These 4 skin-care ingredients may be considered mainstream, but the origins are deeply rooted in Asian culture. We’re breaking down how they solve common skincare problems and where you can find them.
Green Tea
How it’s used: In Japan, women would steep the tea and make it into an elixir of sorts, using its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits to heal acne.
Find it in: Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing Oil features green tea extract to clear skin of acne-causing bacteria, leaving it feeling refreshed and never dried out. $77, shu-uemura.com
Rice Bran
How it’s used: Chock full of vitamins B and E, good-for-your-skin oils and natural sun protectors, rice bran serves as an antioxidant, a hydrator and an exfoliator to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface without being too abrasive on skin.
Find it in: Chock-full of rice bran and camellia oils plus green tea and algae extracts, Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil gently, yet effectively, cleans skin’s surface to remove even the most stubborn makeup (it literally melts it away). Skin is left feeling soft, hydrated and never oily. $48, tatcha.com
Ginseng
How it’s used: Once used internally as a medicinal cure-all and energy booster, ginseng is favored for its ability to provide energy to skin cells for younger-looking and -acting skin. “The leaves and stalks are used to improve oxygen levels and decrease inflammation,” says Steven Snook, Sulwhasoo national trainer. “Ginseng seed oil is also thought to improve cellular regeneration to improve skin density.”
Find it in: Loaded with six-year-old red ginseng, Sulwhasoo Essential Renewing Eye Cream adds a dose of hydration and nourishment to the fragile eye area to help take down the look of puffiness, lines and wrinkles. $109, us.sulwhasoo.com
Camellia Oil
How it’s used: A treasured Japanese beauty secret for hundreds of years, camellia oil is made from the camellia bud. Lightweight and easy to absorb, the oil possesses hydrating, and pH balancing capabilities without clogging pores or making skin feel heavy.
Find it in: Aroma M Beauty Camellia Body/Bath Oil harnesses the power of camellia oil in a luxurious formula to transform the standard bath into an extremely relaxing and nourishing experience. $60, aromamperfumes.com
