Donkey milk, mucus and yeast: What to buy from unusual Korean cosmetics
Masha Vorslav
Korean cosmetics continues to bomb: according to estimates by the Korean International Trade Association, in August, its sales have increased by 66 percent since the beginning of the year. There is a lot of reasons for the popularity of kbeauty (accepted and outside the specialized Reddit channels), and one of the main reasons is that manufacturers are opening up and working on new ingredients at a breakneck pace. Some of them, like propolis and coal, won’t be surprised by the average western buyer, but snail mucus, donkey milk or placenta make many, if not wrinkle, then puzzled to return the outwardly pleasant jar back to the store shelf. We decided to sort out the strangest, but ethical ingredients of Korean cosmetics, and found out what the brands are trying to do when starfish and other "unsuitable" things crush into their creams.
Sea stars
The main Korean HYIP of the last time, starfish extract, while it was used by only big hunters to the strange ingredients of Mizon. They were inspired by the ability of these invertebrates to regenerate the detached rays: the creators claim that a thick cream with their addition can enhance the skin’s ability to regenerate. More information about the mechanism of action of creams (they are already in two variations) Mizon does not apply, so it is not even clear which starfish are used for the production of cosmetics (and there are more than 2000 kinds of them in the world). There are also few studies on their influence on the human body: two more or less thematic ones deal with two types that help to fight herpes and pigmentation. The only thing that reassures is that Mizon uses only those stars that would still be destroyed to maintain the environment (their overgrown populations are dangerous, for example, for coral reefs and mollusks, so this practice is completely legal and useful).
Snail mucus
And this is one of the most famous and popular ingredients. Snail mucus has a good healing effect, and its constituents like hyaluronic acid and collagen are familiar to everyone. Actually, why use them separately if you can take almost ready cream from snails? In Asia, there is indeed a cosmetological practice of producing snails directly on the face, but this is not necessary (although, it must be understood, it is especially effective): purified mucus works quite well in the form of a serum, mask or cream. Above, in order to force the snail to work out as much quality mucus as possible, more than one year have been fighting not only in Korea. It seems that this can be done without harming gastropods: the recent patented technology of European researchers allows us not to dehydrate snails, and at the same time to get more secrets without compromising its composition. To do this, they are fed non-hazardous additives, but the mucus is often simply picked up by the snails, without spilling anything.
Yeast Galactomyces and Saccharomyces
Fermented yeast is an excellent source of peptides, proteins, amino acids and nucleic acids. In the context of skin care, they fight pigmentation, help control oily skin and improve skin regeneration (post acne treatment can be astonishing, for example, here). Most often they are used in an almost undiluted form: the famous 90% lotion of the expensive Japanese brand SK-II made her part of an enviable reputation, but the laconic Korean COSRX outdid it and released 95% essence, and Purebess did 100% nuyu. If the effectiveness of the yeast is impressive, you can build all the care around them: democratic brands like Manyo Factory and The Skin House make creams and masks with them.
Herbal Placenta
The Japanese brand White Label on a series of placenta products places pictures of well-fed babies, and this image is the first thing that appears before the eyes of the majority of buyers who have seen what label is written on the package. The mammalian placenta is actually used in cosmetics (the same Mizon serum, for example, includes the placenta of animals, although it is not clear what), but some brands focus on the plant. This is not a profanation: plants also have a stock of stem cells that are suitable for skin care. By the level of beneficial amino acids, the plant placenta is even superior to human, and dermatological results show more outstanding. Means with plant placenta help smooth out the traces of inflammation and make the skin more toned and moisturized.
Donkey milk
Donkey milk under the more harmonious name Lactonyl Powder has long been used in cosmetics, and not only Korean. This milk powder is rich in omega-acids, minerals and vitamins, helps the skin to produce more collagen and slows down the aging process, giving the skin the necessary care. Koreans do not drink milk at all, but they are actively used in cosmetics: besides the donkey, camel is also used. Starting with this ingredient is better with masks: these products have a specific, sharp smell, so that the cream can remain unused, and the one-time fabric mask can be endured. If you are not confused, you can already buy both tonic and cream - a great choice from brands.
