If there's anything South Koreans are obsessed with, it's skincare. We see K-pop stars and drama characters who always somehow manage to sport beautiful, healthy skin.
(What is this perfection and how can I achieve it.)
That being said, just what do South Koreans use to care for their skin? The answer to that question may surprise you with some of these bizarre skincare trends!
1) Snail slime
I don't know about you, but I find absolutely nothing appealing and everything disgusting about rubbing snail excretions all over my face. However, snail slime apparently has healing, softening, and even anti-bacterial benefits for the skin.
(This little guy apparently holds all the skincare solutions.)
You can find this cringeworthy ingredient in face washes, moisturizers, serums, and even snail slime facials!
2) Horse Oil
If snail slime is a little bit too much for you, why not try some horse oil instead? Sourced from horse fat, this ingredient is said to have amazing moisturizing and healing benefits for the skin without heavily clogging pores.
3) plant stem cells
While skincare products tend to use a lot of natural plant-based materials, Korean skincare products take it a step further (or backwards, depending on how you look at it) with plant stem cells.
Wait what?
While it may seem strange to put any type of stem cells all over your face, this ingredient is said to be extremely moisturizing and nourishing for the skin, as plant stem cells contain a high concentration of vitamins. Plant stem cells also have acne-fighting and anti-aging benefits for the users, making it a versatile ingredient for just about anyone.
4) Fermented plant products
Adding onto strange plant-based ingredients are fermented plant products. From fermented soy beans to chrysanthemums to even rice, these ingredients are valued specifically because of the fermentation process.
(Kind of how Koreans love their kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish.)
Fermentation promotes the breakdown of ingredients into smaller particles and enzymes, encouraging the easy absorption of skincare ingredients into the skin. The process also gets rid of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, allowing for fewer harsh chemicals such as preservatives to be used in the product.
(This essence contains yeast!)
5) Donkey Milk
Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra, the woman who holds the modest title of "most beautiful woman in history," was said to have bathed in donkey milk to care for her skin.
(Although SHINee could probably give Cleopatra a run for her money.)
Now, Koreans are aiming to achieve the same royal glow with this unique ingredient that's said to be gentle and soothing for its users. The ingredient's high Vitamin C content also makes it especially nutrient-rich for the skin.
6) Snake and Bee Venom
Can you imagine putting actual deadly poison on your face?
While these two ingredients may sound intimidating (with good reason!), using products containing venom can stimulate the natural production of collagen as well as provide Botox-like anti-aging benefits. They also boast anti-bacterial properties and may help reduce acne!
(Personally, I got over my own fear of bee venom and tried it out. Now it's a staple in my skincare routine!)
7) Animal placenta
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(What did I just read?!?)
No, you didn't read that wrong. From horse placenta to sheep placenta, the animal stem cells of this unique ingredient provide anti-aging benefits and promote skin repair while also providing nutrients. As weird as it may sound, animal placenta is proving to be valuable in any skincare routine.
8) Bird's nest
While some eat bird's nest, this natural structure made out of swallow saliva is also being used in Korean skincare products.
(This is what will go on your face.)
Chock full of antioxidants, proteins, and amino acids, bird's nest is said to provide valuable nutrients as well as promote the natural repair of skin. Perfect if you don't mind applying bird spit on your skin.
Have you tried any of these bizarre skincare trends? Would you try any of these out?
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