🔎 The 5 K-Beauty ingredients best suited to sensitive skin in Italy✨
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin describes a condition in which skin tends to react easily even to stimuli that would not normally cause any particular trouble. Among the most common symptoms are a feeling of tightness, heat, stinging, itching and redness.
When skin is sensitive, it is easier to feel discomfort because of external factors. That is why, instead of choosing a product simply because it is famous or because it works well for someone else, it is important to consider your own needs and pay attention to the ingredients — especially those linked to the skin barrier, to hydration and to the feeling of relief on the skin.
So let’s look at 5 K-Beauty ingredients that are particularly widely used in products dedicated to hydration, the skin barrier and caring for sensitive skin!
Which are the 5 most interesting K-Beauty ingredients for sensitive skin?
- Ceramide
- Panthenol
- Centella asiatica (Cica)
- Niacinamide
- Allantoin
But what exactly are these ingredients? And what role do they play in skincare?
Let’s find out one at a time, along with some examples of Piyonna K-beauty products in which they are used.
TOP 1. Ceramide
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are lipids naturally present in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, and are one of the main components of the skin barrier. In cosmetics they are widely used to help maintain hydration and the function of the skin barrier.
What are the benefits of ceramides?
1. They help maintain the skin barrier
Ceramides are one of the main lipids present in the stratum corneum and play an important role in maintaining the structure and function of the skin barrier. Some research studying products and formulations containing ceramides has reported improvements in barrier function and in the skin’s ability to hold water. For this reason, ceramides are also used in products designed to care for dry or sensitive skin.
2. They help hold on to hydration
When the skin barrier is working properly, excessive water loss from the skin can be reduced.
Products formulated with ceramides can contribute to improving the skin’s ability to hold water and to reducing its loss, which makes them interesting for caring for skin that tends to get dry.
3. They contribute to the skin’s protective function
The skin barrier plays a fundamental role in protecting skin from external agents. Since ceramides are part of the lipid structure of the stratum corneum, maintaining an adequate presence of them can contribute to maintaining barrier function and its protective capacity.
How are ceramides used in K-Beauty products?
In K-Beauty skincare, ceramides are often paired with other hydrating and barrier-focused ingredients, especially inside creams designed for more intensive hydration.
Hanskin Seven Layer Ceramide Cream
On Piyonna Skincare you can find the Hanskin Seven Layer Ceramide Cream. According to the brand’s official information, the cream contains 7 types of ceramides and panthenol, and is formulated to help maintain hydration and look after the skin barrier.
According to summaries of Korean customer reviews, it is appreciated for its intense hydration and its ability to leave skin soft and nourished, while still being gentle even on sensitive skin. It is currently available on Piyonna at 10% off, for €28.75.✨
hwarang’ Bellflower Moisturizing Barrier Cream
Another product available on Piyonna Skincare is the hwarang’ Bellflower Moisturizing Barrier Cream. According to the brand’s official information, the formula contains ceramides, panthenol and ectoin and is designed for skin barrier and hydration care.🧴
According to summaries of Korean customer reviews, it is appreciated for its long-lasting hydration, light texture and fast absorption with no sticky effect. It is currently available on Piyonna at 20% off, for €21.00.
TOP 2. Panthenol
What is panthenol?
Panthenol is a precursor of vitamin B5. Once applied to the skin, it is converted into pantothenic acid, that is, vitamin B5.
In cosmetics it is used above all to help maintain hydration, counter the feeling of dryness and look after the skin barrier.
What are the benefits of panthenol?
1. It helps maintain hydration
Panthenol can contribute to maintaining the skin’s hydration and to reducing the feeling of dryness. Some studies on formulations containing panthenol have observed an increase in stratum corneum hydration and an improvement in the skin’s ability to hold water.
2. It supports the skin barrier
Panthenol is used to keep skin soft and comfortable and to look after the skin barrier. Some research has also examined its role in the processes linked to the formation of skin barrier lipids and to skin recovery.
How is panthenol used in K-Beauty products?
AXIS-Y Panthenol 10 Skin Smoothing Shield Cream
On Piyonna you can find the AXIS-Y Panthenol 10 Skin Smoothing Shield Cream, a cream containing 10% panthenol. According to the brand’s official information, it is formulated to help look after the skin barrier and hydration.💦
According to summaries of Korean customer reviews, it is appreciated for its soft texture, fast absorption and ability to leave skin smoother. Some users also suggest starting with a small amount to let skin get used to the panthenol concentration. It is currently available on Piyonna at 13% off, for €19.47.🏷️
Bellflower Panthenol 30% Serum
The Bellflower Panthenol 30% Serum contains 30% panthenol. According to the product’s official information, it is a serum with a liquid, transparent texture, fragrance-free, designed for hydration and skin barrier care.
According to summaries of Korean customer reviews, it is appreciated for its ability to hydrate and soothe dry skin, leaving it softer and more hydrated in the morning. The texture is fairly dense and it can also be used together with other serums or lotions. It is currently available on Piyonna at 20% off, for €12.77.🏷️
TOP 3. Centella asiatica (Cica)
What is Cica?
“Cica” is a term commonly used in the world of cosmetics to refer to Centella asiatica and the ingredients derived from it.
Centella asiatica contains several components, including asiaticoside and madecassoside, and is widely used in K-Beauty skincare for its properties linked to skin conditioning and the feeling of relief on the skin.
What are the benefits of Cica?
1. It helps soothe and look after the skin
Cica is used in skincare products to help keep skin comfortable when it is exposed to external factors.
Some components of Centella asiatica, including asiaticoside and madecassoside, have been studied in relation to inflammatory and skin recovery processes. In the European cosmetic ingredient database COSMILE Europe, Centella asiatica is associated with skin conditioning and soothing functions — that is, with conditioning and the feeling of relief on the skin.
2. It supports the skin’s recovery processes
Some of the main components of Centella asiatica have been studied in relation to collagen production and to the processes of skin cell proliferation and migration.
For this reason, ingredients derived from Centella asiatica are used in products designed to look after skin when it appears stressed or particularly sensitive.
Source: COSMILE Europe, Centella Asiatica Extract.
How is Cica used in K-Beauty products?
beaudiani Beautyani Pore Cica Centella Calming Toner Pad
On Piyonna you can find the beaudiani Beautyani Pore Cica Centella Calming Toner Pad. According to the official information, the product contains 3,026 ppm of Centella asiatica extract and consists of toner pads soaked in essence.
If you are interested in trying a toner pad but are particularly mindful of how it feels on the skin, it can help to consider not only the ingredients but also the pad material and how it is used.🌿 The product is currently available on Piyonna at 20% off, for €29.16.🏷️
REVE Cica Cream Calming Water Gel Cream
Another option is the REVE Cica Cream Calming Water Gel Cream, a gel-cream formulated with 7 different ingredients, all Cica-based.💧
According to the information given by the brand, the formula has a transparent, light gel texture and is made without fragrance or colourants. It is currently available on Piyonna at 13% off, for €10.91. If you are looking for a more affordable option for everyday skincare, it can be a product worth considering.💲
TOP 4. Niacinamide
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is used in skincare to look after several different skin needs, including the skin barrier, tone and sebum production.
It is also a relatively stable ingredient when it comes to light and heat and, precisely because of its versatility, it is used in a great many skincare products, for both morning and evening routines.
Source: COSMILE Europe, Niacinamide.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
1. It helps look after the skin barrier
Niacinamide is involved in the processes linked to the synthesis of skin barrier lipids and is used to help skin maintain its own hydration and the normal function of the barrier.
2. It helps manage sebum and pores
Niacinamide is also used in products dedicated to managing excessive sebum production. That makes it interesting for anyone who wants to look after extremely shiny skin or the appearance of pores.
3. It helps improve the look of skin tone
Niacinamide can influence the processes linked to the transfer of pigments in skin cells. One study observed a reduction in hyperpigmentation after using niacinamide, which is why this ingredient is also used in products dedicated to uneven tone.
How is niacinamide used in K-Beauty products?
On Piyonna you can find K-Beauty products that use niacinamide for different needs, from managing sebum and the look of pores through to caring for skin tone.
JUMISO Niacinamide 20% Serum
On Piyonna you can find the JUMISO Niacinamide 20% Serum, a high-concentration serum formulated with 20% niacinamide.✨
According to the information given by the brand, the product is designed to help even out skin tone, look after uneven pigmentation and improve the appearance of redness. It is currently available on Piyonna at 20% off, for €14.34.
Mary&Mary Niacinamide Vitamin C Brightening Mask
The Mary&Mary Niacinamide Vitamin C Brightening Mask is a sheet mask formulated with niacinamide and vitamin C.
According to the information given by the brand, it is designed to look after a dull, uneven complexion. According to summaries of Korean customer reviews, it is appreciated for the feeling of hydration and comfort it leaves on the skin, which makes it an interesting option when you are looking for a mask to add to your skincare routine.🌟 It is currently available on Piyonna at 20% off, for €16.84.🏷️
TOP 5. Allantoin
What is allantoin?
Allantoin is an ingredient still little known in Italy, used in cosmetics to look after the skin and keep it soft and comfortable. It is used in several types of product, including creams, serums and cleansers, often alongside other hydrating and soothing ingredients.
What are the benefits of allantoin?
1. It helps soothe the skin
Allantoin is used in cosmetics to help keep skin comfortable and to reduce the feeling of discomfort associated with stressed or sensitised skin.
2. It helps keep skin soft
Allantoin is also used for its conditioning effect on the skin, helping to make its surface softer and smoother.
Source: COSMILE Europe, Allantoin.
How is allantoin used in K-Beauty products?
Allantoin is generally used alongside other ingredients rather than as the sole star of a formula. You can find it in toners, serums, creams and cleansers, where it contributes to overall skin care.
REVE Enzyme Cleansing Powder
On Piyonna you can find the REVE Enzyme Cleansing Powder, which contains allantoin alongside other skin care ingredients.
When using a powder enzyme cleanser, it is important to follow the product instructions: generally it is enough to pour a small amount of powder into the palm of your hand, add lukewarm water and work up a lather before gently cleansing your face.🫧
SKINEYE AC Pure Essential Lotion
Another product that contains allantoin is the SKINEYE AC Pure Essential Lotion.
The formula also contains beta-glucan and betaine and is designed to deliver hydration while at the same time looking after the skin’s balance. The product also uses a slightly acidic pH formula, according to the information given by the brand.🧴
So we have looked at 5 K-Beauty ingredients to know about when it comes to sensitive skin: ceramides, panthenol, Cica, niacinamide and allantoin.
But remember: choosing a product for sensitive skin does not mean looking at a single ingredient.
Is one ingredient enough to choose a product?
Not necessarily. Even when a product contains an ingredient that is particularly interesting for sensitive skin, its complete formula, the concentration of the ingredients, the texture and your skin’s individual needs can all make the difference.
That is why, when you choose a new product, it is always essential to consider the whole composition and not to go solely on the presence of a single ingredient.
Where can you find K-Beauty products suited to your skin?
All the K-Beauty products presented in this post are available in the Piyonna Skincare section.💌
Piyonna is a global K-Beauty platform run by KakaoStyle, where you can discover different products, compare other shoppers’ reviews and check the prices and offers available.
Starting from the ingredients we have looked at today, you can explore other K-Beauty products and compare the different options to find the ones that best suit your needs.✨
Piyonna Global Beauty Supporters - Fiori · Yeeun Hwang
