Korean Beauty & Skincare Words & Phrases
K-beauty has taken the world by storm, and knowing the vocabulary is essential for navigating Korean skincare shops and understanding product labels. From essences to sheet masks, these terms will help you discuss routines, ingredients, and techniques like a native. Perfect for beauty enthusiasts and anyone shopping in Korea.
100 words
스킨케어
seukin keo
Skincare
Beginner토너
toneo
Toner
Beginner에센스
esenseu
Essence
Intermediate세럼
seorom
Serum
Intermediate시트마스크
siteu maseukeу
Sheet Mask
Beginner더블 클렌징
deobeul keulleonjing
Double Cleansing
Intermediate각질 제거
gakjil jegeo
Exfoliation
Intermediate달팽이 크림
dalpangi keurim
Snail Cream
IntermediateBB크림
bibi keurim
BB Cream
Beginner쿠션 팩트
kushyon paekteu
Cushion Foundation
Intermediate립 틴트
rip tinteu
Lip Tint
Intermediate아이라이너
ai raineo
Eyeliner
Beginner마스카라
maseukaera
Mascara
Beginner아이섀도
ai syaedo
Eyeshadow
Beginner블러셔
beulleosyeo
Blusher
Beginner파운데이션
paundeyisyon
Foundation
Beginner컨투어링
keonteuoring
Contouring
Intermediate하이라이터
hairaiteo
Highlighter
Intermediate유리알 피부
yurial pibu
Glass Skin
Intermediate모공 관리
mogong gwanri
Pore Minimizer
Intermediate여드름 패치
yeodeurem paechi
Acne Patch
Beginner미백
mibaek
Brightening / Whitening
Intermediate노화 방지
nohwa bangji
Anti-Aging
Intermediate히알루론산
hiallureon san
Hyaluronic Acid
Advanced레티놀
retinol
Retinol
Advanced나이아신아마이드
naiasinaramaideu
Niacinamide
Advanced프로폴리스
peuropoliseu
Propolis
Advanced성형수술
seonghyeong susul
Cosmetic Surgery
Intermediate피부과 클리닉
pibu gwa keulllinik
Dermatology Clinic
Intermediate레이저 시술
reijeo sisul
Laser Treatment
Advanced페이셜 마사지
peisyeol masaji
Facial Massage
Intermediate클렌징 오일
keulleonjing oil
Makeup Remover
Beginner콜라겐
kollagen
Collagen
Intermediate여드름
yeodeurem
Pimple
Beginner다크서클
dakeu seokeul
Dark Circles
Beginner미용실
miyongsil
Beauty Salon
Beginner염색
yeomsaek
Hair Color
Beginner파마
pama
Perm
Beginner네일아트
neil ateu
Nail Art
Beginner스파
seupa
Spa
Beginner향수
hyangsu
Perfume
Beginner바디로션
badi rosyon
Body Lotion
Beginner페이셜 오일
peisyeol oil
Face Oil
Intermediate숯 마스크
sut maseukeу
Charcoal Mask
Intermediate틴티드 립밤
tintiteu ripbam
Tinted Lip Balm
Beginner10단계 피부관리
sip dange pibu gwanri
10-Step Skincare
Intermediate피부 타입
pibu taip
Skin Type
Beginner아이크림
ai keurim
Eye Cream
Intermediate클레이 마스크
keullei maseukeу
Clay Mask
Intermediate자외선 차단 지수
jawoiseon chadan jisu
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
Intermediate립 스크럽
rip seukeureop
Lip Scrub
Beginner각질 제거 산
gakjil jegeo san
AHA / BHA Exfoliant
Advanced뷰티 트렌드
byuti teurendeu
K-Beauty Trend
Beginner클렌징폼
Keullenjingpom
Cleansing Foam
Beginner오일 클렌저
Oil Keullenjeo
Oil Cleanser
Intermediate미셀라 워터
Misella Woteo
Micellar Water
Intermediate립글로스
Ripgeullloseu
Lip Gloss
Beginner립라이너
Rip Raineo
Lip Liner
Intermediate립스틱
Ripseuttik
Lipstick
Beginner컨실러
Keonsillo
Concealer
Beginner세팅 파우더
Seting Paudeo
Setting Powder
Intermediate세팅 스프레이
Seting Seupeullei
Setting Spray
Intermediate프라이머
Peuraimeo
Primer
Intermediate눈썹 펜슬
Nunssop Pensel
Eyebrow Pencil
Beginner페이스 마스크
Peiseu Maseukeul
Face Mask
Beginner앰플
Aempeul
Ampoule
Advanced에멀전
Emelljeon
Emulsion
Intermediate미백
Mibaek
Brightening
Intermediate홍조
Hongjo
Redness
Intermediate모공
Mogong
Pore
Intermediate지성 피부
Jiseong Pibu
Oily Skin
Beginner건성 피부
Geonseong Pibu
Dry Skin
Beginner복합성 피부
Bokhabseong Pibu
Combination Skin
Intermediate민감성 피부
Mingamseong Pibu
Sensitive Skin
Intermediate세라마이드
Seramaideu
Ceramide
Advanced펩타이드
Peptaideu
Peptide
Advanced비타민C 세럼
Bitamin C Serom
Vitamin C Serum
Intermediate녹차 추출물
Nokcha Chuchulmul
Green Tea Extract
Intermediate병풀 추출물
Byeongpul Chuchulmul
Centella Asiatica
Advanced알로에 베라
Alloe Bera
Aloe Vera
Beginner로즈힙
Rojeuip
Rose Hip
Advanced페이스 미스트
Peiseu Miseuteu
Face Mist
Beginner괄사
Gwalsa
Gua Sha
Intermediate옥 롤러
Ok Rolle
Jade Roller
Beginner곤약 스펀지
Gonyak Seuponji
Konjac Sponge
Beginner메이크업 브러시
Meikeuop Beureosi
Makeup Brush
Beginner뷰티 블렌더
Byuti Beullendeo
Beauty Blender
Beginner헤어 마스크
Heeo Maseukeul
Hair Mask
Beginner두피 케어
Dupi Keo
Scalp Care
Intermediate헤어 세럼
Heeo Serom
Hair Serum
Beginner헤어 스타일링
Heeo Seutailling
Hair Styling
Beginner피부 톤
Pibu Ton
Skin Tone
Beginner언더톤
Eondeonton
Undertone
Advanced비비 쿠션
Bibi Kusyon
BB Cushion
Beginner스킨 토너
Seukin Toneo
Facial Toner
Beginner수면 팩
Sumyeon Paek
Sleeping Pack
Intermediate피부 장벽
Pibu Jangbyeok
Skin Barrier
Advanced민낯 메이크업
Minnat Meikeuop
No Makeup Look
Intermediate물광 피부
Mulgwang Pibu
Dewy Skin
Intermediate셀프 케어 루틴
Selpeu Keo Rutin
Self Care Routine
BeginnerAre you fascinated by the world of K-beauty and eager to understand the buzz around popular Korean skincare and makeup products? For many Korean language learners, diving into the beauty and skincare vocabulary is not just about expanding their lexicon, it's about unlocking a vibrant cultural phenomenon. From decoding product labels in Seoul's bustling Myeongdong district to following your favorite beauty influencers on YouTube, knowing these terms is incredibly practical. Imagine confidently purchasing a new moisturizer or discussing the latest trends in a K-drama. Mastering words like 스킨케어 (seukin keo) for general skincare, or specific product names such as 시트마스크 (siteu maseukeу) for sheet masks, transforms a potentially confusing shopping experience into an exciting exploration. Beyond shopping, these terms are essential for understanding daily conversations, watching variety shows, or even reading online reviews. The intricate routines, like 더블 클렌징 (deobeul keulleonjing), are core to the K-beauty philosophy. Even makeup essentials like 립 틴트 (rip tinteu) or 쿠션 팩트 (kushyon paekteu) have become globally recognized, making their Korean names indispensable. By learning this specialized vocabulary, you gain deeper insight into Korean culture and empower yourself to engage with one of its most dynamic industries. It's a rewarding step that brings you closer to fluency and cultural immersion, making your Korean learning journey even richer and more relevant to everyday life.
Start with these beauty & skincare words
These entries give you the fastest route into this category: the Korean term, how it is pronounced, and the kind of real sentence where it appears.
스킨케어
seukin keo
Skincare
스킨케어 is a fundamental part of Korean daily life and culture. Korea is globally renowned for its multi-step skincare routines that have influenced beauty trends worldwide. The Korean beauty (K-beauty) industry is a multi-billion dollar market driven by high consumer demand for innovative skincare products.
토너
toneo
Toner
토너 is the first step in the Korean skincare routine applied after cleansing to hydrate and prepare the skin for subsequent products. Korean 토너 are typically gentler and more hydrating than Western toners which can be astringent. The patting method of applying 토너 is a signature Korean skincare technique.
에센스
esenseu
Essence
에센스 is a lightweight concentrated serum used in the Korean skincare routine after toner to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. It is considered the heart of the Korean skincare routine targeting specific skin concerns. Famous Korean 에센스 products like SK-II Facial Treatment Essence have achieved cult status globally.
세럼
seorom
Serum
세럼 is a concentrated treatment product used in Korean skincare to address specific concerns such as brightening, anti-aging, or acne. Korean 세럼 formulations often feature innovative ingredients like snail mucin, propolis, and niacinamide. Layering multiple 세럼 for different concerns is a common practice in Korean skincare routines.
시트마스크
siteu maseukeу
Sheet Mask
시트마스크 is one of Korea most iconic beauty innovations now adopted worldwide. Korean women often apply 시트마스크 several times a week for intensive hydration and skin treatment. The variety of 시트마스크 ingredients available in Korea is staggering including snail, propolis, honey, and various plant extracts.
더블 클렌징
deobeul keulleonjing
Double Cleansing
더블 클렌징 is a Korean cleansing method using an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup and sunscreen followed by a foam or gel cleanser to clean the skin itself. This two-step process is considered essential for maintaining clean clear pores in Korean skincare philosophy. Korean cleansing oils and balms are specifically formulated for the first step.
각질 제거
gakjil jegeo
Exfoliation
각질 제거 is the removal of dead skin cells to reveal brighter smoother skin. Korean exfoliation methods include chemical exfoliants with AHA BHA and PHA acids as well as physical scrubs. The iconic Korean Italy towel (이태리 타월) used in Korean bathhouses is a beloved scrubbing tool for full-body 각질 제거.
달팽이 크림
dalpangi keurim
Snail Cream
달팽이 크림 made with snail mucin extract is one of Korea most famous skincare innovations known for its remarkable healing and anti-aging properties. Snail mucin contains glycoproteins hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid making it excellent for skin regeneration. Korean 달팽이 크림 brands like COSRX and Mizon have become globally popular.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important Korean skincare step to learn first?+
The most fundamental Korean skincare step is cleansing, specifically 더블 클렌징 (deobeul keulleonjing). This two-step process, using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one, thoroughly removes makeup and impurities. Understanding this term is crucial as it forms the basis of many K-beauty routines and appears in most product instructions.
How do Korean makeup terms differ from Western ones?+
Korean makeup emphasizes a natural, dewy look. 쿠션 팩트 (kushyon paekteu) is a uniquely Korean term for cushion foundation. It combines foundation, SPF, and skincare, offering portability and a luminous finish. This reflects a distinct base makeup approach from Western liquid/powder foundations, helping product selection.
What is a "sheet mask" in Korean and why is it so popular?+
A "sheet mask" is called 시트마스크 (siteu maseukeu) in Korean. They are popular for convenience and immediate hydration. Infused with serums and essences, these single-use masks deliver concentrated ingredients directly to the skin, quickly boosting moisture, soothing, or brightening. They're a staple in many Korean skincare routines for effective, quick results.
What are the differences between toner, essence, and serum in Korean skincare?+
In Korean skincare, 토너 (toneo), 에센스 (esenseu), and 세럼 (seorom) have distinct roles. Toner balances pH and preps skin. Essence is a concentrated treatment for specific concerns like hydration. Serum is more potent, targeting issues with higher active ingredient concentrations. They are layered thinnest to thickest for optimal absorption.
Why is "snail cream" popular in Korean beauty products?+
Snail cream, or 달팽이 크림 (dalpangi keurim), is popular for its unique snail mucin ingredient. Known for regenerative properties, it aids skin repair, hydration, and soothing irritation. It improves skin texture, reduces acne scars, and offers anti-aging benefits, making it a versatile and sought-after K-beauty product.
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