The 5 Buzziest New Korean Skin Care Ingredients

"When used in skin care, red algae is incredibly soothing and protective thanks to its antioxidant properties," says Missha's marketing lead, Anna Kim. "This ingredient is relatively new to the K-beauty scene, so it isn't widely available across the leading brands." Kim reports that previously marine plants extracts were exclusively found in luxury Western brands. The good news is they've started to become more widely available and accessible.

Here's the K-beauty twist: Kim says that the algae will typically go through a fermentation process that's widely known throughout Korean beauty as the best way to extract actives without compromising benefits. Look for red algae in Missha's Red Algae range, which has an essence, serum, lotion and cream. It's also in the Then I Met You The Giving Essence, $50, and Neogen Pore Tight Peeling Mousse, $26.

Buy now