Remember when Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett were singing the praises of "penis facials?" Well, if you're familiar with those, you're familiar with Epidermal Growth Factor (or EGF). It can be derived from the stem cells of baby foreskin (yes, really), though it can also be taken from plants.
"I'm very impressed with the results of medical-grade EGF found in products from brands such as EasyDew," Charlotte Cho says. She notes that these EGF formulas are designed to "reduce fine lines and wrinkles."
Have you heard of PHAs yet? Short for "polyhydroxy acids," they're the new exfoliating acid on the block. Known for its combined gentleness and effectiveness, it's an ingredient that's really taking off in South Korea at the moment, according to Glow Recipe co-founder Sarah Lee.
"Natural brighteners are on the rise!" says Cho. "Licorice extract, a well-studied natural brightener (also a personal favorite ingredient of mine) will continue to be a popular skin care ingredient because of its ability to brighten while being gentle on the skin.
According to Yoon, micro-spicules "act like microneedles" in that they're designed to "help products penetrate all the more and deliver a more profound transformation to your skin." It's a new technology currently being pioneered in South Korea and we're definitely itching to give it a try.
"All-in-one products that have multi-functional benefits are becoming more popular as people are looking to combine steps into one, and streamline their skin care routine," Cho says, noting the popularity of toner/essence/moisturizer and exfoliator/mask/cleansing balm hybrids.
