes will be the next trendy ingredient that helps with gentle smoothing over time," says Chang. Natural enzymes in skin care can include papaya, apple and pineapple.

In Korea, enzyme baths are really popular at bathhouses for tenderly smoothing skin. That concept has started to be translated into leave-on masks and especially cleansers.

"Our new Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm, $32, harnesses the power of papaya and its natural enzymes to gently slough away the top layer of skin compared to the more common acids," says Chang. "Enzymes are really important during the cleansing step because it provides a fresh, smooth base for your skin care routine to follow."

Papaya enzymes are beneficial because they're an extremely gentle exfoliating ingredient, making them great for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.

Another option is the Mizon Apple Smoothie Peeling Gel, $11.89, which contains apple and papaya extracts to smooth skin. The AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser, $60, also has plant-derived enzymes, like papaya and green tea.

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