K-Beauty Skin Type & Ingredient Guide
Korean skincare labels and clinic consultations move fast. This guide gives you your skin type in Korean, the ingredient terms to look for or avoid, and the exact phrases to say to staff — whether you're at Olive Young or a dermatology clinic.
1. Say your skin type in Korean
| Skin type | Korean phrase | Romanized |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive | 제 피부는 민감해요. | Je pi-bu-neun min-gam-hae-yo. |
| Dry | 제 피부는 건성이에요. | Je pi-bu-neun geon-seong-i-e-yo. |
| Oily | 제 피부는 지성이에요. | Je pi-bu-neun ji-seong-i-e-yo. |
| Combination | 제 피부는 복합성 피부예요. | Je pi-bu-neun bo-kap-seong pi-bu-ye-yo. |
2. Ingredient terms worth knowing
- 히알루론산 (hi-al-lu-ron-san) — Hyaluronic acid, for hydration.
- 비타민 C (bi-ta-min C) — Vitamin C, for brightening.
- 무향/무알코올 (mu-hyang / mu-al-ko-ol) — Fragrance-free / alcohol-free, useful if you have sensitive skin.
- 논코메도제닉 (non-ko-me-do-je-nik) — Non-comedogenic, meaning it's formulated not to clog pores.
- SPF/PA — Sun protection rating; Korean sunscreens list both SPF (UVB) and PA+ to PA++++ (UVA).
3. Phrases to check before you buy
4. If you're visiting a skin clinic instead of a store
5. Common mistakes
6. Carry these phrases with you
SEOULMATE has these K-beauty phrases plus 150+ beauty and skincare phrases with native audio and offline access — useful whether you're at Olive Young, a department store counter, or a dermatology clinic.
Get your skin type and these phrases ready before you shop.
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This page is a language and shopping guide, not medical advice. Product suitability, ingredient reactions and any procedure at a clinic should be discussed with a qualified professional — especially if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a skin condition.