The 5 Buzziest New Korean Skin Care Ingredients

"Cactus water" sounds like something the wellness crowd is touting as the next It drink (and, actually, they already are). That said, it's also an ingredient to look out for in K-beauty. Cactus water is linked with the rise of hybrid toners (aka concentrated treatments that provide multiple skin care benefits in one).

"In the past, we saw toners packed with alcohol and other astringent ingredients and were used primarily to remove residue after cleansing," says Lee. "Modern toners are seen as the first liquid treatment that really sets the tone for the rest of your routine to follow."

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner, $34, features a cactus water base with watermelon extract (duh) and hyaluronic acid. Lee says that it utilizes a 360 inside-out pore-refining approach that was inspired by the Korean aqua peel facial.

"When we would travel to and from Korea for work, the aqua peel facial is the most popular treatment at derm clinics for its ability to refine pores and hydrate at the same time," says Lee. "The Pore-Tight Toner provides an equal balance of effective pore-refining PHA and BHA and hyaluronic acid with an innovative 'stretchy' texture due to the cactus water base."

Cactus water can also be found in the Sioris A Calming Day Ampoule, $30.99, and the May Coop Raw Moisturizer, $40.

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